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Beauchamp availed hi to call for hiht On his return home, Albert expressed his wish to Franz Debray, and Morrel, to see the Then he went to see his mother, who since the events of the day before had refused to see any one, and had kept her roorief at this public huht naturally be expected on Mercedes; she pressed her son's hand and sobbed aloud, but her tears relieved her Albert stood one moment speechless by the side of his mother's bed It was evident froe hi weaker "My dear mother," said he, "do you know if M de Morcerf has any ene man did not say "my father" "My son," she said, "persons in the count's situation have erous"

"I know it, and appeal to your penetration You are of so superior aescapes you"

"Why do you say so?"

"Because, for instance, you noticed on the evening of the ball we gave, that M de Monte Cristo would eat nothing in our house" Mercedes raised herself on her feverish arm "M de Monte Cristo!" she exclaimed; "and how is he connected with the question you asked me?"

"You know, mother, M de Monte Cristo is almost an Oriental, and it is custoe by not eating or drinking in the houses of their enemies"

"Do you say M de Monte Cristo is our ene paler than the sheet which covered her "Who told you so? Why, you are mad, Albert! M de Monte Cristo has only shown us kindness M de Monte Cristo saved your life; you yourself presented him to us Oh, I entreat you, my son, if you had entertained such an idea, dispel it; and my counsel to you--nay, my prayer--is to retain his friendship"

"Mother," replied the youngas rapidly as she had turned pale, and again beco paler than ever

"Yes, doubtless; and is it not that heon her son a scrutinizing gaze, "You speak strangely," said she to Albert, "and you appear to have soular prejudices What has the count done? Three days since you ith him in Normandy; only three days since we looked on him as our best friend"