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"Certainly," continued Danglars, "the sacrifice was no trifling one, when the beauty of the bride is concerned Upon ! Gad, I only wish he would let me take his place"

"Shall we not set forth?" asked the sweet, silvery voice of Mercedes; "two o'clock has just struck, and you knoe are expected in a quarter of an hour"

"To be sure!--to be sure!" cried Dantes, eagerly quitting the table; "let us go directly!"

His words were re-echoed by the whole party, with vociferous cheers

At thisevery change in Fernand's look and er and fall back, with an alainst a seat placed near one of the open s At the saht a sort of indistinct sound on the stairs, followed by theof swords and military accoutrements; then came a hum and buzz as of many voices, so as to deaden even the noisyof curiosity and apprehension quelled every disposition to talk, and almost instantaneously the most deathlike stillness prevailed

The sounds drew nearer Three bloere struck upon the panel of the door The company looked at each other in consternation

"I demand admittance," said a loud voice outside the room, "in the name of the law!" As no atteistrate, wearing his official scarf, presented himself, followed by four soldiers and a corporal Uneasiness now yielded to the most extreme dread on the part of those present

"May I venture to inquire the reason of this unexpected visit?" said M Morrel, addressing the istrate, whom he evidently knew; "there is doubtless some mistake easily explained"

"If it be so," replied themade; h I nedthe persons here assembled answers to the na itation he could not but feel, advanced with dignity, and said, in a firm voice, "I am he; what is your pleasure with istrate, "I arrest you in the na color, "and wherefore, I pray?"

"I cannot inform you, but you will be duly acquainted with the reasons that have rendered such a step necessary at the preliminary examination"