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On recognizing her step-mother, Valentine could not repress a shudder, which caused a vibration in the bed Madame de Villefort instantly stepped back close to the wall, and there, shaded by the bed-curtains, she silently and attentively watched the slightest movement of Valentine The latter recollected the terrible caution of Monte Cristo; she fancied that the hand not holding the phial clasped a long sharp knife Then collecting all her reth, she forced herself to close her eyes; but this sienerally so easy to accomplish, became alle to retain the eyelid open and learn the truth Madame de Villefort, however, reassured by the silence, which was alone disturbed by the regular breathing of Valentine, again extended her hand, and half hidden by the curtains succeeded in elass Then she retired so gently that Valentine did not know she had left the room She only witnessed the withdrawal of the arm--the fair round arm of a woman but twenty-five years old, and who yet spread death around her

It is impossible to describe the sensations experienced by Valentine during the minute and a half Madaainst the library-door aroused the young girl froed, and which almost amounted to insensibility She raised her head with an effort The noiseless door again turned on its hinges, and the Count of Monte Cristo reappeared "Well," said he, "do you still doubt?"

"Oh," irl

"Have you seen?"

"Alas!"

"Did you recognize?" Valentine groaned "Oh, yes;" she said, "I saw, but I cannot believe!"

"Would you rather die, then, and cause Maxiirl, almost bewildered, "can I not leave the house?--can I not escape?"

"Valentine, the hand which now threatens you will pursue you everywhere; your servants will be seduced with gold, and death will be offered to you disguised in every shape You will find it in the water you drink fro, in the fruit you pluck frorandfather's precaution had neutralized the poison?"

"Yes, but not against a strong dose; the poison will be changed, and the quantity increased" He took the glass and raised it to his lips "It is already done," he said; "brucine is no longer enize the flavor of the alcohol in which it has been dissolved If you had taken what Madalass, Valentine--Valentine--you would have been doomed!"