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"Do you know, my dear Villefort," cried the Comte de Salvieux, "that is exactly what I myself said the other day at the Tuileries, when questioned by his ularity of an alliance between the son of a Girondin and the daughter of an officer of the Duc de Conde; and I assure you he see political differences was based upon sound and excellent principles Then the king, ithout our suspecting it, had overheard our conversation, interrupted us by saying, 'Villefort'--observe that the king did not pronounce the word Noirtier, but, on the contrary, placed considerable emphasis on that of Villefort--'Villefort,' said his ure in his profession; I like hireat pleasure to hear that he was about to become the son-in-law of the Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Meran I should myself have recommended the match, had not the noblecould have condescended so far as to express himself so favorably of ive you his very words; and if the marquis chooses to be candid, he will confess that they perfectly agree hat his o to consult hihter"

"That is true," answered the racious prince! What is there I would not do to evince ht," cried the marquise "I love to see you thus Now, then, were a conspirator to fall into your hands, he would be most welcome"

"For my part, dear mother" interposed Renee, "I trust your wishes will not prosper, and that Providence will only permit petty offenders, poor debtors, and miserable cheats to fall into M de Villefort's hands,--then I shall be contented"

"Just the saht only be called upon to prescribe for headaches, ht affection of the epider's attorney, you erous diseases from the cure of which so much honor redounds to the physician"

At this h the utterance of Villefort's wish had sufficed to effect its accomplishment, a servant entered the room, and whispered a feords in his ear Villefort immediately rose froent business; he soon, however, returned, his whole face beaarded him with fond affection; and certainly his handsome features, lit up as they then ith more than usual fire and animation, seeazed on her graceful and intelligent lover