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"I do not think that such is his intention," said Morrel

The count advanced, accompanied by Maxiular contrast to Albert's grief-stricken face, who approached also, followed by the other four young men When at three paces distant froentlemen," said Albert; "I wish you not to lose one word of what I a to the Count of Monte Cristo, for it e as it may appear to you"

"Proceed, sir," said the count

"Sir," said Albert, at first with a treradually beca the conduct of M de Morcerf in Epirus, for guilty as I kneas, I thought you had no right to punish hiht It is not Fernand Mondego's treachery towards Ali Pasha which induces me so readily to excuse you, but the treachery of the fisherman Fernand towards you, and the almost unheard-of miseries which were its consequences; and I say, and proclai yourself on reater severity"

Had a thunderbolt fallen in the midst of the spectators of this unexpected scene, it would not have surprised them more than did Albert's declaration As for Monte Cristo, his eyes slowly rose towards heaven with an expression of infinite gratitude He could not understand how Albert's fiery nature, of which he had seen sothe Roman bandits, had suddenly stooped to this hunized the influence of Mercedes, and sahy her noble heart had not opposed the sacrifice she knew beforehand would be useless "Now, sir," said Albert, "if you think ive me your hand Next to the merit of infallibility which you appear to possess, I rank that of candidly acknowledging a fault But this confession concerns me only I acted well as a el alone could have saved one of us froel came from heaven, if not to make us friends (which, alas, fatality renders impossible), at least to make us estee breast, and lips half open, extended to Albert a hand which the latter pressed with a senti respectful fear "Gentley I had acted hastily towards hienerally bad ones Now my fault is repaired I hope the world will not callas my conscience dictated But if any one should entertain a false opinion of e both friends and enemies, "I shall endeavor to correct his mistake"