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"Oh, heaven," said Valentine; "is this the reason why grandpapa hasthe last htly bitter flavor, like that of dried orange-peel?"

"Oh, yes, yes!"

"Then that explains all," said Monte Cristo "Your grandfather knows, then, that a poisoner lives here; perhaps he even suspects the person He has been fortifying you, his beloved child, against the fatal effects of the poison, which has failed because your systenated with it But even this would have availed little against a enerally but too fatal"

"But who, then, is this assassin, this murderer?"

"Let me also ask you a question Have you never seen any one enter your rooht?"

"Oh, yes; I have frequently seen shadows pass close to me, approach, and disappear; but I took theination, and indeed when you entered I thought I was under the influence of delirium"

"Then you do not knoho it is that attempts your life?"

"No," said Valentine; "who could desire my death?"

"You shall know it now, then," said Monte Cristo, listening

"How do youanxiously around

"Because you are not feverish or delirious to-night, but thoroughly awake; , which is the hour murderers choose"

"Oh, heavens," exclai off the drops which ran down her forehead Midnight struck slowly and sadly; every hour seeirl "Valentine," said the count, "sus of your heart; do not let a sound escape you, and feign to be asleep; then you will see" Valentine seized the count's hand "I think I hear a noise," she said; "leaveupon tiptoe towards the library door, and sirl's heart was filled with gratitude Before closing the door he turned around once more, and said, "Not a movement--not a word; let them think you asleep, or perhaps youyou" And with this fearful injunction the count disappeared through the door, which noiselessly closed after him