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Valentine shuddered It was the first ti voice, and she was about to utter an exclaer on her lips "The Count of Monte Cristo!" she murmured

It was easy to see that no doubt now reirl's mind as to the reality of the scene; her eyes started with terror, her hands trembled, and she rapidly drew the bedclothes closer to her Still, the presence of Monte Cristo at such an hour, his mysterious, fanciful, and extraordinary entrance into her rooht well seem impossibilities to her shattered reason "Do not call any one--do not be alarmed," said the Count; "do not let a shade of suspicion or uneasiness re before you, Valentine (for this ti more than the tenderest father and the most respectful friend you could dream of"

Valentine could not reply; the voice which indicated the real presence of a being in the room, alarmed her so much that she feared to utter a syllable; still the expression of her eyes seemed to inquire, "If your intentions are pure, why are you here?" The count'sin the young girl's mind

"Listen to me," he said, "or, rather, look upon me; look at my face, paler even than usual, and my eyes, red eariness--for four days I have not closed the you, to protect and preserve you for Maximilian" The blood mounted rapidly to the cheeks of Valentine, for the name just announced by the count dispelled all the fear hich his presence had inspired her "Maximilian!" she exclaimed, and so sweet did the sound appear to her, that she repeated it--"Maxi He told me your life was his, and I have promised him that you shall live"

"You have promised hiilance and protection Are you a doctor?"

"Yes; the best you could have at the present time, believe me"

"But you say you have watched?" said Valentine uneasily; "where have you been?--I have not seen you" The count extended his hand towards the library "I was hidden behind that door," he said, "which leads into the next house, which I have rented" Valentine turned her eyes away, and, with an indignant expression of pride and uilty of an unparalleled intrusion, and that what you call protection is more like an insult"