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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Monte-Cristo's Daughter, by Edmund Flagg
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Monte-Cristo's Daughter
+
+Author: Edmund Flagg
+
+Release Date: October 24, 2007 [EBook #23184]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sigal Alon, Fox in the Stars, Martin Pettit
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER.
+
+SEQUEL TO
+
+ALEXANDER DUMAS'
+
+GREAT NOVEL, THE "COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO," AND CONCLUSION OF "EDMOND
+DANTES."
+
+BY
+
+EDMUND FLAGG
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER," a wonderfully brilliant, original,
+exciting and absorbing novel, is the Sequel to "The Count of
+Monte-Cristo," Alexander Dumas' masterwork, and the continuation
+and conclusion of that great romance, "Edmond Dantes." It possesses
+rare power, unflagging interest and an intricate plot that for
+constructive skill and efficient development stands unrivalled.
+Zuleika, the beautiful daughter of Monte-Cristo and Haydee, is the
+heroine, and her suitor, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti, an ardent,
+impetuous young Roman, the hero. The latter, through a flirtation
+with a pretty flower-girl, Annunziata Solara, becomes involved in a
+maze of suspicion that points to him as an abductor and an
+assassin, causes his separation from Zuleika and converts him into
+a maniac. The straightening out of these tangled complications
+constitutes the main theme of the thrilling book. The novel abounds
+in ardent love scenes and stirring adventures. The Count of
+Monte-Cristo figures largely in it, and numerous Monte-Cristo
+characters are introduced. "MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER" is the latest
+addition to Petersons' famous series, consisting of "The Count of
+Monte-Cristo," "Edmond Dantes," "The Countess of Monte-Cristo,"
+"The Wife of Monte-Cristo," and "The Son of Monte-Cristo."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+WM. L. ALLISON COMPANY
+
+PUBLISHERS.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+Chapter.                                      Page.
+      I. MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA        21
+
+     II. A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE                33
+
+    III. THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN      45
+
+     IV. A STORMY INTERVIEW                      57
+
+      V. ANNUNZIATA SOLARA                       69
+
+     VI. THE POWER OF A NAME                     81
+
+    VII. IN THE PEASANT'S HUT                    91
+
+   VIII. A SYLVAN IDYL                          101
+
+     IX. THE ABDUCTION                          112
+
+      X. THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO           130
+
+     XI. THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES               142
+
+    XII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER                    156
+
+   XIII. MORCERF'S ADVENTURE                    166
+
+    XIV. ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL                183
+
+     XV. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING                  195
+
+    XVI. AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS             206
+
+   XVII. PEPPINO'S STORY                        218
+
+  XVIII. MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY                228
+
+    XIX. THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM            238
+
+     XX. THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO               248
+
+    XXI. ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH               264
+
+  XXII. THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN                  274
+
+ XXIII. A MODERN MIRACLE                        285
+
+  XXIV. A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER                   296
+
+   XXV. A VISIT TO THE REFUGE                   306
+
+  XXVI. VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO                  316
+
+ XXVII. THE BANDITS' REPRISALS                  326
+
+XXVIII. THE RAID ON THE BANDITS                 336
+
+  XXIX. VAMPA'S TRIAL                           346
+
+   XXX. JOY UNBOUNDED                           363
+
+
+
+
+MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER.
+
+_SEQUEL TO ALEXANDER DUMAS' GREAT NOVEL, "THE COUNT OF
+MONTE-CRISTO," AND CONTINUATION AND CONCLUSION OF "EDMOND DANTES."_
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA.
+
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo was in Rome. He had hired one of the numerous
+private palaces, the Palazzo Costi, situated on a broad thoroughfare
+near the point where the Ponte St. Angelo connects Rome proper with that
+transtiberine suburb known as the Leonine City or Trastavere. The
+impecunious Roman nobility were ever ready to let their palaces to
+titled foreigners of wealth, and Ali, acting for the Count, had
+experienced no difficulty in procuring for his master an abode that even
+a potentate might have envied him. It was a lofty, commodious edifice,
+built of white marble in antique architectural design, and commanded
+from its ample balconies a fine view of the Tiber and its western shore,
+upon which loomed up that vast prison and citadel, the Castle of St.
+Angelo, and the largest palace in the world, the Vatican.
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo had always liked Rome because of its
+picturesque, mysterious antiquity, but his present mission there had
+nothing whatever to do with his individual tastes. He had fixed himself
+for a time in the Eternal City that his daughter Zuleika, Haydee's[1]
+child, might finish her education at a famous convent school conducted
+under the auspices of the Sisterhood of the Sacred Heart.
+
+Zuleika was fifteen years of age, but looked much older, having the
+early maturity of the Greeks, whose ardent blood, on her dead mother's
+side, flowed in her youthful veins. She had attained her full height,
+and was tall and well-developed. She strongly resembled her mother,
+possessing brilliant beauty of the dreamy, voluptuous oriental type. Her
+hair was abundant and black as night. She had dark, flashing eyes,
+pearly teeth, full ruby lips and feet and hands that were of fairylike
+diminutiveness, as well as miracles of grace and dainty shapeliness. In
+temperament she was more like Haydee than the Count, though she
+possessed her father's quick decision and firmness, with the addition of
+much of his enthusiasm.
+
+The Palazzo Costi was magnificently furnished, so the Count had made no
+alterations in that respect, bringing with him only the family wardrobe
+and a portion of his library, consisting mainly of oriental manuscripts
+written in weird, cabalistic characters and intelligible to no one but
+himself.
+
+The household was made up solely of the Count, his son Esperance,[2] his
+daughter Zuleika, the faithful Nubian mute Ali and five or six male and
+female domestics. Having no other object than his daughter's education,
+the Count wished to live in as thorough retirement as he could, but it
+was impossible for him to keep his presence a secret, and no sooner had
+it become known that he was in Rome than he was besieged by hosts of
+callers belonging to the highest nobility, mingled with whom came
+numerous patriots, disciples of the unfortunate Savonarola,
+distinguished for their firm devotion to the cause of Italian liberty.
+
+At an early hour of the morning upon which this narrative opens the
+Count of Monte-Cristo sat alone in a small apartment of the Palazzo
+Costi, which had been arranged as his study and in which his precious
+manuscripts were stored in closely locked cabinets. The Count had a copy
+of a Roman newspaper before him, and his eyes were fixed on a paragraph
+that seemed to have fascinated him as the serpent fascinates the bird.
+The paragraph read as follows:
+
+"Mlle. Louise d' Armilly, the famous prima donna, who will sing to-night
+at the Apollo Theatre her great role of _Lucrezia Borgia_, has, it
+appears, a deep impenetrable mystery surrounding her. She is French by
+birth, and is said to be the daughter of a banker, who vanished under
+peculiar circumstances, but, as she positively declines to speak of her
+history, we can only give the rumors concerning her for what they are
+worth. M. Leon d' Armilly, brother of the prima donna, who supports her
+in Donizetti's opera, also refuses to be communicative. At any rate, the
+mere hint of the mystery has already caused quite a flutter of
+excitement in high society circles and that is sufficient to insure a
+crowded house."
+
+"Louise d' Armilly!" murmured the Count, half-audibly. "The name is
+familiar, certainly, though where I have seen or heard it before I
+cannot now recall. The lady is French by birth, the paper says, and that
+fact, at least, is a sufficient pretext for me to visit her. I will call
+on her as a fellow countryman, and the interview will demonstrate if she
+is known to me."
+
+The Count arose, went to his desk and, seating himself there, wrote the
+following brief epistle:
+
+"Edmond Dantes,[3] Count of Monte-Cristo, desires permission to call
+upon Mlle. Louise d' Armilly at ten o'clock this morning. In this desire
+M. Dantes is actuated solely by the wish to lay the homage of a
+Frenchman at the feet of so distinguished an artiste of his own nation
+as Mlle. d' Armilly."
+
+Having finished, sealed and addressed this note, the Count touched a
+bell which was immediately answered by the ever-watchful Nubian.
+
+"Ali," said the Count, in the Arabic tongue, "take this letter to the
+Hotel de France and wait for a reply."
+
+The faithful servant bowed almost to the floor, took the missive and
+departed. When he had gone, the Count walked the apartment with the long
+strides habitual to him at such times as he was engrossed by some
+all-powerful thought.
+
+"Surely," he muttered, "this artiste can in no way interest me
+personally, and yet I feel a subtile premonition that it would be wise
+in me to see her."
+
+He was still pacing the study when Ali returned. The Nubian's usually
+impassible face bore traces of excitement and horror. He prostrated
+himself at his master's feet and, with his visage pressed against the
+floor, held up his hand, presenting to the Count the identical letter of
+which he had been the bearer.
+
+"Why, how is this, Ali?" asked the Count, frowning. "My letter sent back
+without an answer. The seal has been broken, too. It must have been
+read."
+
+The mute slowly arose and began an eloquent pantomime which his master
+readily translated into words: "You went to the Hotel de France and sent
+up the letter. In ten minutes it was returned to you by the lady's
+valet, who said all the answer the Count of Monte-Cristo deserved from
+his mistress was written on the back."
+
+Ali nodded his head in confirmation of his master's translation, looking
+as if he expected to be severely reprimanded for being the bearer of
+such an indignity. The Count, however, merely smiled. Curiosity rather
+than anger predominated in him. He turned the letter over and read,
+scrawled in pencil in a woman's hand, the following brief and
+enigmatical but insulting communication:
+
+"Any Frenchman save the ignominious M. Dantes, the so-called Count of
+Monte-Cristo, would be welcome to Mlle. d' Armilly. That person she does
+not wish to see and will not."
+
+The Count was perplexed and also amused. The fervor of the prima donna
+made him smile. He certainly did not know her, certainly had never seen
+her. Why then was she so bitter against him? He could make nothing out
+of it. Was it possible her name was really as familiar to him as it had
+seemed? The irate artiste had surely heard of the Count of Monte-Cristo
+and, therefore, could not be mistaken in regard to his identity, but in
+what way could he have injured her or incurred her anger? The more he
+thought of the matter the more perplexed he grew. As he was debating
+within himself what action he ought to take, there was a knock at the
+door and a domestic entered, handing him a card upon which was
+inscribed: "Captain Joliette."
+
+"Ha!" cried Monte-Cristo, "he comes in time. He will aid me in solving
+this mystery."
+
+He motioned Ali from the study, and directed the valet who had brought
+the card to show the visitor up at once. In another instant Captain
+Joliette entered the room. The Count sprang forward to greet him.
+
+"Welcome, Captain," said he. "I have not seen you since our stirring
+adventures in Algeria.[4] I hope you are well and happy. By the way,
+what are you doing, in Rome? I was not aware you were here."
+
+"I am here simply by chance," answered the young soldier, with a blush
+that belied his words. "I was in Italy on a little pleasure trip and
+naturally drifted to the Eternal City. I learned only this morning that
+you were installed at the Palazzo Costi and instantly hastened to pay my
+respects."
+
+When their cordial greetings were over and they were seated side by side
+upon a commodious sofa luxuriously upholstered in crimson silk, the
+Count said, abruptly:
+
+"Captain, did you ever hear of a French opera singer named Louise d'
+Armilly?"
+
+Again the young man colored deeply, a circumstance that did not escape
+the close observation of his companion, who instantly divined that the
+famous prima donna counted for more in the reasons that had brought the
+Captain to Rome than that gallant warrior was willing to admit.
+
+"Yes," stammered Joliette, "I have heard of her, and report says she is
+a remarkably charming lady as well as a great artiste."
+
+"Your tone is enthusiastic, my dear Captain," returned Monte-Cristo,
+smiling pleasantly. "Perhaps you are acquainted with Mlle. d' Armilly."
+
+"Well, to confess, Count," said Joliette, with a laugh, "I am acquainted
+with her, and, curiously enough, part of my mission here to-day was to
+ask you to occupy a box at the performance of 'Lucrezia Borgia' this
+evening. Will you accept?"
+
+"With genuine delight," was Monte-Cristo's ready answer. "I desire to
+see this mysterious prima donna for more than one reason. In the first
+place, her name is dimly familiar to me, though I cannot remember where
+I ever heard it, and, in the second place, she flatly refused a visit
+from me no later than this morning."
+
+Joliette looked greatly surprised.
+
+"Refused a visit from you, Count! I would not believe it did I not hear
+it from your own lips. Mlle. d' Armilly must be mad! She surely cannot
+know what an honor it is to receive a visit from the Count of
+Monte-Cristo!"
+
+The Count smiled in his peculiar way, and handed the Captain Mlle. d'
+Armilly's singular reply to his note. The young man glanced at it in
+amazement, reading it again and again; finally he stammered out:
+
+"It is her handwriting, but what can she mean?"
+
+"That is exactly what I would like to know, and I see by your manner and
+words that you are powerless to enlighten me. Still, you can tell me who
+this Mlle. d' Armilly is, and that will in all probability furnish me
+with the key to her rather shabby treatment of me."
+
+"My dear Count, I am acquainted with the young lady, it is true, but,
+like yourself, I am in total ignorance so far as her history is
+concerned. She is French, that is evident, and she has gone so far as
+to admit to me that Louise d' Armilly is only her professional name,
+but what her real name is she has more than once positively refused to
+disclose to me. She is equally reticent as to the rumors afloat
+regarding her. You are, doubtless, aware that she is reputed to be the
+daughter of a French banker who mysteriously disappeared. This she
+neither denies nor affirms; she merely maintains an obstinate silence
+whenever it is mentioned in her presence."
+
+"Your recital interests me greatly, Captain," said Monte-Cristo. "You
+are more privileged than myself in that you enjoy the acquaintance of
+this eccentric young lady, but she does not seem to repose a greater
+degree of confidence in you than in me, for she has told you absolutely
+nothing."
+
+"Well," said Joliette, "you will see her to-night, at any rate, despite
+her prohibition. She cannot keep you out of the theatre, for the box is
+purchased and here are the tickets."
+
+"But she will be angry with you, Captain," said the Count, slyly, "for
+bringing such an undesirable auditor. I had better go alone and occupy
+some obscure seat. I do not wish you to forfeit Mlle. d' Armilly's
+smiles for me."
+
+"Pshaw!" replied Joliette, "there is plainly some mistake. She does not
+know you, will not recognize you. She has certainly confounded you with
+some one else."
+
+"Perhaps so," said Monte-Cristo; "but women's memories are good, and I
+warn you that you are taking a grave risk."
+
+"None whatever, I assure you. It is more than likely that, in answering
+your note as she did, Mlle. d' Armilly was influenced solely by caprice.
+If she should ask me after the performance who was my companion, I have
+only to give you a fictitious name and she will be none the wiser."
+
+That evening Captain Joliette and the Count of Monte-Cristo made their
+way through the dense throng in front of the Apollo Theatre, and were
+finally shown into a lower proscenium box commanding a full view of the
+stage. Monte-Cristo instinctively sought refuge behind the curtains and
+drapery of the box, where he could sit unobserved and yet be enabled to
+closely scrutinize the mysterious singer who appeared to have such an
+intense aversion for him.
+
+Although still early the house was already crowded in every part, and
+throngs were unable to gain even admission. The vast audience was made
+up chiefly of the best and most fashionable society in Rome. It included
+many of the highest nobility, who occupied the boxes they held for the
+season. Everywhere the bright colored, elegant toilets of the ladies met
+the eye, while the gentlemen were brilliant in fete attire. Fresh young
+faces and noble old visages were side by side, the beauty of youth and
+the impressiveness of age, and the male countenances were not less
+striking than those of the females. Truly, it was a grand assemblage,
+one that should delight the heart and flatter the vanity of even the
+most capricious of prima donnas.
+
+At first there was a low hum of conversation throughout the theatre,
+together with preliminary visits from box to box, but the flutter began
+to subside as the musicians appeared, and by the time they were in their
+places in the orchestra absolute silence reigned. When the conductor
+made his appearance he was greeted with a burst of applause, which he
+gracefully acknowledged with a profound bow. Then he grasped his baton,
+tapped lightly upon the rack in front of him, and the delightful
+overture to Donizetti's great work commenced.
+
+At its conclusion the curtain slowly rose and the opera began. Mlle. d'
+Armilly came forth in due course, and the house fairly rung with
+plaudits of welcome. She sang divinely and acted with consummate art,
+receiving loud encores for all her numbers. Monte-Cristo who was
+passionately fond of music, caught the prevailing enthusiasm and
+gradually emerged from the shelter of the protecting curtains and
+drapery. He had scanned Mlle. d' Armilly carefully through his
+opera-glass and was thoroughly convinced that she was a perfect stranger
+to him, although now and then a tone, a gesture or a movement of the
+body vaguely conveyed a sense of recognition of some tone, gesture or
+movement he had heard or seen somewhere before. The Count, however,
+reflected that all women possessed certain points of resemblance in
+voice and bearing; he, therefore, passed the present coincidences over
+as purely accidental, thinking no more of them.
+
+For a long while Mlle. d' Armilly did not glance at the box occupied by
+Captain Joliette and the Count of Monte-Cristo,[5] and it was not until
+the former threw her a costly wreath of flowers that she turned her eyes
+in that direction. She was about bowing her acknowledgments, when her
+gaze rested upon the stately form of the Count. Instantly she paused in
+the centre of the stage, turned deadly pale beneath the paint of her
+make-up, and, with a loud scream, fell in a swoon. The curtain was at
+once rung down, and the director, stating that the prima donna had been
+seized with sudden and alarming indisposition, dismissed the audience.
+Captain Joliette rushed to Mlle. d' Armilly's dressing-room and the
+Count of Monte-Cristo wended his way back to the Palazzo Costi, utterly
+bewildered by what had taken place.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] A full account of the life of Haydee, will be found in that great
+romance "The Wife of Monte-Cristo," published complete and unabridged by
+T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia.
+
+[2] A full account of his life and of Esperance's remarkable career will
+be found in that absorbing novel, "The Son of Monte-Cristo," published
+complete and unabridged by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia.
+
+[3] For a full account of the life and career of "Edmond Dantes," one of
+the most powerful and thrilling novels ever issued, see "Edmond Dantes,"
+published complete and unabridged by T. B. Peterson & Brothers,
+Philadelphia.
+
+[4] See "The Son of Monte-Cristo," complete and unabridged edition,
+published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia.
+
+[5] For a full account of the life and remarkable career of "The Count
+of Monte-Cristo," Alexander Dumas' masterpiece, one of the greatest
+romances ever written, see the illustrated and unabridged edition of it,
+published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE.
+
+
+Zuleika, Monte-Cristo's daughter, had been for some months in the
+convent school conducted by the Sisterhood of the Sacred Heart. She was
+not a close student though a rapid learner, and was rather inclined to
+romance and adventure than to musty books of history and science. As has
+already been stated, she had the early maturity of Greek girls. Besides,
+she had attracted the attention of several Roman youths of high and
+noble lineage, who had eagerly paid her the homage due to her beauty and
+oriental attractiveness. Though but fifteen, she appreciated and felt
+flattered by this homage, and naturally was impatient of the restraint
+put upon her by the regulations of the convent school, which rigorously
+excluded all male visitors save parents or guardians.
+
+In the first rank of her youthful admirers was the Viscount Giovanni
+Massetti. He was more ardent than any of the rest and, indeed, was
+desperately in love with the fair and bewitching child of the dead
+Haydee. He belonged to a family of great antiquity and boundless wealth,
+and was reputed to possess a vast fortune in his own right. The Viscount
+was only in his twenty-first year, but was exceedingly manly, dashing
+and gallant. He was quite handsome and was said to be the soul of
+honor, though his ardent temperament and headlong pursuit of whatever he
+most coveted not unfrequently involved him in serious troubles, from
+which, thanks to his own tact and the vast influence of his family, he
+generally came out unscathed.
+
+On Zuleika's arrival in Rome and before she had been placed in the
+convent school, the Viscount Massetti had made her acquaintance in a way
+that savored of romance and that made a deep impression upon the
+inexperienced young girl. In Monte-Cristo's carriage, attended only by a
+timid femme de chambre, she was one day crossing one of the two bridges
+leading to the Island of San Bartolomeo, when a trace broke and the
+horses took fright. The terrified driver lost control of them, and the
+mad animals dashed along at a fearful rate, almost overturning the
+carriage. Zuleika had arisen in the vehicle, which was an open barouche,
+and was wildly clinging to the back of the front seat, her face white
+with fear and her long black hair, which had become loosened, streaming
+out behind her. Her wide open eyes had in them a look of tearful
+supplication most difficult to resist. The young Viscount, who was
+riding over the bridge on horseback at the time of the accident, could
+not resist it. He sprang from his horse and, as the carriage passed him,
+leaped into it. Seizing Zuleika by the waist, and holding her tightly to
+him, he then made another spring, alighting safely with her upon the
+roadway of the bridge. The flying horses were ultimately stopped and the
+occupants of the badly shattered vehicle rescued from their dangerous
+situation. This adventure caused the Count of Monte-Cristo to throw open
+the doors of his palazzo to the young Italian, and he had been a
+frequent visitor there up to the time of Zuleika's departure for the
+convent school.
+
+In the interval both the Viscount and the girl had become much attached
+to each other, and then this mutual attachment had rapidly ripened into
+mutual love of that ardor and intensity experienced only by children of
+the southern or oriental sun. Young Massetti had avowed his passion to
+his beautiful charmer, and the avowal had not caused her displeasure; it
+was, on the contrary, exceedingly agreeable to her and she did not seek
+to conceal the fact from her enthusiastic suitor.
+
+The momentous interview took place in a densely shaded alley of the
+garden of the Palazzo Costi one sultry afternoon of the early autumn.
+The youthful couple were seated very near each other upon a rustic
+bench. Massetti held Zuleika's small, soft hand in his and the electric
+touch of her tiny and shapely fingers thrilled him as the touch of
+female fingers had never thrilled him before. He gazed into the liquid
+depths of her dark, glowing eyes and their subtile fire seemed to melt
+his very soul. The close, sultry atmosphere, laden with heavy,
+intoxicating perfumes, was fraught with a delirious influence well
+calculated to set the blood aflame and promote the explosion of pent-up
+love. The thick, green foliage enclosed the pair as in a verdant cloud,
+effectually concealing them from observation. The opportunity was
+irresistible. Giovanni drew closer to his fascinating companion, so
+closely that her fragrant breath came full in his face, utterly
+subjecting him and totally obliterating all caution, everything save his
+absorbing passion for the palpitating girl whose slight, but clear-cut
+form, gracefully-outlined beneath her flowing, half-oriental garments,
+touched his. Suddenly carried away by a powerful transport, he threw his
+arm around the young girl's yielding waist and drew her without
+resistance upon his bosom, where she lay, gazing up into his flushed,
+excited countenance with an indescribable, voluptuous charm, mingled
+with thorough confidence and unhesitating innocence. Panting in his
+clasp, her ruby lips partly opened as if for breath, and the ardent
+Italian hastily, recklessly imprinted a fiery kiss upon them. Zuleika,
+with an almost imperceptible movement, returned this chaste, but
+ravishing salute.
+
+"Oh! how I love you!" murmured Giovanni, quivering from head to foot in
+his wild ecstasy, and clasping the lovely girl still tighter.
+
+She made no verbal response, but did not stir, did not strive to
+extricate herself from his warm embrace This was a sufficient answer for
+the quick Italian. Zuleika, the beautiful Zuleika, returned his love,
+favored his suit. His joy approached delirium.
+
+"Oh! Zuleika," he whispered, gazing directly into her night black eyes,
+"you love me, I am sure! Give me the treasures of your virgin heart! Be
+mine--be my wife!"
+
+"Oh! Giovanni," returned the quivering girl, in a low, but sweetly
+modulated voice, "I do love you--God alone knows how much!--but I am
+too young to be your wife! I am only a child, not yet out of school. My
+father would not hear of my marrying for several years to come. Can you
+not wait?"
+
+"It will be a hard task, Zuleika," answered the young man, excitedly;
+"but, still, I will wait if you give me a lover's hope. Promise to marry
+me when you are at liberty to do so, nay, swear it, and I shall be
+satisfied!"
+
+"I can neither promise nor swear it, Giovanni, without my father's
+approval and consent. He is a wise, experienced and thoughtful man,
+tender and mild to every one he loves, though hard and implacable to his
+enemies. Speak to him of me, of your love, of your wish. He will listen
+to you and he will not imperil his daughter's happiness. Go to him
+without delay, and rest assured that whatever he says or does will be
+for the best interests of us both."
+
+She had released herself from his clasp and drawn slightly away from
+him, not in terror, not in prudery, not in coquetry, but as a measure of
+prudence. She felt intuitively that the wild, intense passion of her
+Italian adorer must be kept within discreet limits.
+
+"I cannot speak to your father yet," replied Giovanni, hesitatingly. "He
+might listen to me, it is true; but he would treat our love as a mere
+childish fancy that time could not fail to dim, if not obliterate. I am
+deeply in earnest, Zuleika, and could not bear to be treated as a
+thoughtless, headlong stripling, who did not know his own mind.
+Ridicule, even in its mildest form, would fire my blood, fill me with
+mad projects of revenge. I prefer not to ask your father for your hand
+until certain of a favorable reception of my suit. You comprehend my
+scruples, do you not, Zuleika? I love you too dearly not to win you when
+I ask!"
+
+"But you will speak to my father?" said the girl, in faltering tones.
+
+"Yes, darling, oh! yes; but not until that hated convent school has
+ceased to oppose its barriers between us. When you have left it, when
+you have completed the education the Count designs for you, I will seek
+your father and ask you of him for my wife; until then, until I can with
+safety speak, at least promise me that you will love no other man,
+encourage no other suitor."
+
+"That I will do," responded the girl, joyously. "Rest assured I will
+love no other man, encourage no other suitor!"
+
+Unable to control himself, the Viscount again clasped the object of his
+adoration in his arms, and again their lips met in a long, passionate
+kiss of love.
+
+So it was settled, and Zuleika went to the convent school of the Sacred
+Heart, feeling that her happiness was assured, but impatient of and
+dissatisfied with the long delay that must necessarily intervene before
+the realization of her hopes, the dawn of her woman's future.
+
+The Viscount Massetti, though he had professed himself willing to wait,
+was, on his side, thoroughly discontented with the arduous task he had
+undertaken. It was one thing to make a rash promise in the heat of
+enthusiasm, but quite another to keep it, especially when that promise
+involved a separation from the lovely girl who had inextricably entwined
+herself about the fibres of his heart and was the sole guiding star of
+his life and love.
+
+The convent school of the Sacred Heart was located in the convent of
+that Sisterhood, about three miles beyond the Porta del Popolo on the
+northern side of Rome. The convent was a spacious edifice, but gloomy
+and forbidding, with the aspect of a prison. Narrow, barred windows,
+like those of a dungeon of the middle ages, admitted the light from
+without, furnishing a dim, restricted illumination that gave but little
+evidence of the power and brilliancy of the orb of day. At night the
+faint, sepulchral blaze of candles only served to make the darkness
+palpable and more ghastly.
+
+The huge school-room was as primitive and comfortless in its
+appointments and furniture as well could be. The walls were of dressed
+stone and loomed up bare and grisly to a lofty ceiling that was covered
+with a perfect labyrinth of curiously carved beams, the work of some
+unknown artist of long ago. The scholars' dormitories were narrow
+cell-like affairs, scantily furnished, in which every light must be
+extinguished at the hour of nine in the evening. Once admitted to the
+school, the pupils were not permitted to leave its precincts save at
+vacation or at the termination of their course of studies, a
+circumstance that heartily disgusted the gay, light-hearted Italian
+girls sent there to receive both mental and moral training. Another
+source of grave vexation to them was the regulation, already alluded to,
+that rigorously excluded all male visitors, with the exception of
+parents or guardians.
+
+Attached to the convent was an extensive garden, full of huge trees that
+had, apparently, stood there for centuries, so bent, gnarled and aged
+were they. An ancient gardener, with a flowing beard as white as snow
+and scanty locks of the same spotless hue, aided by two or three
+assistants almost as ancient as himself, attended to the lawns and vast
+flower-beds, the latter being kept constantly filled with plants of
+gorgeous bloom and exquisite fragrance. The picturesque appearance of
+the garden contrasted strongly and strangely with the rigid and staid
+aspect of the convent edifice, and this garden was the one spot where
+the pupils felt at home and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were
+allowed to walk there at noon and towards twilight in the evening, under
+the supervision of Sister Agatha, a sharp-sighted and vigilant nun, who
+never failed to rebuke and correct her vivacious charges for even the
+slightest infraction of discipline. Still, the girls enjoyed themselves
+in the garden, for its extent and the fact that Sister Agatha could not
+be everywhere at once enabled the frisky and light-hearted pupils to
+indulge in many an escapade.
+
+One noon Zuleika, who was in an unusually despondent frame of mind,
+strayed from the rest of her companions and strolled beneath the
+centenarian trees. Unconsciously she approached the lofty wall of the
+garden. She seated herself at the foot of a gnarled old elm, the leafy
+branches of which descended to the ground and effectually screened
+Monte-Cristo's daughter from view. At least, so she thought, but though
+she could not be seen by any within the garden enclosure she was plainly
+visible from the wall and the trees looming above it without.
+
+As Zuleika sat pondering on her lot and sadly thinking of her separation
+from her lover, she heard or imagined she heard a singular noise amid
+the thick boughs of an immense chestnut tree immediately outside the
+garden wall. She started up in affright, but could discern nothing
+unusual, and the singular noise was not repeated. The strangest part of
+the whole affair, however, was that the noise had sounded like her own
+name uttered by a human voice. This increased her terror and confusion,
+and she was about to flee from the spot when an oblong pebble to which
+something white was attached fluttered over the wall and fell at her
+feet. She was now more alarmed then ever and took several steps
+backward, the while regarding the white object that lay where it had
+fallen, motionless and fascinating.
+
+Finally her curiosity obtained the mastery, and, approaching the
+suspicious object with the utmost caution, she bent over to examine it.
+It was an ordinary envelope and, no doubt, contained a letter. For whom
+was it intended? Obviously for one of the pupils. It was a clandestine
+epistle, too, otherwise it would have come by the regular channel
+through the post office. Perhaps it was a love letter. At this thought
+she gave a guilty start and gazed piercingly into the chestnut tree, but
+nothing was visible there save boughs and leaves. After all, the epistle
+was, doubtless, destined for some swarthy-visaged Italian beauty, and
+many such were in the convent school. That it had fallen at her feet was
+certainly but a mere coincidence. It was not, it could not be intended
+for her! Its rightful owner, who had clearly received many similar notes
+in the same way, knew where it was and presently would come for it. The
+envelope had fallen face downward, and she could not see the address.
+She touched it with her foot, then cautiously turned it with the tip of
+her shoe. She saw writing. It was the address. Somehow the arrangement
+of the characters seemed familiar to her, though she was so dazed and
+confused she could not make out the name. Her curiosity was unworthy of
+her, she knew, unworthy of Monte-Cristo's daughter. What right had she
+to pry into the heart secret of one of her school companions? Still she
+gazed; she could not help it. Suddenly she stooped and took the envelope
+from the ground. The address riveted her eyes like a magician's spell.
+Great heavens! it was her own name--Zuleika!
+
+Hurriedly snapping the slight string that bound the envelope to the
+stone, she thrust the former into the bosom of her dress. Then she
+glanced around her, half-fearing she had been seen by some of the pupils
+or the watchful Sister Agatha. But no, she was unobserved, and even now
+her companions and the nun were at such a distance that she could read
+her letter without the slightest danger of being discovered or
+interrupted. The temptation was strong. She yielded to it. She would
+read the letter. She felt convinced that it was from the Viscount
+Massetti, and the conviction filled her with unutterable joy. She had
+not heard a word concerning him since she had been immured within the
+sombre walls of that dismal convent, and now she had tidings of him in
+his own handwriting! It was rapture! What had he written to her? An
+assurance of his love, no doubt, and, perhaps, an exhortation to her to
+keep her part of their agreement--to love no other man, to encourage no
+other suitor! Surely she loved no one else--she never could love any one
+but Giovanni Massetti, for did he not possess her whole heart, all the
+wealth of her ardent youthful affection?
+
+She kissed the envelope, then opened it, took out the letter, which was
+written in pencil, and read:
+
+
+     DEAREST ZULEIKA: I can keep from you no longer. I must see you once
+     more and again call you my own. I strove to attract your attention
+     just now in the chestnut tree outside the wall. I uttered your
+     beloved name, but you did not seem to understand me. This evening
+     at twilight I will scale the wall. At that time be at the elm where
+     you now stand and I will meet you there. Do not fail me, and, above
+     all, do not be afraid. I assure you that no harm can possibly
+     befall either of us. Meet me, darling.
+                                  Your own,
+                                                    GIOVANNI.
+
+
+Zuleika stood staring at this passionate note with sensations made up
+of amazement, rapture and dismay. Giovanni, her lover, was coming. He
+would stand there, on that very spot, and she would see him in all the
+glory of his youthful manhood, with the radiant love-light in his eyes.
+But how if he were discovered? What then would become of him and of her?
+She shuddered at the possibilities of danger. But on one point she was
+resolved--she would meet him let the danger be what it might. How
+Giovanni would manage to avoid observation she did not know, but she
+would trust to his judgment and discretion.
+
+She glanced in the direction of the pupils and Sister Agatha. They were
+coming slowly towards her. Again secreting her lover's epistle in her
+bosom, she went to meet them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN.
+
+
+As the hour for the evening promenade drew near, Zuleika became
+painfully excited, and uneasy. She longed with all her heart to see
+Giovanni Massetti again, to hear the ardent words of love he would be
+sure to utter, but would she be doing right to meet him clandestinely
+and alone? Her mind misgave her. Of course she could trust her young
+Italian lover, for he was the very soul of chivalry and honor. But did
+others know this? How would her conduct be judged should the other
+pupils and Sister Agatha steal upon them unawares? Giovanni might escape
+without recognition, but with her it would be altogether different. She
+could escape only by coining an ingenious lie, and at that her whole
+nature revolted. She could not stoop to an innocent deception, much less
+to an absolute falsehood. Why had Giovanni tempted her? Why had he
+sought to place her in a situation he must know would be perilous? There
+was but one answer--because of his love--and that answer was sufficient
+to induce her to take the risk, however great it might be. Yes, she
+would meet him at the appointed time and spot.
+
+At length the bell rang for the promenade, and Sister Agatha headed the
+little procession for the garden. For a brief space Zuleika lingered
+with her companions among the shady walks and gorgeous flowers, but at
+the first opportunity stole away and sought the leafy elm, beneath the
+friendly boughs of which she was to receive the welcome yet dreaded
+visit from the Viscount Massetti. She gained the rendezvous unobserved,
+with loudly beating heart. The young Italian was not there. She searched
+eagerly but vainly for him in the gathering twilight. What had happened
+to prevent his coming? She was on thorns of anxiety. Perhaps he had
+attempted to scale the wall and had fallen, sustaining some severe
+injury! Perhaps even then, while she was waiting for him, he was lying
+outside the wall, bruised and bleeding! But what could she do? Only
+wait, wait, with torturing thoughts seething in her troubled brain.
+
+She listened intently. Not a sound. If Giovanni were wounded, disabled,
+he was maintaining a most heroic silence. She drew a magnificent gold
+watch, the exquisite case of which was thickly incrusted with diamonds,
+from her belt and glanced at the dial. It was after seven o'clock, and
+by eight all the scholars were required to be safely housed within the
+convent. Besides, she was not sure that she would not be missed,
+searched for and found. What should she do, what course should she take?
+
+As she was debating within herself, uncertain whether to remain or
+return, there was a rustle amid the foliage of the chestnut tree
+immediately outside the garden enclosure, and a man's form swung from
+one of the branches to the top of the wall. Zuleika's emotion well-nigh
+overcame her. She had recognized Giovanni. In another instant he had
+leaped from the wall to the ground and was at her side. He stretched out
+his arms to her and the girl, all of a tremble, impetuously cast herself
+into them.
+
+"Oh! Giovanni!" she murmured. "At last. I feared some terrible accident
+had befallen you."
+
+"I am safe, darling Zuleika," answered the young Italian, folding her in
+a close embrace and showering ardent kisses upon her forehead and lips.
+"But you, dearest, you are well? You have not forgotten me, have not
+ceased to love me?"
+
+"Forgotten you, ceased to love you, Giovanni!" whispered the quivering
+girl, in a tone of slight reproach, gazing fondly into his eyes. "Have I
+not given you my solemn promise to love you only?"
+
+"Forgive me, my own!" cried the youthful Viscount. "What is a lover
+without fears and doubts? They are the proof of the strength of his
+adoration!"
+
+They seated themselves at the foot of the branching elm, the friendly
+shelter of which shut them in. Then Zuleika said, with apprehension in
+her voice:
+
+"Why did you come here, Giovanni? Are you not aware that you are running
+a great risk and putting me in peril? If we are found together, you will
+be ignominiously expelled and I severely punished. Besides, think of the
+disgrace for us both in such an event! The matter will get abroad,
+furnish food for gossip and certainly reach the ears of my father and
+brother, whose displeasure I dread more than all else! Think, too, that
+Esperance will call you to account for your conduct, and I could never
+bear a quarrel between you and him in which, perhaps, blood might be
+shed!"
+
+"Never fear, Zuleika," replied Massetti, gallantly. "Should we be
+discovered I will shield you. As to your father and brother, they cannot
+be displeased, for I will explain all to them and end by demanding you
+in marriage. Why have I come here? Simply because I could hold aloof
+from you no longer. I felt that I must see you, speak with you, renew my
+vows of love. Oh! Zuleika, the world is all dark to me without your
+smile!"
+
+"But you promised me to wait!"
+
+"I know it; but I miscalculated my strength when I made that promise.
+Could I see you I might be patient; but to wait for weeks and weeks
+without even a glimpse of your dear face, without once hearing the sound
+of your beloved voice, is utterly beyond me. I cannot do it!"
+
+"You must. Nothing else can be done. My father wishes me to remain at
+the convent school for a year, and the rules positively prohibit your
+visits. Be patient yet awhile, Giovanni. We both are very young and have
+a life of happiness to look forward to. Besides, we can see each other
+at the Palazzo Costi during vacation, and that is something."
+
+"It is nothing to a man who wishes to see you constantly, to be always
+with you. Oh! Zuleika, I cannot bear our separation, I cannot do without
+you!"
+
+The young man had risen to his feet and uttered these words loudly,
+recklessly. Zuleika sprang up and caught him by the arm, her face white
+with terror.
+
+"Control yourself, Giovanni, control yourself!" she whispered, in a
+frightened tone. "Speak lower, with more caution, or other ears than
+mine will hear you!"
+
+But the Viscount did not heed her. He was fearfully agitated and his
+entire frame shook with excitement and emotion.
+
+"Fly with me, Zuleika, fly with me now, this very moment, and be my
+wife!" he exclaimed, in a voice so strangely altered that Monte-Cristo's
+daughter scarcely recognized it. "I am rich, and my family has wealth
+and power sufficient to protect us against everything and everybody,
+even your father, with all his untold gold and influence! The Count of
+Monte-Cristo seeks to part us; that is the reason he has sent you here,
+to this convent, where you are little less than a prisoner!"
+
+He caught her wildly in his arms and held her against his breast as if
+defying fate. Zuleika, more terrified than ever, struggled in his
+embrace and finally released herself. She faced Giovanni, and said,
+warmly:
+
+"You do my father injustice. He does not seek to part us. He esteems you
+greatly, Viscount Massetti, loves you for the service you rendered me,
+his daughter, and will reward that service with the highest recompense
+in his power to bestow--my hand. But he considers me a child as yet,
+wishes me to have education and experience before I marry, that I may
+be a wife worth having and not a mere useless doll. Respect his wishes,
+Giovanni, respect him. He is a good, kind-hearted man, and will do
+right. His wisdom has been shown too often for me to doubt it!"
+
+"His wisdom!" cried Massetti, bitterly. "Yes, he is wise, too wise to
+bestow your hand upon me, a mere Viscount! What is my family in his
+eyes? Nothing. What is my wealth? An utter trifle compared to his. I
+tell you, Zuleika, he does not wish us to marry. He designs you for some
+high potentate with riches to match the princely marriage-portion you
+will have!"
+
+"No, no!" cried the girl. "You are despondent, and in your despondency
+misjudge him. He cares nothing for wealth or exalted station, but values
+a good name and an unstained reputation above all else."
+
+"But will you not be mine, will you not fly with me from this wretched
+prison, in which I can see you only by stealth and like a criminal?"
+
+The Italian's eyes sparkled in the twilight and his voice was full of
+eloquent persuasion. He fell upon his knees at Zuleika's feet, and,
+seizing her hand, kissed it passionately again and again. The trembling
+young girl was deeply touched by his love and entreaties. For a moment
+she wavered, but for a moment only; then reason asserted its sway and
+cooler reflection came to her aid.
+
+"Rise, Giovanni," she said, with comparative calmness, "rise and be a
+man. This proposition is altogether unworthy of you, and, should I
+accept it, we would both be disgraced. I am yours, my heart is in your
+keeping, and I will be your wife at the proper time with my father's
+full consent. But I cannot fly with you, I will not!"
+
+The young man sprang to his feet as if an electric bat had struck him.
+
+"You have no confidence in me, then!" he cried, impulsively. "You do not
+love me!"
+
+"Do not love you!" exclaimed the girl, winding her shapely arms about
+his neck, as her lovely head sank upon his bosom. "I love you with all
+my heart, with all my soul, and it is because I love you that I will not
+fly with you!"
+
+Giovanni kissed her hair rapturously, excitedly, and the beautiful girl,
+looking ten times more beautiful in her pleading earnestness, added,
+sweetly, persuasively:
+
+"Leave me now, darling. The bell for the pupils to return to the convent
+will soon ring and I must not be missed from among them. Leave me, but
+remember the maxim, 'Wait and hope!'"
+
+The lover was about to reply when the sound of footsteps suddenly broke
+upon their ears. They glanced at each other, startled, uncertain what to
+do. Giovanni was the first to recover self-possession. He noiselessly
+parted the boughs of the elm and peered cautiously in the direction of
+the sound.
+
+"Three men are rapidly approaching," he said, hastily, in a whisper.
+"They are almost here!"
+
+Zuleika looked, in her turn, through the branches.
+
+"The gardener and his assistants," she whispered, nearly petrified by
+consternation. "They have evidently learned that you scaled the wall and
+are in quest of you!"
+
+"See," said Giovanni, breathlessly, pointing to a group behind the men.
+"A number of nuns are also coming!"
+
+"They are searching for me! Oh! Giovanni, fly, fly instantly!"
+
+"And leave you to suffer, to bear the weight of my imprudence! Never! I
+will stay and protect you!"
+
+"You will not protect me by remaining. You will only compromise us both
+the more. Go, I beseech you, go, while there is yet time!"
+
+With tears in her imploring eyes, Zuleika pushed her lover gently
+towards the wall. He gazed at her for an instant and then at the
+approaching men and nuns, who were now very near.
+
+The girl clasped her hands supplicatingly, then mutely pointed to the
+wall.
+
+"It is your wish?" asked Massetti, hurriedly.
+
+Zuleika nodded her head affirmatively, and still more imperatively
+pointed to the wall.
+
+"I will obey you," whispered the young Italian, "and I will 'wait and
+hope!'"
+
+She had gained the victory. A joyous love-light came into her eyes, for
+the moment eclipsing her terror. Giovanni could not resist the
+temptation to embrace her, even in the face of the danger that
+threatened him. He wound his arms about her yielding form, drew her to
+him with a crushing strain, showering burning kisses upon her upturned
+lips.
+
+"Farewell," he murmured, reluctantly releasing her, "farewell, my own!"
+
+He turned from her and ran to the wall, scaled it with the agility of a
+cat and vanished.
+
+When the gardener and his assistants reached the elm, they found Zuleika
+standing there alone. Had they seen Massetti scale the wall? Had they
+recognized him? These thoughts shot through the girl's agitated mind.
+She gave no attention to her own peril.
+
+The men came to a halt and stood silently by, waiting for the nuns to
+arrive. Horror was pictured on their aged countenances, and they stared
+at Monte-Cristo's daughter as if she had committed some heinous,
+unpardonable crime.
+
+The group of nuns speedily arrived, headed by Sister Agatha, who held an
+open letter in her hand. Zuleika gazed at this letter in silent dismay.
+It was hers, the one Giovanni had written her! How had it got into
+Sister Agatha's possession? She mechanically felt in her bosom where she
+had secreted it, as she thought, safely. Her hand touched only the empty
+envelope. The note must have fallen upon the floor of the school-room
+and been found by some malicious pupil, who, after reading it and
+discovering its compromising contents, had surrendered it to the nun,
+thus divulging the weighty secret.
+
+Zuleika stood abashed and terror-stricken. No chance of escape now. No
+chance for deception had she wished to essay it. The letter told the
+whole story, and the proof of its truth was furnished, for was she not
+at the appointed rendezvous, and was it not probable that the men and
+the nuns had seen Giovanni quit her and scale the garden wall?
+
+The nuns looked as horrified as the old servants, but they were more to
+be dreaded; they possessed the power of reprimanding and punishing, and
+what punishment would they think too severe in this extreme case? Sister
+Agatha spoke. Her tone was milder than Zuleika had expected.
+
+"Oh! mademoiselle," she said, reproachfully, "what is this? A meeting
+with a lover, and within these holy precincts dedicated to celibacy,
+chastity and sacred things! What will your father, the Count of
+Monte-Cristo, say when your conduct is reported to him? You are young,
+and allowance must be made for youthful blood and passionate impulses;
+but still you have done wrong, very wrong! Is this man, who signs
+himself Giovanni and who just left you, your betrothed?"
+
+"He is," murmured Zuleika, blushing and holding down her head.
+
+"With your father's permission, mademoiselle?"
+
+"My father does not object to him," replied the girl evasively.
+
+"In that case your fault is not so great as I at first supposed," said
+the nun. "You are pardonable for receiving the man, who, with your
+father's consent, is in time to become your husband; but, nevertheless,
+in meeting him within the convent grounds you are censurable for lack of
+discipline, and also for conniving at a breach of our rule which
+excludes all male visitors, save parents or guardians."
+
+Zuleika bowed her head in submission.
+
+"The punishment," continued Sister Agatha, "shall be as light as
+possible, however, if you have never before met this man within the
+convent grounds."
+
+"I have never met him here before," said Zuleika, "and I only met him in
+this instance because--because--"
+
+She hesitated and burst into tears.
+
+"Because what, my poor child?" asked the nun, kindly.
+
+"Because I love him so, and because I was afraid, if I did not meet him,
+in his desperation he would seek me out in face of you all!"
+
+"Have you ever written to him since you have been in this school?"
+
+"Never!"
+
+"Has he ever written to you before?"
+
+"You hold his first letter to me in your hand!"
+
+"How was this letter delivered, by what means did it reach you?"
+
+Her face one mass of crimson, trembling from head to foot, Zuleika told
+the whole story of her adventure at noon that day. How she had strayed
+from her companions without any definite intention; how she had seated
+herself within the screening branches of the elm to meditate; how she
+had heard the singular noise in the chestnut tree, and, finally, how the
+letter, fastened to a stone, had come fluttering over the wall and
+fallen at her feet.
+
+The nuns glanced at each other, horrified and amazed at the audacity of
+the young Italian.
+
+"Zuleika," said Sister Agatha, "I told you your punishment should be as
+light as possible. You have been exposed and reprimanded; the blush of
+shame has been brought to your cheek! This, I think, is penalty
+sufficient for a first offense, considering also that it was, in a
+measure, forced upon you. But beware of a second infraction of our
+rules! Now, return to your companions."
+
+So it happened that Zuleika suffered but slightly for the imprudence and
+headlong devotion of her lover. Fearing gossip, the Sisterhood of the
+Sacred Heart suppressed the matter, and the Count of Monte-Cristo never
+heard of it. Zuleika expected ridicule from her companions, but the
+warm-blooded, romantic Italian girls, instead of ridiculing her, looked
+upon her as a heroine and envied her the possession of a lover daring
+and devoted enough to scale the wall of a convent garden.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A STORMY INTERVIEW.
+
+
+When Captain Joliette entered the dressing-room of Mlle. d' Armilly,
+after quitting the Count of Monte-Cristo at the Apollo Theatre on the
+sudden termination of the performance of "Lucrezia Borgia," he found the
+prima donna lying upon a sofa and slowly recovering from the effects of
+her swoon. Her maid and the ladies of the company, the latter still in
+their stage attire, were giving her every attention. It was a strange
+and somewhat grotesque scene--a real drama with theatrical surroundings.
+The blazing lights, enclosed by their wire spheres, threw a ruddy glare
+upon the faces of those present, making them appear weird and witch-like
+in their paint and powder. On chairs and tables lay Mlle. d' Armilly's
+changes of dress for the performance and her street garments, while upon
+a broad shelf in front of a mirror were the various mysterious articles
+used in her make-up--rouge, grease-paint, poudre de riz, etc., together
+with brushes and numerous camel's hair pencils. A basin filled with
+water stood on a washstand, and on the floor was the pitcher, in company
+with a heterogeneous collection of stage and street boots belonging to
+the eminent songstress. The director of the theatre was standing
+anxiously beside the suffering prima donna, mentally calculating the
+chances of her ability to appear the following night. Leon d' Armilly
+was walking back and forth in the small apartment, wringing his hands
+and shedding tears like a woman, while at the open door lounged the
+tenor and baritone of the troupe, their countenances wearing the usual
+listless expression of veteran opera singers who, from long habit, are
+thoroughly accustomed to the indispositions and caprices of prima donnas
+and consider them as incidental to the profession.
+
+As Captain Joliette came in, Leon ran to him and exclaimed amid his
+tears:
+
+"Oh! how could you bring that odious man to your box! See how the very
+sight of him has affected my poor sister!"
+
+At these words Mlle. d' Armilly roused herself and, springing to her
+feet, faced the young soldier in a fit of uncontrollable rage.
+
+"How dare you," she cried, her eyes flashing and her voice tremulous
+with anger, "come here, to me, after what has occurred to-night!"
+
+"I was not aware, Louise," answered he, apologetically, "that you had
+such a terrible aversion to the Count of Monte-Cristo."
+
+"The Count of Monte-Cristo!" exclaimed the director. "Was he in the
+house this evening? What an honor!"
+
+The irate prima donna flashed upon him a terrible glance.
+
+"If you consider it an honor to have that monster in your theatre," she
+fairly hissed, "I will sing for you no more!"
+
+The humiliated director walked away without making a reply. He deemed
+it the part of wisdom not to embroil himself with an eminent artiste who
+was capable of bringing him in so much money, and who also was capable,
+he thought, of breaking her engagement if she saw fit to do so. He,
+therefore, left the dressing-room. The others, seeing that Mlle. d'
+Armilly was evidently about to have a hot dispute with her admirer and
+that she was sufficiently restored to need no further care, also quitted
+the apartment.
+
+When they were alone, the prima donna turned fiercely upon the Captain,
+exclaiming:
+
+"And you profess to love me, too! Was it love that induced you to bring
+my worst enemy here to-night? It was hatred rather! Captain Joliette,
+you hate me!"
+
+"You know I do not, Louise," said the young soldier, warmly. "You know I
+love you to desperation!"
+
+"Why then was the so-called Count of Monte-Cristo in your box?"
+
+"I was not aware that you knew him; indeed, I felt convinced that he was
+a total stranger to you, and his conduct to-night tended to confirm that
+conviction. He looked at you without the slightest sign of recognition;
+and so far from being your enemy is he that he gave you louder and more
+enthusiastic applause than any other man in the entire theatre."
+
+"It is his art, Captain Joliette! I tell you that man is as cunning as a
+serpent and as remorseless as a tiger. Only this morning he sought to
+gain access to me, with what iniquitous motive I know not; but I
+returned his letter, with an answer that must have galled his pride to
+the quick!"
+
+"I saw that answer," said the Captain. "Monte-Cristo showed it to me
+himself at his residence, the Palazzo Costi."
+
+"What!" cried Mlle. d' Armilly, with augmented anger. "You saw it, read
+my very words, and yet brought him to your box?"
+
+"Listen, Louise, and be reasonable. He told me that your name seemed
+familiar to him and yet he could not recall where or under what
+circumstances he had heard it. He was astonished at the tone of your
+reply to his formal and, I must say, very civil note. I was sure there
+must be some mistake on your part, that you had confounded him with some
+other person. I had gone to the Palazzo Costi expressly to invite him to
+hear you sing, to have such a great man present and assist at your
+triumph! I felt proud of you, Louise, proud of you as an artiste and as
+a woman, and I wanted my friend of friends to share my exalted
+appreciation of you. Such were the reasons that induced me to bring him
+to my box to-night, and, surely, if I committed an error, I deserve
+pardon for my motives!"
+
+"I will never pardon you, be your motives what they may!" cried Mlle. d'
+Armilly, vindictively. "His presence ruined the performance and
+disgraced me, me, Louise d' Armilly, in the eyes of all Rome!"
+
+The Captain stood speechless, appalled by her fury. White with rage, her
+eyes flashing and her bosom heaving, she looked like some beautiful
+demon.
+
+"I would have triumphed as usual had he not been here," she continued,
+furiously and bitterly, "and to-morrow the Eternal City would have been
+at my feet, I would have been an acknowledged queen, nay, even greater
+than any sovereign alive, but now I have failed and am nothing! Captain
+Joliette, for all this you are to blame, and yet you think you deserve
+pardon for your motives! Why, man, you are worse than an idiot! No, I
+will never pardon you, never!"
+
+She strode about the dressing-room as she spoke, her small, white hands
+working as if ready to tear the young soldier to pieces. Joliette
+watched her for an instant and then said:
+
+"You are a singular creature, Louise, a problem that I must admit I
+cannot solve. What is the Count of Monte-Cristo to you that you swoon at
+the mere sight of him? You certainly could not have been in any way
+associated with his past life, have suffered from the signal vengeance
+he took upon his enemies years ago!"
+
+Mlle. d' Armilly paused suddenly in her excited walk, and, seizing the
+Captain by the arm with so strong a clutch that a thrill of pain shot
+through him, cried, menacingly:
+
+"If you dare to mention Monte-Cristo's fiendish vengeance to me again, I
+will banish you forever from my presence!"
+
+At that moment one of the officials of the theatre appeared at the
+dressing-room door.
+
+"A note for mademoiselle," said he, bowing profoundly.
+
+The prima donna took the missive from the man and glanced at the
+address upon the envelope. As she did so, she knitted her brows and
+cried out:
+
+"His handwriting! Another insult! I will not read it!"
+
+The official withdrew in confusion.
+
+"Whose handwriting?" asked Joliette, his curiosity and jealousy
+simultaneously excited. Mlle. d' Armilly had frequently referred to her
+numerous admirers and the letters she received from them, and the
+Captain naturally jumped to the conclusion that this note had been sent
+by some ardent Roman suitor. He considered the artiste's exclamation and
+assumption of displeasure as mere artful tricks designed to deceive him.
+
+"Whose handwriting?" repeated Mlle. d' Armilly; scornfully. "Must I
+explain everything to you?"
+
+The young man had borne all his companion in her anger had heaped upon
+him with comparative equanimity, but he could not bear the idea of a
+rival, the very thought was torture.
+
+"Louise," he pleaded, "let me see that letter, let me read it."
+
+"What! Must you needs examine my private correspondence! Captain
+Joliette, you are going too far! You have done enough to-night, without
+adding insult to injury!"
+
+"I did not seek to injure you, Louise, God knows! Neither do I wish to
+insult you; but that letter I must and will read!"
+
+"You talk as if I were already your wife and slave. Adopt another and
+less authoritative tone, monsieur. Captain Joliette, you are not yet my
+husband!"
+
+"Would that I were and were sure of your love, Louise! The continual
+uncertainty in which you keep me is insupportable! You refuse to let me
+read that letter?"
+
+The young man, in his turn, began to pace the dressing-room excitedly,
+his jealous suspicions growing stronger and stronger.
+
+Mlle. d' Armilly gazed at him triumphantly. She was proud of the vast
+influence she exercised over this brave and manly warrior. He would
+stand unmoved before the cannon's mouth, but she could make him quail
+and tremble!
+
+"You refuse to let me read that letter?" he repeated.
+
+"What if I do not refuse?" said she, in a softer tone.
+
+"You will make me a very happy man!"
+
+"Then read it, for I will not! Thus I show my contempt for its miserable
+and cowardly author!"
+
+She crumpled the note in her hand and cast it on the floor. Then she
+placed her foot upon it.
+
+Joliette stooped and took it from beneath her boot. He straightened out
+the envelope, opened it, removed the missive and read as follows:
+
+"The Count of Monte-Cristo presents his respects to Mlle. d' Armilly,
+and begs leave to express his deep regret that his presence in Captain
+Joliette's box was the cause of such a grave catastrophe. He is utterly
+at a loss to realize why Mlle. d' Armilly should entertain so profound
+an aversion for him, and why the sight of him should so seriously affect
+her. If Mlle. d' Armilly would condescend to explain, he would regard it
+as a special favor. He trusts that Captain Joliette will in nowise be
+blamed for what has occurred, as that gentleman, when he invited the
+Count to share his box, was as thoroughly convinced as the Count himself
+that Mlle. d' Armilly did not know and would not recognize him."
+
+As Joliette read the last lines that so completely cleared him, he could
+not suppress an exclamation of joy.
+
+"Louise," he cried, "the Count of Monte-Cristo has written to exculpate
+me!"
+
+"Indeed!" replied the prima donna, contemptuously.
+
+"Yes; he also apologizes to you and asks you to explain why the sight of
+him so seriously affects you."
+
+"He asks an explanation, does he?" cried Mlle. d' Armilly, her anger
+resuming sway. "He shall never have one!"
+
+"But you will pardon me, as you see I am altogether blameless?"
+
+"I will hold your pardon under advisement, Captain. My action towards
+you will be greatly influenced by your future conduct in regard to the
+wretch who calls himself Monte-Cristo!"
+
+"You surely do not wish me to cast him off, to shun him?"
+
+"Do you prefer him to me?"
+
+"I love you, Louise, love you better than anything or anybody else in
+the whole world! But I greatly esteem the Count of Monte-Cristo. There
+are ties between us that you do not understand."
+
+"I do not care to understand them. I have told you that this man is my
+enemy. That should be sufficient for you. My lover and my enemy cannot
+be friends. Choose between us!"
+
+"Would you have me quarrel with him?"
+
+"Quarrel with him? Yes; and not only that! I would have you fight him,
+kill him!"
+
+The young man stood aghast. He was totally unprepared for this
+explosion, this savage, vindictive demand.
+
+"Fight him, kill him, Louise! You cannot, you do not mean what you say!"
+
+"Am I in the habit of using idle words?"
+
+"Louise, Louise, I entreat you, do not impose such horrible conditions
+upon me!"
+
+"Are you afraid of Monte-Cristo?"
+
+"I am afraid of no man living, Louise; but I cannot challenge
+Monte-Cristo to a duel even for you!"
+
+"Then you refuse to protect, to champion me?"
+
+"Oh! Louise, how can you speak thus! I would gladly shed every drop of
+blood in my veins for you, gladly lay down my life for you, but do not
+ask me to lift a hand against the Count of Monte-Cristo!"
+
+The beautiful woman looked at the energetic speaker haughtily and
+discontentedly. She was not a little disappointed. She had thought her
+influence over her suitor unbounded, but now it appeared that it had
+its limits. She, however, did not despair. Well knowing the wonderful
+fascination she possessed for men, she determined to bring all its
+batteries to bear upon Captain Joliette. She was bent on wreaking a
+terrible vengeance upon the Count of Monte-Cristo for some mysterious
+injury he had inflicted on her in the past, an injury in regard to which
+she refused to be communicative even to her accepted lover, and was
+resolved that Joliette should give the highest proof of his devotion to
+her by becoming the instrument of that vengeance.
+
+With the shrewdness of an experienced woman of the world, she readily
+saw that a special effort would be required on her part to bend the
+gallant soldier to her will and compel him to execute her inexorable
+purpose. She would make that special effort and, in making it, would
+render herself so captivating, so enticing, so desirable that Joliette
+could not fail to be intoxicated with her charms and fascinations. Then
+under the mad sway of his blind passion, excited to the utmost, he would
+be ready to do anything for her, anything, even to the commission of a
+crime, even to shedding the blood of his dearest friend!
+
+At this juncture Mlle. d' Armilly, turning from the Captain as if in
+high displeasure, for it was an important part of her plan to assume a
+certain degree of coldness towards him at first, touched a bell and
+immediately her brother Leon and her maid appeared.
+
+"Franchette," she said, addressing the latter, "assist me with my street
+toilet. I have sufficiently recovered to return to the Hotel de France."
+
+Unmindful of the presence of the Captain and Leon, the designing prima
+donna at once began to remove the costume she had worn during the opera.
+The maid aided her in this operation with the outward impassibility of
+theatrical servants, though she imperceptibly smiled as she realized
+that this display of her mistress' personal charms was made solely for
+the purpose of rendering the young soldier still more the slave of that
+artful siren.
+
+As Mlle. d' Armilly stood in her corset and clinging skirts of spotless
+white that delicately outlined her faultless shape, her fine throat,
+shoulders and arms displaying their glowing brilliancy, Captain Joliette
+gazed at her like one entranced. Never in all his life, he thought, had
+he looked upon a woman so thoroughly beautiful, so goddess-like. She was
+as perfect as a painting of Venus, and a thousand times more lovely for
+being alive. He held his breath as he saw her bosom palpitate and felt
+that he would give all he possessed in the world to call her his own, to
+be with her forever.
+
+Leon seemed somewhat abashed by his sister's proceeding and blushed like
+a girl, the crimson tide giving his countenance a beauty altogether
+feminine.
+
+The toilet operation completed, Mlle. d' Armilly surveyed herself
+triumphantly in the mirror. She was well aware that she had riveted her
+chains very tightly upon her lover, but, for all that, she could tell
+only by actual experiment if he were sufficiently under her dominion to
+accede to her wishes concerning the Count of Monte-Cristo. Hence she
+determined to make that experiment without delay, ere cool reflection
+had come to the dazzled warrior's aid and enabled him to realize that a
+trap had been laid for him.
+
+Quitting the mirror, she went to Captain Joliette's side and, placing
+her hand on his arm, as she threw into his eyes all the magnetism of her
+glance, said, in a dulcet tone:
+
+"Will you accompany me to the hotel, Captain?"
+
+The young man joyously assented, and soon an elegant equipage was
+bearing him swiftly towards the prima donna's apartments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ANNUNZIATA SOLARA.
+
+
+It was a bright, warm afternoon in spring, and the Piazza del Popolo,
+Rome's great promenade, was crowded with gay pleasure-seekers of both
+sexes, while the Corso and the two other principal thoroughfares
+diverging from this extensive public square were also thronged with
+young and old. The trees were covered with fresh green foliage, and
+multitudes of blooming flowers adorned the Piazza and the windows of the
+adjacent palaces and humble dwellings. Sounds of joy and mirth were
+heard on every side, while now and then strains of soft music were
+audible. It was truly a most inspiring scene of light and life.
+Flirtations were frequent between beautiful dark-visaged girls, with
+hair and eyes like night, in their picturesque attire, and manly-looking
+youthful gallants, while here and there sullen and sombre glances spoke
+of jealousy as fierce as fire, hinting of marital vengeance and love
+tragedies characteristic of the hot-blooded, impetuous Italians.
+
+In the midst of the throng on the Piazza two youths were strolling, arm
+in arm. They were the Viscount Giovanni Massetti and Esperance, the son
+of Monte-Cristo. Fast friends they seemed, and gayly they chatted as
+they passed leisurely along. Their spirits were in full harmony with
+the animated scene around them, and they were evidently not insensible
+to the charms of the many pretty maidens they encountered and upon whom
+they cast admiring glances.
+
+Suddenly a peasant girl of dazzling beauty appeared in the Piazza very
+near them. She was apparently about seventeen, glowing with sturdy
+health, her full cheeks the hue of the red rose. Her sleeves, rolled
+above the elbows, displayed perfect arms that would have been the envy
+of a sculptor. Her feet were bare and her short skirts afforded dazzling
+glimpses of finely turned ankles and limbs of almost faultless form. Her
+face had a cheery and agreeable expression, not unmixed with piquant
+archness and a sort of dainty, bewitching coquetry. She was a
+flower-girl, and was vending bouquets from a basket jauntily borne on
+one arm. She addressed herself glibly to the young men she met, offering
+her wares so demurely and modestly that she seldom failed in finding
+appreciation and liberal customers. There was not even a suspicion of
+boldness or sauciness about her, but she had that entire self-possession
+engendered by thorough familiarity with her somewhat risky and perilous
+vocation.
+
+Giovanni and Esperance caught sight of her simultaneously. Both were
+struck by her appearance and demeanor, to which her gaudy but neat and
+clean peasant costume gave additional eclat.
+
+"What a handsome girl!" exclaimed Esperance, involuntarily.
+
+"A divinity!" replied the Viscount, excitedly.
+
+Then they glanced at each other and laughed, evidently rather ashamed
+of the admiration they had so enthusiastically expressed.
+
+"Her first words, however, will scatter the illusion to the winds," said
+Esperance, cynically. "She is, no doubt, as ignorant as she is pretty."
+
+"Quite likely," rejoined Giovanni. "The outside beauty of these peasant
+girls generally conceals much internal coarseness, not to say
+depravity."
+
+They were about pursuing their way, when the girl advanced, offering
+them her bouquets. Her voice was so sweet, so melodious, so deliciously
+modulated, that the young men paused in spite of themselves. She stood
+in a most graceful attitude, her parted coral lips exhibiting teeth as
+white and glittering as pearls. A subtile magnetism seemed to exhale
+from her that was not without its influence upon the two youths.
+Besides, her words did not betoken that ignorance alluded to by
+Esperance or that depravity the Viscount had spoken of.
+
+"Buy some bouquets for your fair sweethearts, signors," she said. "They
+will gladden their hearts, for the perfume speaks of love!"
+
+"Love!" exclaimed Giovanni, smiling at her earnestness and poetic
+language. "What do you know of love?"
+
+"Ah! signor," she answered, blushing deeply and averting her eyes, "what
+girl does not know of love! Even the meanest peasant feels the arrow of
+the little blind god!"
+
+The young men were amused and interested. Though belonging to the lower
+class, this poor flower-girl had certainly received some education and
+was endowed with a fair share of the finer feelings. Esperance felt
+attracted towards her, and Giovanni experienced a fascination not
+difficult to account for. Separated from Zuleika, filled with a lover's
+despair, the ardent Viscount was not averse to a little flirtation, more
+or less innocent. Here was his opportunity; he would cultivate this
+romantic and handsome girl's acquaintance. Where was the harm? He did
+not design being unfaithful to Zuleika, and this piquant peasant would
+be none the worse for brightening some of his sad hours. No doubt she
+was accessible and would welcome such a diversion, especially as he
+would pour gold liberally into her lap.
+
+"I will buy some flowers of you, my girl," he said, encouragingly.
+
+"Here is a beautiful bouquet, signor," said the girl, smiling joyously
+at the prospect of making a profitable sale, and handing him a
+magnificent selection of fragrant buds and bloom.
+
+Giovanni took the bouquet and, at the same time, gently pressed the
+girl's taper fingers. They were soft and velvety to his touch. A
+delightful thrill shot through him at the contact. The flower-girl
+evinced no displeasure. Clearly she was accustomed to such advances. The
+Viscount slipped a gold coin of considerable value into her hand, again
+experiencing the delightful thrill.
+
+"This is too much, signor," said the girl, looking at the coin, "and I
+have not the change. You must wait a moment until I get it."
+
+"Never mind the change," answered Giovanni. "Keep the whole."
+
+The girl looked astonished at such liberality, then a joyous smile
+overspread her beautiful visage.
+
+"Oh! thank you, thank you ever so much, signor," she said, effusively,
+the color deepening on her tempting cheeks. Giovanni with difficulty
+restrained himself from kissing them.
+
+"What is your name, my girl?" he asked, as she moved to depart.
+
+"Annunziata Solara, signor," she replied, surprised that such a question
+should be asked her.
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"In the country, just beyond the Trastavere."
+
+"Do you live alone?"
+
+"No; with my father, Pasquale Solara."
+
+"What is his occupation?"
+
+"He is a shepherd, signor."
+
+The girl bowed to the two young men and, with a glance at Giovanni that
+set his blood tingling in his veins, passed on and was speedily lost in
+the throng of promenaders.
+
+Esperance, who had watched this scene with amused curiosity, broke into
+a hearty laugh as the Viscount turned towards him with something very
+like a sigh.
+
+"Giovanni," said he, "the pretty Annunziata Solara has bewitched you!"
+
+"Not quite so much as that, Esperance," replied the young Italian. "But
+she is a glorious creature, isn't she?"
+
+"Yes, as far as looks go; but all is not gold that glitters, and this
+fair Annunziata may turn out a perfect fiend or fury upon a closer
+acquaintance!"
+
+Giovanni gave his friend a glance of reproach.
+
+"Do not insult her with such wretched insinuations," he replied, warmly.
+
+Esperance smiled and said:
+
+"You are smitten with her, that's plain!"
+
+"I am not, but I admire her as I would anything beautiful."
+
+"Put it as you please. At any rate, you will hardly be likely to see her
+again. She was a vision and has faded."
+
+"But I do not intend to lose sight of her."
+
+"You do not mean to say that you design seeking her out?"
+
+"That is exactly what I mean to say."
+
+Esperance looked at his friend quizzically and, at the same time,
+uneasily.
+
+"When do you design seeking her out?"
+
+"This very night."
+
+"In the Trastavere?"
+
+"No. You did not hear her aright. She said she lived in the country,
+just beyond the Trastavere. I will seek her there."
+
+"What! Alone?"
+
+"Alone."
+
+"Beware, Giovanni! Her bright eyes may lead you into danger! How do you
+know that she has not some fierce brigand lover, who will meet you with
+a stiletto?"
+
+"Nonsense! Your fears are childish!"
+
+"I am not so sure of that. The country beyond the Trastavere is
+infested by daring robbers, who would not hesitate to seize you and hold
+you for a ransom. Only the other day the notorious Luigi Vampa performed
+just such an exploit, exacting a very large sum for the release of his
+prisoner, who was a wealthy nobleman like yourself."
+
+"I will take the chances!"
+
+"You are mad!"
+
+"I am not. I have no fear of brigands. They would not dare to lay even a
+finger upon a Massetti!"
+
+The young Viscount drew himself up proudly as he spoke. He believed the
+power of his family invincible.
+
+Esperance was at a total loss to understand the firm hold this sudden
+infatuation had taken upon his friend. Of course, he fully comprehended
+the influence of female beauty over hot, headstrong youth, and he
+acknowledged to himself that Annunziata was really very beautiful and
+alluring; still, she was not more so than hosts of other girls who would
+be glad to win a smile from the Viscount Massetti at almost any price,
+and whose pursuit would be altogether unattended with danger. It was
+well known that the shrewd brigands frequently sent handsome young women
+to Rome to entice their prey to them, and might not Annunziata Solara,
+with all her apparent demureness, be one of those dangerous Delilahs?
+
+After several further attempts to dissuade the Viscount from the rash
+venture he had decided upon making, all of which were vain, Esperance
+resolved that his impetuous friend should not go alone that night in
+quest of the fascinating Annunziata. He would follow him unseen and
+endeavor to protect him should the necessity arise. He knew the
+Viscount's nature too thoroughly to propose accompanying him, as such a
+proposition would undoubtedly be received with scorn, if not as an
+absolute insult. He would, however, keep track of him and, if all went
+well, Massetti would be none the wiser. If, on the contrary, his aid
+should be needed, he could come forward and give it. In that event,
+gratitude on the Viscount's part would prevent him from demanding an
+explanation of his presence.
+
+Meanwhile the young men had continued their stroll and had passed from
+the Piazza del Popolo to the Corso. Giovanni was taciturn and moody. He
+looked straight ahead, failing to notice the gayly attired beauties
+thronging that great thoroughfare, who at ordinary times would have
+engrossed his attention. Not so with Esperance; he admired the vivacious
+ladies on the sidewalk or in their handsome carriages drawn by spirited
+horses. Now and then he recognized an acquaintance among them and bowed,
+but Giovanni recognized no one. He seemed plunged in a reverie that
+nothing could break. Scarcely did he reply to Esperance's occasional
+remarks, and when he did so it was with the air of a man whose thoughts
+are far away.
+
+At the broad portico of the magnificent Palazzo Massetti, Esperance, the
+son of Monte-Cristo bade his friend farewell. As he turned to depart, he
+said:
+
+"Is your determination still unaltered, do you yet intend to seek
+Annunziata Solara in the country beyond the Trastavere?"
+
+Giovanni glanced at him keenly, as he replied, somewhat impatiently:
+
+"My determination is unaltered. I shall seek her!"
+
+"To-night?"
+
+"To-night!"
+
+Esperance said nothing further, but departed, full of sad forebodings.
+He felt a premonition of evil, and was certain that his infatuated
+friend would meet with some dire mishap during the romantic and
+hazardous expedition of that night. It was now quite late, and the young
+man hurriedly bent his steps towards the Palazzo Costi, maturing his
+plan as he walked along. He would inform the Count of Monte-Cristo that
+he had been invited to accompany some friends on a pleasure excursion,
+requesting his permission to absent himself from Rome for a few days.
+This permission obtained, he would assume the garb of an Italian
+peasant, make his way to the Ponte St. Angelo and there, in the shadow
+of the bridge, await the coming of the Viscount Massetti. When the
+latter had passed his place of concealment, he would follow him at a
+distance, keeping him in view and watching him closely.
+
+Monte-Cristo made no objection to his son's proposed absence, and the
+young man, after a hasty supper, hurried to his sleeping chamber, where
+he soon assumed a peasant's dress he had worn at a recent masquerade.
+Stepping in front of a toilet mirror, he applied a stain to his face,
+giving it the color of that of a sunburnt tiller of the fields. When his
+disguise was completed, he surveyed himself triumphantly in the glass.
+Even his father could not have recognized him, so radically had he
+altered his appearance.
+
+Gaining the street by a private door without being observed, he was
+speedily at the bridge. As he stepped into the shadow of one of the
+abutments, he heard the great clock of the Vatican strike seven. It was
+twilight, but everything around him was as plainly visible as in broad
+day. He glanced in every direction. No sign of Giovanni. Had the ardent
+young Viscount already crossed the Tiber?
+
+He thought not, and waited patiently for a quarter of an hour. Still no
+sign. Then he began to grow anxious. Massetti had certainly passed over
+the bridge and he had missed him. He waited a few minutes longer,
+devoured by impatience and anxiety. At last he reached the conclusion
+that Giovanni had preceded him, had gone on alone, unprotected. He must
+have done so; otherwise he would certainly have appeared ere this. The
+thought was torture. To what unknown, what deadly perils was he exposing
+himself amid the marshes without the city walls? But perhaps he had not
+yet left the city walls behind him! A ray of hope came to Esperance. If
+Massetti were still within the limits of the Trastavere, he might by
+using due speed overtake him! He would make the attempt at any rate. As
+he formed this resolution, he emerged from the shadow of the abutment.
+At that instant a man came upon the bridge and passed him. He passed so
+closely that they almost touched, uttering a suppressed oath at finding
+an intruder in his path. His pace was rapid, so rapid that he was soon
+far away. He had not even looked at Esperance, and it seemed to the
+latter that he had endeavored to conceal his face. The man was of
+Giovanni's size and had Giovanni's bearing, but there the resemblance
+ended. He was certainly a peasant; his attire betokened it; besides, his
+countenance, of which Esperance had caught a glimpse, was rough and
+tanned. The son of Monte-Cristo felt a pang of keen disappointment; then
+he glanced at his own garments, thought of his own stained visage, and a
+revelation came to him like a flash of lightning--the man was
+Giovanni--Giovanni in disguise! He hurriedly looked after his retiring
+figure; it was now but a mere speck in the distance, scarcely
+discernible in the fading twilight. He started swiftly in pursuit,
+almost running across the bridge. After a hot and weary chase, he at
+length gained so much on the object of his solicitude that he was as
+near as he deemed it prudent to approach. He was now sure that the man
+ahead of him was the Viscount Massetti.
+
+Esperance paused a second to recover his breath; then he went on at a
+slower pace. The pursued had not discovered the pursuit; he trudged
+along steadily and sturdily, never once looking back. Thus the two men
+crossed the Trastavere, and each in turn, emerging from a gate in the
+wall of the Leonine City, passed out into the marshy country beyond.
+They had not gone very far, when Esperance saw Giovanni suddenly give a
+start; at the same time he heard a loud, harsh voice cry out:
+
+"In the name of Luigi Vampa, halt!"
+
+Straining his eyes, Esperance finally succeeded in piercing the
+semi-darkness of the surroundings, and perceived a gigantic ruffian, who
+wore a black mask, standing in the centre of the road and presenting a
+pistol at the head of the man he had every reason to believe was
+Giovanni Massetti.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE POWER OF A NAME.
+
+
+The young Viscount, for it was, indeed, he whom the gigantic masked
+brigand had halted, was staggered for an instant by this unlooked for
+interruption of his journey in pursuit of the beautiful flower-girl. He
+gazed at the huge ruffian in front of him first in bewilderment and then
+in anger. The robber calmly continued to cover him with his pistol; as
+Giovanni made a movement with his hand towards a stiletto he wore at the
+belt of his peasant's dress, the man's quick eye detected his intention
+and he exclaimed, in a rough tone of command:
+
+"Touch that stiletto and I will blow your brains out!"
+
+The Viscount dropped his hand; he was as brave as a lion, but the bandit
+had the advantage of him and, courageous as he was, he instantly
+recognized the folly of disregarding his warning. His rage and
+indignation, however, were too great for him to control. He cried to his
+stalwart adversary:
+
+"Why do you stop a poor peasant from whom you can obtain nothing?"
+
+"You are not a poor peasant, signor!"
+
+"I am not, eh? Well, search me and see!"
+
+"You are neither a poor peasant, signor, nor any peasant at all! I have
+seen you too often in Rome to be deceived by the flimsy disguise you
+wear so unnaturally! I know you! You are the Viscount Giovanni
+Massetti!"
+
+"Well, what if I am?" retorted the young man, sharply. "The fact will
+not benefit you or any member of your accursed and cowardly band!"
+
+"Have a care how you talk, signor!" exclaimed the bandit, threateningly.
+"Insolence to your captors may cost you more than you would be willing
+to pay!"
+
+"Indeed?"
+
+"Yes; I mean exactly what I say. It may cost you your life!"
+
+Giovanni glared at the brigand with unflinching eyes. He returned threat
+for threat.
+
+"Take my life, if you will," he said. "It would be the worst piece of
+work you have ever done!"
+
+"May I ask why, signor?"
+
+"It would raise my family against you and the result could not fail to
+be your extermination!"
+
+The man laughed loudly, and caustically replied:
+
+"You are joking! What can your family do against Luigi Vampa and his
+comrades, who have long been countenanced by the highest authority!"
+
+This was the climax of insult, and Giovanni, driven to the highest pitch
+of fury, unable longer to control himself, tore his stiletto from its
+sheath and, raising it aloft, made a frantic dash at the gigantic
+brigand. Instantly the latter fired. Giovanni dropped his weapon; his
+right arm fell useless at his side.
+
+Esperance meanwhile had not been idle. His excitement was intense, and
+with it was mingled terrible fear for the safety of his friend.
+Nevertheless, he eventually succeeded in sufficiently calming and
+collecting himself to form a plan of action and put it in execution. He
+had provided himself with a pistol, which he had freshly charged prior
+to his departure from the Palazzo Costi. He drew this weapon from its
+place of concealment at the first intimation of danger, noiselessly
+cocking it. The road was skirted with tall thick bushes from which
+projected a fringe of heavy shadows. Along this dark fringe Esperance
+stole with cautious tread towards the huge bandit, as soon as he
+perceived him standing in the centre of the highway and noted his
+threatening attitude. As he stealthily advanced, the moon suddenly rose,
+flooding the scene with its silvery light. Its rays, however, did not
+disturb the line of skirting shadows, and Esperance passed on unseen.
+When the brigand fired he was very near him. Seeing Giovanni's arm fall
+and realizing that he was wounded, the son of Monte-Cristo promptly
+raised his weapon and, covering the gigantic ruffian, discharged it
+directly at his heart. Blood gushed from the man's breast. He sank to
+the ground, where he lay quivering convulsively; in another instant he
+expired without even uttering a groan.
+
+Giovanni, whose arm was badly shattered and who was suffering frightful
+pain, stood speechless with amazement at this sudden, unexpected
+intervention in his favor. Esperance instantly sprang to his side. The
+young Italian stared at him as if he had been an apparition from the
+other world. He failed to recognize him in his peasant's dress, with his
+stained visage.
+
+"Who are you?" he gasped, as soon as he was able to find words.
+
+"Do you not know me?" asked Esperance, astonished. In his excitement he
+had forgotten his disguise.
+
+"You are a stranger to me," replied the Viscount, "but my gratitude is
+none the less on that account. You have rescued me from captivity,
+perhaps saved my life!"
+
+"I am no stranger, Giovanni. I am your friend, Esperance."
+
+"What! Esperance in that dress, with that sunburnt countenance! I
+thought your voice had a strangely familiar sound, but your disguise
+proved too complete for me to penetrate it!"
+
+These words recalled to the mind of the son of Monte-Cristo the changes
+he had made in his appearance. No wonder that Viscount had failed to
+recognize him!
+
+"Why did you disguise yourself, and how came you here at this critical
+juncture?" demanded Giovanni, after a pause.
+
+"I disguised myself that I might follow you without fear of detection.
+You would not listen to reason, and I determined to protect you during
+your rash adventure so far as might lie in my power."
+
+"From the bottom of my heart I thank you, Esperance. You are a brave as
+well as a devoted friend, fully worthy of your illustrious father! But
+how did you know me? I too, am disguised."
+
+"The fact of my own disguise enabled me to penetrate yours. I
+recognized you almost immediately after you passed me on the Ponte St.
+Angelo."
+
+"What! Were you the peasant I nearly ran down as I crossed the bridge?"
+
+"I was. But let us lose no more time; we have lost enough already.
+Besides, more of Luigi Vampa's band are probably prowling in the
+vicinity, and I imagine we both have had sufficient of the banditti for
+one night! Prudence dictates that we should return at once to Rome. With
+your shattered arm, you surely do not count upon continuing your search
+for the fair Annunziata at present?"
+
+"No; that is impossible, I regret to say. I will return with you to
+Rome."
+
+As the Viscount spoke a sudden tremor seized upon him, and he leaned on
+his friend's shoulder for support.
+
+"You are faint from loss of blood!" exclaimed Esperance, much alarmed.
+"How thoughtless in me not to bind up your wound!"
+
+Taking his handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped the blood from his
+friend's arm, carefully, tenderly bandaging the hurt; then he made a
+sling of Giovanni's handkerchief, placing the wounded member in it. The
+Viscount felt easier thus, though still somewhat faint.
+
+"You are quite a physician, Esperance," said he.
+
+"Not at all," replied the son of Monte-Cristo; "but my father taught me
+how to manage hurts; he said the knowledge would at some time be useful
+to me, and his words have proved true."
+
+"Your father is a wonderful man; he seems to think of everything, to
+provide for all contingencies. Thanks to the skill he imparted to you, I
+am now in a condition to start on the homeward journey."
+
+The young men turned their faces towards Rome, but scarcely had they
+taken a dozen steps when the road in front of them literally swarmed
+with rough-looking armed men, who effectually barred their progress. In
+an instant they were surrounded. Resistance was impossible; the two
+friends glanced at each other and about them in dismay. The new comers
+were evidently bandits, members of Luigi Vampa's desperate band.
+
+One of the miscreants, who appeared to be the leader and was very
+picturesquely attired, confronted Giovanni and Esperance. He had a
+pistol in his belt, but did not draw it.
+
+"You are my prisoners!" said he, in a tone of authority.
+
+"Who are you, and by what right do you detain us?" demanded Esperance,
+haughtily.
+
+"Who I am," replied the brigand, in a stern voice, "does not concern
+you. The right by which I detain you is the right of the strongest!"
+
+"We cannot oppose your will, however unreasonable and unjust," returned
+Esperance; "my friend is wounded and my pistol is discharged. We can
+only throw ourselves upon your mercy; but we are gentlemen in spite of
+our dress, and demand to be treated as such!"
+
+"How came your friend to be wounded and your pistol discharged?" asked
+the bandit, suspiciously.
+
+"My friend was attacked and I went to his assistance," answered
+Esperance.
+
+"You were in a fight, then," resumed the leader. Turning suddenly to his
+men, he asked: "Where is Ludovico?"
+
+"He went up the road half an hour since, and has not yet returned,"
+answered a short, thick-set young fellow, who seemed to be the leader's
+lieutenant.
+
+"Just like him," said the leader. "Always rash, always seeking
+adventures alone. I heard a pistol-shot some time back," he continued,
+looking menacingly at Esperance. "Perhaps Ludovico has been
+assassinated! If so, it shall go hard with his murderers! Let him be
+searched for."
+
+The short, thick-set lieutenant, accompanied by several of the band,
+immediately departed to obey the order.
+
+Esperance glanced anxiously at Giovanni. A new danger threatened them.
+The gigantic brigand who had been slain was, without doubt, this
+Ludovico. His body would be found and summary vengeance taken upon them.
+Giovanni also realized the additional peril; but neither of the young
+men gave the slightest evidence of fear; inwardly they resolved to face
+death stoically, to meet it without the quiver of a muscle.
+
+In a brief space the lieutenant and his companions returned; two of the
+men bore the corpse of the huge robber; they placed it on the grass by
+the roadside where the full moonlight streamed upon it, showing the
+wound in the breast and the garments saturated with blood. A frown
+contracted the leader's visage; he glanced at Esperance and the Viscount
+with a look of hate and rage; then, turning to the lieutenant, he said:
+
+"Well?"
+
+"We found Ludovico lying in the road a little distance from here,"
+replied the short, thick-set man, with a trace of emotion in his rough
+voice. "He was shot in the heart and had been dead for some time."
+
+The brigands had gathered about the prostrate form of their comrade;
+they seemed to be much affected by his fate; Ludovico was evidently a
+favorite.
+
+As soon as the leader had received his subordinate's report, he turned
+to the prisoners, asking, sternly:
+
+"Which of you murdered this man?"
+
+"No murder was committed," returned Esperance, indignantly. "The huge
+ruffian shot my friend, shattering his arm, as you see; he was killed as
+a measure of defence."
+
+"Your pistol is discharged," continued the leader, harshly; "that you
+have admitted; you killed Ludovico!"
+
+"I defended my friend, whom he had basely attacked," said Esperance,
+sullenly.
+
+"You killed this man? Yes or no!"
+
+"I killed him!"
+
+"Enough!" cried the leader, grinding his teeth. "You shall pay the
+penalty of your crime! Both of you shall die!"
+
+He motioned to his lieutenant and in an instant Esperance and Giovanni
+were securely bound. The young men read desperate resolution and fierce
+vengeance upon all the rough countenances around them. There was not the
+faintest glimmer of hope; death would be dealt out to them at once and
+in the most summary fashion. Indeed, nooses were already dangling from a
+couple of trees by the roadside, waiting to do their fell work. The
+sight of these dread preparations roused Giovanni. With flashing eyes,
+he faced the leader of the band.
+
+"Beware!" he cried. "If you murder us, you will have all Rome to deal
+with! We have told you we are gentlemen and not peasants. I am the
+Viscount Giovanni Massetti and my companion is the son of the famous
+Count of Monte-Cristo!"
+
+As the young Italian uttered these words, a new comer suddenly appeared
+upon the scene for whom all the rest made way. He was an intellectual
+looking man, unostentatiously attired in a peasant's garb.
+
+"Who spoke the name of the Count of Monte-Cristo?" demanded he.
+
+The leader silently pointed to Massetti, who instantly replied:
+
+"I spoke the name of the Count of Monte-Cristo, and he will surely take
+bitter vengeance upon you all for the murder of his son!"
+
+"His son?"
+
+"Yes, his son, who stands here at my side, ignobly bound and menaced
+with a shameful death!"
+
+The stranger turned to Esperance and examined him closely.
+
+"Are you the son of Monte-Cristo?" he asked, visibly agitated.
+
+"I am," answered Esperance, coldly.
+
+"Give me some token."
+
+"'Wait and hope!'"
+
+"His maxim!"
+
+"Ah! you recognize it. Do you also recognize this?"
+
+As he spoke the young man held up his left hand, and a magnificent
+diamond ring he wore flashed in the moonlight. The new comer took his
+hand and glanced at the jewel, one that the Count of Monte-Cristo had
+worn for years and which he had but a few days before presented to his
+son.
+
+"I am convinced," said the stranger. Then, turning to the leader, he
+said, in a tone of command: "Release these men!"
+
+"But they have slain Ludovico!"
+
+"Release them!" thundered the stranger. "Ludovico should have known
+better then to have interfered with _my_ friends!"
+
+He was instantly obeyed, and the two young men, greatly astonished,
+stood relieved of their bonds.
+
+"You are at liberty," continued the stranger, "and can resume your
+route. Say to the Count of Monte-Cristo that Luigi Vampa remembers his
+compact and is faithful to it!"
+
+As he spoke the notorious bandit chief gathered his men together, and
+the whole band vanished among the trees like so many spirits of the
+night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+IN THE PEASANT'S HUT.
+
+
+For a moment the two young men stood silent and astounded. So sudden had
+been the change from imminent peril to safety that they could hardly
+comprehend it. Luigi Vampa had come and gone like a flash, and both
+bandits and danger had been dispelled by the wonderful magic of
+Monte-Cristo's name. The brigand chief had styled Giovanni and Esperance
+his friends, and as such they knew the entire country in the vicinity of
+Rome was free to them; they could travel it by day or by night without
+fear of molestation. Esperance cared little for this, but Giovanni was
+elated by it, for it would enable him to seek out Annunziata Solara
+without risk of interruption or impediment. But what was the Count of
+Monte-Cristo's mysterious power? That was a question difficult, indeed,
+to answer. At any rate, even the fierce Luigi Vampa bowed to it, and it
+was as undisputed as it was strange.
+
+The Viscount Massetti was the first to realize the necessity of a rapid
+push for Rome. He was faint from loss of blood and excitement; besides,
+his shattered arm throbbed violently and gave him twinges of
+excruciating pain. He felt himself sinking and urged his friend to
+hasten. Esperance acquiesced, and, supporting the young Italian as best
+he could, they resumed the homeward journey. Scarcely a mile had been
+traversed, however, when Giovanni threw himself upon the sward at the
+foot of a great tree, declaring that it was altogether impossible for
+him to advance another step. The throbbing in his arm had become
+unbearable, taking his breath away and filling him with a sickening
+sensation.
+
+They were yet far from Rome, and not a sign of a habitation could be
+discerned in any direction. Waiting for daylight to come was not to be
+thought of; it would be some hours before dawn, and even when the sun
+had arisen it was by no means certain that assistance would be
+procurable. Meanwhile Giovanni would suffer torments, to say nothing of
+the danger of being exposed in his condition to the influence of the
+malaria from the surrounding marshes.
+
+Esperance, though unwilling to leave his friend's side for an instant,
+decided at last that it was imperative for him to go in search of
+succor. Meanwhile a raging fever had set in and Giovanni was rapidly
+growing worse. As the son of Monte-Cristo was about to start on his tour
+of investigation, he heard a man's voice singing at some distance away,
+but gradually coming nearer. The sound was cheery and reassuring, for
+certainly the man who could sing so sweetly and joyously must have a
+good, kind heart. As the man approached Esperance recognized his
+song--it was that beautiful and expressive serenade, "Cara Nina," a
+melody dear to all youthful Italian lovers whether humble or of high
+degree.
+
+The man at length came in sight; he was walking leisurely, but with a
+long, swinging gait. His voice was a clear, full tenor robusto, and the
+notes of his delicious love song trilled from his throat with wonderful
+effect in the still, balmy air of the tranquil, glorious night. He was
+not over twenty, was a stalwart peasant, and the moonlight showed that
+he possessed a manly, open countenance. So engrossed was he by his
+serenade that he failed to notice Giovanni lying at the foot of the huge
+tree and Esperance standing beside him. He was passing on when the
+latter hailed him. He paused, somewhat alarmed, and his hand
+instinctively grasped a weapon concealed in his bosom. Esperance
+hastened to reassure him.
+
+"Have no fear," he said. "We are merely travelers, and one of us is
+grievously wounded. In Heaven's name, render what assistance you can!"
+
+The young peasant turned and came cautiously towards them.
+
+"This is a dangerous neighborhood," said he; "it is infested by bandits
+of the most reckless and daring description."
+
+"We have abundant reason to know it," answered Esperance, "for we have
+just had a very narrow escape from a horrible death at the hands of some
+of Luigi Vampa's men."
+
+"Luigi Vampa's men!" echoed the peasant, in astonishment.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And they released you of their own accord? I never heard of such a
+thing! It is not their custom to free their prey, at least without a
+heavy ransom. Did they rob you, or did you pay them for your liberty?"
+
+"Neither," replied Esperance.
+
+The peasant's amazement was redoubled. He glanced inquiringly at the
+prostrate Viscount.
+
+"How came your comrade to be wounded?" he asked.
+
+"His arm was shattered by the pistol of a gigantic bandit."
+
+"Ludovico?" demanded the peasant, glancing around him, as if he expected
+to see the huge assailant.
+
+"I believe that was his name," returned Esperance. "But he will do no
+more injury!"
+
+"You do not mean to say that you killed him?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"And yet you were allowed to go free! I cannot understand it!"
+
+"Perhaps not, but you can understand that my friend is badly hurt and
+needs immediate aid and shelter. Is there not some hospitable cabin in
+the vicinity to which he can be conveyed, where he can be attended to
+until assistance arrives from Rome?"
+
+The peasant hesitated for an instant; then he said:
+
+"My father lives at a short distance from here; he could shelter you if
+he would, but he is in such terror of the bandits that, under the
+circumstances, he would probably close his door against you."
+
+"He need have no fear of the brigands in this case, for Luigi Vampa has
+just given us a signal proof of his protection. Besides, he assured us
+that he was our friend."
+
+"This is singular, indeed," said the peasant, again hesitating. "Luigi
+Vampa is a friend to but very few, and they are those with whom he is in
+league. You certainly are not in league with him, or you would not have
+killed Ludovico!"
+
+"This is no time for parley," replied Esperance. "My friend is
+suffering, and humanity alone should cause your father to receive him. I
+will engage to appease Luigi Vampa's anger, should it be aroused; at the
+worst, I pledge myself to surrender with my friend at the first summons
+to do so, and to assure the brigand chief that your father is altogether
+blameless. Come, can I not prevail upon you to be generous and humane?"
+
+"Well," said the peasant, partially satisfied, "I will trust you, though
+I am taking a great risk. Should Vampa be offended, he will burn our hut
+over our heads and murder us all without pity. However, both your
+wounded friend and yourself shall have such poor shelter as our humble
+roof affords."
+
+Giovanni was aided to arise, and, taking him between them, Esperance and
+the peasant began their walk. Fortunately they did not have far to go,
+otherwise the young Viscount's failing strength would have been unequal
+to the task. They quitted the highway, plunging into a narrow footpath
+closely wooded on either side; so thickly, in fact, did the tree
+branches interlace overhead that the moonbeams were effectually excluded
+and almost impenetrable darkness reigned. For an instant Esperance was
+apprehensive of treachery, but this fear was dispelled when he thought
+of the manly bearing of the youthful peasant and the dread of the
+brigands he had expressed. The three could scarcely walk abreast in the
+narrow pathway, and every now and then Giovanni stumbled against some
+protruding root or other obstacle invisible in the obscurity; but the
+peasant knew the road perfectly, and with no uncertain step hurried his
+companions on as rapidly as possible.
+
+Soon the path widened somewhat, the light commenced to sift through the
+dense foliage, and the gurgling of a noisy brook was heard at no great
+distance. Suddenly they made an abrupt turn, coming in sight of a small,
+neat-looking cabin, covered with clustering vines and embowered in
+verdure. The brook dashed along within a few yards of it, the fresh odor
+of the water mingling gratefully with the perfume of honeysuckles and
+the aromatic scent of the surrounding forest. It was, indeed, a
+beautiful and highly romantic spot, a cosy, sequestered nook, such as
+that in which King Henry hid away his love, the Fair Rosamond, from the
+prying glances of the inquisitive world. Esperance gazed at it with
+rapture, and even Giovanni, wounded and exhausted as he was, could not
+refrain from uttering an exclamation of astonishment and admiration. The
+cabin was closed and not a sign of life was visible.
+
+"We have arrived," said the peasant, in a low voice. Quitting his
+companions, he went to a window, against which he gave three distinct
+raps.
+
+The signal was almost immediately answered by three similar raps from
+within; then the window was thrown open and a woman's head appeared. The
+moonlight fell full upon her face, and both Esperance and Giovanni
+suddenly started as they recognized Annunziata Solara, the bewitching
+flower-girl of the Piazza del Popolo.
+
+"It is she--it is Annunziata!" whispered the young Viscount in his
+comrade's ear.
+
+"Hush!" returned the latter, in a guarded undertone. "Do not betray
+yourself! She will never recognize us, disguised as we are! Besides, our
+guide's suspicions must not be aroused! He might yet refuse us shelter!"
+
+"You are right, as you always are," answered Massetti. "We must maintain
+our incognito, at least until we are sure of our ground."
+
+Meanwhile the peasant was speaking hastily with Annunziata.
+
+"Sister," he said, "I am not alone; two travelers, peasants like
+ourselves, are with me. They were attacked by Luigi Vampa's men, and one
+of them is sorely wounded."
+
+"Holy Virgin!" exclaimed the girl, evidently filled with terror.
+
+"They claim our hospitality for the night and our assistance until aid
+can be procured from Rome. In my father's name I have accorded them
+shelter. Open the door and admit us."
+
+The girl disappeared from the window and in another instant had flung
+the door open. As she stood there in the silverly light, the state of
+her garments and hair indicating that she had hurriedly risen from her
+couch, her bright, picturesque beauty was vastly heightened. The young
+men thought they had never beheld a more entrancing vision of female
+loveliness.
+
+"Where is father?" asked the peasant, anxiously.
+
+"He has not yet returned," replied the girl.
+
+The guide uttered a sigh of relief.
+
+"I am glad," said he, "for Pasquale Solara does not like strangers. Were
+he here he might refuse to exercise hospitality towards this wounded man
+and his companion, even though they are, as they assert, friends of
+Luigi Vampa."
+
+"Friends of Luigi Vampa!" echoed the girl, becoming greatly alarmed.
+"The Blessed Virgin protect us!"
+
+"They are not brigands, at any rate," said the peasant, "and I believe
+them honest men. If, however, they are deceiving me, I shall know how to
+act!"
+
+There was an ominous flash in his eye as he spoke, and his hand again
+sought the weapon concealed within his bosom. Esperance, who had been
+intently listening to this conversation and had marked every motion of
+the young peasant, felt his suspicions revive; but there was no time for
+hesitation; shelter and aid for his friend were of the first necessity;
+they must be obtained at once and at any cost. He had refrained from
+offering the peasant money, not wishing to betray that he and his
+companion were other personages than they seemed, and now that
+Annunziata had appeared upon the scene he congratulated himself on the
+wisdom of his course. He, nevertheless, feared Giovanni's impulsiveness
+in the presence of the girl he so much admired, and determined to watch
+him as closely as possible, in order to promptly check all damaging
+disclosures. If Giovanni remained in this attractive nook long enough to
+open and carry on a flirtation with the beautiful flower-girl, he must
+do so solely as a peasant and under the cover of his clever disguise. It
+was hardly likely that Annunziata would recognize in Massetti and
+himself the two youthful gallants she had encountered but for a moment
+amid the gay throng and crush of the brilliant Piazza del Popolo.
+
+While these thoughts went flashing through his mind, the young Viscount,
+leaning heavily upon his arm, had not taken his eyes from the handsome,
+tempting girl before him. Suffering as he was, he longed to be at her
+side, to clasp her lovely shape, to feel her warm, voluptuous breath
+stream over his face and imprint kiss after kiss on her ripe red lips.
+He had not forgotten Zuleika. Oh! no! But Annunziata Solara was an
+altogether different being, a girl to delight him, intoxicate him, for a
+moment as the other for life. For Monte-Cristo's daughter his feeling
+was love, for the fascinating flower-girl of the Piazza del Popolo it
+was a passion to be sated.
+
+After a few more words to his sister, the peasant returned to the young
+men, aiding Esperance to transport Giovanni into the cabin. The interior
+of this humble abode was as neat and picturesque as the exterior. The
+room they entered was small and cheaply furnished, but feminine taste
+was everywhere displayed. A single candle was the only light, but the
+scanty illumination sufficed to show the refining touches of a woman's
+hand. In one corner stood a bed, the covers of which were turned down,
+and upon which was impressed the shape of its late occupant. At the head
+of the bed a brass crucifix was suspended from the wall, while over the
+back of a chair hung articles of a woman's apparel. Giovanni could not
+doubt that he was in Annunziata's chamber, and that the imprint on the
+bed was hers. He felt a thrill of joy at the idea that he was to occupy
+the bewitching flower-girl's couch, to occupy, perhaps, the very place
+where she had lain but a short time before.
+
+Annunziata, who had thrown a cloak over her shoulders and night clothes,
+but whose feet were still bare, had accompanied her brother and his
+companions to the apartment. She eyed the strangers timidly, but
+curiously, though it was quite plain she failed to penetrate their
+disguise. With deft hands she rearranged the bed and removed her
+garments from the chair. Then she retired to another room, and the
+wounded Viscount was aided to undress and assisted into the couch by the
+peasant and Esperance, where he eventually fell asleep in a delirium of
+bliss, after his hurt had been properly cared for.
+
+Esperance was duly bestowed for the night, and soon unbroken silence
+brooded over the solitary cabin in the forest.
+
+Thus was enacted the initial scene of a drama that was destined to be
+fruitful in disastrous results, results that clouded more than one happy
+life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A SYLVAN IDYL.
+
+
+In the morning the Viscount Massetti's arm was found to be so much
+swollen and his wound so painful that it was deemed advisable to send
+for a physician, who resided in a neighboring hamlet not more than a
+mile distant from the cabin of the Solaras. The man of medicine was soon
+at Giovanni's bedside. After examining and dressing his hurt, he
+declared that the patient ought not to be moved for at least a week, a
+piece of intelligence at which the young man inwardly rejoiced,
+notwithstanding all the torture he suffered, for his sojourn involved
+nursing at the hands of the beautiful Annunziata, who had already shown
+him that she possessed tenderness and a kind heart, as well as good
+looks.
+
+Esperance held a conference with his friend after the physician's
+departure to decide upon what should be done. He proposed to go at once
+to Rome and acquaint the Viscount's family with what had happened and
+Giovanni's condition, but the young man firmly opposed this plan,
+declaring that he would be well in a few days at most and protesting
+that informing his relatives of his situation would involve explanations
+he had no desire to give. Giovanni also begged Esperance to remain with
+him and give no sign as to their place of retreat; so earnestly did he
+solicit these favors that the son of Monte-Cristo, much against his will
+and with many forebodings, finally consented to grant them.
+
+Pasquale Solara returned home late on the day following the arrival of
+the strangers at his hut. He was an old, but sturdy shepherd, whose
+rough, sunburned visage spoke of exposure to the weather and hard toil.
+He frequently was absent for days and nights in succession, absences
+that he never explained and about which his son and daughter did not
+dare to question him, for Pasquale was a harsh man, who grew angry at
+the slightest pretext and was inclined to be severe with all who sought
+to pry into his affairs. He expressed great fear of the bandits who
+infested the vicinity of Rome and especially of Luigi Vampa's band, but
+those who knew him best shook their heads doubtingly, and, though they
+did not say so, it was plainly to be seen that they deemed this fear
+merely assumed for purposes of his own. At any rate, it was a
+significant fact that Pasquale was never disturbed in his wanderings,
+while the brigands always left his dwelling and its inmates unmolested.
+
+The old shepherd frowned darkly when informed by his children that they
+had given shelter to a couple of travelers, one of whom had been wounded
+in a fight with a brigand, but he said nothing and appeared disposed to
+accept the situation without even a grumble. He did not, however, enter
+the chamber in which Giovanni lay and avoided coming in contact with
+Esperance, who caught but a passing glimpse of him ere he departed
+again on another expedition, which he did after a stay of only half an
+hour at his cabin.
+
+The young peasant and Esperance soon became quite friendly, indulging in
+many a ramble in the forest and beside the gurgling brook. The peasant's
+name was Lorenzo, and he appeared to lead a free life, totally
+unencumbered with avocation of any kind, save occasionally looking after
+a few sheep that never strayed far from the banks of the little stream.
+
+Annunziata for the time abandoned her visits to Rome, installing herself
+as Giovanni's nurse. She was almost constantly beside him, and her
+presence and care were more potent medicines than any the physician
+administered. Her smile seemed to exercise a bewitching effect upon the
+young Viscount, while her voice sounded in his ravished ear like the
+sweetest music. The handsome girl was the very picture of perfect
+health, and her well-developed form had all the charm of early maturity,
+added to youthful freshness and grace. She wore short skirts, and her
+shapely limbs were never encumbered with stockings, while her feet were
+invariably bare. A low, loose body with short sleeves displayed her
+robust neck and shoulders, and plump, dimpled arms that would have been
+the envy of a duchess. Her hands as well as her feet were not small and
+the sun had given them a liberal coat of brown, but they were neatly
+turned and attractive, while her short, taper fingers were tipped with
+pink, carefully trimmed nails. Altogether she looked like the spirit of
+the place, a delicious wood nymph as enchanting as any a poet's fancy
+ever created and yet a substantial, mortal reality well calculated to
+fire a man's blood and set his brain in a whirl. If she had appeared
+beautiful in Rome, amid the aristocratic fashion queens of the Piazza
+del Popolo, she seemed a thousand-fold more delightful and fascinating
+in her humble forest home, where she shook off all restraint and showed
+herself as she really was, a bright, innocent child of nature, as pure
+as the breath of heaven and as free from guile as the honey-fed
+butterfly of the summer sunshine.
+
+The more Giovanni saw of her the more he came under the dominion of her
+irresistible charms, the empire of her physical attractiveness.
+Gradually he mended, and as his wound healed his strength returned. At
+length, towards the close of the week, he was able to quit his bed and
+sit in a large chair by the window of his room. It had been agreed upon
+between him and Esperance that, during their sojourn at the Solara
+cabin, they should be known respectively as Antonio Valpi and Guiseppe
+Sagasta, and already Annunziata had bestowed upon her patient the
+friendly and familiar diminutive of Tonio, a name to which he answered
+with wildly beating heart and eyes that spoke volumes.
+
+By means of shrewdly managed questions the young Viscount had
+ascertained that the flower-girl had no lover, that her breast had never
+owned the tender passion, and this intelligence added fuel to the flame
+that was consuming him. It is not to be supposed that Annunziata was
+ignorant of the strong impression she had made upon her youthful and
+handsome patient. She was perfectly aware of it and secretly rejoiced at
+the manifest exhibition of the power of her charms. Perhaps she did not
+as yet love Giovanni, perhaps it was merely the general physical
+attraction of a woman towards a man, or it might have been that innate
+spice of coquetry common to every female, but the fact remained that she
+tacitly encouraged the young Viscount in his ardent attentions to her.
+She, moreover, lured and inflamed him in such a careless, innocent way
+that she acquired additional piquancy thereby. Had Annunziata been a
+designing woman of the world intent upon trapping a wealthy lover,
+instead of a pure and artless country maid totally unconscious of the
+harm she was working, she could not have played her game with more
+effect. Giovanni had become altogether her slave. He hung upon her
+smiles, drank her words and could hardly restrain himself in her
+presence. No shipwrecked mariner ever more greedily devoured with his
+dazzled eyes the fateful loreley of a rocky, deserted coast than he did
+her. Had she been his social equal, had her intelligence and education
+matched her personal beauty, he would have forgotten Zuleika, thrown
+himself impetuously at her feet and solicited her hand. As it was, while
+Monte-Cristo's daughter possessed his entire heart, Annunziata Solara
+enslaved his senses.
+
+She received his approaches as a matter-of-course, without diffidence,
+without a blush. His gallant speeches pleased her, she did not know why.
+So thoroughly unsuspicious was she, that she failed to notice his
+language was not that of the untutored peasant he claimed to be, that
+his bearing as well as his words indicated a degree of culture and
+refinement far above his assumed station. She was dazzled, charmed by
+him as the bird is by the glittering serpent with its wicked,
+fascinating eyes. She thought of nothing but the present and its novel
+joys. She had never heeded the future--she did not heed it now.
+
+One morning as she sat at his side by the open window, through which
+stole the balmy air of the forest laden with the intoxicating perfume of
+a thousand wild, intensely sweet flowers, Giovanni suddenly took her
+brown hand, covering it with passionate kisses. The girl did not resist,
+did not withdraw her hand from his; she did not even tremble, though a
+slight glow came into her cheeks, making her look like a very Circe.
+
+"Annunziata," said Giovanni, in a low voice scarcely above a whisper,
+"do you care for me?"
+
+"Care for you, Tonio?" replied the girl, gazing sweetly into his glowing
+and agitated countenance. "Oh! yes! I care a great deal for you!"
+
+He threw his arm about her neck, and, as his hand lay upon her shapely
+shoulder, a magnetic thrill shot through him like a sudden shock from a
+powerful electric battery. Annunziata did not seek to withdraw herself
+from his warm embrace, and he drew her to him with tightening clasp
+until her full, palpitating bosom rested against his breast. Her
+tempting red lips, slightly parted, were upturned; he placed his upon
+them in a long, lingering, delirious kiss. Then the color deepened in
+her cheeks, and she gently disengaged herself. She did not, however,
+avert her eyes, but gazed into his with a look of mute inquiry. All this
+was new to her, and the more delicious because of its entire novelty.
+
+"Neither my father, nor my brother, nor my dead mother ever kissed me
+like that!" she said, artlessly.
+
+Giovanni was enraptured; the girl's innocence was absolutely marvelous;
+he had never dreamed that such innocence existed upon earth. Was she
+really what she appeared?
+
+"Annunziata," he said, abruptly, his heart beating furiously and his
+breath coming thick and fast, "you have never experienced love, or you
+would know the meaning of that kiss!"
+
+"Love?" answered the girl, opening her large, lustrous eyes widely. "Oh!
+yes, I have felt love. I love my father and Lorenzo, I love--everybody!"
+
+"But not as you would love a young man, who would throw himself at your
+pretty feet and pour out the treasures of his heart to you!"
+
+"No young man has ever done that," said Annunziata, smiling and nestling
+closer to him.
+
+"But some one will before long, perhaps before many minutes! How would
+you like me to be that one!" cried the Viscount, in his headlong
+fashion.
+
+"I cannot tell," answered the girl, "I do not know!"
+
+"Then let me try the experiment!" said Giovanni, rising from his chair
+and sinking on his knees in front of her. "Annunziata, I love you!"
+
+The girl stroked his hair and then passed her taper fingers through his
+flowing locks. She was silent and seemed to be thinking. Her bosom
+heaved just a little more than usual, and the glow on her cheeks became
+a trifle more intense. Giovanni, yet kneeling, seized her hand, holding
+it in a crushing clasp.
+
+"Do you hear me?" he cried, impatiently. "Do you understand me? I love
+you!"
+
+"You love me, Tonio?" replied the girl, slowly. "Well, it is only
+natural! Every young man must love some young girl some time or other,
+and I think--I think--I love you a little!"
+
+"Think!" said Giovanni, amazed. "Do you not know it?"
+
+"Perhaps!" answered Annunziata, still fondling his hair.
+
+Giovanni threw his arms about her waist, an ample, healthful waist, free
+from the restraints of corsets and the cramping devices of fashion. As
+he did so the sound of footsteps was heard without, and he had scarcely
+time to leap to his feet when Esperance entered the room.
+
+Massetti was confused and his friend noticed the fact. He also remarked
+that Annunziata was slightly flushed and seemed to have experienced some
+agreeable agitation. Esperance instantly leaped to a conclusion.
+Giovanni's flirtation with the fair flower-girl had gone a trifle too
+far, had assumed a serious aspect. He would interfere, he would
+remonstrate with him. It might not yet be too late after all.
+Annunziata was a pure and innocent creature, unused to the ways of the
+world and incapable of suspecting the wickedness of men. She was on the
+point of falling into a deadly snare, on the point of being wrecked upon
+the most dangerous shoal life presented. Her very purity and innocence
+would make her an easy victim. Giovanni was not wicked; he was merely
+young, the prey of the irresistible passion of youth. Annunziata's
+surpassing loveliness had fired his blood, had driven him to the verge
+of a reckless action, a crime against this beautiful girl that money
+could not repair. This crime should not be committed, if he could help
+it, and he would risk the Viscount's friendship to save him from
+himself. Giovanni could not marry the humble peasant girl; he should not
+mar her future.
+
+When Esperance came into the chamber, his presence recalled Annunziata
+to herself and also dampened Massetti's ardor. The girl arose and,
+smiling at Esperance, tripped blushingly away. Giovanni was flushed and
+somewhat angry at the intrusion at the critical moment of his love
+making. Esperance's face was grave; he felt all the weight of the
+responsibility he was about to assume.
+
+"Giovanni," said he, in a measured tone, "I do not blame you for being
+fascinated by a pretty, amiable girl like Annunziata Solara, far from
+it. She is certainly a paragon of beauty, a model of rustic grace, a
+very tempting morsel of rural virtue and innocence. She is well fitted
+to turn the head of almost any young man--I freely acknowledge that. It
+is pardonable to wish to enjoy her society--nay, a harmless flirtation
+with her is, perhaps, not censurable; but that is the utmost length to
+which a man of honor can go! Remember she has a reputation to lose, a
+heart to break!"
+
+"What do you mean by that long sermon?" demanded the Viscount, setting
+his teeth and frowning savagely.
+
+"I mean that you have been making love to this poor girl, that you have
+been seeking to requite her care of you in a manner but little to your
+credit!"
+
+"I owe you my life, Esperance," replied Massetti, "but even my gratitude
+will not shield you from my fury, if you step between me and Annunziata
+Solara!"
+
+"You mean to pursue her then, to soil her name, to blast her future, for
+surely you are not courting her with marriage as your object?"
+
+Giovanni flushed scarlet at this open accusation.
+
+"I mean to pursue her--yes! What my object in the matter is concerns
+only myself; you have nothing whatever to do with it!" he exclaimed,
+hotly.
+
+"But I have a great deal to do with it!" replied Esperance, firmly. "You
+shall not pursue Annunziata Solara to her destruction! Between her good
+name and your reckless intentions I will oppose a barrier you cannot
+surmount--myself!"
+
+"Do you mean to champion her to the extent of challenging me?" demanded
+Massetti, fairly foaming with ire.
+
+"If you persist in your nefarious designs, yes!" answered the son of
+Monte-Cristo, with equal warmth. "You are my friend, my friend of
+friends, Giovanni Massetti, but the instant you menace that innocent
+girl's honor my friendship for you crumbles to dust and you become my
+deadly foe! Take your choice. Either leave this hospitable cabin with me
+as soon as the state of your wound will permit you to do so, meanwhile
+respecting Annunziata Solara as you would your own sister, or meet me
+pistol in hand on the field of honor! Take your choice, I say! What is
+your decision?"
+
+"I will not give up Annunziata!"
+
+"Then you must fight!"
+
+"I shall not hesitate!"
+
+"So be it! My life against yours! I will defend this poor girl's honor
+to the last drop of my blood!"
+
+"When shall we fight?"
+
+"To-morrow at dawn."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In the clearing beyond the chestnut copse on the further side of the
+brook. There is no need of witnesses; this matter is between us and us
+alone!"
+
+"So much the better, for it will be a duel to the death! I cannot as yet
+hold my right arm aloft long enough to fight with it, but I will make my
+left hand serve!" Then, as a sudden thought struck him, Massetti added:
+"Do you propose to betray me, to carry your story to Annunziata and her
+brother?"
+
+Esperance surveyed his companion with intense scorn flashing from his
+eyes.
+
+"I am no traitor!" he said, coldly, and, turning, quitted the apartment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE ABDUCTION.
+
+The remainder of that day Esperance and Giovanni did not meet again;
+they purposely avoided each other, the former because he did not wish to
+have a further quarrel with the Viscount, and the latter because he
+dreaded a repetition of the accusations of dishonorable conduct, which
+had stung him deeper than he would own even to himself.
+
+Esperance disdained to play the spy upon Massetti, but, nevertheless, he
+determined not to quit the immediate vicinity of the cabin and to be as
+watchful as circumstances would permit. Nothing, however, occurred to
+arouse his suspicions as long as daylight lasted. Once or twice Giovanni
+quitted his chamber and walked back and forth excitedly on the sward in
+front of the hut, but his promenades were of very short duration,
+seeming to have no other object then to calm his seething brain.
+Annunziata did not go near him, though whether coquetry or fear caused
+her to pursue this course Esperance was unable to determine, but her
+action gratified him because it gave Giovanni no opportunity to follow
+up whatever advantage he might have gained with the flower-girl.
+
+Lorenzo appeared to have no suspicion whatever that anything was amiss
+either with the young men or his sister. He was as light-hearted and
+cheerful as ever, going about his usual trifling occupations with gayety
+that was absolutely contagious, and displaying even more than his
+accustomed amiability. Esperance had grown to esteem this youthful
+peasant highly; he had found him manliness and generosity personified
+and had resolved, on his return to Rome, to interest the Count of
+Monte-Cristo in his welfare and advancement. With regard to Annunziata,
+Esperance was as yet altogether undecided; she was a problem he could
+not solve. Her innocence and virtue were apparent, but her childlike
+simplicity and utter lack of worldly experience, while so charming and
+delightful to behold, added to her wonderful beauty, exposed her to
+risks that were frightful to contemplate. Had she only possessed a lover
+in her own rank of life, all would have been well with her; but she
+possessed no lover, was absolutely alone; if she escaped Giovanni, and
+Esperance was determined she should escape him if he could effect it,
+the chances were that she would eventually fall into the clutches of
+some other admirer still more reckless and unscrupulous. The son of
+Monte-Cristo could not think of the lovely girl and her future without a
+pang that made his very heart ache. He, too, admired her beauty, her
+grace and her artlessness, but his admiration was confined within the
+proper bounds, and could he have seen her suitably and happily wedded,
+he would have rejoiced to the depths of his soul.
+
+Late in the afternoon Pasquale Solara reappeared suddenly and without
+the least warning. The old man was covered with dust, as if he had been
+journeying far on foot. He plainly showed that he was greatly fatigued,
+also that something had occurred to irritate him. He entered the cabin
+unobserved, and was there for some moments before his presence was
+discovered. Annunziata was the first to see him, sitting upon a rude
+wooden bench with his stout oaken staff in his hand on which he leaned
+heavily. She threw her arms about his neck with a cry of joy,
+endeavoring to snatch a kiss from his tightly-closed lips, but he
+sternly and silently repulsed her. Lorenzo, in his turn, met with no
+warmer reception at his father's hands. But his children were used to
+Pasquale's moods and were, therefore, altogether unaffected by his
+present morose deportment; they speedily left him to himself, giving
+themselves no further trouble concerning him. Once when Esperance came
+into the room the old man stared at him inquiringly, as if he had
+utterly forgotten the fact that strangers were enjoying the shelter of
+his roof; then he appeared to recollect and scowled so savagely that the
+young man beat a hasty retreat, going to seek Lorenzo, whose cheery
+voice was heard singing beyond the brook.
+
+As Esperance came in sight of the little stream, he nearly stumbled over
+a peasant, lying at full length beneath the spreading branches of an
+aged willow. The stranger was reading a book, and Esperance was amazed
+to notice that it was "Caesar's Commentaries." He uttered an apology for
+his awkwardness, but the peasant only smiled and, in a gentle voice,
+begged pardon for being in the way. That voice! Esperance was certain
+he had heard it before, but where or when he could not recall, though
+it thrilled him to the very marrow of his bones, filling him with vague
+apprehensions. The man's face, too, was familiar, as also was his
+attire; but there was great similarity between the Italian peasants in
+the vicinity of Rome in general looks and dress; it was quite likely
+that he had not seen this man before, but some other resembling him;
+still, the voice and face troubled Esperance, and he decided to question
+the peasant; the rarity of strangers' visits to this sequestered
+locality would be a sufficient pretext for his curiosity.
+
+"My friend," said he, addressing the recumbent reader, who had resumed
+his book, "are you a relative or acquaintance of the Solaras?"
+
+"I am neither," replied the man, carelessly, glancing up from his volume
+and allowing his penetrating eyes to rest on his questioner, "I strolled
+here by chance, and this cosy nook was so inviting that I took
+possession of it without a thought as to the intrusion I was
+committing."
+
+The peasant's language was refined; Esperance noted this fact and was
+not a little surprised thereby; in addition, he could not understand why
+the stranger should be reading "Caesar's Commentaries," a work far beyond
+the range of the usual peasant intellect.
+
+"You are committing no intrusion," said he. "Lorenzo and Annunziata, I
+am sure, would be glad to welcome you. Old Pasquale is somewhat of a
+savage, it is true, but luckily he does not bother himself much about
+anything or anybody."
+
+"Pasquale has arrived then?" said the man, dropping his book and
+evincing a sudden interest.
+
+"Yes; he is in the cabin now," answered Esperance, his astonishment
+increasing. "Do you want to speak with him?"
+
+"No," said the peasant, lightly springing to his feet. He hastily closed
+his book, thrust it into his belt, and, bowing to Esperance, disappeared
+in the forest.
+
+The young man looked after him for an instant; then he joined Lorenzo
+and informed him of the meeting. At his first words Annunziata's brother
+ceased singing; a cloud overspread his brow, and he asked, in an eager
+tone, for a description of the curiously behaved stranger. Esperance
+gave it to him, remarking as he did so that his companion turned
+slightly pale and seemed frightened.
+
+"Who is this man?" he asked, as he concluded. "Do you know him? He
+appeared strangely familiar to me."
+
+"Do I know him?" repeated Lorenzo, with a shudder. "Yes--that is no!"
+
+Esperance stared at his comrade in surprise and uneasiness; the youthful
+peasant evidently had more knowledge of the singular intruder than he
+was willing to admit. There was surely some mystery here. What was it?
+Did the presence of this stranger menace the peace, the tranquillity,
+the safety of the Solara family? Was he in some dark way associated with
+the movements and actions of old Pasquale? Esperance attempted to
+question Lorenzo further, but he only shook his head and declined to
+make any disclosures. He, however, stipulated that his sister should
+not be informed of what had occurred, urging that there was no necessity
+of uselessly alarming her. Alarming her? What could he mean? Esperance
+grew more and more perplexed, and his conviction that he had met the
+stranger previously, increasing in strength, added to his anxiety and
+discomfort.
+
+For some hours Giovanni had kept his room and given no sign. What was he
+meditating? Was it possible that he was concocting some cunning plan by
+which to circumvent intervention and gain undisturbed possession of the
+girl who had so powerfully influenced his passions? Could it be that he
+was in some mysterious way associated with the strange peasant, whose
+sudden advent seemed of such ill omen? Esperance thought of all these
+things and was infinitely tortured by them, but, one by one, he
+succeeded in dismissing them from his mind. Giovanni was certainly under
+a potent spell that might lead him to the commission of any
+indiscretion, but he was at bottom a man of honor, and there was some
+chance that his better feelings might obtain the mastery of his mere
+physical inclinations. At any rate, Esperance felt that he could trust
+him for one night more at least. Perhaps in the morning he would awaken
+to a true sense of his position and acknowledge his error; he might even
+implore his friend's pardon, admit that he was right and consent to
+return to Rome, leaving the bewitching Annunziata in all her innocence
+and purity. Upon reflection Esperance decided that the stranger could be
+in nowise the associate or accomplice of the Viscount, for the latter
+had communicated with no one, had not even gone a dozen steps from the
+Solara cabin during his entire period of convalescence. The idea of
+collusion was untenable. Esperance resolved to watch and wait. There was
+no telling what a few hours might bring forth; but at the worst he would
+fight; if he fell he would not regret it, and, if Giovanni perished at
+his hands, his death would be due to his own headlong impulses and his
+blood, under the circumstances, could not be a disgraceful, dishonorable
+stain.
+
+Towards nightfall old Pasquale Solara began to display unwonted
+activity, showing, at the same time, signs of considerable agitation. He
+was yet uncommunicative and morose, spoke only at rare intervals; often
+he did not reply at all to the questions addressed to him, and when he
+did answer it was only in gruff, snappish monosyllables. He went from
+place to place uneasily, frequently leaving the cabin and gazing
+peeringly and stealthily into the forest as if he expected some one or
+was looking for some secret signal known only to himself. He glanced at
+Lorenzo and Esperance suspiciously, seeking, as it were, to penetrate
+their very thoughts. When he encountered Annunziata, he examined her
+from head to foot with a strange mixture of satisfaction, anxiety and
+tremulousness. At such times there was a greedy, wolfish expression in
+his glittering eyes, and his hands worked nervously.
+
+When twilight had given place to darkness, he suddenly left the hut and
+did not return. His unusual conduct had occasioned somewhat of a
+commotion in the little household, but quiet reigned after his departure
+and his singular behavior was speedily forgotten by his children. Not
+so, however, with Esperance. The young man, agitated as he was with the
+turmoil of his own feelings, could not get old Pasquale and his behavior
+out of his mind. It filled him with sinister forebodings and made him
+look forward to the night with an indefinable dread, not unmingled with
+absolute fear. It seemed to him that the old shepherd was meditating
+some dark and desperate deed that would be put into execution with
+disastrous results ere dawn.
+
+The evening, nevertheless, passed without incident, and in due course
+sleep brooded over the Solara cabin, wrapping all its inmates in silence
+and repose. All its inmates? All save the son of Monte-Cristo, who
+tossed restlessly upon his couch and could not close his eyes. At
+length, however, he managed to calm himself somewhat and was just
+sinking into a sort of half slumber when he was suddenly roused by a
+wild, far echoing cry that caused him to leap instantly from his bed.
+The cry was a woman's, and he thought he recognized the voice, of
+Annunziata Solara. A second's thought seemed to satisfy him on this
+point, for the flower-girl was the only female in the vicinity and the
+voice was certainly hers; but it sounded from a distance, without the
+cabin, and this fact bewildered him. Promptly old Solara's conduct
+returned to his mind, and instinctively he connected the morose shepherd
+with the cry and whatever was happening. The young man had not removed
+his garments; it was, therefore, only the work of an instant for him to
+grasp his pistol, which he kept loaded beneath his pillow, and rush from
+the hut in the direction of the cry, which had been repeated, but was
+growing fainter and fainter.
+
+As he emerged from the cabin, he heard a shot echo through the forest,
+and almost immediately a man rushed into his arms, bleeding profusely
+from a gaping wound in the temple. The night was moonless and dark, but
+in the feeble and uncertain light Esperance recognized Lorenzo.
+
+"My sister--my sister--poor Annunziata!" the young peasant gasped,
+painfully. "Your friend--abducted--gone! Oh! my God!" and he sank to the
+ground an unconscious mass, quivering in the final agonies of
+dissolution.
+
+Esperance was horror-stricken. Annunziata abducted by Giovanni! He could
+draw no other conclusion from the young peasant's broken exclamations!
+Lorenzo slain, too, and doubtlessly also by the impetuous Viscount's
+hand! Oh! it was horrible!--it was almost beyond belief! He bent over
+Lorenzo's prostrate form, straightened it out and felt in the region of
+the heart; there was no beat; it was as he had divined--Annunziata's
+manly and generous brother was dead--the victim of a cowardly,
+treacherous assassin--and that assassin!--oh! he could not think of it
+and retain his faith in men!
+
+Esperance left Lorenzo's corpse lying upon the sward, and, pistol in
+hand, started forward to go to Annunziata's aid, to rescue her from her
+dastardly abductor, if it lay within his power to do so. He reached the
+forest and plunged into its sombre depths. Scarcely had he gone twenty
+feet when a man carrying a flaming torch rushed wildly by him, in his
+shirt sleeves, hatless, his short, thick gray hair standing almost erect
+upon his head. In the sudden flash of light his haggard eyes blazed like
+those of a maniac. In his left hand he held a long, keen-bladed knife.
+He glanced neither to the right nor the left, but kept straight on, as
+if he were a ferocious bloodhound in pursuit of human prey. Esperance
+came to an abrupt pause, and stared with wide-open eyes at the startling
+apparition. It was old Pasquale Solara! The son of Monte-Cristo
+shuddered as he thought that the father, with all his Italian ferocity
+thoroughly aroused, was in pursuit of the man who had abducted his
+daughter and murdered his son. In that event the Viscount's death was
+sure, for he could not escape the vengeance of the distracted and
+remorseless shepherd! Should he raise his voice and warn him? No, a
+thousand times no! Giovanni deserved death, and did the furious old man
+inflict it, he would be only advancing the just punishment of the
+outraged law!
+
+Quickly resolving to follow in the footsteps of Pasquale Solara,
+Esperance dashed on, utterly regardless of the bushes and briars that
+impeded his progress and tore great rents in his garments. Soon excited
+voices reached him, then the noise of a violent struggle. He pushed
+rapidly forward, intent upon reaching the scene of conflict, where he
+did not doubt the hapless Annunziata would be found. Soon he
+indistinctly saw two men engaged in a hand to hand strife. One was
+evidently Pasquale Solara, for a torch was smouldering on the ground
+half-extinguished by the damp moss, and the young man caught an
+occasional flash of a knife such as the shepherd had carried when he
+passed him, but beyond these circumstances all was supposition, for the
+identity of the contending men could not be made out in the obscurity.
+
+Grasping his pistol tightly, Esperance was about declaring his presence
+when the figure of a man sprang up before him with the suddenness of a
+flash of lightning, seeming to emerge from the very ground at his feet.
+At that instant the torch gave a brilliant gleam and went out, but in
+that gleam Esperance recognized the man who opposed his progress as the
+strange peasant he had seen reading "Caesar's Commentaries" the previous
+afternoon by the brook in the vicinity of the Solara cabin. Was he, too,
+mixed up in the abduction, and how? Again the suspicion returned to
+Esperance that he was the confederate, the accomplice of the Viscount
+Massetti.
+
+"Remain where you are!" commanded the intruder, sternly. "If you advance
+another step, the consequences be upon your own head!"
+
+"Stand aside and let me pass!" thundered the young man, presenting his
+pistol at his opponent's head. The other gave a low laugh, made a quick
+movement and Esperance's weapon went whirling swiftly through the air.
+Meanwhile the sounds of strife had ceased, and the almost impenetrable
+darkness of the forest effectually prevented the young man from
+distinguishing anything a yard distant. As his pistol was hurled from
+his grasp he closed his fists tightly, set his teeth firmly together and
+made a frantic dash at the peasant. The latter leaped aside with
+surprising agility, vanishing instantaneously among the clustering
+trees. So sudden was his leap that Esperance, carried on by the strong
+impetus he had given himself, plunged wildly into a clump of bushes and
+fell headlong upon a thick growth of moss, the softness of which
+prevented him from sustaining even the slightest bruise. As he came in
+contact with the moss, his hand touched something cold that sent an icy
+shiver through him from head to foot. Instinctively he recognized the
+object as a human face, and passing his hand along he felt the body and
+limbs. Great heavens! who was this? Had another murder been done? Would
+there ever be an end to the horrors and mysteries of this dreadful
+night? The body was that of a man. Esperance arose to his knees and
+drawing a match-safe from his pocket struck a light. As the flame
+flashed upon the countenance of the unconscious man, the features of
+Giovanni Massetti appeared! Esperance was stunned. How was this? The
+Viscount there, beneath his hand, cold and motionless! Who then could
+have been the individual with whom old Pasquale Solara had been
+struggling but a moment since? Truly the mysteries of this night were
+becoming too complicated for solution! And where was the unfortunate
+Annunziata? Had she escaped from her captor or captors, had she been
+rescued, had she perished like her ill-fated brother, or had the
+abduction been successfully accomplished? None of these questions could
+Esperance answer. One thing, however, was plain--there was no trace of
+her now; no clue that he could follow; therefore, further pursuit for
+the present was useless. Sadly he determined to wait for day and then
+resolve upon some plan to put into immediate execution to retrieve, as
+far as possible the great wrong that had been done.
+
+But Giovanni must be attended to. Guilty or innocent, dead or alive, he
+could not be abandoned where he was. Humanity demanded that some effort
+be made in his behalf. Perhaps, too, if he were in a condition to speak,
+some key to the strange, bewildering and terrible transactions of the
+night might be obtained. Esperance raised him in his arms and carried
+him to the brook near the Solara cabin. By this time the moon had arisen
+and in its silvery rays he examined him thoroughly. There was no trace
+of blood, no wound; only a large bruise on his forehead, as if he had
+been struck with some heavy object and knocked down unconscious. He was
+alive, for his heart was beating, and once or twice he had moved on the
+sward where Esperance had placed him. The young man made a cup of his
+hands, and, dipping some cool water from the stream, dashed it in the
+Viscount's face. Instantly he opened his eyes, gazing about him in
+bewilderment. He sat up and stared wildly at Esperance.
+
+"What is the matter? How came I here?" he asked, in astonishment. Then
+suddenly putting his hand to the bruise on his forehead, as if it
+pained him, he continued: "Ah! yes! I remember it all now! Luigi Vampa
+struck me!"
+
+"Luigi Vampa struck you?" cried Esperance, more amazed than ever.
+
+"Yes, after he had forced me to take a fearful oath to remain silent!"
+
+"Silent about what? The abduction of Annunziata Solara?"
+
+"Hush! hush! Do not mention that girl's name! Vampa or some of his men
+may be lurking in the vicinity and hear!"
+
+"What has become of her? At least tell me that! You know!"
+
+"As God is my judge, I do not!"
+
+"Were you not with her to-night? Did you not forcibly take her from the
+cabin?"
+
+"No! no!"
+
+"Who did then?"
+
+"Alas! my oath compels silence on that point!"
+
+"Your oath! That is a very convenient excuse! Giovanni, Luigi Vampa was
+not here to-night."
+
+"He was. He lurked around the cabin all day, that when darkness came he
+might commit the blackest deed that ever sullied the record of mankind!"
+
+Instantly Esperance recollected the peasant he had met that afternoon
+beside the brook, the man who, but a short while before, had opposed his
+passage and disarmed him in the forest. His vague familiarity with his
+voice, face and dress was now accounted for. The man was Luigi Vampa.
+There could be no doubt of it. But why had he abducted Annunziata
+Solara, as Giovanni's words would seem to infer? Why, save as the
+confederate and accomplice of the Viscount Massetti? But then how had
+Giovanni communicated with him, and in what manner had they contrived to
+arrange the details of their dishonorable plot? Was it possible that old
+Pasquale had been the medium of correspondence between the two men. Had
+he been base enough to sell his child? In that case, with whom had he
+fought so fiercely and desperately in the forest? Why also had the
+brigand chief sworn Giovanni to silence? Vain questions, admitting of no
+satisfactory replies. The Viscount's story was incredible; it was,
+without doubt, a mere fabrication intended to cover and conceal his own
+guilt in the premises. Still Esperance could not reconcile this theory
+with the fact of finding Giovanni senseless in the forest.
+
+The young Italian had by this time fully recovered from the effects of
+the shock he had received. He arose to his feet, and, approaching
+Esperance, said, earnestly:
+
+"My friend, let the past be forgotten. I was wrong and you were right. I
+ask your pardon. As to the abduction of this unfortunate girl, I assure
+you that I am entirely innocent of it!"
+
+"But who fired the shot that killed Lorenzo?" asked Esperance, sternly.
+
+"Killed Lorenzo!" cried Giovanni, with unmistakable horror. "Was Lorenzo
+killed?"
+
+"He was shot to-night and died in my arms!"
+
+"Oh! this is terrible!" exclaimed the Viscount, beads of cold
+perspiration breaking out upon his forehead. "I assure you, Esperance, I
+had no hand in this foul murder--I knew nothing of it! I did hear the
+report of a pistol, but who discharged the weapon or at whom it was
+fired I could not tell. Everything seemed like a disordered dream!"
+
+As Esperance said not a word in reply, the Viscount continued:
+
+"Again I assert my innocence of the dark crimes that have been committed
+to-night! Do you not believe my protestation?"
+
+"I know not what to believe," answered the young man. "But I will not
+consider you guilty until you are proved so."
+
+"Then," cried Giovanni, joyously, "I have a proposition to make to you.
+Swear that you will be silent about everything that has occurred since
+we met Annunziata Solara in the Piazza del Popolo, including the
+terrible events of to-night, and I will start with you for Rome this
+very instant!"
+
+"And you will renounce your pursuit of the flower-girl?"
+
+"I will renounce it!"
+
+"Do you swear to do so?"
+
+"I swear it!"
+
+"Then, on my side, I here take the oath of silence you require!"
+
+"You forgive me for having quarreled with you?"
+
+"I forgive you!"
+
+"Then let us leave this accursed spot without another moment's delay!"
+
+"So be it!"
+
+They hastily quitted the bank of the little stream and went to the cabin
+to prepare for their immediate departure. As they passed the spot where
+Lorenzo's body had lain, Esperance noticed with a start that it was no
+longer there. They entered the cabin. It was dark and deserted.
+Esperance lighted a candle and, as he did so, perceived a scrap of paper
+upon the floor. He stooped mechanically and picked it up. It was rumpled
+as if it had been crushed in the hand and cast away. The young man
+straightened it out. It was a brief letter. He held it to the candle
+and, with a sickening sensation at his heart, read as follows:
+
+
+     DEAREST ANNUNZIATA: All is prepared. We will fly to-night. Be
+     ready.                                           TONIO.
+
+
+The note was in Massetti's handwriting. Esperance silently passed it to
+him. The Viscount read it with eyes bulging from their sockets, his
+fingers trembling so he could scarcely hold the paper.
+
+"The evidence is conclusive!" said Esperance, icily, as Massetti
+finished reading. "It is a confession! You abducted Annunziata Solara!"
+
+"What can I say to justify myself?" cried Giovanni, bitterly. "Oh! that
+accursed oath!"
+
+"And you have sworn me to silence, also, wretched man!" said Esperance.
+"Why was I so weak!"
+
+He looked scornfully at the Viscount, who stood with bowed head. Then he
+added:
+
+"I understand you now! You did not wish me to betray you, to set the
+hounds of Justice on your track, to cause you to be punished, branded
+and disgraced! You were shrewd and imposed upon me. But my oath is
+sacred--I will keep it! Let us return to Rome at once as we originally
+proposed. There I will challenge you in due form for an alleged insult,
+and we will settle this matter at the pistol's mouth!"
+
+In a few moments more they were on their road to the Eternal City,
+leaving behind them the cabin into which they had brought ruin and
+death!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO.
+
+
+Rome was agitated by a vague scandal, so vague, in fact, that nobody
+seemed to know the precise details. It had arisen from a newspaper
+account, given in the indefinite, unsatisfactory way characteristic of
+Roman journalism. One of the city journals had published the statement
+that a young and very handsome peasant girl, living with her father in
+the country beyond the Trastavere, had recently been abducted, report
+said, by a youthful member of the Roman aristocracy; that the reckless
+scion of nobility had courted and won her in the guise of a peasant, had
+carried her off to a bandit fastness and there had eventually deserted
+her. No names were given. Inquiry at the office of the journal elicited
+the fact that the proprietors had undoubted authority for the
+publication of the statement, but no further information could be gained
+from them. A few days later, however, the same newspaper gave the
+further particulars that the nobleman had been assisted in effecting the
+abduction by a young foreigner residing in Rome, and that the brother of
+the unfortunate girl had been killed in attempting to rescue her. That
+completed all the intelligence ever vouchsafed to the public in regard
+to the mysterious affair, and thereafter the journal maintained an
+unbroken silence respecting the matter. The rumor ran that its
+proprietors had been bribed by interested parties to say nothing
+further, but this rumor could not be traced to any reliable source and
+was, therefore, by many considered a fabrication. No steps were taken by
+the authorities in the premises, and it was evident that the affair was
+to be allowed to die out. Still Roman society was considerably excited,
+conjectures as to the identity of the guilty party and his accomplice
+being rife in all the fashionable and aristocratic quarters of the city.
+These conjectures, however, did not grow to positive statements, though
+insidious hints were thrown out that those who guessed the Viscount
+Giovanni Massetti to be the culprit were not far out of the way.
+Massetti, it was known, had been absent from Rome for several days about
+the period the abduction was supposed to have taken place, but he did
+not deign to notice the hints current in regard to himself and no one
+was hardy enough to question him. Nevertheless some color was given to
+the rumors concerning him by the fact that, immediately on his return to
+the city, after the absence above referred to, he became involved in a
+violent quarrel with a young Frenchman, generally supposed to be
+Esperance, the son of Monte-Cristo, who at once challenged him to a
+duel, but the duel was not fought for some reason not made public, the
+difference between the two fiery youths having been arranged through the
+mediation of mutual friends. It was observed, however, and widely
+commented upon that, although the twain had previously been almost
+inseparable companions, Esperance after this quarrel studiously avoided
+the Viscount Massetti, refraining from even mentioning his name.
+
+Meanwhile at Civita Vecchia another act in the drama of Annunziata
+Solara's clouded life had been played. In that city was located a famous
+asylum for unfortunate women, founded and managed by a French lady of
+enormous wealth and corresponding benevolence, Madame Helena de
+Rancogne, the Countess of Monte-Cristo.[6] This lady was untiring in her
+efforts to reclaim and rehabilitate the fallen of her sex. She was the
+Superior of the Order of Sisters of Refuge, the members of which were
+scattered throughout Europe, but made their headquarters at the asylum
+in Civita Vecchia, where a sufficient number of them constantly aided
+Madame de Rancogne in carrying out her good and philanthropic work.
+
+The Refuge, as the asylum was called, was a vast edifice of gray stone
+with a sombre and cloister-like look. Over the huge entrance door on a
+tablet of polished metal this sentence was incrusted in conspicuous
+letters of black: "Be Not Led to Consider Any Unworthy!" It was an
+utterance of the Countess of Monte-Cristo in the past and had been
+adopted as the guiding rule and maxim of the Order of Sisters of Refuge.
+The interior of the building in no way corresponded with its gloomy,
+forbidding outside. Tall, wide windows freely admitted the ardent rays
+of the glowing Italian sun, flooding the corridors and apartments with
+cheerful light and warmth. Crimson hangings and magnificently wrought
+tapestry of fabulous price adorned the walls, while costly and beautiful
+statues and paintings, the work of old masters and contemporaneous
+artists, added to the attractiveness of the numerous salons and
+drawing-rooms. The great refectory and the dormitories possessed charms
+of their own, bright colors everywhere greeting the eye and nothing
+being allowed that could inspire or promote melancholy moods or painful
+thoughts. There was an immense library, to which all the inmates of the
+Refuge had free access. It was sumptuously furnished, and the floor was
+covered with a gorgeous Turkey carpet, so thick and soft that footsteps
+made no sound upon it, while the brilliant figures of tropical flowers
+profusely studding it gave the impression of eternal summer. Desks
+abundantly supplied with writing materials, tables loaded with the
+latest newspapers and periodicals in all the languages of Europe,
+luxurious sofas and inviting fauteuils allured those succored by the
+Countess of Monte-Cristo and her vigilant aids. On every side the
+library was surrounded with book-cases, containing absorbing romances,
+volumes of travel, the productions of the celebrated poets, histories
+and essays, with a liberal sprinkling of religious works, mostly
+non-sectarian and invariably of a consolatory character. In addition
+elegantly and thoroughly equipped work-rooms were provided, in which
+those who were so inclined could practice embroidery, sew or manufacture
+the thousand and one little fancy knick-knacks at which female fingers
+are so skilful. Nothing, however, was compulsory, the main object being
+to afford the inmates of the Refuge agreeable occupation, to elevate
+them and to prevent them from looking back regretfully to the agitated
+lives they had led and the vices that had held empire over them in the
+past. Truly a more generous, unselfish lover of her sex than the noble
+Countess of Monte-Cristo did not exist.
+
+The protegees of the Sisters of the Order of Refuge embraced women of
+all ages, all nationalities and all conditions in life. They included
+Parisian grisettes and lorettes, recruited by Nini Moustache in her
+coquettish apartment of the Chaussee d' Antin, for Nini had proved a
+most effective missionary; young girls, who had fallen a prey to
+designing roues and been abandoned to the whirl of that gulf of
+destruction, the streets of Paris; Spanish senoritas, who had listened
+too credulously to the false vows of faithless lovers; Italian peasant
+girls, whose pretty faces and charms of person had been their ruin;
+unfortunate German, English, Dutch and Scandinavian maidens; and even
+brands snatched from the burning in Russia, Turkey and Greece. This
+somewhat diverse community dwelt together in perfect sisterly accord,
+chastened by their individual misfortunes, encouraged and upheld in the
+path of reform by the Countess of Monte-Cristo, who was to all the
+unfortunates as a tender, thoughtful and considerate mother.
+
+One quiet night, just as darkness had settled down over the streets of
+Civita Vecchia, a timid knock at the entrance door of the Refuge
+aroused the portress on duty there. Such knocks were often heard and
+well understood. The portress arose from her bench, partly opened the
+door and admitted a trembling young girl, whose crouching and shrunken
+form was clad in a mass of tattered rags. A thin red cloak was thrown
+over her shoulders, and her pale, emaciated face spoke plainly of
+poverty, hardship and suffering. Even Giovanni Massetti would have with
+difficulty recognized in this wretched outcast the once shapely and
+beautiful flower-girl of the Piazza del Popolo, for the applicant at the
+Refuge door was no other than the ill-fated Annunziata Solara. Her
+beauty had faded away like a summer dream, vanished as the perfume from
+a withered hyacinth. She stood before the portress silently, with
+clasped hands, the incarnation of misery, distress and desertion.
+
+"What do you require, my poor child?" asked the portress, tenderly and
+sympathetically.
+
+"Shelter, only shelter!" replied the girl, beseechingly, in a hollow,
+broken voice, the ghost of her former full and joyous tones.
+
+"The Superior must decide upon your case," said the portress. "You shall
+go to her at once."
+
+The woman touched a bell, directing the Sister of the Order of Refuge
+who answered it to conduct the applicant to the apartment of Madame de
+Rancogne. The trembling Annunziata was led through a long corridor and
+ushered into a small, but cosy office in which sat an elderly lady of
+commanding and aristocratic presence, whose head was covered with curls
+of silver hair, and whose still handsome countenance wore an expressive
+look in which compassion and benevolence predominated. This lady was the
+celebrated Madame Helena de Rancogne, whose adventures and exploits as
+the Countess of Monte-Cristo had in the past electrified every European
+nation. She arose as Annunziata entered, welcoming her with a cordial,
+comforting smile.
+
+"Sit down, my child," she said, in a rich, melodious voice. "You are
+fatigued. Are you also hungry?"
+
+Annunziata sank into the chair offered her, covering her face with her
+thin hands.
+
+"Alas! signora," she replied, faintly, "I have walked many weary miles
+and have not tasted a morsel of food since dawn!"
+
+"Take the poor child to the refectory," said the Countess to the Sister,
+who had remained standing near the door. "After her hunger has been
+appeased, I will see her again and question her."
+
+Half an hour later, Annunziata, refreshed and strengthened by her meal,
+once more sat in the office with the Countess of Monte-Cristo.
+
+"My child," said the latter, "what is your name?"
+
+"Annunziata Solara."
+
+"You have applied for shelter here the portress informs me. Do you know
+that this is an asylum for the fallen of your sex?"
+
+"I know it, signora; that is the reason I came."
+
+"Have you repented of your sin and do you desire to lead a better life?"
+
+"I have repented bitterly," answered the girl, bursting into a flood of
+tears, "oh! how bitterly God alone knows! I wish to hide myself from the
+world; I wish to atone for my shame by whatever good action my hands can
+find to do."
+
+"It is well," said the Countess, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
+"The field is wide, and the Order of Sisters of Refuge, although large,
+is always open for new additions. Much good has already been done, but
+more remains to be accomplished, infinitely more. You shall be received
+and given an opportunity to share in the great work."
+
+"From the depths of my soul I thank you!" sobbed the girl. "I will try
+earnestly to be worthy of your benevolence!"
+
+"Tell me your story now," said the Superior. "I cannot believe that the
+guilt was altogether yours."
+
+"I am grateful, signora, for those words. I was thoughtless and
+indiscreet, but not criminal. Happy and contented in my humble peasant
+home, I was pure and innocent. I knew nothing of the wickedness of men,
+of the snares set to entrap unwary young girls. I lived with my father
+and brother in the vicinity of Rome, selling flowers in that city from
+time to time. I had never had a suitor, never had a lover. My heart was
+free, filled with the joyousness of youth. I had been told that I
+possessed a fair share of beauty, but that neither made me vain nor
+inclined me to coquetry. Oh! signora, I shall never be so happy again!"
+
+Emotion overcame her and her tears started afresh. The Countess soothed
+her and she continued:
+
+"One fatal night, my brother brought two strange young men to our
+cabin. They appeared to be peasants like ourselves, and one of them had
+been wounded in a fight with a brigand. They remained with us for some
+days. I nursed the wounded man, who, when he grew convalescent, made
+love to me. I listened to his ardent declarations, submitted to his
+endearments. I grew to love him in my turn, and, oh! signora, I believed
+in him, trusted him. At that period I had nothing to reproach myself
+with, and Tonio, that was my admirer's name, seemed sincerity itself.
+One day he asked me to fly with him, but our conversation was
+interrupted and I gave him no answer. I was confused, I did not know
+what to do. That evening I received a letter from him--I found it on the
+table in the room I occupied, concealed beneath my work-box--telling me
+that everything was prepared for our flight that night, and asking me to
+be in readiness. I was terrified. I could not understand why he wished
+me to fly with him if everything was as it should be, as my father and
+brother would not have objected to any proper suitor for my hand on whom
+I had bestowed my heart. For the first time I was suspicious of Tonio,
+and I resolved to pay no attention to his letter. On the morrow I would
+see him and tell him to speak to my father and brother. Alas! that
+opportunity was not given me. Oh! that horrible, horrible night!"
+
+She covered her face with her hands and shuddered. When she looked up
+she was ghastly pale, and her voice quivered as she resumed:
+
+"That dreadful night, as I lay upon my bed, wrapped in slumber, I was
+suddenly aroused by hearing some one in my chamber. It was very dark and
+I could not see the intruder. I started up in terror, but a hand was
+placed firmly over my mouth. I was torn from my bed and borne in a man's
+arms from the cabin. I struggled to release myself, but in vain. My
+abductor appeared to possess the strength of a giant. There was no moon,
+but in the dim starlight I could see that the man was masked. He
+hastened with me into the neighboring forest. There he accidentally
+struck his right arm against the trunk of a tree and his hand dropped
+from my mouth. Instantly I uttered a loud, piercing cry, but the hand
+went back to its place again almost immediately, and I was unable to
+give vent to another sound. My cry, however, had been heard by my
+brother, who hastened to my assistance. He overtook my abductor in the
+forest, and, though unarmed, at once attacked him. The man dropped me
+and turned upon my brother. A fierce struggle ensued, during which the
+mask was struck from my abductor's face and, to my horror, I thought I
+recognized Tonio. Suddenly there was a report of a pistol. I had watched
+the conflict, unable to move. I saw my brother stagger; blood was
+gushing from him. I could endure no more; I fell to the ground in a
+swoon.
+
+"When I recovered my senses, I was in a strange hut. Savage looking men,
+whom I took to be bandits, were guarding me. How long I remained in the
+hut I do not know, but it must have been several days. At times a
+masked man came to me, telling me that he was Tonio and pressing his
+suit upon me. I refused to listen to him, upbraiding him for tearing me
+from my home and wounding my brother. I told him his conduct was not
+that of a lover, but of a villain. I implored him, if he possessed a
+spark of manhood, to set me free, to send me to my father. He informed
+me that I was his captive and should so remain until I yielded to his
+wishes. I repulsed him with scorn, with the energy of desperation.
+Ultimately he overpowered me by sheer force, and compelled me to yield.
+Then I saw him no more. I wandered about the hut like one demented. My
+cup of sorrow was full to overflowing. I was in despair. Shame and
+degradation were henceforth my portion.
+
+"After my abductor's departure, a new comer appeared among the brigands.
+He seemed to be their chief. He expressed pity for me, and told me that
+my abductor was not a peasant, but a young Roman nobleman, the Viscount
+Giovanni Massetti. I cared nothing for this revelation. I had no thought
+of vengeance; my sole desire was to hide myself from the gaze of the
+world, to avoid the pitiless finger of scorn. Eventually the bandit
+chief took me back to my home. There I found my father, learning from
+his lips that my brother was dead. This intelligence made my sorrow
+utterly unbearable. My father was moody and morose. For days at a time
+he did not speak to me. He appeared to have lost all paternal affection.
+Finally I left the cabin. I had heard of the Refuge and determined to
+seek its shelter. I walked to Civita Vecchia, and to-night found myself
+at your door. Such, signora, is my sad history. I have told you the
+whole truth. You see I am not altogether to blame."
+
+As Annunziata concluded, the Countess of Monte-Cristo drew her upon her
+bosom.
+
+"My poor girl," said she, in tender, pitying tones, "you have, indeed,
+tasted the bitterness of life and have been more sinned against than
+sinning. But you are my daughter now. The Sisterhood of the Order of
+Refuge has covered you with its protecting shield."
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[6] For a full account of the life and career of "The Countess of
+Monte-Cristo," see that powerful, romantic and absorbing novel, "The
+Countess of Monte-Cristo," published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers,
+Philadelphia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES.
+
+
+A year had elapsed since the events already recorded. Zuleika, having
+finished her studies at the convent school of the Sisterhood of the
+Sacred Heart, the Count of Monte-Cristo had quitted Rome and, with his
+family, was established in Paris in the palatial mansion, No. 27 Rue du
+Helder, formerly occupied by the Count de Morcerf. He was a member of
+the Chamber of Deputies, representing Marseilles, and was wedded to his
+first love, Mercedes, who had mysteriously reappeared and nursed him
+through a severe illness, which was immediately followed by their
+marriage. The revolution of 1848, which had placed M. Lamartine at the
+head of the Provisional Government, had put power and office within his
+grasp, but he had declined both, preferring to work in the wider field
+of universal human freedom. His eminent services during the revolution
+had rendered him immensely popular with the masses, and the fame of his
+matchless eloquence added to the vast influence he so modestly wielded.
+His colossal wealth, which he lavishly used to promote the great cause
+he championed, also tended to make him a conspicuous figure in the
+political and high social circles of the capital, though he strove to
+court retirement.
+
+Zuleika and Esperance fairly adored their mild, kindly stepmother, who,
+on her side, was as devotedly attached to them as if they had been her
+own children. The Count noted this mutual attachment, which time only
+served to strengthen, and it filled his heart with joy and
+gratification. The family was, indeed, a happy one, and even the
+servants shared the general felicity.
+
+Mlle. d' Armilly's influence over Captain Joliette great as it
+undoubtedly was, had been insufficient to induce that gallant and
+honorable young soldier to seek a rupture with the wonderful man to whom
+he was so vastly indebted and whom he so highly revered. This had at
+first caused a coldness between the revengeful prima donna and her
+admirer, but a reconciliation had ultimately taken place between them
+and they were now man and wife. Prior to their marriage Mlle. d' Armilly
+had acknowledged herself to be Eugenie Danglars, and thus the motive of
+her bitter hostility to the Count of Monte-Cristo was revealed. She had
+retired from the operatic stage, and had received a large sum of money,
+stated to be a legacy from her father, but generally believed to be a
+gift from the Count, intended by him in some degree to make amends to
+her for the sufferings she had endured by reason of his vengeance on the
+banker Danglars. The prima donna's brother Leon had turned out to be a
+woman masquerading in male attire, no other than Mlle. d' Armilly
+herself, Eugenie's former music-teacher, who had loaned her name to her
+friend when the latter started on her operatic career. These
+transformations had been immediately followed by another, Captain
+Joliette discarding his pseudonym and appearing as Albert de Morcerf.
+Paris had talked over and wondered at all this for a week, and then had
+completely forgotten it, turning its fickle attention to newer and more
+engrossing sensations. Albert's marriage and the legacy healed the
+breach between Eugenie and the Count of Monte-Cristo, and the young
+couple, together with the real Mlle. d' Armilly, had been added to the
+happy family in the mansion of the Rue du Helder.
+
+The Viscount Giovanni Massetti had appeared in Paris. Immediately after
+his reckless visit to Zuleika in the convent garden and his wild
+interview with her there, he had gone to the Count of Monte-Cristo,
+avowed his love for Haydee's child and solicited her hand in marriage.
+He had been told to wait a year, a period he had passed he scarcely knew
+how, but it had been an eternity to him, an eternity fraught with
+restless anxiety, with alternations between ardent hope and the depths
+of despair. The expiration of his probation found him in the mansion of
+the Rue du Helder, renewing his earnest suit with the Count, who had
+granted him permission to win his daughter if he could. The young
+Italian had at once sought Zuleika, who had welcomed him as her lover
+and betrothed. Then a clash had suddenly arisen; Esperance had expressed
+his abhorrence of his sister's suitor, had given mysterious hints that
+had recalled the half-forgotten Roman scandal, and a separation between
+Giovanni and Zuleika had ensued, the former refusing to speak out and
+clear himself, pleading his terrible oath of silence. In the course of
+his vague, unsatisfactory disclosures, Esperance had unguardedly
+mentioned the name of Luigi Vampa, and the Count of Monte-Cristo had
+written to the brigand chief, requesting such information as he
+possessed in regard to the impenetrable mystery. Vampa's reply had been
+a fearful arraignment of the youthful Viscount, but Zuleika could not
+believe her lover the depraved and guilty wretch the brigand chief
+represented him to be, asserting that there was something yet
+unexplained, something that would effectually exculpate him could it be
+reached. The Count of Monte-Cristo had at first inclined to the belief
+that Massetti was merely the victim of circumstances, of some remarkable
+coincidence, but Vampa's letter scattered this belief to the winds and
+he demanded that the Viscount should conclusively prove his innocence.
+Zuleika had meanwhile banished her lover from her presence, but her
+heart yearned for him and defended him in spite of everything. She
+therefore sent him Vampa's letter, assuring him of her belief in his
+innocence and commanding him to prove it to her and to the world.
+Thereupon Giovanni had instantly quitted Paris. His sudden disappearance
+seemed like a flight; it caused scandal's thousand tongues to wag
+remorselessly; but, although he left no word for her, Zuleika knew her
+command had sent him to Italy to clear his name and record in her eyes;
+she was firmly convinced that she would see him again, that he would
+return to Paris rehabilitated.
+
+Such was the general condition of affairs, as affecting the
+Monte-Cristo family, at the time the thread of this narrative is
+resumed.
+
+It was the month of July. The heat in Paris was intense, absolutely
+stifling; a white glow seemed to fall from the breezeless, yellow
+atmosphere, scorching the very pavements; for weeks there had been no
+rain, not the slightest sign of a cloud in the pitiless heavens. The
+streets were almost deserted; even that favored thoroughfare of fashion,
+the Rue de la Paix, boasted of but few promenaders; the only spot in
+request was the Bois de Boulogne, with its magnificent trees and
+deliciously shaded avenues; the Champs-Elysees, throughout its entire
+extent, from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de l' Etoile, was like
+a sun-swept desert, and its picturesque marchands de coco, with their
+shining mugs, snow-white aprons and tinkling bells, found only a limited
+demand for their liquorice water and lemon juice, while even the
+Theatres de Guignol failed to arrest the rare passers.
+
+In the vast garden of the Monte-Cristo mansion, notwithstanding its
+power elsewhere, the sun seemed to have been successfully defied; there
+the trees, shrubs and plants were not parched, but preserved all their
+freshness and beauty, suggesting the coolness of early spring rather
+than the sweltering heat of midsummer, while the parterres were
+brilliant with gorgeous bloom and penetrating perfumes loaded the air.
+Near a little gate opening upon the Rue du Helder, early one morning,
+Zuleika and Mlle. d' Armilly were sitting on a rustic bench beneath an
+ample honeysuckle-covered arbor. They had come to the garden from the
+breakfast-room to rest and chat after their meal. The former
+music-teacher was telling her companion of her stage experience and of
+the many adventures she had met with during her operatic career. In the
+midst of a most interesting recital, she suddenly paused, fixing her
+eyes upon the little gate, with a cry of surprise and terror. Zuleika
+followed the direction of her glance and gave a start as she saw,
+leaning against the bars of the gate, a sinister-looking man, clad in
+dusty, tattered garments, who was peering at her companion and herself
+with eyes that glittered like those of some venomous serpent. When he
+noticed that he was observed, the man pulled a greasy, weather-stained
+cap from his head, disclosing a profusion of matted, whitened locks,
+and, stretching a grimy hand, with hooked fingers that resembled the
+claws of an enormous bird, through the bars, said, in the hoarse tones
+peculiar to the outcasts of the streets:
+
+"Charity, for the love of God!"
+
+The man seemed more like a thief than a beggar. Nevertheless, Mlle. d'
+Armilly, who was the first to recover her self-possession, drew a few
+sous from her pocket and advanced to place them in his palm. As she came
+closer to him, the mendicant acted very strangely. Instead of taking the
+money, he suddenly withdrew his hand, staring at Mlle. d' Armilly with
+an expression of mingled terror and amazement upon his evil countenance.
+Then he quickly turned from the gate, thrust on his cap and started off
+at a rapid pace. Mlle. d' Armilly also was singularly affected; she
+dropped the sous, became ashy pale and would have fallen to the ground
+had not Zuleika sprung to her side and caught her in her arms.
+
+"What is the matter, Louise?" cried the girl, astonished at the beggar's
+behavior and still more so at the effect he had produced upon her
+companion.
+
+"I have seen a ghost!" replied Mlle. d' Armilly, in a startling whisper.
+
+"A ghost?"
+
+"Yes! Oh! let us quit the garden at once!"
+
+"The ghost of whom?"
+
+"I dare not say! Come, come, I cannot remain here another second! How
+fortunate that young Madame de Morcerf was not with us! She would have
+been driven mad!"
+
+"Albert's wife? You talk wildly, Louise. What interest could she feel in
+that wretched outcast?"
+
+"What interest? Do not ask me. I cannot, I must not tell you! Oh! it is
+terrible!"
+
+"Will you tell Albert's wife of what you have seen?"
+
+"No! a thousand times no! She must not even suspect that man's return
+from the grave! I entreat you to say nothing to her or any one else!"
+
+"I shall be silent upon the subject; but that beggar was not a ghost; he
+was a most substantial reality. Something frightened him away,
+something, doubtless, that he saw in the street, perhaps a sergent de
+ville. Your recognition of him was fancied."
+
+"It was not fancied. But we must not stay here; I would not see that
+face, those eyes again for worlds!"
+
+Zuleika took her friend's arm and walked with her towards the mansion,
+endeavoring as they went along to reassure her, to reason her out of her
+fright. Her efforts, however, proved altogether futile. Mlle. d' Armilly
+was utterly unnerved and at once retired to her room.
+
+Notwithstanding her willingness to believe that Mlle. d' Armilly had
+been deceived with regard to the identity of the beggar and, in her
+confusion, had confounded him with some one else, Zuleika could not
+altogether shake off a feeling of vague apprehension, of ill-defined
+terror when she thought over the singular conduct and wild agitation of
+the former music-teacher in the quiet and solitude of her own chamber.
+Why had Mlle. d' Armilly been so stricken at the sight of the mendicant?
+Why had she so earnestly entreated her to say nothing of what had
+occurred to any one, and, especially, to avoid all mention of the matter
+to Albert de Morcerf's wife? Mlle. d' Armilly had seen too much of the
+world to be frightened by a mere trifle. Was it possible that the ragged
+outcast had been in some way identified with young Madame de Morcerf's
+operatic career, that he had been her lover? The latter supposition
+would furnish a plausible cause for the former music-teacher's terror,
+as the reappearance of a lover might lead to disclosures well-calculated
+to seriously disturb the happiness and tranquillity of the newly-made
+husband and wife. Zuleika had heard that Eugenie had been much courted
+during the period she was on the stage, that she had numbered her ardent
+admirers by scores, but this man seemed too old, too forlorn, to have
+recently been in a position to scatter wealth at the feet of a prima
+donna. Besides, Mlle. d' Armilly had spoken of him as a ghost and had
+appeared to refer him to a period more remote. Zuleika had also heard of
+Mlle. Danglars' broken marriage-contract away back in the past. Could
+this beggar be the scoundrel who had masqueraded under the assumed title
+of Prince Cavalcanti and had so nearly become her husband? Perhaps; but
+even if he were that unscrupulous wretch, what harm could his
+reappearance do at this late day, now that the old story had been
+thoroughly sifted and almost forgotten? Albert was well aware of all the
+details of the Cavalcanti episode, and it was hardly likely that
+anything further could be exposed that would disturb either him or his
+wife. No, the grimy, white-haired, sinister-looking stranger could not
+be the quondam Prince; he was some one else, some one more to be feared.
+But who was he, if not the miserable son of Villefort? Zuleika was more
+perplexed and disturbed than she was willing to admit, even to herself.
+If she could only speak with the Count of Monte-Cristo, tell him all,
+some explanation of the mystery might, doubtless, be obtained, an
+explanation that would, at least, calm her vague fears; but that was
+impossible; her promise to Mlle. d' Armilly to be silent sealed her lips
+as effectually with her father as with young Madame de Morcerf. Whatever
+might be her fears, she would have to bear them alone, or, at the best,
+share them with Mlle. d' Armilly, who, evidently, would give her no
+further satisfaction.
+
+Meanwhile the man who had caused all this trouble after having almost
+run quite a distance along the Rue du Helder, utterly oblivious of the
+attention he drew to himself from the rare passers, turned into the Rue
+Taitbout, thence reached the Rue de Provence and finally found himself
+in the Cite d' Antin. There he made his way into a small drinking-shop
+or caboulot, patronized by some of the worst prowlers about that section
+of Paris. The room he entered was unoccupied save by a slatternly young
+woman, who sat behind the counter reading a greasy copy of the Gazette
+des Tribunaux. The man went to the counter and, throwing down the price,
+demanded a glass of brandy, which he swallowed at a gulp. Then he
+addressed the slatternly young woman, who, with her paper still in one
+hand, was half-smiling, half-scowling at him.
+
+"Is Waldmann here?" he asked, with the air of a man who feels himself
+thoroughly at home.
+
+"Yes," answered the young woman, resuming her seat and her reading; "he
+is in the back room, playing piquet with Peppino, Beppo and Siebecker."
+
+"Good!" said the man. "I am in luck. I scarcely expected to find them
+all in at this hour."
+
+With this he opened a glazed door, and, stepping into the back room,
+closed it behind him. The players, who were seated at a table, with mugs
+of beer beside them, glanced up quickly from their game as he came in,
+and one of them, a heavy-framed, beetle-browed German, called out to
+him, speaking French:
+
+"How now, Bouche-de-Miel, what is the matter? You are out of breath and
+as pale as if you had been shadowed by an Agent de la Surete!"
+
+"I have not been shadowed, Waldmann," answered the beggar or
+Bouche-de-Miel, "but I have made a startling discovery."
+
+The players at once put down their cards and leaned forward to hear.
+They were a rough, desperate-looking set; on their ill-omened and
+sunburnt visages thief could be read as plainly as if it were written
+there, and perhaps, also, the still more significant word, assassin! Two
+of the men were Italians, evidently the Peppino and Beppo referred to by
+the slatternly young woman at the counter in the outer room. Besides
+Waldmann there was another German. This was Siebecker. Tall, slim, with
+yellow hair and moustache, he had some claim to good looks; his attire
+was quite respectable compared to that of the rest; had he not possessed
+a pair of restless, demoniac eyes, he might have passed for a person of
+tolerably fair repute, but those glaring, tiger-like orbs betrayed his
+true character and stamped him as a very dangerous member of the
+criminal fraternity. Waldmann appeared to be the leader of the coterie.
+The Italians wore blue blouses, but the distinctive garment of the
+Parisian workman could not conceal a certain brigandish air that was
+second nature to them.
+
+"Let's hear about your startling discovery, Bouche-de-Miel," said
+Waldmann. "Take a seat and tell us."
+
+The beggar dropped upon a wooden chest, saying, in a tone of deep
+dejection, as he did so:
+
+"Much as I long to take a hand in to-night's little job, I'm afraid
+you'll have to let me off!"
+
+"Stuff!" cried Waldmann. "You are afraid of meeting that terrible
+fellow, the Count of Monte-Cristo! But the startling discovery--out with
+it, man!"
+
+"Yes; the discovery, the discovery!" demanded the others, impatiently.
+
+"Well," said Bouche-de-Miel, "I went to the Rue du Helder this morning,
+as agreed upon, and made a survey of Monte-Cristo's mansion. Nothing
+easier than to get in, as no watch is kept at night, and the Count is
+not in the least suspicious although he has millions of francs in his
+safe, to say not a word of jewels and other valuables. As I was about
+leaving the premises, I stopped at a little gate giving access to the
+garden from the street, having noticed that the key had been carelessly
+left in the lock on the outside. I was leaning against the gate, taking
+a wax impression of this key, which would assure us entrance without
+trouble, when, happening to glance through the grating into the garden,
+I saw two women; they had noticed me and seemed greatly frightened.
+Instantly I thrust my hand through the bars and asked for charity. One
+of the women summoned up sufficient courage to arise and approach me;
+she was about to give me some money, when suddenly she recognized me in
+spite of all the changes in my appearance. I also recognized her and
+hastened away as rapidly as I could."
+
+"Well, what of all this?" said Waldmann, calmly. "It amounts to nothing
+whatever."
+
+"It amounts to so much that I cannot go with you to Monte-Cristo's house
+and run the risk of meeting that woman!"
+
+Waldmann gave vent to a loud laugh; the others smiled.
+
+"I never before heard of a Frenchman who was afraid to meet a woman!"
+said Siebecker, much amused.
+
+"I tell you I cannot go; you must let me off," said Bouche-de-Miel,
+obstinately.
+
+"What!" cried Peppino. "Do you allow a woman to stand between you and
+your vengeance against the Count of Monte-Cristo? Remember Luigi Vampa's
+bill of fare!"
+
+Bouche-de-Miel glared at the Italian savagely.
+
+"There is no need for me to remember it," returned he, bitterly. "I have
+never forgotten it. Neither have I forgotten your share in that infamous
+business!" he added, between his teeth.
+
+"It was my duty to do as I was bidden!" retorted Peppino.
+
+"I will have my revenge on you yet!" muttered Bouche-de-Miel,
+menacingly.
+
+"We shall see!" answered the Italian, defiantly.
+
+Waldmann interposed and said, sternly:
+
+"No quarreling! We are brothers and are united for mutual gain.
+Bouche-de-Miel, you must go with us to-night. I order you to go and will
+take no excuse! Besides, if, as Peppino says, you have vengeance to
+gratify against the Count of Monte-Cristo, the opportunity is too
+precious for you to neglect it! At any rate, go you shall! Where is the
+wax impression of the key?"
+
+Bouche-de-Miel handed the German a small package which, he took from
+his pocket. Waldmann gave it to Siebecker, directing him to fashion a
+key in accordance with it. In the meantime the beggar had been thinking.
+His face showed that a fierce struggle was taking place in his mind, a
+struggle between fear and a burning desire for revenge. The latter
+ultimately triumphed, and the beggar, rising from the chest, went to the
+table, bringing his fist down upon it with a resounding blow.
+
+"I will accompany you, mates!" he said, with wildly flashing eyes and in
+an excited voice. "Monte-Cristo robbed me, ruined me and drove me into
+the world a penniless vagrant! I will have my revenge!"
+
+"Spoken like a hero!" said Waldmann, enthusiastically. "We will meet at
+the little gate on the Rue du Helder at midnight. Siebecker will give
+you the key, Bouche-de-Miel, and you will open the gate. You need not
+fear recognition, even if you should meet the woman you have spoken of
+face to face, for you will be masked like the rest of us. If you are
+anxious about her safety, I will tell you now that we only want
+Monte-Cristo's millions; we do not mean murder."
+
+"But what if murder should be necessary, if it cannot be avoided?"
+
+Waldmann shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Then we must protect ourselves," he answered, phlegmatically.
+
+Thereupon the coterie of miscreants separated, to pass away the hours as
+best they might, until the time for the brilliant stroke they meditated
+arrived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+FATHER AND DAUGHTER.
+
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo was in his study, pacing to and fro; he was
+plunged in thought, and an expression indicative of deep concern was
+upon his pale, but resolute countenance. Ever and anon he would pause in
+front of a small table on which was a telegraphic outfit for the sending
+and receiving of messages, listening with close attention to the sounds
+given forth, for, although sound reading was not much practiced by the
+telegraphers of that period, Monte-Cristo, who seemed to have all the
+accomplishments of his own age and those of ages to come, was a
+proficient at it, as well as a remarkably rapid and correct operator.
+
+It was nearly midnight. The entire family in the mansion of the Rue du
+Helder had retired to rest, with the exception of its head, who had
+remained up in response to a summons from Berlin to be ready to receive
+the details of a secret meeting of a vast society of Prussian patriots,
+which would be sent to him in cipher by one of his most enthusiastic and
+active agents for the promotion of the cause of universal human liberty.
+The intense heat that had prevailed all day had been but slightly
+moderated by the advent of a close, sultry night; there was not the
+faintest breeze in the heavy, oppressive air, and the blue sky, full of
+stars and flooded with brilliant moonlight, was without a cloud. The
+silvery brightness poured in through the open windows of the study, so
+illuminating the apartment that the Count had extinguished his lamp.
+Fantastic shadows were projected on the floor by the book-cases and
+various articles of furniture, looking like gigantic and dwarfed shapes
+of demons and elfs and lending the scene a weird, supernatural aspect.
+Monte-Cristo walked amid these distorted shadows like some master
+magician communing with the dark, mysterious spirits that received his
+commands in silence and then vanished to execute them without question
+or debate.
+
+The Count's thoughts were of a sombre nature; he was pondering over the
+problem of French freedom, wondering how long the volatile, changeful
+nation with which he had cast his lot would retain the liberty acquired
+by the revolution that had overturned Louis Philippe's throne and given
+the people power. He distrusted the events of the near future. Already
+the Bonapartists were active and Louis Napoleon was looming up as a
+formidable figure. The nephew of the great conqueror of Europe professed
+republican sentiments, but Monte-Cristo doubted his sincerity as well as
+his ability to govern the restless population of Paris. He foresaw
+imitation of the famous Emperor; his prophetic eye pierced through Louis
+Napoleon's presidential aspirations and saw beyond them a second Empire
+not less brilliant but not more substantial than the first. The policy
+of the Bonapartes was to dazzle the masses, the men of the barricades,
+by a show of grandeur and amuse rather than force them into submission.
+The Count had held aloof from Louis Napoleon, had even opposed him to
+the full extent of his mighty influence; he had done so not from any
+personal considerations, but for the good of the entire French people,
+for the preservation intact of the fabric of freedom, the fruit of the
+revolution of 1848.
+
+Meanwhile, as these thoughts coursed through Monte-Cristo's active
+brain, the telegraphic instrument went ticking steadily on, but the
+information he expected was not conveyed. News flashed to him from every
+centre of political agitation save Berlin; there an obstinate, ominous
+silence prevailed. Several times he sought to open communication with
+his confederate in the Prussian capital, but his signals were
+unanswered. At last he paused wearily in his walk, throwing himself in a
+huge arm-chair; fatigue weighed upon his eyelids and he speedily sank
+into an uneasy, broken sleep, from which he started at intervals,
+disturbed by some vague, disquieting dream. Ever and anon, as he dozed,
+that smile that made him so handsome would steal over his manly
+countenance, bringing out into bold relief all his wonderful nobility
+and benevolence of expression.
+
+As midnight struck in every clock-tower in Paris, the usual solitude of
+the Rue du Helder at that dead hour was broken by the appearance of a
+sinister figure at the little gate of Monte-Cristo's garden. This figure
+was almost instantly followed by another hardly less forbidding. Both
+wore masks and moved as stealthily as cats. The second figure addressed
+the first, speaking in a cautious whisper:
+
+"Bouche-de-Miel, is that you?"
+
+"Yes. Siebecker, have you the key?" muttered the other, scarcely above
+his breath.
+
+"Here it is, old man. Now to work. The others will be on hand in a
+moment. Open the gate and let us get in."
+
+Bouche-de-Miel took the key, which was covered with oil to prevent
+grating, and inserted it in the lock. It fitted to a charm and turned
+noiselessly. Bouche-de-Miel gave the gate a gentle push; it yielded,
+swinging open without a sound. The two men passed inside, partially
+closing it after them. The moonlight fell upon the seat that Zuleika and
+Mlle. d' Armilly had occupied beneath the honey-suckle-covered arbor
+that morning; Bouche-de-Miel gave a sudden start as he glanced at it,
+half-repenting of having yielded to Waldmann's command under the impulse
+of his hatred for Monte-Cristo and his desire for revenge; he trembled
+violently in spite of all his efforts to maintain composure and his face
+became one mass of sweat beneath his protecting mask. Siebecker noticed
+his agitation and gave vent to a smothered curse.
+
+"Sacre nom d' un chien!" he muttered, between his teeth, "if you go on
+like that, old man, it would have been better had Waldmann let you off.
+You can't do this job with an unsteady hand. Brace up, brace up,
+Bouche-de-Miel! What's that?"
+
+There was a slight noise at the gate. Grasping his tremulous companion
+by the arm, Siebecker hurriedly drew him behind a clump of small
+chestnut trees. No sooner were they hidden than three masked men
+cautiously opened the gate and came on tip-toe into the garden.
+Waldmann, Peppino and Beppo had arrived and were ready to do their share
+of the nefarious work. Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel silently emerged
+from their hiding-place and joined them.
+
+Waldmann glanced about him, evidently satisfied.
+
+"So far so good," said he, in an undertone. "We are all here on time. Do
+not let us waste an instant. Have you steadied your nerves with plenty
+of brandy, Bouche-de-Miel?"
+
+"I'm all right," replied the latter, doggedly, though there was a
+perceptible quiver in his voice as he spoke.
+
+"He has just had another fit of fear," said Siebecker, disdainfully. "I
+think we would do well to leave him with Peppino and Beppo to keep watch
+in the garden! It won't be safe to take him with us into the house,
+Waldmann!"
+
+The leader went up to Bouche-de-Miel and gave him a rough shake.
+
+"You are a coward!" said he, savagely. "That woman story you told us was
+all bosh. You are afraid of meeting Monte-Cristo, as I saw very plainly
+this morning!"
+
+This taunt stung Bouche-de-Miel to the quick and restored to him all his
+courage. He faced Waldmann unflinchingly and retorted:
+
+"I am no coward and I am not afraid of Monte-Cristo!"
+
+"Then what is the matter with, you?"
+
+"That is my business, but it shan't damage this night's work. I will go
+with you to the house and do my part as well as you or Siebecker. You
+said not to waste an instant. What are you waiting for? Go on!"
+
+"Do you swear to stand by us to the last whatever happens?"
+
+"I swear it!"
+
+"I will trust you."
+
+"And you will have no reason to repent of your trust. If I meet
+Monte-Cristo I will kill him as I would a mongrel cur! Does that satisfy
+you?"
+
+"How about your mysterious woman?"
+
+Bouche-de-Miel could not repress a start, but he clenched his fists
+firmly and replied, with an effort:
+
+"Never mind her! She must take care of herself!"
+
+"Who is she?"
+
+"Never mind her, I say! If harm comes to her it will be her own fault!"
+
+Waldmann appeared reassured; nevertheless he whispered in
+Bouche-de-Miel's ear with a terrible earnestness that plainly showed he
+meant what he said:
+
+"I told you I would trust you, and I will. But if you weaken, if you
+seek to act the traitor to save that woman, I will blow your brains out
+where you stand!"
+
+Bouche-de-Miel shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"If I weaken, if I seek to betray you, shoot me on the spot! I give you
+leave! But if you use your pistol, it will be on other game than me! Let
+us to work!"
+
+Leaving the two Italians on guard at the gate, Waldmann and Siebecker,
+with Bouche-de-Miel between them, went stealthily towards the house,
+walking on the grass that the sound of their footsteps might be muffled.
+They kept well in the shadows of the trees, reaching the rear of the
+mansion unobserved and without incident. Waldmann removed his shoes and
+the others followed his example.
+
+"Everything is silent," he whispered. "No doubt all the members of the
+household, including the redoubtable Count himself, are fast asleep. We
+shall have an easy thing of it."
+
+He went upon the back porch and tried the door of the servants'
+quarters. It had been carelessly left unlocked. He opened it and peered
+within. Only darkness and silence there. He beckoned to his comrades;
+they also came on the porch. Waldmann produced a dark lantern from under
+his coat; the three robbers entered Monte-Cristo's house.
+
+"The Count's study where he keeps his money is on the second floor,"
+whispered Bouche-de-Miel. "We can reach it by going up the servants'
+stairway over there."
+
+He pointed across the small corridor in which they stood. Waldmann
+cautiously opened his lantern and the narrow thread of light that came
+from it revealed the stairway. The miscreants mounted it and, guided by
+Bouche-de-Miel, who seemed to be thoroughly familiar with the
+topography of the mansion, were soon in front of Monte-Cristo's study.
+The door was ajar. Bouche-de-Miel glanced in, but instantly withdrew his
+head, motioning Waldmann and Siebecker to look. They did so, and saw a
+man asleep in an arm-chair; simultaneously a sharp click in the room
+alarmed them; they clenched their teeth, set their lips firmly together
+and drew their pistols. The sharp click was repeated, followed in rapid
+succession by several others. It was the telegraphic instrument--the
+news from Berlin had come!
+
+Instantly the Count was wide awake. He leaped from his chair and ran to
+the instrument, to the clicking of which he eagerly and intently
+listened. The vast society of Prussian patriots had met. The delegates
+had been long in arriving, for, although the utmost secrecy had been
+used, the royal police had got wind of their presence in the capital and
+of the proposed assemblage. Still, it was hoped that the meeting would
+not be disturbed, as the rendezvous was in a secluded locality, of
+which, it was thought, the authorities were not suspicious. Scarcely,
+however, had the president taken his seat when the police poured in
+through every door and window. All the patriots were arrested, save
+Monte-Cristo's confederate, who by a lucky chance succeeded in deceiving
+the myrmidons of the law.
+
+The Count's brow clouded as he heard this startling intelligence ticked
+off by the telegraphic instrument. He put his hand to his forehead at
+the conclusion of the ominous message and staggered like a drunken man
+back to his arm-chair, into which he sank. As he did so, Waldmann,
+Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel, who immediately rushed forward, seized him
+and held him there with the strength of iron. Waldmann slipped a gag
+into his mouth and Siebecker bound him firmly to the chair with a stout
+cord he took from his pocket. The binding accomplished, the robbers
+quitted their hold of the Count and turned in search of the plunder they
+had come for--the millions of Monte-Cristo!
+
+Suddenly there was a loud cry. It came from Bouche-de-Miel. The others
+turned and looked at him, their pistols in their hands. He was staring
+at a white-robed woman, who stood like a ghost in the open doorway of
+the study. At that juncture another door opened and Ali, the faithful
+Nubian, followed by all the valets of the household, sprang into the
+room, falling upon the bewildered scoundrels ere they had recovered from
+their surprise. There was a brief struggle, but the servants were
+unarmed, and the robbers, disengaging themselves from the clutches of
+their adversaries, kept them at bay with their pistols and slowly backed
+from the apartment. In the conflict, however, Bouche-de-Miel's mask was
+torn from his face, and his countenance was no sooner visible than the
+white-robed woman ran towards him with outstretched arms, breathlessly
+exclaiming:
+
+"My father! my father!"
+
+Bouche-de-Miel motioned her from him; then he moved as if to approach
+her, urged on by a feeling he was altogether unable to master; but
+Waldmann, still keeping his pistol pointed at Ali and his companions,
+seized him by the arm with a grip of iron and drew him away. The foiled
+robbers succeeded in making their escape from the house, and the garden.
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo had been unbound and ungagged by Ali when the
+robbers had left the study. Alarmed by the unwonted noise and commotion,
+Captain de Morcerf, Zuleika and Mlle. d' Armilly had appeared upon the
+scene, but too late to witness the conflict with the miscreants. In a
+few words the Count explained to them what had happened. Zuleika glanced
+at Mlle. d' Armilly as if she suspected that the strange beggar of that
+morning had something to do with this midnight invasion of their home;
+Louise looked uneasy and agitated, but preserved a stony silence.
+
+The white-robed woman still stood as if stupefied. Mlle. d' Armilly went
+to her and asked, solicitously:
+
+"Eugenie, what is the matter?"
+
+This question aroused young Madame de Morcerf, for it was she, from her
+stupor. She threw herself into a chair and covered her face with her
+hands, moaning piteously:
+
+"Oh! Louise! Louise! I have seen my father! He was one of the robbers!
+It is terrible, terrible!"
+
+Captain de Morcerf, who had gone to his wife's side and tenderly taken
+her hand, gazed inquiringly at the Count.
+
+"I saw the man she speaks of perfectly," said Monte-Cristo, in reply to
+his look, "and he was certainly the Baron Danglars!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MORCERF'S ADVENTURE.
+
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo took no steps to have the miscreants who had
+invaded the sanctity of his home tracked and apprehended; he did not
+even instruct the Commissary of Police of the quarter in regard to what
+had happened. He was entirely satisfied that the sole aim of the
+wretches had been robbery, and, as that aim had been defeated, he did
+not desire to court further publicity by putting the matter in the hands
+of the authorities. One thing, however, gave the Count considerable
+uneasiness, namely, the fact that Danglars had been one of the robbers.
+He did not doubt that the former banker, whom he had financially wrecked
+and forced to fly ignominiously from Paris in the past in pursuit of his
+scheme of wholesale vengeance against the enemies of his youth, had
+planned the robbery in order to gratify his burning thirst for revenge;
+he also felt equally certain that Danglars meant further mischief, if he
+could accomplish it, and that his presence in the city would be a
+constant menace to his tranquillity and prosperity, nay, even to his
+domestic happiness; but his feelings had undergone a radical change
+since the old days of restless, inexorable retribution, and he now
+pitied the man he had so ruthlessly overthrown as much as he had
+formerly hated him. Danglars had fallen very low, indeed, to be the
+companion and accomplice of midnight marauders, and the Count's very
+soul ached as he thought to what depths of poverty and ignominy he had
+been the means of reducing him. He would have sought him out amid the
+dangerous criminal population of Paris, traced him to his den of
+depravity and wretchedness, and offered him money and the means of
+social rehabilitation had there been the slightest reason to hope that
+he could thereby rescue the miserable man from the slough of iniquity
+into which he was plunged, but he knew too well Danglars' implacable
+character and deep-seated hatred against himself to attempt anything of
+the kind. Should he penetrate into his haunts and meet him the result
+could only be disastrous, for Danglars would take a fiendish delight in
+betraying him to his desperate associates, who would not hesitate even
+to murder him at his bidding, and the former banker was fully capable of
+compassing his assassination in the most horrible fashion as a crowning
+stroke of diabolical revenge. There was a time when Monte-Cristo valued
+life very little, when he would gladly have accepted death as a welcome
+avenue to endless rest and peace, but that time had passed; since then
+he had contracted ties that bound him to existence with insurmountable
+strength; he had now a family, was surrounded by beings he tenderly
+loved and cherished, beings for whom he must live and over whose
+destinies he must closely watch. He was wedded to Mercedes, who lavished
+upon him in her maturity all the wealth of overwhelming affection she
+had showered upon him before the fateful conspiracy that had consigned
+him as the sailor Dantes to the dark, noisome dungeon of the Chateau d'
+If and given her to the arms of Fernand, the Catalan. Haydee had
+fluttered over the page of his stormy, agitated history, leaving him
+Esperance and Zuleika as reminders of a happy, but all too brief dream,
+an elfin vision of enchantment that had vanished as swiftly as it had
+come. But his son and daughter had twined themselves about the fibres of
+his heart as the clinging ivy twines about the shattered fragments of
+some grand and imposing ruin, and each day, each moment, as it sped by,
+only served the more to reveal to him the longings and the devotion of a
+father's soul. Besides, Albert de Morcerf and his young wife Eugenie
+were now thoroughly endeared to him, and he felt that by doing
+everything in his power to augment their happiness he was gradually
+paying off the heavy debt he owed to Danglars' so long abandoned child.
+Yes, the Count of Monte-Cristo wished to live, first for his family,
+then for the great cause of human liberty with which he had become so
+thoroughly identified. If Danglars came in his way he would endeavor to
+reclaim and propitiate him, but he could not seek him out.
+
+Mercedes at the period of the attempted robbery was absent on a visit to
+some friends in Marseilles, and by common consent it was resolved not to
+inform her of Danglars' reappearance, as the intelligence could not fail
+to be a prostrating shock to her.
+
+Ever since that memorable midnight scene in Monte-Cristo's study young
+Madame de Morcerf had acted like one overwhelmed. She said nothing, even
+to her husband or Louise d' Armilly, concerning her wretched father, but
+it was plain that intense grief and shame were preying upon her. This
+greatly distressed Albert and, seeing his beloved wife droop day by day,
+he, without saying a word to any one, formed a startling and perilous
+resolution. He determined to find Danglars' abode, to see his
+father-in-law and endeavor to persuade him to relinquish his career of
+crime. In this he was actuated by two powerful motives--the desire to
+relieve Eugenie's distress and suspense and the wish to avoid the
+scandal that would be sure to come should the former banker be caught
+red-handed in the commission of some fearful crime and a legal
+investigation reveal his identity.
+
+Zuleika studiously avoided referring to the attempted robbery and the
+recognition of Danglars by her father and Eugenie. She was aware of the
+part Monte-Cristo had played in his enemy's fall and disgrace, and did
+not deem it prudent to awaken the bitter recollections of the lurid and
+dreadful past.
+
+Mlle. d' Armilly also said nothing in reference to the reappearance of
+Danglars, but it was very clear to the observant Zuleika that she
+expected and dreaded further harm from Monte-Cristo's revengeful enemy.
+At night she locked herself in her chamber, and, notwithstanding the
+almost unbearable heat of the weather, securely closed and fastened all
+her windows.
+
+The Count himself was as reserved as ever, never once mentioning either
+the midnight invasion of his mansion or the unexpected advent of his
+most deadly foe. To everybody in the household he seemed either to have
+forgotten or to have succeeded in dismissing from his mind those events
+so fraught with excitement and possibilities of future disaster. But
+Monte-Cristo, though he preserved an impassible exterior, had neither
+forgotten nor dismissed them. He had simply applied to himself his own
+famous maxim, "Wait and Hope." He was waiting and hoping for the best,
+for God in His inscrutable wisdom to bring mysterious good out of
+apparent evil.
+
+Meanwhile Captain de Morcerf had been busily engaged in making thorough
+but cautious investigations. He had formed the acquaintance of a former
+Agent de la Surete, who had been of great use to him in describing the
+various outlaws and prowlers of Paris, and in pointing out to him their
+secret dens and the secluded places of rendezvous where they met, drank
+vile liquors, and, under the maddening influence of absinthe and
+alcohol, plotted their crimes and atrocities of every description. This
+man, another Quasimodo in point of hideous aspect, had been dismissed
+from the detective service because of his inability to keep sober, but
+he had not forgotten the resources of his profession, and money lavishly
+bestowed upon him made him Captain de Morcerf's most obedient and
+faithful slave. Cash in hand rendered him indefatigable and the prospect
+of obtaining more kept him discreet. He had taught his employer the art
+of effectually disguising himself, of passing for a veritable zigue,
+and, as he was well-known to the desperadoes he had formerly shadowed
+and was welcomed by them as a sterling good fellow, he was enabled to
+take the Captain with impunity among scoundrels who would not have
+hesitated to cut his throat had they known who he was.
+
+As Albert did not know what name Danglars had assumed and was unwilling
+to give the ex-detective his true cognomen, the latter had nothing to
+guide him in this respect. Neither was the Captain cognizant of the
+changes that time and his mode of life had wrought in the former
+banker's personal appearance, so he could only describe him as he had
+looked in the years gone by. This afforded Mange, such was the name of
+the dismissed policeman, no indication whatever by which he could
+profit. He, nevertheless, was not disconcerted by the paucity of
+information. He knew that young Morcerf was searching for a man who had
+been one of the party engaged in the attempt to rob the Monte-Cristo
+mansion on the Rue du Helder, and that knowledge was sufficient for him.
+He very soon discovered that Waldmann, Siebecker, Bouche-de-Miel and two
+Italians had formed that party, and Bouche-de-Miel being the only
+Frenchman in the coterie he had no difficulty whatever in fixing upon
+him as the individual wanted. He imparted his discovery and conclusion
+to his employer, together with the intelligence that the men were in the
+habit of congregating in the little caboulot of the Cite d' Antin.
+Albert rewarded Mange liberally for his zeal and promised him a very
+much larger sum should Bouche-de-Miel turn out to be his man. It was
+immediately arranged that Mange should conduct the Captain to the
+caboulot that very night and, if possible, bring him face to face with
+the Frenchman supposed to be Danglars.
+
+In accordance with this agreement, as soon as night had fallen, Mange
+was waiting for his employer at the corner of the Rue Taitbout and the
+Rue de Provence. He was not kept long at his post, for Albert speedily
+made his appearance, dressed in a blouse like a workman; his rough
+trousers were tucked in the tops of his dusty boots and on his head he
+wore a battered slouch hat that looked as if it might have seen service
+behind the revolutionary barricades. Mange surveyed him with a long
+glance of admiration; then taking him to a neighboring street lamp, he
+critically examined his face, which was stained to represent the
+bronzing effect of the sun and smeared with dirt.
+
+"Capital!" exclaimed the ex-detective, as he finished his scrutiny. "You
+are a zigue out and out! Not a trace of the boulevardier to be seen! The
+most keen-scented vache in the caboulot would be completely deceived!"
+
+Albert smiled at his companion's enthusiasm.
+
+"Well, as I pass examination," he said, "let us go on at once. Do you
+think our man will be at the caboulot?"
+
+"Do I think water will run down hill!" cried Mange, with a laugh that
+resembled nothing so much as the discordant croak of a crow. "He never
+misses a night, and this is the hour when the brandy begins to flow!"
+
+Albert shuddered at this remark, suggesting as it did the certainty that
+he would find Eugenie's father a sot as well as a thief. He, however,
+took Mange's arm and together they strolled leisurely into the Cite d'
+Antin, making their way to the caboulot without meeting a single
+suspicious prowler.
+
+They entered the front room where Bouche-de-Miel had found the
+slatternly young woman reading her greasy copy of the Gazette des
+Tribunaux on the morning preceding the attempted robbery. She was at her
+accustomed place behind the counter, but was not reading; eight or ten
+stalwart ruffians monopolized her attention and, as she furnished her
+thirsty customers with the various fiery beverages they demanded, she
+showered her most captivating glances right and left among them. She was
+as slatternly as ever, but her hair was shining with bear's grease and a
+strong odor of musk pervaded her garments; a paste diamond of enormous
+size but of doubtful brilliancy ornamented her breastpin and on her
+stumpy, grimy fingers were numerous brass rings containing dull
+imitations of rubies, amethysts and topazes.
+
+As the new comers came in, Waldmann, standing in front of the counter
+with a bottle in one hand and a glass in the other, was chaffing her.
+
+"See here, Beurre-Sans-Sel," he said, with a well-counterfeited air of
+intense admiration, "you are looking like a real beauty to-night. I will
+wager anything you expect a lover. I never saw you put on such style
+before. I declare you far outshine the demoiselles of the public balls!"
+
+"Oh! Monsieur Waldmann, how you talk!" returned the girl, with an
+affected simper and an unsuccessful attempt to blush.
+
+Just then the German looked around and caught sight of Mange, who was
+looking his ugliest. The spirit of mischief was strong upon him and he
+instantly cried out:
+
+"I knew it; I knew you were expecting a lover and here he is promptly on
+time! Come now own up, my little Beurre-Sans-Sel, did you not put on all
+your pretty fixings for Mange?"
+
+"For that ugly old gorilla!" exclaimed the girl, unceremoniously and
+disdainfully. "I can get better-looking lovers than either a monkey or a
+Swab, I'd have you to know, Monsieur Waldmann!"
+
+There was a general laugh at this sally, and none laughed louder than
+Mange, who had a taste for coarse jokes and sharp retorts.
+
+"So!" said Waldmann, after the merriment had subsided. Then he perceived
+Mange's companion for the first time. He examined him closely and
+suspiciously. Albert did not shrink from his scrutiny, but the
+ex-detective deemed it prudent to set matters right at the start by a
+formal introduction of his employer; he, therefore, motioned to Albert
+to follow him and walked up to the German, offering him his hand, which
+the latter shook cordially.
+
+The Captain now stood beside Waldmann in front of the counter and Mange
+presented him without delay.
+
+"Monsieur Waldmann," said he, "permit me to make you acquainted with my
+friend Fouquier, from Dijon, a bon zigue."
+
+"Monsieur Fouquier," said the German, taking Albert's outstretched hand,
+"I am glad to know you, especially as you come so well recommended."
+
+Mange bowed in acknowledgment of this little tribute to himself.
+
+Morcerf replied that the pleasure was mutual.
+
+Waldmann's suspicions seemed to be allayed.
+
+"Take something," he said. "Here, Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel, join us
+in drinking the health of Monsieur Fouquier from Dijon!"
+
+Albert was instantly on the alert and Mange watched him attentively as
+the two individuals named emerged from a corner of the room and lounged
+up to the counter. There was another presentation, a double one this
+time, Waldmann doing the honors. Mange required no introduction.
+Everybody appeared to know him. Beurre-Sans-Sel put forth brandy and
+glasses, and the health of Monsieur Fouquier was drunk enthusiastically.
+When this ceremony ended Morcerf called for cigarettes and distributed
+them among the coterie; then he had leisure to examine Bouche-de-Miel;
+the latter had turned his back to the counter and leaned his elbows upon
+it; in this position, with his cigarette between his teeth, he looked
+the perfect picture of vagabondish idleness. Mange was still watching
+Morcerf, but saw no sign that he had recognized in Bouche-de-Miel the
+man for whom he was seeking. This made him uneasy, for it was an
+indication that the reward his employer had promised him would not be
+earned.
+
+Presently Waldmann and Siebecker were called to another part of the
+room. Bouche-de-Miel remained, continuing to smoke his cigarette, with
+his elbows on the counter where he had placed them after the
+health-drinking. The Captain's thoughts were of a conflicting nature.
+Everything pointed to the fact that the man before him was his
+father-in-law, but, unlike Mlle. d' Armilly, he saw nothing in him
+suggestive of the Baron Danglars of other days. Could this vagabond,
+this wretch, be Danglars? If so, how was it to be proved to his
+satisfaction? How, above all, in this place, in this den of thieves and
+cutthroats? The man was certainly the party Eugenie had recognized on
+the night of the attempted burglary as her father, the party
+Monte-Cristo himself had so positively pronounced to be the former
+banker. But was it not probable that his wife and the Count had been
+mistaken? Was it not probable that they had been deceived by some
+fancied resemblance when excitement had possessed them to such a degree
+that it had deprived them of the full use of their mental faculties? At
+any rate he had come to the caboulot to experiment with Bouche-de-Miel
+and he would not shrink from cautiously applying the test.
+
+Their cigarettes were now consumed. Albert, in pursuance of his scheme,
+invited Bouche-de-Miel and Mange to take seats at a table and have some
+more brandy. They accepted the invitation with alacrity, and the three
+were soon drinking and chatting. Repeated potations finally opened
+Bouche-de-Miel's lips; he began to be confidential.
+
+"You may not believe me, messieurs," said he, "but I was not always as
+you see me now!"
+
+Mange winked triumphantly at his employer. Revelations which might be
+important were coming. Perhaps he would yet earn the promised reward.
+Morcerf was listening attentively.
+
+"No, sacre nom d' un chien, I was not always a zigue! Once I had immense
+wealth, I counted my money by millions! I had position, too, and I may
+say without egotism that I was honored by the best people of Paris!"
+
+He paused and drained another glass of brandy.
+
+"What were you?" asked Mange.
+
+Albert waited breathlessly for the answer to this question.
+
+"What was I?" repeated Bouche-de-Miel. "You may laugh, but I was a
+banker!"
+
+Morcerf could not avoid giving a start. The vagabond, half-drunk as he
+was, noticed it and asked:
+
+"What is the matter with you, Fouquier? Do you think the lie so
+tremendous that you can't keep still?"
+
+The young man was glad to accept this interpretation of his behavior; he
+touched his glass to his lips and said, with a forced smile:
+
+"Well, I do think you are going it rather strong!"
+
+"Not half strong enough, mon Dieu!" cried Bouche-de-Miel, bringing his
+fist down on the table with such force that the glasses were nearly
+knocked off. "Not half strong enough, I tell you, messieurs, for I was
+a Baron as well as a banker!"
+
+Albert groaned. Mange looked at him with sparkling eyes; he was now sure
+that the promised money was within his reach, that his clutch would soon
+close on it. His enforced sobriety since he had been in the Captain's
+employ made him anxious for a prolonged, reckless spree, frightfully
+anxious, and his guarded potations since he entered the caboulot had
+whetted his devouring appetite for alcohol to such an extent that he
+could scarcely keep it in subjection with the plentiful supply of brandy
+on the table, almost at his very lips.
+
+Bouche-de-Miel did not hear Morcerf's groan; his misty eyes were fixed
+upon space, seemed to be peering into the depths and recesses of the
+distant past. The Captain judged that the time had come to draw the
+final, the crowning admission from his lips. He touched him lightly on
+the arm. The man turned and glanced at him inquiringly. Morcerf's heart
+beat wildly; it was with great difficulty that he kept his agitation
+under control. He hurriedly scanned the other occupants of the
+room--some were very drunk and stupid, others noisy and demonstrative,
+but all were too busy with their own concerns and pleasures to pay even
+the slightest attention to the little party at the table; Waldmann and
+Siebecker were asleep on opposite ends of a bench in a corner.
+Bouche-de-Miel had meanwhile relapsed into his misty reverie. Albert
+touched his arm again.
+
+"Don't bother me!" said the man, impatiently, without removing his eyes
+from space. "Can't you let a fellow dream!"
+
+"Baron Danglars!" whispered Morcerf in his ear.
+
+"Eh? What?" cried Bouche-de-Miel, coming back to reality with a start,
+half-sobered by hearing this name.
+
+"Baron Danglars," repeated the Captain, in a guarded undertone, "I know
+you!"
+
+The man got upon his feet lumberingly and unsteadily; he clutched
+Albert's shoulder convulsively.
+
+"You are an Agent de la Surete!" he hissed. "You have come here to
+arrest me!"
+
+The attention of some of the less intoxicated ruffians was being excited
+by Bouche-de-Miel's behavior, but their ears had failed to seize his
+words amid the prevailing din. Mange, with his usual keenness and
+quickness, saw that something must instantly be done to quiet Albert's
+companion or all the miscreants who could stir would be aroused and come
+thronging about them to throttle the supposed Agent de la Surete. He,
+therefore, gave a loud laugh and said to Bouche-de-Miel:
+
+"Don't be a fool, old man! Monsieur Fouquier belong to la rousse! That's
+a good joke! ha! ha! Why he is as much in danger of the violon as you
+are! ha! ha!"
+
+He arose, still laughing, and, playfully taking Bouche-de-Miel by the
+collar, gently forced him back into his chair. As he did so, he glanced
+at Beurre-Sans-Sel. The slatternly young woman had her hand on the screw
+of the huge lamp suspended above the counter, by which alone the room
+was lighted, ready to turn it out and leave the whole place in darkness
+at the first alarm. She was evidently accustomed to police descents and
+knew how to act in such cases. Mange's words and merriment, however,
+reassured her and she withdrew her fingers from the screw.
+
+But Bouche-de-Miel was not altogether satisfied. He sat uneasily in his
+chair, facing Morcerf and anxiously scanning his countenance.
+
+"What did you mean by calling me Baron Danglars and saying that you knew
+me?" he asked, in a low, somewhat tremulous voice.
+
+Instead of replying directly to this question, the young man said,
+slowly and in a half-whisper:
+
+"I am Albert de Morcerf, the husband of your daughter Eugenie!"
+
+"What!" exclaimed Bouche-de-Miel. "Eugenie married--and to you!"
+
+"Yes," said the Captain, "Fate has again brought us together after a
+long and painful separation."
+
+"I saw Eugenie in the house of the Count of Monte-Cristo, no matter how,
+no matter when. What was she doing there?"
+
+"Monte-Cristo is married to my mother, Mercedes, and we are living with
+him."
+
+"Living with him--Eugenie, my daughter, living beneath the roof of the
+man who ruined her father and made him what he is!"
+
+Bouche-de-Miel grew absolutely livid with rage; he was entirely sobered
+now and all his evil instincts had full possession of him.
+
+"I will never forgive her--or you!" he hissed.
+
+"Listen to me," said Albert, with comparative calmness. "I have come
+here to-night at the risk of my life to offer you money, the means of
+rehabilitation. Be advised. Leave these miscreants with whom you are
+associated and become a man again!"
+
+"I reject both your offer and advice!" said Bouche-de-Miel, excitedly.
+"They are insults, coming as they do from the stepson of Monte-Cristo,
+my relentless enemy! But I will have vengeance upon you for them and
+through you on Edmond Dantes! Ho, Waldmann Siebecker!"
+
+The two Germans awoke, sprang from their bench and advanced towards the
+table.
+
+Mange uttered a groan of despair. He could do nothing now to avert the
+impending danger.
+
+Bouche-de-Miel had leaped to his feet and grappled with Albert de
+Morcerf. Waldmann and Siebecker, realizing that something was wrong and
+at once connecting the alleged Monsieur Fouquier with it, drew long,
+keen-bladed knives as they rushed forward.
+
+All the thieves and marauders who were sober enough to stand were now on
+their feet, ready to hurl themselves upon the suspected man. Weapons
+flashed in every direction--daggers, knives and pistols. Loud oaths and
+abusive epithets were heard on all sides; it was a perfect pandemonium,
+a babel of evil sounds.
+
+Amid all the confusion and danger Mange's self-possession did not desert
+him. Seeing that it was useless to attempt to pacify the surging pack of
+desperadoes, he determined upon a bold measure, one that would enable
+him to save Captain de Morcerf and, at the same time, keep up his
+reputation with the criminal frequenters of the caboulot, with whom he
+desired for reasons of his own to be on good terms. He ran to the
+counter, where Beurre-Sans-Sel already had her hand on the screw of the
+hanging lamp, waiting for events to decide what action she should take.
+He leaned over the counter and whispered to the girl:
+
+"Beurre-Sans-Sel, I was deceived in Monsieur Fouquier. He imposed upon
+me. He told me he was from Dijon. He turns out to be a Parisian and an
+Agent de la Surete. He has betrayed himself. More Agents are coming!
+They will be here in a moment! Put off the light!"
+
+The girl did not hesitate a second; she gave the screw a quick twist and
+the caboulot was instantly as dark as a tomb.
+
+Having executed this manoeuvre, Mange sprang to Albert de Morcerf's
+side, striking Bouche-de-Miel a crushing blow in the face that caused
+him to lose his grip of the young man. Then, seizing his employer in his
+brawny arms, he lifted him as if he had been a child and ran with him to
+the front door; this he opened, leaping into the street with his burden.
+
+"Now run for your life!" he exclaimed, depositing the young man on the
+sidewalk.
+
+With this he started off at a tearing pace, closely followed by Morcerf.
+They did not pause until they had reached the Rue de Provence, where, in
+the blaze of the lights, amid the throngs of honest citizens, they were
+safe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL.
+
+
+Quite a long time had elapsed since the sudden departure of the Viscount
+Massetti from Paris, but Zuleika was still in complete ignorance as to
+his whereabouts and actions. He was in Rome, of that she had not the
+slightest doubt. She was equally convinced that his errand there was to
+establish his innocence of the terrible crime imputed to him by Luigi
+Vampa, to obtain proofs that would clear him in the eves of her father
+and herself, if not of all the world. Why, therefore, did he not write,
+why did he not give her some sign that she would understand? His silence
+discouraged the young girl, filled her with uneasiness. It seemed to
+indicate that he had not succeeded, had not been able to wipe the stain
+from his record. If so she would never see him again, for Giovanni was
+too proud to reappear in her presence with a dishonored name, a sullied
+reputation. This thought was torture, and Monte-Cristo's daughter felt
+that should her lover desert her she could not live.
+
+As the days rolled by without a word of intelligence from the Viscount,
+Zuleika's fears assumed greater consistency and weight. She grew sad,
+inexpressibly sad; her look lost its brightness, her voice its cheery
+tone and her step its elasticity. The bloom faded from her youthful
+cheeks, giving place to an ashen pallor. She was no longer interested in
+her accustomed occupations and amusements, and would sit for hours
+together with her hands crossed in her lap, dominated by sorrowful and
+dismal forebodings.
+
+Mercedes noticed her condition, and, ascribing it to its proper cause,
+strove in a motherly way to rouse and console her, but without effect.
+She spoke to the Count about it, begging him to use his influence to
+cheer his child, but Monte-Cristo only shook his head, saying that they
+must trust to the soothing power of time which could not fail ultimately
+to do its work. Esperance pitied his sister sincerely, but refrained
+from interfering, well knowing that nothing he could say would be
+productive of good. Albert de Morcerf, his wife and Mlle. d' Armilly,
+who had learned of Zuleika's love affair and the dark shadow that had
+fallen upon it, felt a delicacy about alluding to the matter and,
+therefore, held aloof; besides, they were too much depressed by the
+circumstances under which Danglars had reappeared to be able to exert a
+cheering influence.
+
+When Mercedes returned from Marseilles she was accompanied by Maximilian
+and Valentine Morrel, who immediately went to the mansion on the Rue du
+Helder and paid their respects to the Count of Monte-Cristo, their
+benefactor. It was their intention to make only a brief call, taking up
+their residence during their sojourn in Paris at that famous
+stopping-place for strangers, the Grand Hotel du Louvre on the Rue de
+Rivoli adjoining the Palais Royal, but Monte-Cristo would not hear of
+such a thing, insisting that the young soldier and his wife should be
+his guests and partake of his hospitality. They were not reluctant to
+consent to this agreeable arrangement, as it would enable them to enjoy
+uninterruptedly the society of their dearest friends.
+
+Mme. Morrel at once took a deep interest in Zuleika. She saw that some
+sorrow was heavily weighing on the young girl, and, rightly divining
+that the tender passion had much to do with it, immediately endeavored
+to inspire her with a degree of confidence sufficient to bring about
+revelations. In this Mme. Morrel was not actuated by curiosity. Her
+motive was altogether laudable; she desired to serve the Count of
+Monte-Cristo, to do something to show her gratitude for the overwhelming
+benefits he had in the past showered upon her husband and herself, and
+could conceive no better or more effectual way than by striving to
+relieve Zuleika. She, therefore, promptly set about her praiseworthy but
+difficult task, resolved to bring back the roses to the young girl's
+cheeks and restore hope to her sad and dejected heart.
+
+She began by using every womanly art to induce Zuleika to love her and
+look upon her as a friend of friends. In this initial step she succeeded
+even beyond her most ardent anticipations. From the first Monte-Cristo's
+daughter was attracted towards her, and it required very little effort
+on Mme. Morrel's part to win her completely. Valentine's disposition
+was so sweet and her sympathy so sincere that Zuleika could not help
+loving her; besides, the romantic story of her love for Maximilian and
+the terrible trials she had undergone before being united to him through
+Monte-Cristo's potent influence, with which she was thoroughly
+acquainted, predisposed Giovanni's betrothed to regard her as a woman to
+whom she could open her heart and from whom she might derive supreme
+solace, if not consolation. Valentine's quick and penetrating eyes read
+the young girl like the pages of an open book, and she was not slow in
+utilizing the advantages she acquired.
+
+Things had been going on in this way for several days, when one evening
+Mme. Morrel proposed a promenade in the garden to Zuleika with a view of
+bringing matters to a crisis. She gladly acquiesced in the proposition
+and soon they were strolling in the moonlight amid the fragrant flowers
+and centenarian trees. It was a sultry night, but there was a pleasant
+breeze that agreeably fanned the cheeks of Valentine and her youthful
+companion. Mme. Morrel had matured her plan, but Zuleika herself
+unexpectedly came to her aid, assisting her to put it into immediate and
+practical execution.
+
+After walking for a short space, they seated themselves in a magnificent
+pavilion or summer-house situated at the extremity of the garden. It was
+built of white stone, the walls being perforated by several tall
+archways that supplied the place of both windows and doors. Ivy and
+other clustering vines clambered about the exterior, creeping through
+the archways and furnishing the ceiling with a verdant canopy
+exceedingly inviting and refreshing to the eye weary of contemplating
+the dust and dryness of the streets parched by the summer sun. Without
+were several great silver maple trees and numerous ornamental shrubs.
+Mme. Morrel drew close to Zuleika on the rustic bench they occupied and,
+taking the young girl's hand, said to her, in a soft voice:
+
+"This is a delicious spot, my child."
+
+"Yes," replied Monte-Cristo's daughter, "it is, indeed, delicious. When
+here, I always feel as if I could pour out my whole heart into the bosom
+of some faithful friend."
+
+"Do so in this instance, my dear," said Mme. Morrel, persuasively. "I
+trust I am a faithful friend, as well as a discreet one."
+
+"I believe you," rejoined Zuleika. "Ever since you have been in our
+house I have felt so and longed to make you my confidante, but I have
+hesitated to take such a step, fearing to burden you with troubles that
+might distress you."
+
+"Have no further fears on that score then, but speak freely and with the
+certainty that in your sorrows, whatever they may be, you will find me a
+sincere sympathizer and comforter."
+
+Zuleika took Valentine's hand, and, gazing into her face with tearful
+eyes, said:
+
+"You have noticed that I had sorrows, Mme. Morrel?"
+
+"Yes; how could I help it? But I have done more; I have divined their
+cause!"
+
+Zuleika gave a slight start.
+
+"Divined their cause, Mme. Morrel?"
+
+"Yes," answered Valentine. "You are in love!"
+
+The young girl blushed, but appeared relieved. Mme. Morrel had divined
+her love, had divined that her sorrows arose from it, but she had not
+divined the nature of the shadow that clouded her budding life and
+filled her with grief and apprehension.
+
+"Zuleika," continued Valentine, with the utmost tenderness and
+consideration, "I, too, have loved, deeply and desperately; I, too, have
+felt all the bitter pangs that arise from separation; but I have
+realized my dream at last, and the shadows that surrounded me have been
+swept away by the blessed sunshine of union and happiness. Confide in
+me, my child. If I cannot drive your shadows from you, I can at least
+give you true sympathy and the consolation that it affords."
+
+"They will be welcome to me, unspeakably welcome, madame," replied
+Zuleika, tremulously.
+
+"Then tell me all."
+
+"I cannot, madame; I have no right to; but I can tell you enough to
+wring your heart, to show you how unfortunate I am."
+
+"My poor girl, I understand and appreciate your scruples. You do not
+wish to compromise your lover, and you are right. Your decision does you
+honor. Is the man you love in Paris?"
+
+"Alas! no. I believe he is in Rome."
+
+"Then you do not know his whereabouts with certainty?"
+
+"No, madame."
+
+"Does your father disapprove of his suit?"
+
+"He did not at the outset, but very painful circumstances have since
+arisen, causing him to alter his determination, or, at least, hold his
+consent in abeyance. Still, I think, he believes Giovanni can and will
+refute the dreadful charge that has been made against him."
+
+"Giovanni? Your lover is then an Italian?"
+
+"Yes, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti."
+
+"You became acquainted with him here in Paris?"
+
+"No, madame; in Rome."
+
+"And you think he has gone thither to clear himself of the charge you
+mention?"
+
+"Yes, madame. He came to Paris to solicit my hand, but suddenly
+disappeared after the terrible charge was made. I have not heard from
+him since and his silence weighs upon me like lead."
+
+"I do not wonder at it; but, perhaps, after all, he is only waiting for
+a complete vindication and does not wish to write until he has
+everything satisfactorily arranged. I do not ask you the nature of the
+charge, Zuleika, and would not allow you to state it to me even if you
+were so disposed. But answer me one question. You have entire faith in
+Giovanni's innocence, have you not?"
+
+"I have, madame."
+
+"You are sure he loves you, that he has not trifled with your
+affections?"
+
+"I am sure, madame."
+
+"He is young, is he not?"
+
+"Yes, madame, he is young."
+
+"Doubtlessly his fault, whatever it may have been, was simply an
+indiscretion due to his years that has been magnified and made to assume
+unwarranted proportions by the tongues of envy and scandal. If so, he
+will repair it and return to you. If he is altogether innocent, as you
+feel convinced, he will move heaven and earth to justify himself in your
+father's eyes and yours. Love is potent, Zuleika, and will accomplish
+miracles. Trust Giovanni and trust Heaven! All will yet be made right
+between your lover and yourself!"
+
+"Would that I could feel so, madame, but I cannot!"
+
+"And why, pray?"
+
+"Because Giovanni evidently has powerful enemies in Rome and its
+vicinity who, no doubt, are at this moment operating against him and
+using all their efforts to prevent him from succeeding in his mission."
+
+"What makes you think he has such remorseless enemies?"
+
+"A letter my father received from Rome in response to inquiries he made
+and the illusion--it must be an illusion--under which my brother
+Esperance labors in regard to Giovanni."
+
+"Your brother Esperance! Then he believes in young Massetti's guilt?"
+
+"Alas! yes; he firmly believes in it and stigmatizes the Viscount as the
+worst of scoundrels."
+
+"Has he given you the reasons for his belief, has he stated them to your
+father?"
+
+"He has dealt only in vague, mysterious allusions; an oath of silence,
+it appears, prevents him from speaking out."
+
+"An oath of silence?"
+
+"Yes, and Giovanni is also likewise bound."
+
+"Indeed! What is your lover's reputation in Rome?"
+
+"Of the very best; he is there regarded as the soul of honor."
+
+"Save by his enemies. So far so good. Do you know the standing of his
+family?"
+
+"It is one of the oldest, most respected, most aristocratic and
+wealthiest in the Eternal City."
+
+"Another strong point in the young man's favor. Zuleika, I am satisfied
+that the mystery surrounding your lover can be cleared away; but I am
+also satisfied that he needs assistance, the assistance of persons
+deeply interested in you, who have your welfare at heart and cherish
+your happiness as their own."
+
+"But such persons cannot be found, madame. Of course my father and
+brother are deeply interested in me, have my welfare at heart and desire
+to see me happy. They, however, are not disposed to aid Giovanni, my
+brother for reasons of his own and my father because he thinks that the
+Viscount should work his own rehabilitation. No, madame, such persons as
+you mention cannot be found."
+
+"They can be found, Zuleika, and you will not have far to look for them
+either!"
+
+Mme. Morrel gazed at Monte-Cristo's daughter with enthusiasm in her fine
+eyes. The girl was at a loss to understand her.
+
+"Surely you do not mean Albert de Morcerf and Eugenie?" she said.
+
+"No," replied Valentine. "They love you, undoubtedly, but the needful
+assistance is not to be obtained from them."
+
+"Certainly you cannot allude to Mlle. d' Armilly or Ali, my father's
+devoted Nubian servant?"
+
+"No, I do not allude to them!"
+
+"Whom then do you mean?"
+
+"Cannot you guess, Zuleika?"
+
+A sudden thought came to Zuleika, filling her with intense amazement.
+
+"You cannot mean yourself and your husband, Mme. Morrel?" she gasped.
+
+"And why not, my child?" answered Valentine, sweetly. "All the
+assistance we can render you will be but a weak, inadequate return for
+what your father has done for us. He saved me from death, withdrew the
+suicidal pistol from Maximilian's hand, comforted us in our time of
+darkest despair, and finally brought us together after a separation that
+even M. Morrel deemed eternal, simultaneously placing in our hands
+wealth sufficient to make us altogether independent of the accidents and
+disasters of this world. Besides, before that he was the benefactor of
+M. Morrel's father, saving him also from suicide, suicide that he had
+determined upon as the only means of avoiding terrible disgrace. You
+see, Zuleika, that we have abundant motives for aiding you."
+
+"Oh! madame--Valentine--you utterly overwhelm me! How can I show my
+gratitude to you?"
+
+"By accepting my offer!"
+
+These words were accompanied by a look of ineffable tenderness and
+sincerity. They instantly brought hope to Zuleika's heart. She burst
+into a flood of tears, but they were tears of joy. Still, she hesitated.
+What would her father say if she accepted Mme. Morrel's generous
+proposition?
+
+"Do you accept, Zuleika?" pursued Mme. Morrel.
+
+"I thank you from the depths of my soul, madame; but I cannot accept the
+sacrifice you and your kind, manly husband would make for me! My father
+would censure me, would never forgive me for adopting such a selfish
+course!"
+
+"Trust your father to me, my child."
+
+"Oh! madame! Accept your offer without consulting him?"
+
+"There is no need to consult him, there is no need for him to know
+anything whatever about the matter, for the present at least. It will be
+time enough to tell him what we have done when success has crowned our
+efforts. Should we unhappily fail, a thought that I cannot for an
+instant entertain, there will be no occasion to tell him anything at
+all."
+
+At that moment a man's voice was heard calling at a distance:
+
+"Valentine, Valentine, where are you?"
+
+"It is Maximilian," said Mme. Morrel to Zuleika. "He comes very
+opportunely!" Then raising her voice she answered him: "Here,
+Maximilian, here, in the summer pavilion at the extremity of the
+garden!"
+
+The husband hastened to the spot, and Valentine, making him seat
+himself beside her and Monte-Cristo's daughter, told him all she had
+just learned. She also communicated to him the offer she had made to
+Zuleika, adding:
+
+"You will consent to it, I know, Maximilian!"
+
+"Gladly," answered the young soldier. "Had you not made the proposal, I
+should have made it myself!"
+
+"Then we have but to induce Zuleika to authorize us to act. The poor
+child, however, hesitates, fearing the Count's displeasure."
+
+"She need not authorize us," said Maximilian quickly. "We will assume
+the entire responsibility on the step! But it will be necessary for her
+to confide in us more fully, to give us the data upon which to build our
+plans. I will get letters of introduction to the Viscount Massetti and,
+once acquainted with him, the rest will be easy."
+
+Later that night Zuleika told Mme. Morrel everything without reserve,
+even giving her a little note to Giovanni which stated that Valentine
+and Maximilian were her dearest friends and had come to Rome expressly
+to aid him in his troubles.
+
+A week after the momentous interview in the pavilion M. and Mme. Morrel
+set out for Italy, informing their friends in the mansion on the Rue du
+Helder that they intended being absent some time, but refraining from
+giving even the slightest hint of the object of their journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.
+
+
+One morning shortly after the departure of the Morrels for Rome, the
+Count of Monte-Cristo was driving along the Champs-Elysees in his
+elegant barouche drawn by a pair of spirited, blooded bays, when, near
+the Rond-point, his progress was suddenly checked by a great, tumultuous
+concourse of people. Leaning from his carriage, he asked a workman the
+cause of the unwonted commotion and was informed that two Italians had
+been arrested for theft and were being taken to the poste of the quarter
+by a couple of gardiens de la paix. He thought nothing of the
+circumstance and was calmly waiting for an opportunity to proceed when
+the crowd about the barouche opened and the officers appeared with their
+captives. The Count was not much interested, but, nevertheless, bestowed
+a passing glance upon the malefactors, who were loudly protesting their
+innocence in broken, almost unintelligible French, and offering a stout
+resistance. They were roughly attired in blue blouses, wearing felt hats
+that were pulled down and obscured their countenances. One of the men in
+custody caught hold of a spoke of a wheel of Monte-Cristo's vehicle,
+grasping it with such iron firmness that all the efforts of the
+policeman in charge of him failed to shake off his clutch. The Count
+ordered Ali, who was acting as coachman, to hand him the reins, dismount
+and assist the gardien.
+
+At the sound of his voice, the man who had grasped the spoke looked up
+with a start and, without relaxing his hold, cried out in Italian:
+
+"Say a word for me, your Excellency! The Count of Monte-Cristo should
+have as much power over the myrmidons of the French law as over Luigi
+Vampa and his band!"
+
+This exclamation amazed and startled the Count, so strange and unlooked
+for was it. He gazed penetratingly at the malefactor who had uttered it,
+but his scrutiny was unrewarded by recognition.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked, as soon as his amazement permitted him to
+speak, also making use of the Italian language. "You are a perfect
+stranger to me, yet you know my name and seem acquainted with some of my
+actions in the past. Who are you?"
+
+"I am Peppino," answered the man, without taking his eyes from the
+Count. "My companion who is being dragged away yonder is Beppo."
+
+"Peppino?--Beppo?" said the Count, musingly. "Surely I have heard those
+names before, but they are common in Italy, especially in Rome, and I
+have been there frequently. Be more explicit, man."
+
+"I will," replied the Italian. "I am the Peppino who served you so well
+when Luigi Vampa held the French banker, Danglars, in captivity at your
+behest. As for Beppo, you cannot have forgotten him; he also was a
+member of Vampa's band at that period."
+
+"Yes," said Monte-Cristo, "I remember both of you now, but what can I
+do for you? Paris is vastly different from Rome, and my influence with
+the French police is not by any means equal to that I wielded over Vampa
+and his brigands at the time you speak of."
+
+"The Count of Monte-Cristo's power is unbounded anywhere in the entire
+world," rejoined the man, his brightened visage showing clearly the
+extent of his faith. "A word from him will release both Beppo and
+myself. Speak that word, your Excellency, and set us free!"
+
+Ali had refrained from interfering when he heard this singular
+conversation, which he fully understood. He was waiting for further
+orders from his master.
+
+The policeman grew impatient and, giving the Italian a rough shake, said
+to him:
+
+"Come now, let go that spoke and submit. Don't you see that you are
+disturbing the Count of Monte-Cristo? His Excellency will do nothing for
+such a scoundrel as you. Come, let go that spoke, I say!"
+
+Peppino, however, would not obey and continued to supplicate the Count
+to interfere in behalf of Beppo and himself. At last, driven to
+desperation by Monte-Cristo's inaction, he cried out to him:
+
+"If your Excellency will do nothing for us without recompense, I will
+give that recompense; I will tell you in exchange for your efforts in
+our behalf all I know concerning the black conspiracy against the
+Viscount Giovanni Massetti!"
+
+The Count was visibly moved by this speech. He stared at Peppino as if
+he thought that he had not heard aright.
+
+"The Viscount Giovanni Massetti! A black conspiracy against him! What do
+you mean?" he inquired, quickly.
+
+"Just what I say, your Excellency," answered the Italian. "I know that
+the Viscount visited the Palazzo Costi in Rome when you inhabited it
+with your family, and that he fell in love with your daughter. I also
+know the details of a plot by which a network of crushing circumstances
+has been woven about him with the view of burying him beneath a weight
+of shame, dishonor and even of crime! I can reveal those details and
+will do so if you aid my companion and myself in our present difficulty.
+Do I interest you, Signor Count?"
+
+"Vastly," answered Monte-Cristo, his face assuming a serious look. "Go
+quietly with the gardien to the poste. I will follow immediately and see
+what can be done."
+
+"Yes, your Excellency," said Peppino, submissively, and abandoning his
+grasp of the spoke he allowed the policeman to bear him away without
+further trouble. Meanwhile Beppo and the officer in whose custody he was
+had disappeared in the distance.
+
+Those who had been near enough to the Count's barouche to witness this
+extraordinary scene were greatly astonished that such a famous character
+as the eloquent Deputy from Marseilles should stoop to converse with a
+malefactor in the public street, but their astonishment was immeasurably
+augmented when they saw the influence the celebrated orator exercised
+over the depraved Italian. They had not been able to understand the
+conversation, but the effect of Monte-Cristo's last words seemed little
+less than miraculous to them and they rent the air with loud and
+enthusiastic cheers.
+
+"Long live the noble Count of Monte-Cristo! Long live the Deputy from
+Marseilles, the people's friend!" was shouted on every side.
+
+Further on the cry was taken up and repeated, ringing forth far along
+the broad and beautiful Champs-Elysees!
+
+Monte-Cristo arose in his barouche and, removing his hat, stood
+bareheaded, bowing to the excited populace.
+
+This was the signal for new and heartier cheers. But the criminals
+having been removed, the crowd soon began to disperse. At length the
+thoroughfare was cleared and the Count's vehicle could proceed. Ali had
+impassibly resumed the driver's seat and, at a nod from his adored
+master, started the spirited horses down the immense avenue. As the
+blooded bays went prancing along with proudly arched necks, the Count
+bent over and said to Ali:
+
+"Drive at once to the poste of the quarter."
+
+The Nubian skilfully wheeled the animals about and in a few minutes
+Monte-Cristo had reached his destination.
+
+At the door of the poste a gardien received him and, at the mention of
+his name, obsequiously conducted him to the officer in charge. The
+latter, a short, determined-looking man with a bristling gray moustache
+and gray hair that stood almost on end upon his little round head,
+recognized his illustrious visitor at a glance. He hastily arose from
+the desk at which he was seated, engaged in examining the reports of his
+subordinates, and politely offered him a chair. Then he asked,
+deferentially:
+
+"To what am I indebted for so distinguished an honor as a call from the
+Count of Monte-Cristo?"
+
+"Monsieur," replied the Count, taking the proffered seat, "two Italians
+were arrested a short time ago on the Champs-Elysees and brought
+hither."
+
+"Yes," said the chief of the poste, "and great scoundrels they are, too!
+We have been shadowing them for some time, but could never detect them
+in any overt act until to-day. They belong to a very dangerous gang of
+prowlers, led by a shrewd German named Waldmann, whose headquarters are
+in a wretched caboulot of the Cite d' Antin."
+
+"Of what are these Italians accused, that is what is the present
+specific charge against them?"
+
+"They were caught picking pockets in the crowd thronging about a
+marionette show."
+
+"Is the evidence against them conclusive?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"That is unfortunate," said the Count, "as one of them is in possession
+of information of the utmost importance to me. He has made partial
+revelations, but sets as the price of a full disclosure my interference
+in behalf of himself and his comrade in crime. What can be done?"
+
+"I do not see," replied the chief, in perplexity. "It is impossible for
+me to let the men off."
+
+"But is there not some way in which I could obtain a mitigation of their
+punishment?"
+
+"Oh! as for that, yes," said the officer, brightening. "If you would
+speak to the Procureur de la Republique, I am sure he would grant you
+the minimum sentence in such cases. Perhaps," added he, as a sudden
+thought struck him, "he might even be induced not to press the
+prosecution, in which event the men would be discharged."
+
+"Thank you, monsieur," said the Count, rising. "I will act upon your
+wise suggestion without delay. But can you grant me a small favor? Can
+you allow me a brief interview with the man calling himself Peppino?"
+
+"Undoubtedly," answered the chief, in a cordial voice, "and I shall be
+very glad to do so if it will assist you any."
+
+"It will enable me to assure the man that I am at work and have some
+hope of success."
+
+"Then follow me."
+
+The chief, who had remained standing out of compliment to the Count,
+took a large key from a rack behind his desk and opened a door leading
+into a long, dimly-lighted corridor. Monte-Cristo followed him through
+this gloomy passage until they came to a cell before which the chief
+stopped. The large key grated in the lock, the door of the cell swung
+open with an ominous sound and the Count found himself face to face with
+the former Roman bandit.
+
+Peppino was sitting on the edge of an iron bedstead, the very picture
+of despair. He thought that Monte-Cristo had deserted him, that he would
+not interfere even with the prospect of obtaining the details of the
+plot against young Massetti. As the Count entered the cell his
+countenance brightened instantly and hope was renewed in his bosom. The
+chief discreetly withdrew, saying as he did so:
+
+"I will wait without, in the corridor."
+
+With these words he closed the door of the cell and Monte-Cristo found
+himself alone with Peppino.
+
+All the light that made its way into the gloomy cell came through a
+small grated window high up in the wall, placed at such a distance from
+the floor that no prisoner could reach it even by climbing upon his
+bedstead. The walls and ceiling were of stone.
+
+"Well," asked Peppino, "how has your Excellency succeeded?"
+
+"I have made but little progress as yet, though I hope to be able to do
+something for you and Beppo in a very short time," answered the Count,
+in a reassuring voice.
+
+"I am satisfied," said Peppino, cheerily. "If your Excellency only
+determines upon it, Beppo and myself will shortly be free!"
+
+"I cannot go that far, my good fellow, but I can and do promise you all
+my aid and influence can effect."
+
+"They will effect everything necessary, Signor Count," replied the
+Italian, confidently.
+
+"Do not hope for too much, Peppino. I have told you that Paris is
+different from Rome."
+
+"I have occasion now to know that," rejoined the outlaw, bitterly. "But
+the power of the Count of Monte-Cristo is the same here as in the
+campagna!"
+
+"Keep up a stout heart, at all events, my good fellow. We shall soon
+know what can be done."
+
+"I will keep up a stout heart, Signor Count, for I have perfect faith in
+you!"
+
+"So be it. Now, my man, what do you know about the plot against the
+Viscount Massetti?"
+
+"Pardon me, Signor Count," said the Italian, shrewdly, "but I will tell
+you that when Beppo and myself are at liberty!"
+
+Monte-Cristo smiled at the man's cunning.
+
+"At least," he said, "tell me if you have seen the Viscount recently."
+
+"I will do that, your Excellency. I saw him a very short time ago in
+Rome and afterwards with Luigi Vampa and Pasquale Solara in the marshy
+country beyond the Trastavere."
+
+"What brought you and your companion to Paris?"
+
+"We had a disagreement with old Solara, whom Luigi Vampa insisted we
+should obey implicitly. Solara was a tyrant; besides, he was as greedy
+and avaricious as a miser; he wanted everything for himself and would
+allow us nothing; he demanded that all the booty we acquired should be
+brought directly to him without division, stating that he would parcel
+out our shares; this he invariably failed to do and naturally we
+rebelled. Vampa, who has become, if he was not always so, old
+Pasquale's fast friend, decided against us whenever we carried our
+complaints to him. Finally we could stand it no longer; we were
+absolutely starving while Solara was heaping up riches, so we determined
+to quit the band. We did so and came to Paris, where we have been ever
+since."
+
+"I will not ask you what you have been doing in Paris," said
+Monte-Cristo, smiling faintly; "in fact, I need not ask you, for I know;
+the chief of the poste has told me; but will you promise me to lead a
+better life in future and to try to induce Beppo to do the same, if I
+should succeed in effecting your release?"
+
+"I cannot promise you that," replied the Italian, with averted eyes,
+"but I will promise you to return to Rome and take Beppo with me."
+
+"That will do as well, or almost as well," said the Count. "Armed with
+such a promise, I think I can obtain your freedom. But you must swear to
+me to leave France immediately after you have been set at liberty, and I
+shall consider your oath as binding upon Beppo also."
+
+"I swear to leave France the very moment I am free! I swear, too, that
+Beppo shall accompany me!"
+
+"It is well," said the Count. "I shall be here again this afternoon or
+to-morrow at the furthest; but remember that before you leave this cell
+you must give me the full details of the conspiracy against young
+Massetti!"
+
+"I shall remember it, Signor Count; have no fear of that! When I have
+spoken old Solara must look out for himself!"
+
+"What do you mean by that?" asked Monte-Cristo, sharply.
+
+"Never mind at present, Signor Count! I will make everything clear to
+you on your return."
+
+The Deputy from Marseilles quitted the cell and the poste, after having
+thanked the chief for his courtesy. He drove without delay to the office
+of the Procureur de la Republique in the Palais de Justice, and it was
+not long before he had matters satisfactorily arranged. The Procureur
+cheerfully agreed not to push the charge against the Italians on
+condition that Monte-Cristo pledged himself they should leave Paris
+immediately after the Juge d' Instruction had discharged them. This
+pledge the Count made without the slightest hesitation, and it was
+decided that the Juge d' Instruction should hold his formal examination
+at the poste that afternoon, when the Procureur would appear through his
+Deputy and order the cessation of the proceedings for full and
+sufficient reasons. The Procureur agreed to notify the Count of the
+exact hour of the examination that he might be present and ready to
+execute his share of the compact.
+
+As Monte-Cristo drove back to the mansion of the Rue du Helder he could
+not help feeling considerably agitated. What was he about to learn from
+Peppino, and how would the Italian's disclosures affect Massetti? These
+were problems that the next few hours were destined to solve.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS.
+
+
+One of the first things Maximilian Morrel did, after he and his wife
+were comfortably installed at the Hotel de France in Rome, was to make a
+formal call at the Palazzo Massetti and present his letters of
+introduction to the aged Count, Giovanni's father.
+
+The old nobleman, who was at least seventy and very patriarchal in
+appearance because of his flowing white locks and long snowy beard,
+received the young Frenchman with great urbanity and condescension in a
+sumptuously furnished salon full of rare art treasures and dazzling with
+gold and satin. He met him with outstretched hand and said, warmly, at
+the same time glancing at the Captain's card as if to refresh his
+memory:
+
+"I am delighted to have the honor of welcoming so distinguished a
+visitor as Captain Maximilian Morrel to the Palazzo Massetti. Pray be
+seated, Captain, and consider my residence as yours."
+
+The Count spoke French fluently, without even the faintest trace of a
+foreign accent, and this fact as well as his charmingly cordial manner
+caused the young soldier immediately to feel at ease in his presence.
+
+"I assure you, Count," returned Maximilian, bowing and then seating
+himself, "that the pleasure is mutual."
+
+The aged nobleman also took a chair, and for a time they conversed
+agreeably on various subjects. The Count had been a brave, active
+soldier in his day and was much interested in French military affairs.
+The visitor, who was thoroughly posted on this topic and devotedly
+attached to his profession, gave his inquisitive host every detail he
+demanded and was particularly enthusiastic when he spoke of the Parisian
+workmen, who, as he asserted, could leave their accustomed toil at a
+moment's notice and encounter the perils of the battlefield with the
+endurance of trained veterans.
+
+At length Maximilian thought he could venture to feel the ground in
+regard to his mission. It was certainly a very delicate matter, but the
+Count's politeness and bonhomie encouraged him to proceed. Looking the
+old nobleman straight in the face he said:
+
+"I believe, Count, you have a son named Giovanni, who was recently in
+Paris."
+
+Instantly the aged Roman's brow clouded and he cast a scrutinizing
+glance at his guest. Then he said, coldly:
+
+"I have no son!"
+
+Maximilian in his turn gazed searchingly at the Count, but the latter's
+visage had already assumed a stony and defiant look that seemed to
+oppose an insurmountable barrier to further conversation on this
+subject. There was an awkward pause, during which the two men continued
+to gaze at each other. M. Morrel, though much embarrassed and
+disconcerted by the prompt check he had received, was the first to break
+the ominous silence.
+
+"I ask your pardon, Count," said he, "but the young man of whom I spoke
+represented himself to be the Viscount Giovanni Massetti. Is it possible
+that he was an impostor?"
+
+The Count's aspect became more frigid; he replied, icily:
+
+"I repeat that I have no son!"
+
+Maximilian was sorely puzzled. He knew not what to think or say. The old
+nobleman arose as if to terminate the interview. He showed no trace of
+excitement, but M. Morrel felt certain that he was a prey to an internal
+agitation that he with difficulty controlled. There could be no doubt
+that Giovanni was what he had represented himself to be, for had he not
+passed as the Viscount Massetti in Rome as well as in Paris? But one
+solution to the mystery offered itself--the Count had disowned his son,
+disowned him because of the terrible crime with which he was charged,
+from which he had been apparently unable to clear himself. M. Morrel
+also arose, but he was unwilling to depart thus, to be summarily
+dismissed as it were. He determined to make one more effort to get at
+the truth.
+
+"Count," he said, "I do not wish you to misunderstand me, to impute to
+mere idle curiosity my desire to be informed concerning this unfortunate
+and unhappy young man. I know that a black cloud hangs over him, that
+at present he is branded and disgraced. I was not aware, however, that
+his family had cast him off."
+
+"Monsieur," returned the Count, impatiently, "you are strangely
+persistent."
+
+"I am persistent, Count," said Maximilian, earnestly, "because the
+Viscount Massetti is not alone in his misfortune. Another, an estimable
+young lady, is now languishing in Paris on his account."
+
+"I pity her!" said the old nobleman, impressively.
+
+"So do I," rejoined Maximilian; "from the bottom of my heart I pity them
+both and that is the reason I am here."
+
+"May I ask the name of this estimable young lady?"
+
+"Certainly. Her name is Zuleika; she is the daughter of the world-famous
+Count of Monte-Cristo."
+
+Old Massetti gave a start and the muscles of his face twitched
+nervously, but he managed to control himself and said:
+
+"Indeed! Permit me to inquire what relations the young man sustained
+towards the daughter of the Count of Monte-Cristo."
+
+"She is or rather was betrothed to him."
+
+"My God! Another victim! Does the girl love him?"
+
+"She does, with all her soul!"
+
+"Did he betray her, did he lead her astray?"
+
+"No; his conduct towards her was in all respects that of a man of the
+strictest honor."
+
+"Heaven be praised for that! Then no damage has been done! Let her
+forget him!"
+
+"I fear, I know, she cannot!"
+
+"She is young, isn't she?"
+
+"Very young."
+
+"Then time will heal her wounds. She must forget him, for he is unworthy
+of her love!"
+
+"But do you feel no affection, no pity, for your son?"
+
+"I tell you I have no son! How many times must I repeat it!"
+
+The Count's look was harder than ever; all the pride and haughtiness of
+the Massettis seemed concentrated in the expression of his venerable
+countenance. Maximilian opened his lips to speak again, but the old
+nobleman stopped him and said, sternly:
+
+"We have had enough of this! Captain Morrel, let what has passed between
+us on this wretched subject be forgotten. I shall be glad to receive you
+at any hour as a friend, but, if you value my acquaintance, my
+friendship, never mention that young man to me again! Farewell,
+Monsieur!"
+
+The Count touched a bell and a valet appeared. Maximilian bowed to his
+host and, guided by the servant, quitted the palazzo. In the street he
+stood for a moment like one utterly bewildered. It was plain that the
+elder Massetti had fully made up his mind as to Giovanni's guilt, and if
+the father deserted his son what hope was there that the cold, heartless
+world would not follow his example? Maximilian was in despair. At the
+very first step in his mission he had been unceremoniously and firmly
+halted. What was he to do? Should he acknowledge himself finally
+defeated because his initial attempt had failed so disastrously? No;
+that would be miserable cowardice! He would persist, he would make
+further investigations. He had undertaken this work for Zuleika, to
+restore happiness to her heart and light to her eyes, and he would not
+abandon the task, no matter how arduous it might be, until he had
+cleared Giovanni or obtained tangible, incontrovertible proof of his
+guilt!
+
+Fortified by this resolution M. Morrel returned to the Hotel de France.
+Valentine met him with a look of anxious inquiry. He endeavoured to seem
+cheerful, to make the best of the situation, but the effort was a
+pitiful failure. He sank into a chair and said to his wife in a dejected
+tone:
+
+"I have seen the Count Massetti. He believes his son guilty and has
+disowned him!"
+
+Valentine seated herself beside her husband and tenderly took his hand.
+
+"Maximilian," she said, "it is a bad beginning, I confess, but you know
+the proverb and, I trust, the good ending will yet come!"
+
+"It will not be our fault if it does not," replied her husband,
+heroically. "At all events, we will do our best."
+
+"And we shall succeed! I feel confident of that!"
+
+"Thank you for those words, Valentine! You are a perfect enchantress and
+have brought my dead hope to life!"
+
+That evening the Morrels' decided to visit the Colosseum. They desired
+to see the gigantic remains of that vast fabric of the Cassars by
+moonlight, to inspect amid the silvery rays the crumbling courts and
+galleries that ages agone had echoed with the proud tread of the elite
+of barbaric old Rome! Conducted by a guide belonging to the Hotel de
+France, they set out and were soon standing among the ruins of the great
+amphitheatre. There they were seized upon by a special cicerone, who
+seemed to consider the huge wreck of Flavius Vespasian's monument as his
+particular property and who could not be shaken off. He joined forces
+with the hotel guide and the twain, jabbering away industriously in an
+almost unintelligible jargon, led the helpless visitors from one point
+of interest to another, showing them in turn broken columns, the seats
+of the Vestals, dilapidated stone staircases, the "Fosse des Lions" and
+the "Podium des Cesars." Maximilian and Valentine were filled with
+unspeakable awe and admiration as they contemplated the remnants of
+ancient grandeur, and mentally peopled the wondrous Colosseum with
+contending gladiators, stately Patricians and the applauding herd of
+sanguinary Plebeians, Mme. Morrel shuddering as she thought of the
+thousands of high-bred dames and beautiful maidens who in the old days
+had pitilessly turned down their thumbs as a signal for the taking of
+human life! Although the moon was brilliant and flooded the antique
+amphitheatre with argentine light, the guides carried torches, which
+served to spread a flickering and wan illumination through the dark
+recesses of the cavernous vomitariums, now the refuge of bats, owls,
+goats and serpents.
+
+As they were passing through a long and unusually sombre gallery, the
+guides suddenly paused with a simultaneous cry and began making the sign
+of the cross. Maximilian and Valentine halted in affright, the former
+hurriedly drawing a small pistol to defend his wife and himself against
+the unknown and mysterious danger. They glanced about them but could see
+nothing, the torches revealing only huge stones and dust-covered vaults.
+M. Morrel demanded of the guides what was the cause of their terror, but
+for some moments could glean no intelligence from their vague,
+unintelligible replies. At last one of the cicerones managed to explain
+that they had seen the maniac! This was comforting information to the
+visitors! A maniac at large and ranging at night about amid the
+Colosseum's ruins! Valentine, trembling with fear, clung to her husband
+for protection.
+
+"Is it a man or a woman?" asked Maximilian of one of the guides.
+
+"A man, signor."
+
+"Is he violent, dangerous?"
+
+"No, signor, neither; but his appearance gives one a terrible shock, he
+is so wild-looking, and, besides, he mutters fearful curses! Holy
+Virgin, protect us!"
+
+Maximilian felt his curiosity aroused; a strange desire took possession
+of him to see and speak with this singular madman, who frequented the
+gladiators' courts and muttered fearful curses to the broken columns of
+the Colosseum.
+
+"Where is the maniac now?" he demanded of the guides. "Do you see him?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!" replied one of the men, glancing about him uneasily.
+
+"But where is he? Can you take us to him?" persisted Maximilian.
+
+The cicerones looked at each other in amazement; the young soldier's
+questions startled them. Valentine was not less amazed and startled than
+the guides; she stared at her husband, speechless at the strange
+interest he displayed in this miserable outcast.
+
+"Can you take us to him?" repeated Maximilian.
+
+"Signor," said the guide belonging to the hotel, "you are jesting!"
+
+"I am not jesting, I am in earnest," said M. Morrel. "Answer my
+question."
+
+"Of course, we can take you to him, signor," answered the guide; "but
+you had best avoid him; the sight of the wretched Massetti will drive
+your lady out of her wits!"
+
+At the name Massetti both Maximilian and Valentine started; they glanced
+at each other and at the man who had spoken, thinking that they had not
+heard aright.
+
+"Massetti!" cried M. Morrel, when his astonishment permitted him to find
+words. "Did you say Massetti?"
+
+"Yes, signor, I said Massetti. The maniac is old Count Massetti's
+disowned and disinherited son!"
+
+"What! The Viscount Giovanni?"
+
+"The same, signor!"
+
+"Oh! this is dreadful, dreadful, Maximilian!" whispered Valentine,
+clinging still closer to her husband.
+
+"It is, indeed, dreadful; doubly so because entirely unexpected," said
+M. Morrel. "But I must see young Massetti--it was, no doubt, some
+mysterious influence, some indescribable magnetic power, operating
+between us, that made me wish to see this man, this maniac, as soon as
+he was mentioned!--I must see him and at once!"
+
+As the guides possessed but a very slight knowledge of the French
+language, in which the dialogue between the husband and wife had been
+carried on, they failed to grasp the full import of the brief
+conversation; they, however, understood that their patrons were in some
+inexplicable way interested in the maniac of the Colosseum and appalled
+by the sudden discovery of his identity. The situation puzzled and
+dissatisfied them.
+
+After thinking for an instant, Maximilian said to his wife:
+
+"I will instruct the guide from the hotel to conduct you back to our
+apartments. It is best that I should meet poor Massetti alone; seeing
+the wretched man in his present terrible condition would certainly shock
+and unnerve you."
+
+Valentine gazed pleadingly into her husband's face. All her fear had
+left her. She was calm now and resolved. She had proposed the trip to
+Rome, the project of aiding the Viscount, and she did not wish to recoil
+from taking a single step that might be beneficial to Giovanni and
+Zuleika. She said, bravely:
+
+"Do not send me from you, Maximilian! I will be stout-hearted and
+courageous! I am not afraid of this poor young man now, maniac though he
+be! Perhaps I may be able to help you in dealing with him, for a woman's
+wit and tenderness, they say, can sometimes subdue and pacify those
+whose minds are disordered when all a man's efforts have failed."
+
+Maximilian looked at her lovingly and admiringly.
+
+"So be it, Valentine," he replied, much affected. "You shall remain with
+me and we will face the trial together!"
+
+His wife's eyes expressed her satisfaction at this display of
+confidence; she simply grasped her husband's hand, but though she
+uttered not a word the warm pressure she gave it spoke volumes.
+
+M. Morrel turned to the cicerones, who were waiting in silent
+bewilderment.
+
+"Take us to this maniac without an instant's delay!" he said.
+
+The guides exchanged glances, shook their heads as if in protest and
+again began making the sign of the cross. Maximilian was compelled to
+repeat his command somewhat sternly and imperatively before they made a
+movement to obey it; then very reluctantly they motioned their patrons
+to follow them and took the lead, muttering prayers to the Blessed
+Virgin.
+
+The little party quitted the sombre gallery and made their way into the
+open air. After they had gone about twenty yards the guides came to an
+abrupt halt and one of them pointed to the centre of the vast
+gladiatorial arena.
+
+"Look, signor!" he said to M. Morrel. "There stands the maniac of the
+Colosseum!"
+
+Maximilian and Valentine peered quickly and anxiously in the direction
+indicated but saw nothing.
+
+"There, signor!" repeated the cicerone, still pointing.
+
+Then, all of a sudden, Maximilian and Valentine beheld the figure of a
+man standing as motionless as a statue beside a vast fragment of stone.
+The moonlight fell full upon a manly, noble form, revealing a handsome
+countenance that might have belonged to one of the old Roman gods. The
+man's dress was in picturesque disorder and on his bare head was a crown
+of ivy leaves. In one hand he held a tall staff, while the other was
+lifted menacingly.
+
+"Hark!" said one of the guides, with a shudder. "He is cursing!"
+
+M. and Mme. Morrel listened, horror-stricken, filled with a nameless
+dread. A faint, but distinct murmur reached them, gradually swelling in
+volume. It was a fierce, bitter malediction, full of intense, burning
+hatred, seeming to embrace God, man and the entire universe in its
+scope.
+
+The guides fell upon their knees, uncovered their heads and prayed to
+the Virgin in low tones.
+
+Maximilian took Valentine by the hand.
+
+"Come," said he, "let us go to him!"
+
+Mme. Morrel trembled slightly, but answered, firmly:
+
+"I am ready!"
+
+Then, hand in hand, slowly, cautiously, not knowing what might happen,
+they advanced towards the maniac of the Colosseum.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+PEPPINO'S STORY.
+
+
+At the appointed hour, of which he had been duly notified by the
+Procureur de la Republique, the Count of Monte-Cristo entered the room
+set apart for the use of the Juge d' Instruction at the police poste
+where Peppino and Beppo were confined. The magistrate was already on the
+judicial bench and by his side stood the Deputy Procureur, who was
+explaining to him the wishes of his superior. As Monte-Cristo came in he
+bowed to the Juge and the Deputy, who returned his salute with all the
+respect due to so exalted a personage.
+
+"Messieurs," said the Count, after this exchange of civilities, "you
+are, of course, aware of the reason of my presence here this afternoon,
+so we can proceed to business at once, but before the Italians are
+brought in I have a slight favor to ask."
+
+"Name it, M. the Count," said the Juge d' Instruction, blandly. "We
+shall be happy to grant it if it lies within our power to do so."
+
+"Well, messieurs," said the Count of Monte-Cristo, stepping upon the
+platform and leaning on the Juge's desk, "it is simply this. The
+prisoner calling himself Peppino is in possession of certain details to
+which I attach considerable importance. He has promised to reveal them
+to me as the price of his liberty and that of his companion. It is
+needless to say that the sole motive of my interference in this matter
+is to obtain these details. Now, from long experience I know all the
+trickery and treachery of the Italian nature. Once free, this man might
+snap his fingers in my face and refuse to speak. After the formalities
+of the law have been duly complied with, I wish the prisoners remanded
+to their cells and informed that their liberation will take place only
+when Peppino has given me the promised intelligence."
+
+"That will be but a trifling stretch of my authority," replied the Juge
+d' Instruction, smiling, "if it is any stretch whatever, for, as I
+understand the case, the prisoners are to remain virtually in your
+custody until their departure from France, for which you have pledged
+your word to the Procureur de la Republique. Hence the favor you ask
+shall be cheerfully granted."
+
+As he concluded the Juge d' Instruction glanced at the Deputy Procureur,
+who nodded assent.
+
+The magistrate touched a bell that stood on his desk and said to the
+gardien de la paix who answered the summons:
+
+"Bring in the prisoners."
+
+Monte-Cristo and the Deputy retired from the platform, seating
+themselves in a couple of fauteuils placed at a table immediately in
+front of the Juge's desk.
+
+As the two Italians were brought in Peppino glanced first at the
+magistrate on the bench and then at the Deputy. Finally his eyes rested
+on the Count, when his countenance instantly lighted up; he
+instinctively felt that Monte-Cristo's mysterious influence had been
+fully as potent with the authorities of Paris as with Luigi Vampa and
+his band, that the wonderful man had succeeded in effecting the
+liberation of himself and Beppo.
+
+"Place the prisoners at the bar," said the Juge d' Instruction,
+addressing the gardien.
+
+This order was instantly complied with and the two Italians stood facing
+the magistrate.
+
+"Remove your hats."
+
+The prisoners obeyed, Peppino with a confident smile, Beppo with a
+sullen scowl.
+
+"Prisoners at the bar," said the Juge d' Instruction severely, "you are
+charged with the offense of picking pockets upon the public street. What
+have you to say?"
+
+This formal and rather menacing beginning was both a surprise and a
+disappointment to Peppino. He glanced inquiringly at Monte-Cristo, but
+could read nothing in his pale, handsome face; then with a dark frown he
+made answer to the Juge, in a harsh, defiant tone:
+
+"I am not guilty!"
+
+The magistrate glanced at Beppo who in his turn repeated his comrade's
+words.
+
+Here the Deputy Procureur arose and said to the Juge d' Instruction, in
+a full, clear voice:
+
+"May it please you, honored Juge, as the representative of the Procureur
+de la Republique I desire to state that it is not my intention to push
+the charge against the prisoners at the bar. For this course I have a
+good and sufficient reason. I, therefore, in my official capacity demand
+that the persons calling themselves Peppino and Beppo be discharged."
+
+This demand was another surprise to Peppino, but he instantly divined
+that Monte-Cristo counted for a great deal in it and gazed at him with a
+look of gratitude. Beppo was absolutely astounded, for he could not
+understand the sudden, favorable turn in the situation.
+
+The Juge d' Instruction, in pursuance of the form prescribed by law,
+said to the Deputy:
+
+"May I ask the worthy representative of the Procureur de la Republique
+what are his good and sufficient reasons?"
+
+"Certainly, honored Juge," replied the functionary. "His Excellency the
+Count of Monte-Cristo, here present, has entered into a compact with the
+Procureur, pledging himself in the event of the prisoners' discharge to
+induce them to quit France immediately."
+
+At this Monte-Cristo arose and facing the judicial bench said, in that
+impressive manner which always marked his public speeches:
+
+"Honored Juge, what the Deputy Procureur has just said is perfectly true
+in every respect. In the event of the prisoners' discharge I stand
+pledged to his superior in office to see that they return to Italy
+without delay."
+
+The Deputy and the Count resumed their seats. The Juge d' Instruction
+appeared to think for a moment; then he said:
+
+"My duty in the premises is plain. No evidence is presented against the
+prisoners and the official statement and demand of the Procureur de la
+Republique, expressed through his worthy and esteemed representative,
+preclude the necessity of a formal interrogation of the accused. I
+shall, therefore, discharge them, subject, however, to the control of
+his Excellency, the Count of Monte-Cristo. Prisoners at the bar," he
+added, addressing Peppino and Beppo, "I remand you to your cells, your
+liberation to take place at such time as his Excellency, the Count of
+Monte-Cristo may determine."
+
+He resumed his seat upon the judicial bench, motioning to the gardien to
+remove the prisoners.
+
+Ten minutes later Monte-Cristo was in Peppino's cell. The Italian was
+radiant with delight and very effusive in the expression of his thanks
+to his powerful and mysterious benefactor.
+
+The Count waved his hand impatiently.
+
+"A truce to thanks," he said. "Time presses, and the sooner you give me
+the details of the conspiracy against the Viscount Massetti the sooner
+you and your companion will be free."
+
+Peppino threw himself half down upon his bed and Monte-Cristo seated
+himself on a rickety stool, his usually impassible countenance plainly
+showing the absorbing interest he felt in what was to follow.
+
+The Italian cleared his throat and began.
+
+"Signor Count," said he, "in the first place I must tell you that young
+Massetti has been disowned and disinherited by his proud, stern father,
+who believes him one of the guiltiest and most depraved scoundrels on
+earth!"
+
+Monte-Cristo gave a start; his face grew a shade paler than was habitual
+with him, but he said nothing; he was eagerly awaiting further
+developments.
+
+"That is not all, however," continued Peppino, after a slight pause to
+note the effect of his communication upon his auditor, "nor is it the
+worst! The unfortunate Viscount, upon being ignominiously expelled from
+the Palazzo Massetti by the old Count's orders, immediately lost his
+senses; he is now a raving maniac!"
+
+"Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Monte-Cristo, springing to his feet and
+pacing the cell, a prey to intense agitation he did not endeavour to
+control. "A raving maniac!--Giovanni a raving maniac! Oh! my daughter,
+my daughter!"
+
+"All I say is the truth," resumed the Italian. "As I hope for Heaven I
+swear it!"
+
+"But what has become of Massetti? Where is he?" demanded the Count,
+abruptly pausing in his walk. "Has he been consigned to some asylum?"
+
+"He is an outcast and a wanderer," replied Peppino. "All Rome frowns
+upon him, avoids him as a pestilence is avoided. When I left Italy he
+had sought refuge amid the ruins of the Colosseum, where he was the
+terror alike of visitors and the superstitious guides. I saw him there
+with my own eyes the day before my departure. He was in rags, carried a
+tall staff, wore a crown of ivy leaves and spent his time cursing God
+and man. They say he never leaves the ruins, save to beg a few scraps
+upon which to subsist, and that he sleeps at night in the depths of a
+dark vomitarium in company with bats, spiders and other unclean things."
+
+"This is incredible!" cried Monte-Cristo, gazing piercingly at his
+companion and half suspecting that he was drawing upon his vivid Italian
+imagination for some of his graphic details.
+
+"But it is true, Signor Count," protested Peppino, earnestly; "every
+word of it is true!"
+
+"Go on," said Monte-Cristo, hoarsely, again seating himself on the
+stool. "Tell me about the conspiracy."
+
+"I am coming to it, Signor Count," said the former bandit, assuming a
+sitting posture upon the edge of the bed. "You know, of course, that the
+cause of all the Viscount Massetti's trouble was a certain handsome
+young peasant girl named Annunziata Solara?"
+
+"I have heard it was some woman, but that does not matter; proceed."
+
+"This girl sold flowers in the Piazza del Popolo and on the Corso; there
+she attracted the attention of Massetti and your son Esperance."
+
+"Esperance!" exclaimed Monte-Cristo, his hands working nervously. "Oh!
+mon Dieu! the light is commencing to break!"
+
+Peppino smiled reassuringly.
+
+"Have no fear, Signor Count," said he; "in all the unhappy occurrences
+that brought the poor Viscount under suspicion your son bore a part as
+noble as it was honorable; you have abundant reason to be proud of him!"
+
+Monte-Cristo uttered a sigh of relief.
+
+"Can you prove this?"
+
+"I can. Luigi Vampa and his whole band know your son to be entirely
+innocent so far as the flower-girl is concerned and will so express
+themselves. Even old Solara himself, hardened and despicable wretch as
+he is, will not seek to inculpate him. Rest assured that the proof of
+your son's innocence is ample."
+
+"Luigi Vampa has already written to me that no guilt attaches to
+Esperance, but I must have more reliable vouchers than the letter or
+even the oath of a notorious brigand."
+
+"Such vouchers can be procured without much difficulty. The unfortunate
+girl herself, who is now in the Refuge at Civita Vecchia, will exculpate
+him."
+
+"But the details of the plot, the details of the plot!"
+
+"Well, the Viscount learned from Annunziata that she dwelt in the
+country beyond the Trastavere and that evening set out to find her. Your
+son, who knew his object, followed him to protect him against the
+bandits. Massetti was halted by one of Vampa's men, who wounded him in
+the struggle that ensued, your son appearing in time to kill the brigand
+and rescue his friend. Shortly afterwards they encountered a large
+number of Vampa's band and narrowly escaped being hung to the nearest
+trees in revenge for the death of the man slain by your son. They were
+set free by Vampa himself as soon as he learned that Esperance was your
+son, Massetti having disclosed both his own identity and that of his
+comrade. The young men, it seems, had determined to return to Rome
+immediately after the Viscount received his wound, but Massetti grew
+faint from pain and loss of blood and it was resolved to seek for
+shelter. A peasant appeared at this juncture and, after some hesitation,
+agreed to conduct them to his father's cabin where they could pass the
+night. He was as good as his word. To be brief, the young men, who were
+disguised as peasants, soon found themselves in Pasquale Solara's hut
+and in the presence of the fair Annunziata herself."
+
+Peppino paused for an instant and then continued:
+
+"These preliminary details, Signor Count, are necessary to enable you to
+understand the conspiracy which was speedily to be hatched. The peasant,
+who had conducted Massetti and your son to the very spot the former had
+left Rome to seek, was Annunziata's brother. Old Pasquale Solara was
+absent from home at the time of the arrival of the strangers, but
+returned shortly afterwards. I have no doubt that he had long been in
+league with Luigi Vampa and had been secretly acting as his agent and
+confederate. At any rate, when he arrived he was well aware that the
+young men were at his cabin and was also thoroughly informed as to their
+identity, though, with his habitual cunning, he concealed both facts,
+feigning surprise and dissatisfaction when it was announced to him by
+his children that he had guests. Secretly he was delighted, for the
+presence of young Massetti gave him an opportunity at once to take a
+signal revenge on the old Count, whom he had long bitterly hated, and to
+divert the crashing stigma of a fiendish act he meditated from himself
+to the name and fame of another."
+
+"Do you mean to assert that this wretched old man had base designs
+against his own daughter?" said the Count, his visage expressing all the
+horror he felt.
+
+"Exactly," answered Peppino, coolly. "Old Solara, miserable miser as he
+is, had for a very large sum of the gold he so ardently coveted sold his
+own child, his beautiful daughter Annunziata, to the bandit chief Luigi
+Vampa!"
+
+"The black-hearted demon!" exclaimed Monte-Cristo. "He is unworthy of
+the name of man! In Paris the indignant populace would crush him to
+death beneath their feet!"
+
+"So, you see," resumed the Italian, "the arrival of Massetti was
+opportune, and Pasquale Solara, after having seen that the Viscount was
+safely housed beneath the roof of his cabin, hastened back to Luigi
+Vampa and together they laid the foul plot that succeeded but too well.
+A more shrewdly devised and thoroughly concealed piece of diabolical
+villainy has never stained the annals of the civilized world!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY.
+
+
+Monte-Cristo was horrified by what he had heard. His whole soul revolted
+at the idea of a father who could deliberately and in cold blood sell
+his daughter, at the idea of a wretch who with equal deliberation could
+cast the blame of a villainy committed by himself upon an innocent man.
+It had seemed very strange to the Count, at the time Luigi Vampa had
+written to him, that the brigand chief should be so thoroughly posted in
+regard to the innocence of Esperance and the guilt of the Viscount
+Massetti, but in the light of the astounding revelations just made by
+Peppino it became abundantly clear that Vampa in the young Italian's
+case had been actuated by the strongest possible motive, namely, the
+desire to shield himself, and that in order to do so effectually he had
+not shrunk from the vilest and most complete falsehood. Of course, Vampa
+had not wished to inculpate Esperance because of the old-time compact,
+the relations that had subsisted between him and Monte-Cristo in the
+past; that was equally plain; besides one victim was sufficient, and in
+selecting Massetti as that victim the brigand chief had evidently acted
+at the instigation of old Pasquale Solara.
+
+Peppino proceeded with his disclosures.
+
+"Signor Count," said he, "I had long suspected that something was on
+the carpet between Vampa and old Solara. The moody and morose shepherd
+did not at first come to the bandits' haunt, but in response to a signal
+he used, a peculiar vibrating whistle, the chief would go out alone and
+meet him. This signal and Vampa's actions aroused my curiosity; more
+than once I followed the chief and, securely hidden behind a tree or a
+rock, witnessed the secret meetings, overhearing portions of the
+conversation. Annunziata Solara was frequently mentioned, and the father
+seemed to be endeavouring to drive a hard bargain with Vampa. At last
+one night they came to an understanding. I heard the chief agree to pay
+old Pasquale an enormous sum of money upon the delivery of Annunziata
+into his hands, and then I realized that the nefarious sale had been
+concluded. It was decided that the ill-fated girl should be passed over
+to Vampa at the first opportunity, and that opportunity came when the
+Viscount Massetti and your son Esperance were domiciled at the isolated
+cabin in the forest.
+
+"I was on the alert and when, after assuring himself of the arrival of
+the two young men at his hut, old Pasquale sought the bandits'
+rendezvous and sounded his vibrating signal, I heard it. Stealthily
+following Vampa, I concealed myself as I had done on previous occasions.
+I was now thoroughly familiar with the details of the base transaction
+in progress between the precious pair and could readily comprehend even
+their most obscure and guarded allusions. Old Solara informed the chief
+that the young men had arrived, proposing that Vampa should abduct
+Annunziata at the earliest possible moment, so arranging matters that
+suspicion would fall upon the Viscount Massetti. This the chief agreed
+to do. The shepherd was to keep him posted, and the abduction was to
+take place when circumstances were best calculated to promote the
+success of all the phases of the villainous plot. With this
+understanding the conspirators separated.
+
+"Fate sided with old Pasquale and Vampa. His wound kept the Viscount at
+the cabin and the fair Annunziata nursed him. He had become smitten with
+her beauty the day he met her in the Piazza del Popolo. Intimate
+association with her intensified her influence over him, and when he had
+been in the cabin nearly a week and convalescence had begun he made
+violent love to her, even going so far as to ask her to fly with him.
+Esperance divined his friend's intentions and, knowing that Massetti
+could not marry the girl, interposed to save her. The result was a
+quarrel and your son challenged the Viscount to fight him. The challenge
+was instantly accepted and it was arranged that the duel should occur on
+the following morning.
+
+"Faithful to his promise to Vampa, old Solara, while pretending to be
+absent from home, lurked in the vicinity and kept track of all that was
+going on. He was hidden beneath the open window when Massetti or Tonio,
+as he called himself, for both the Viscount and Esperance were passing
+under assumed names, proposed flight to his daughter. Instantly he
+hastened to the brigand chief, who had been prowling in the
+neighborhood of the hut all day, and gleefully communicated to him what
+he had heard. It was immediately decided that the time for the abduction
+had come and preparations were made to carry off Annunziata that very
+night. Vampa wrote a criminating letter to the girl purporting to come
+from Massetti, and old Solara, stealing unobserved into the hut, placed
+it beneath his daughter's work-box on her table where she afterwards
+found it. It was not for a moment supposed that the girl would consent
+to fly with the Viscount, for though gay and light-hearted she was pure
+and innocent; the note was simply intended to fill Annunziata's mind,
+after the abduction, with the idea that Massetti was her abductor."
+
+"What shrewd, far-seeing villainy!" muttered Monte-Cristo, between his
+teeth.
+
+"That night there was no moon," continued Peppino, "and, after all the
+inmates of the cabin had retired to rest, old Pasquale waited outside
+with a torch while Vampa made his way to Annunziata's chamber, tore her
+from her couch and carried her to the forest, preventing her from giving
+the alarm by placing his hand over her mouth. He was masked and the
+shepherd kept at such a distance that it was utterly impossible for his
+daughter to recognize him. As Vampa ran through the forest with his
+burden, he struck his arm against a tree and the pain caused him to take
+his hand for a second from Annunziata's mouth. The poor girl profited by
+this opportunity to scream and her cry brought first her brother, then
+the Viscount and then Esperance to her aid.
+
+"The brother on reaching Vampa attacked him fiercely. Dropping the
+girl, who stood rooted to the spot, the chief drew a pistol and fired at
+his assailant. The latter was hit and staggered back, the blood gushing
+from his wound. Somehow during the struggle Vampa became unmasked and,
+in the prevailing obscurity, Annunziata naturally imagined that the face
+suddenly uncovered and as quickly masked again was that of her suitor,
+the so-called Tonio. Having disposed of the brother, who afterwards ran
+back towards the cabin, met Esperance, rushed into his arms and then
+fell to the ground where he died, the brigand chief seized Annunziata,
+who meanwhile had swooned, and resumed his flight through the forest.
+Hearing the sound of further pursuit, Vampa paused in dismay and
+listened. Three persons seemed to be rapidly approaching. The chief
+thereupon concealed the unconscious girl behind a huge fragment of rock
+and threw himself flat upon the ground, hoping thus to escape
+observation. As he did so he saw the glare of old Solara's torch. It
+flashed full in the face of a peasant, a perfect stranger, who had heard
+Annunziata's cry and come to the rescue. The shepherd had a knife in one
+hand; he instantly cast away his torch and closed in desperate conflict
+with the new comer. At that moment the Viscount came upon the scene,
+moving as if to take the part of the stranger. Vampa leaped up, grasped
+him by the throat and, under the threat of instant death if he refused,
+forced him to take an oath of silence in regard to the events of the
+night. Massetti was so bewildered that he scarcely knew what he was
+doing. No sooner had he taken the oath than Vampa treacherously dealt
+him a crushing blow that sent him reeling to the ground, where he lay
+motionless and unconscious. Then the chief again threw himself upon the
+soil, springing up once more to face Esperance. The latter aimed a
+pistol at him, but he whirled it from his hand. Then the young man
+struck fiercely at him, but Vampa dodged the blow and his adversary fell
+forward from his own impetus on a thick growth of moss beside Massetti's
+prostrate form. Taking prompt advantage of his opportunity, the chief
+secured possession of the yet unconscious Annunziata and this time
+succeeded in bearing her in triumph to a hut he had provided for her
+reception."
+
+Peppino then proceeded to relate what the reader has already learned
+from Annunziata's pitiful recital to Mme. de Rancogne in the Refuge at
+Civita Vecchia. When he had concluded, he glanced at his auditor and
+said:
+
+"Are you satisfied, Signor Count?"
+
+"I am," answered Monte-Cristo, in a hoarse voice that sounded strangely
+unlike his own. "You have fully earned the freedom of yourself and your
+comrade Beppo. The tale of black iniquity you have so vividly told me
+might seem improbable in other ears but to me it bears the impress of
+truth. One point, however, is obscure. I cannot imagine in what manner
+you learned the particulars of certain events in your narrative, events
+which you could not have witnessed with your own eyes. Enlighten me on
+this point."
+
+"Willingly," answered Peppino, without the slightest hesitation. "I
+learned the details you speak of partly from Vampa himself and partly
+from old Solara. The twain compared notes after the latter had openly
+joined the bandits, and I took good care to overhear their
+conversation."
+
+Monte-Cristo had arisen and now paced the cell for several moments
+plunged in deep thought. His brow was cloudy and dark, but his eyes
+sparkled fiercely and his hands were clenched so tightly that his nails
+left red marks in his flesh. The Italian still sitting on the edge of
+his bed watched him narrowly, not knowing what to make of his
+preoccupation and agitated by a vague fear lest he might refuse to
+fulfil his promise. At length Monte-Cristo appeared to have solved the
+knotty problem that had perplexed him and to have arrived at a decision.
+He came in front of the Italian, halted and, gazing steadfastly at him,
+said:
+
+"My good fellow, I have, as you know, obtained freedom for yourself and
+Beppo by pledging my word to the Procureur de la Republique that both of
+you shall at once quit the country. On your side you have done as you
+agreed and I am now about to execute my part of the bargain."
+
+Peppino's countenance assumed an expression of the utmost delight. All
+his apprehensions instantly vanished.
+
+"Now," continued Monte-Cristo, impressively, "I have a proposition to
+make to you. You can be exceedingly useful to me if you will and at the
+same time acquire a large sum of money honestly and honorably."
+
+The Italian's eyes glittered with pleasure.
+
+"Name your proposition, Signor Count," he said, enthusiastically. "I
+accept it in advance. But is Beppo included in it?"
+
+"He is," answered the Count. "The revelations you have made to me have
+decided me to go to Rome at once. I shall take my daughter with me, as
+well as my Nubian servant Ali. I desire you and Beppo to enter my
+service and accompany me. Humanity demands that I use all my influence
+to right the unfortunate Viscount Massetti, and I wish you to aid me in
+the work."
+
+"I will do as you desire, Signor Count," said the Italian, "and I will
+promise that Beppo shall also comply with your wishes."
+
+"Very well," rejoined Monte-Cristo. "It is understood and agreed upon.
+One condition, however, I must exact. You and Beppo must hold no
+communication with Luigi Vampa or any of his band, at least not until I
+so direct."
+
+"The condition shall be scrupulously observed, Signor Count. While in
+your service your commands shall be our only law."
+
+"It is sufficient. Now I am going to set you and Beppo at liberty. You
+will at once accompany me to my residence and there the preparations for
+our departure will immediately be made. We shall start for Rome
+to-morrow."
+
+"As your Excellency pleases," said the Italian.
+
+Monte-Cristo summoned the gardien on duty at the poste, directing him
+to produce Beppo, and soon the Count and the Italians were seated in the
+former's barouche and being rapidly driven by Ali towards the mansion on
+the Rue du Helder.
+
+No sooner had they arrived at their destination than the Count, giving
+the new additions to his retinue into the charge of the faithful Nubian,
+repaired to his study, summoning Zuleika to him. The girl hastened to
+obey the summons, and the sight of her father's pale, stern countenance
+instantly told her that something very unusual and important had taken
+place.
+
+"My child," said the Count, taking her tenderly in his arms and gazing
+fondly into her upturned, anxious face, "I have to-day received some
+very startling intelligence."
+
+Zuleika's heart beat wildly at this announcement; she felt convinced
+that the very startling intelligence concerned her unfortunate,
+long-silent lover.
+
+"Father," said she, in a tremulous voice, "have you received word from
+the Viscount Massetti?"
+
+"No, my child," answered Monte-Cristo; "but tidings of the gravest
+nature relating to him have been imparted to me."
+
+"Tidings of the gravest nature, father! Is it possible that he is dead?"
+
+As she uttered the last words, the poor girl burst into a flood of
+tears.
+
+"No, my child," replied the Count. "Young Massetti is not dead."
+
+"Has he succeeded in clearing himself of that terrible charge?" the
+girl asked, trembling with anxiety.
+
+"Alas! no! But he is innocent, Zuleika, as innocent of the dreadful
+crime imputed to him as the babe unborn! Of that you can rest assured,
+for the proof of his innocence is in my hands!"
+
+Zuleika gave a wild cry of joy and flung her arms about her father's
+neck.
+
+"Calm yourself, my child," resumed Monte-Cristo; "all will yet be well.
+I start for Rome to-morrow with Ali and two of Giovanni's friends. Be
+ready to accompany me!"
+
+Zuleika's ecstasy was almost beyond bounds; but alas! she did not know
+that Giovanni's mind had been overthrown by the shame and disgrace that
+had been heaped upon him!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM.
+
+
+After quitting their guides at the Colosseum Maximilian and Valentine
+advanced towards the centre of the gladiatorial arena where the demented
+Giovanni Massetti was standing. He did not notice them, did not seem to
+pay even the slightest attention to his surroundings, but kept his eyes
+upturned towards heaven, the murmur of bitter malediction constantly
+issuing from his lips. As M. and Mme. Morrel approached his words became
+clearer and clearer and they had no difficulty whatever in fully
+understanding their terrible import. No wonder the guides were
+frightened by such a flow of bitter scathing curses!
+
+The afflicted Viscount maintained his motionless, statue-like attitude,
+resembling more the weird creation of some sculptor's vivid fancy than a
+living, breathing mortal. Valentine was filled with indescribable sorrow
+as she gazed at him and realized that this wreck of noble, glorious
+manhood was the beloved of Zuleika's heart, the being with whose unhappy
+destiny that of Monte-Cristo's daughter was inextricably entwined. Oh!
+that by some miracle, such as the fabled divinities of old Olympus were
+said to have performed, he might be restored to reason and the
+possession of an unblemished name! But the days of miracles were over,
+and if the young Italian was to be brought back to sanity and cleared
+from the fearful charge against him that had wrought all this harm, this
+misery, it must be by earthly and ordinary means. Perhaps she and her
+husband were destined to work these apparently impossible changes! Who
+knew? Many things equally improbable had happened, and why should not
+this wondrous transformation, a transformation worthy of the wand of
+some potent Prospero, be effected? Valentine was a devoted friend and an
+enthusiast, and Monte-Cristo's maxim, "Wait and Hope," was her guiding
+star. "Wait and Hope!" Oh! how cheering, how reassuring was that simple,
+trustful motto!
+
+Maximilian, on his side, felt unutterable pity for both the wretched man
+before him and the lovely Zuleika, the sweet and tender child of his
+benefactor, languishing and despairing far away in her father's
+luxurious, palatial home. The poor girl was surrounded by all the
+blessings that unbounded wealth could confer; she had the Count's love,
+Mercedes' love, Esperance's love and the sincere affection of all who
+knew her; but alas! princely riches, parental, brotherly love and the
+affection of friends were as nothing compared to the passion that was
+gnawing at her vitals, a desperate, hopeless passion that was but a
+heavy weight of woe! But was this passion altogether desperate and
+hopeless? Time alone could show!
+
+M. and Mme. Morrel were now within a few feet of the hapless, crazed
+young man, but his attention was so engrossed by the mad thoughts
+surging through his bewildered brain that he yet failed to detect their
+presence.
+
+Bidding Valentine remain where she was, her husband drew close beside
+Giovanni and suddenly placed his hand on his shoulder. The Viscount
+started at this unexpected interruption of his sombre reverie and
+hastily glanced at the intruder. His eyes, however, had a stony,
+uncomprehending stare, expressing neither surprise nor fear.
+
+"Giovanni Massetti," said Maximilian, "listen to me! I am a friend!"
+
+The young man replied, in a low, discordant voice:
+
+"Who is it mentions Giovanni Massetti? There was once a man who bore
+that name, but he is dead, dead to the world!"
+
+"I have told you I am a friend," resumed M. Morrel. "I have come to save
+you!"
+
+"A friend!--a friend!" cried the maniac, with a burst of bitter, mocking
+laughter that pierced Maximilian through and through like a
+sharp-pointed, keen-edged stiletto and made Valentine shudder as if she
+had come in contact with polar ice. "A friend!--a friend! Come to save
+me--me! ha! ha! ha! A labor of Hercules with no Hercules to accomplish
+it! You are mad, my poor fellow! Besides, I am not Giovanni Massetti--I
+am a King, an Emperor! Behold my sceptre and my crown!"
+
+He pointed to his tall staff and the wreath of ivy leaves encircling his
+head, pointed triumphantly and with all the dignity of a throned
+monarch.
+
+It was a pitiful sight, in the highest degree pitiful, this spectacle
+of intellect overthrown, of the glorious mental light of youthful
+manhood which had became clouded and obscured.
+
+Maximilian was deeply affected, but, knowing full well that all his
+firmness, resolution and resources would be requisite in dealing with
+the wretched man he had come so far to aid, he controlled his emotion
+and said, in a comparatively steady voice:
+
+"Giovanni Massetti, in the name of the woman you love, in the name of
+Zuleika, Monte-Cristo's daughter, I conjure you to be calm and hear me.
+I am her ambassador, I come to you from her!"
+
+The young man put his hand to his forehead and seemed to be striving to
+collect his scattered senses.
+
+"Zuleika?--Zuleika?" he murmured. "Monte-Cristo's daughter? Yes, yes, I
+have heard of her before--a long time back in the dreary past! I read of
+her in some book of history or the verses of some oriental poet. She was
+a Queen!--yes, she was a Queen! Well, what of this Zuleika?"
+
+He stood as if waiting for some Arabian romance to be unfolded to him,
+with parted lips and a vacant smile sorrowful to see.
+
+Since his interview with the old Count Massetti Maximilian's hope for
+the success of his difficult mission had been but a very slender thread.
+Now that thread was stretched to its utmost tension, and Zuleika's
+ambassador felt that it must shortly snap asunder and vanish
+irrecoverably. Love is ever a potent influence with man but this poor
+demented creature appeared to have lost even the faintest conception of
+the crowning passion of life, since Zuleika's name, the name of his
+betrothed, had failed to awaken his memory or touch a sympathetic chord
+in his bosom.
+
+As Maximilian stood uncertain what to do next, but as yet reluctant to
+abandon the miserable Viscount to his fate, Valentine came to him and,
+placing her hand on his arm, said:
+
+"My husband, it is useless to endeavor to move this unfortunate man in
+his present condition; his mind is incapable of rational action. Only by
+care and soothing influence can he be restored to himself. He must be
+induced to accompany us to some asylum, some institution where he can be
+treated for his dreadful malady."
+
+"You are right, Valentine, as you always are," answered M. Morrel. "The
+course you suggest is the only one to be taken at this juncture. But how
+is Giovanni to be induced to accompany us? Force cannot be employed--we
+have no legal right to use it--and I greatly fear that the Viscount will
+not follow us of his own accord, no matter to what solicitations we may
+resort."
+
+"Trust that to me, Maximilian," rejoined Valentine, sweetly and
+persuasively. "Remember what I said about a woman's wit and tenderness."
+
+"I remember it, and now, if ever, is the time for the trial of their
+power, for I have utterly failed. But, surely, Valentine, you do not
+propose to risk dealing with this poor man whose mind is reduced to
+chaos and who might, in a sudden access of unaccountable fury, do you
+harm even before I could interfere?"
+
+"I certainly do propose dealing with him! I am an enchantress, you know,
+and now you shall witness a further and more convincing proof of the
+potency of my spells than was shown in bringing your dead hope to life!"
+
+Maximilian was not altogether satisfied with his wife's heroic
+resolution, but she firmly persisted in it and finally he allowed her to
+have her way. She quitted his side and approached Giovanni, her fine
+countenance wearing a bewitching smile as seductive as that of a
+Scandinavian valkyria ministering at the feast of heroes in the fabled
+Valhalla.
+
+The guides, who amid their petitions to the Blessed Virgin had steadily
+watched the singular proceedings of their patrons, were both astounded
+and horrified when they saw Valentine leave her husband and boldly walk
+towards the maniac. They redoubled the fervency of their prayers and
+breathlessly waited for what was about to happen.
+
+The Viscount had not yet observed Valentine. When she came in front of
+him and paused, still smiling, he saw her for the first time. Dropping
+his staff, he clasped his hands and gazed at her in an ecstasy of
+admiration.
+
+"What beautiful, what heavenly vision is this?" he exclaimed, ardently,
+his voice assuming more of the characteristics of humanity than it had
+yet displayed.
+
+Valentine was silent; she wished to get Massetti completely under her
+influence before speaking to him. Motionless and statuesquely she stood,
+allowing the maniac to gaze his fill at her.
+
+"Who are you, divine vision?" continued the Viscount, seeming to think
+himself the prey of some passing dream. "Oh! you are a spirit!--a
+goddess such as of old presided over the sports of the
+Colosseum!--perhaps Juno herself! Do not vanish from my sight, do not
+become a filmy cloud and dissolve in ether! Oh! speak to me, glorious
+apparition! Let me hear the celestial melody of your voice and die
+listening to its marvellous cadences!"
+
+Valentine, humoring the caprice of the demented man, said, in the most
+enticing tone she could assume:
+
+"You have guessed aright, oh! mortal! I am, indeed, Juno, the Queen of
+the goddesses of Mount Olympus! By the direct command of Jupiter I have
+sought you out this night!"
+
+She came closer to him and took his hand. He raised hers to his lips and
+devotedly kissed it. Then he gazed into her eyes like one entranced.
+Woman's wit and tenderness had triumphed. The maniac whom even the
+mention of Zuleika's name had failed to touch was completely under Mme.
+Morrel's influence. She had subdued him; she could do with him as she
+wished.
+
+"A miracle! a miracle!" cried both the cicerones simultaneously. "The
+Blessed Virgin be praised!"
+
+Maximilian was not less astonished than the guides, but with his
+astonishment joy and gratitude were mingled--joy that Giovanni was now
+tractable and gratitude to his noble and fearless wife who had effected
+the wondrous transformation. He said to himself that Valentine was,
+indeed, an enchantress, but a modern Circe, who, unlike her ancient
+prototype, employed her spells and fascinations to promote good,
+results. He glanced at Valentine, with a smile of encouragement and
+approbation, eagerly waiting for the next step she should take, for the
+next audacious effort she should essay.
+
+Giovanni made no reply to Valentine's fantastic speech, and, after
+preserving silence for an instant, she resumed:
+
+"I am here for your welfare, to aid you in your overwhelming
+misfortunes!"
+
+"Ah! yes; I have misfortunes, but I had forgotten them," said the young
+man, musingly.
+
+"I am sent to relieve you of them," continued Valentine. Then, throwing
+into her voice its most persuasive quality, she added, fixing a magnetic
+gaze upon the Viscount: "My mission is to take charge of you, to see
+that you are restored to health and happiness. Come with me!"
+
+"I will follow you, sweet vision, to the very end of the earth!" said
+Giovanni, enthusiastically.
+
+Valentine hastily beckoned to her husband; he hurried to her and she
+whispered in his ear:
+
+"Send one of the guides for a coupe. We must not lose a single moment.
+Poor Massetti will follow me as a dog follows its master! While he is
+under my influence it is imperative that he be removed to an asylum
+where he can be properly looked after and if possible cured. No doubt
+the guides can tell you of such an institution. Use the utmost dispatch,
+Maximilian!"
+
+The young soldier needed no repetition of these wise and humanitarian
+injunctions. He gave the requisite directions and soon the desired
+vehicle was in readiness without the Colosseum. Maximilian had also
+ascertained the address of a proper curative institution.
+
+Meanwhile Valentine had continued to employ her successful tactics with
+the Viscount, who every moment yielded to her more and more. When the
+coupe was announced, she said to him:
+
+"My chariot is waiting to convey you to my Olympian abode. Will you come
+with me?"
+
+"Your wishes are my laws, oh! beautiful goddess!" replied Giovanni.
+"Take me where you will, so that you do not desert me and leave me to
+perish in despair!"
+
+Mme. Morrel led the unresisting young man to the coupe, Maximilian and
+the guides following the pair at a short distance in order to guard
+against any unforeseen freak on the part of poor Massetti. There was no
+occasion for their services, however, and the Viscount was soon safely
+installed in the coupe with Valentine upon one side of him and her
+husband upon the other.
+
+After a brief drive, during which Giovanni, who seemed to have lost all
+comprehension of the presence of any one save Valentine, remained
+quietly gazing at her, the vehicle drew up in front of the insane
+asylum.
+
+Massetti was induced to enter the institution without the slightest
+trouble. Maximilian thereupon made all the necessary arrangements, and
+the young man was placed in comfortable quarters. The physician who
+examined him stated that his case was not beyond hope.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO.
+
+
+At the appointed time the Count of Monte-Cristo and Zuleika, accompanied
+by Ali, Peppino and Beppo, the two Italians attired in the traveling
+garb of French servants, left Paris for Marseilles. On their arrival at
+the latter city they proceeded immediately to the harbor, where
+Monte-Cristo's yacht awaited them in obedience to instructions
+telegraphed by the Count to the Captain of the craft, whose name was
+Vincenzo, and who was a son of Jacopo, the former smuggler, long in
+command of the ill-fated Alcyon, lost in the frightful storm and
+volcanic disturbance in the Mediterranean some years before. The present
+yacht was a new and superb vessel, as fleet and as beautiful as a bird.
+It was fitted up in the most complete manner; the cabin, superbly
+carpeted and furnished, was hung with elaborately wrought, costly
+tapestry, while here and there on the walls were curiously arrayed
+clusters of ancient barbaric weapons gathered from the site of old
+Carthage, the ruins of historic Babylon and even from the crumbling
+tombs of those redoubtable warriors who far back in the dim ages of
+antiquity had defended distant Cathay against the incursions of the
+fierce Tartar hordes. The yacht was named the Haydee in honor of the
+loving and devoted Greek slave, the mother of Esperance and Zuleika, who
+had filled such an important part in Monte-Cristo's life and had left
+behind her such tender memories.
+
+As soon as the Count and his little party were safely on board the craft
+it set sail, gliding swiftly out upon the wide, sparkling expanse of
+water. Monte-Cristo and Zuleika stood upon the deck, conversing
+pleasantly and enjoying the ever-changing panorama presented to their
+gaze. The Haydee glided swiftly past the Ile Ratonneau, conspicuous by
+reason of its towering lighthouse; then came the Pointe des Catalans,
+with its beach where Mercedes had once dwelt and where the unfortunate
+sailor Dantes had seen the light in her chamber window on that memorable
+night when he was being conducted to captivity. At length a black and
+frowning rock rose before them, surmounted by a gloomy fortress. As he
+caught sight of this dismal crag, Monte-Cristo knitted his brows and
+through his clenched teeth muttered an imprecation upon the tyranny of
+man.
+
+"What is it that so moves you, father?" asked Zuleika, in a soft voice,
+gazing solicitously into his face.
+
+"Look yonder, my child," replied the Count, with strong emotion; "the
+fortress upon that rock is the accursed Chateau d' If!"
+
+Zuleika glanced at the fortress with a feeling of terror and dread. She
+knew the story of her father's long imprisonment and keen suffering in
+the dark dungeon of that forbidding pile, of his meetings with the Abbe
+Faria there and of his subsequent daring escape; but she knew nothing of
+what had passed between the Abbe and the sailor Dantes relative to the
+famous treasure concealed by Cardinal Spada within the grottoes of the
+Isle of Monte-Cristo, the treasure that diverted from the grasp of Pope
+Alexander VI. had made the Count so enormously rich. On this topic her
+father had never yet seen fit to enlighten her. The sight of the Chateau
+d' If made her shudder and turn pale, though at the same time it
+fascinated and enchained her. She clung closely to Monte-Cristo and
+said, tremulously:
+
+"Oh! what a frightful place it is! My very heart is chilled by its
+dismal aspect!"
+
+"Dismal as it looks from here, my child," returned the Count, "it is a
+thousand times more so within! It is the chosen abode of gloom and
+despair!"
+
+He gently put his daughter from him and gave way to a profound reverie
+in which he remained plunged for some moments. All the details of his
+imprisonment and the startling adventures that succeeded it passed
+through his mind in rapid review, and an ardent, irresistible desire to
+revisit the locality where he had unearthed Spada's millions took entire
+possession of him. Suddenly he said to Captain Vincenzo:
+
+"Make for the Isle of Monte-Cristo!"
+
+"Aye, aye, Signor Count," answered the Captain, and the necessary orders
+were at once given. The Haydee, promptly obeying her helm, swung about
+swiftly and gracefully, instantly darting off in the direction of the
+famous island.
+
+Zuleika, on hearing her father's command, cast upon him a look of
+astonishment and anxiety. She had expected that they would proceed
+directly to Italy and this change in the yacht's course betokened
+another programme.
+
+"My child," said the Count, divining her thoughts, "I propose to stop at
+the Isle of Monte-Cristo only a few hours; the delay will not be
+important, especially as we can make up the time lost by crowding sail,
+while I wish to show you some spots intimately connected with my history
+that will interest you."
+
+"I shall be delighted to visit the Isle of Monte-Cristo, father,"
+replied Zuleika. "I have heard so much about it and its wonders. You
+have a mansion there, have you not?"
+
+The Count smiled, as he answered:
+
+"Not exactly a mansion, Zuleika, but something that might be made to
+serve as a substitute for one did we need a temporary refuge, though I
+greatly fear that from long neglect we shall find it at present in a
+most deplorable condition."
+
+Zuleika's curiosity was now considerably excited. What could this
+mysterious residence, or, as her father quaintly styled it, this
+substitute for a mansion be like? What knowledge she possessed of the
+Isle of Monte-Cristo had been derived from fragmentary recitals made to
+her by Mercedes and her son Albert de Morcerf, but as neither of these
+informants had ever set foot upon the island their information was
+necessarily very vague, though it made up in the marvellous what it
+lacked in distinctness.
+
+At length, towards afternoon, the rocky shore of the Isle of
+Monte-Cristo became visible. The Count's visage brightened as he saw it
+and a thrill of pleasure passed through him. Though the Haydee was yet
+at a considerable distance he could plainly descry the lofty peak upon
+which he had stood and watched the smugglers depart in their tartane, La
+Jeune Amelie, on that eventful morning when, with his gun and pickaxe,
+he had started out to prosecute his search destined to be fraught with
+so much excitement and to be crowned with such a glorious, dazzling
+result. The golden sunlight fell full upon this peak and the surrounding
+masses of stone, making them glitter as if encrusted with sparkling
+diamonds of great price. Here and there grew olive trees and stunted
+shrubs that stood out distinctly against the blue, cloudless sky; as the
+yacht drew nearer their green tints formed a striking contrast with the
+prevailing hue of the rocks, adding vastly to the picturesqueness of the
+wild and romantic scene presented.
+
+"How beautiful the island looks!" exclaimed Zuleika, enthusiastically,
+as she leaned against the bulwarks of the vessel and gazed out over the
+sea.
+
+"Yes," replied Monte-Cristo, who was standing beside her, "it does,
+indeed, look beautiful from here, but a closer view will dispel the
+charm for the island is nothing but a barren waste."
+
+"What! Is it a desert?" asked Zuleika, in surprise.
+
+"A perfect desert, my child," answered the Count, "uncultivated and
+uninhabited."
+
+"Uninhabited!" cried Zuleika, gazing intently at the shore. "I
+certainly see life there! Look! What was that?"
+
+"A wild goat leaping from one rock to another," returned Monte-Cristo,
+smiling. "The island is full of them. When I said it was uninhabited I
+meant by human beings."
+
+The Haydee by this time had approached as near the island as possible;
+she was therefore anchored. The Count then ordered a boat lowered, into
+which he descended with Zuleika and Ali. A stout sailor took the rudder,
+two others grasped the oars, and, in a few minutes, a little cove was
+gained and the disembarkation effected.
+
+"Men," said the Count, addressing the sailors, "you can now row back to
+the yacht. When you see me come upon the beach and wave my handkerchief
+thrice, return for us."
+
+"Aye, aye, Signor Count," answered the coxswain for the boat's crew. His
+words were accompanied by the fall of the oars and the boat shot off
+towards the Haydee.
+
+"You are now on the Isle of Monte-Cristo," said the Count to Zuleika as
+he took her hand to lead her forward. "Prepare to see what you have
+termed its wonders!"
+
+"They will, no doubt, prove wonders to me, at any rate," returned the
+girl, smiling.
+
+The Nubian stood before his master with uncovered head, respectfully
+waiting for orders.
+
+"Go in advance, Ali," said the Count, "and see that all is right."
+
+The Nubian made a profound salaam in oriental fashion and hastened
+away.
+
+The Count and his daughter leisurely followed. As they walked they
+disturbed hosts of grasshoppers, that leaped with a whirring flutter of
+wings from the bushes and fled before them. This amused Zuleika, but she
+could not repress a cry of affright as now and then a green, repulsive
+looking lizard emerged from under the loose stones beneath her very feet
+and shot hastily away in search of a more secure hiding-place.
+Occasionally, too, they saw wild goats that pricked up their ears and
+stared at them with wide open eyes, then gathering themselves for a
+spring bounded off up the rocks and vanished.
+
+At last Monte-Cristo and Zuleika came upon the Nubian, who had stopped
+beside a huge bowlder that seemed to have lain for ages where it had
+fallen from the cliffs above. A thick, bushy growth of wild myrtle and
+flowering thorn had sprung up around it, and its surface was covered
+with emerald hued moss. The Count and his daughter also stopped, the
+former glancing around him and at the vast stone with evident
+satisfaction.
+
+"Nothing has been touched since I was here last," said he, as if to
+himself; then, turning to Ali, he added: "Unmask the entrance to the
+grottoes!"
+
+The Nubian produced a rusty crowbar from some nook where he had
+evidently concealed it in the past, thrusting the point beneath the
+bowlder; then he exerted a strong, steady pressure upon the crowbar and
+the great rock slowly moved aside, disclosing a circular opening in the
+midst of which was a square flagstone bearing in its centre an iron
+ring. Into this ring Ali inserted his crowbar and with a mighty effort
+raised the flagstone from its place. A stairway descending apparently to
+the bowels of the earth was disclosed, and from the sombre depths
+escaped a flow of damp, mephitic air.
+
+Zuleika drew back in affright. All that had passed since they came to
+the bowlder was strange, bewildering and terrifying to her. Had the days
+of enchantment returned? Was Ali some potent wizard like Aladdin's
+pretended uncle in the old Arabian tale or was she simply under the
+dominion of some disordered dream? Her knees trembled beneath her and
+she moved as if to flee, but her father caught her by the arm and his
+smiling countenance reassured her.
+
+"Fear nothing, Zuleika," he said, soothingly. "We are about to visit my
+subterranean palace. That is all."
+
+By this time the atmosphere of the stairway had become purified and
+Monte-Cristo said to Ali:
+
+"Descend and light up the grottoes. When all is ready give the usual
+signal."
+
+The faithful servant entered the opening and vanished down the stairway.
+Soon a delicious oriental perfume ascended. This was followed by a vivid
+illumination of the gaping chasm and then came a long, reverberating
+whistle.
+
+"Ali notifies us that all is prepared for our reception," said
+Monte-Cristo to Zuleika. "Come, my daughter!"
+
+He descended the stairway first, Zuleika following him in a state of
+mind difficult to describe. She was not afraid now, but her sensations
+were of an exceedingly peculiar nature. The novelty and singularity of
+the adventure rather attracted her, though, at the same time, she felt a
+sort of reluctance to attempt it. However the opening was now as light
+as day, and as they descended the intoxicating perfume increased in
+intensity until it was almost as if acres of tube-roses had suddenly
+bloomed and filled the caverns with their heavy fragrance.
+
+At the bottom of the stairway Ali received them, conducting them into a
+vast chamber that had evidently once possessed great splendor, but was
+at present dingy and dust-covered as if it had been long deserted. It
+was the apartment in which Monte-Cristo as Sinbad the Sailor had
+welcomed the Baron Franz d' Epinay years before, but the crimson
+brocade, worked with flowers of gold, though it still lined the chamber
+as it did then, was now faded and moth-eaten, while the Turkey carpet in
+which the Baron's feet had sunk to the instep, as well as the tapestry
+hanging in front of the doors, was in the same condition. The divan in
+the recess had been riddled by worms and the silver scabbards of the
+stand of Arabian swords that surmounted it were tarnished, the gems in
+the handles of the weapons alone retaining their brilliancy. The once
+beautiful lamp of Venice glass hanging from the ceiling, which Ali had
+filled and lighted, was also tarnished and its delicately shaped globe
+was cracked from top to bottom. Monte-Cristo sadly contemplated this
+scene of ruin and decay, but he contemplated it only for a moment. Then
+he turned to Zuleika and said:
+
+"My child, this was once my salon and its beauty riveted the eyes of all
+who saw it, but I deserted it and time has done its work, aided by
+neglect--its beauty is no more! Shall I raise another ghost of the past
+and show you its former occupant?"
+
+"Surely, I see him before me, do I not?" said Zuleika, gazing tenderly
+at her father.
+
+"Not as he was, my child, not as he was. Wait here a few moments, with
+my faithful Ali as your guard and protector, and I will invoke the
+fantastic apparition!"
+
+As he spoke he raised the faded tapestry, revealing the door leading to
+the inner apartment; opening this door and closing it behind him he was
+lost to sight; the tapestry fell back to its place, masking the point of
+entrance.
+
+After a brief absence he reappeared dressed in his famous Tunisian
+costume, but that, alas! had also lost its pristine glory like
+everything else in this abandoned subterranean abode. Still the wrecks
+were there--the red cap with the long blue silk tassel; the vest of
+black cloth embroidered with gold; the pantaloons of deep red; the
+large, full gaiters of the same color, embroidered with gold like the
+vest; the yellow slippers; the cachemire around his waist, and the
+small, crooked cangiar passed through his girdle.
+
+Zuleika gazed at him in amazement. In his faded, tarnished, moth-eaten
+finery he, indeed, looked like a fantastic apparition, a picturesque
+ghost of the past.
+
+"Come, Zuleika," said he, "as I am in my festal attire let us visit the
+salle-a-manger!"
+
+He moved aside the tapestry once more and again opened the door leading
+to the other apartment. Zuleika entered and the Count followed her, Ali
+remaining in the outer chamber to guard against surprise or intrusion.
+The marvellous salle-a-manger was precisely the same as the Baron d'
+Epinay had seen it. Here time seemed to have been defied. The marble of
+which the magnificent apartment was built was as bright and beautiful as
+ever, the antique bas-reliefs of priceless value were well preserved,
+and the four superb statues with baskets on their heads were yet in
+their places in the corners of the oblong room and yet perfect, though
+no pyramids of splendid fruit now filled the baskets. In the centre of
+the salle-a-manger the dining-table still stood with its dishes of
+silver and plates of Japanese china. It was at this table that both the
+Baron d' Epinay and Maximilian Morrel had taken that wonderful green
+preparation, that key to the gate of divine dreams, the hatchis of
+Alexandria, the hatchis of Abou-Gor. It was at this table that
+Maximilian, when falling under the influence of the potent drug, had
+caught his first glimpse of his beloved Valentine after her supposed
+death; it was at this table that he had been reunited to her on awaking
+from his hatchis dream. It was in this room that Haydee had confessed
+her love for Monte-Cristo and had been taken to his heart.
+
+All these recollections came thronging upon the Count as he stood gazing
+about him. The thought of Haydee almost melted him to tears, but he
+forced back the briny drops, and, taking Zuleika tenderly in his arms,
+cried out, in a voice full of emotion:
+
+"Oh! Haydee, Haydee, I have lost you, but you live for me again in this
+blessed treasure you have bequeathed to me--our darling daughter!"
+
+Zuleika flung her arms about her father's neck and kissed him fervently.
+
+"I know not," she said, effusively, "what memories, what associations,
+this room recalls, but it has made you think of my mother and I bless
+it!"
+
+When they both had grown calmer, Monte-Cristo said to his daughter:
+
+"There is yet another apartment for us to see. Let us go to it."
+
+They entered the adjoining chamber. It was a strangely furnished
+apartment. Circular in shape it was surrounded by a large divan, which,
+as well as the walls, ceiling and floor, was covered with what had been
+magnificent skins of the large-maned lions of Atlas, striped Bengal
+tigers, spotted panthers of the Cape, bears of Siberia and foxes of
+Norway, but all these elegant furs that were strewn in profusion, one
+over another, had been eaten by moths and worms and rotted by the
+dampness until they scarcely held together. The divan was that upon
+which the Baron d' Epinay had reclined, and the chibougues, with jasmine
+tubes and amber mouthpieces, that he had seen, prepared so that there
+was no need to smoke the same pipe twice, were still in their places and
+were the only things in the whole room that had escaped from the clutch
+of years unscathed. This chamber was brilliantly illuminated by the
+blaze of several large lamps of tarnished silver and gold suspended from
+the ceiling and protruding from the walls, and the salle-a-manger was
+lighted in the same fashion.
+
+Zuleika stood in the midst of all this decayed grandeur, lost in wonder,
+utterly bewildered by what she beheld. She spoke not a single syllable,
+for words were inadequate to express her deep amazement.
+
+Monte-Cristo threw himself upon the divan from which a cloud of stifling
+dust arose. Taking one of the chibouques in which a supply of Turkish
+tobacco yet remained, he lighted it and began to smoke.
+
+Zuleika now saw that the heavy, delicious perfume with which the grotto
+palace was filled came from frankincense smouldering in a huge malachite
+vase placed in the centre of this bewildering chamber.
+
+After he had puffed a few whiffs of smoke from the chibouque,
+Monte-Cristo removed the amber mouthpiece from his lips and rising said:
+
+"You have now seen my subterranean abode, Zuleika, the abode where in
+the past I sought refuge from the world and solace for my woes. It seems
+to you like the product of some potent magician's spell and, in truth,
+it was so, but that magician was good fortune and the spell was colossal
+wealth, to the vast and subtle influence of which all nations and all
+lands yield slavish submission and implicit obedience! You do not know
+the romantic, incredible history of this abode, my daughter, and it is
+not my intention to relate it to you, for your youthful brain could
+scarcely comprehend it. Be satisfied then with what you have beheld.
+Treasure it in your memory if you will either as a reality or merely as
+a passing vision, but do not, I conjure you, ever mention this adventure
+to me or any other living soul! I have had confidence in you, my child;
+repay that confidence by strictly obeying this wish, nay, this command,
+of mine! These grottoes belong to the past and to oblivion; to the past
+and to oblivion, therefore, let them be consigned! Promise me to do as I
+desire!"
+
+Amazed by this strange speech, which the Count uttered in a voice
+tremulous with emotion, as much as by any of the inexplicable wonders
+she had seen, Zuleika replied, in a tone full of agitation:
+
+"I promise, solemnly promise, father, to fulfil your injunctions in this
+matter to the very letter! I have a woman's curiosity and a woman's
+inclination to gossip," she added, with a faint smile, "but for your
+dear sake I will repress them both, at least, so far as concerns this
+truly marvellous subterranean palace and our visit to it to-day!"
+
+"And you will keep your word, my noble child!" said Monte-Cristo, gazing
+tenderly and admiringly at her. "Now I will remove this Tunis dress in
+which I have been, without doubt, exceedingly ridiculous in your eyes,
+for you are altogether unacquainted with the associations that surround
+it and endear it to me, dignify it, so to speak, beyond any other
+costume I have ever worn!"
+
+Zuleika lifted her hands in protest, exclaiming:
+
+"You could not, dear father, appear ridiculous in my eyes, no matter in
+what garb you were clothed!"
+
+Monte-Cristo smiled approvingly, but a trifle incredulously and quitted
+the circular apartment. When he returned he was clad in the costume he
+had worn on coming from the yacht.
+
+"Take a last look around you, Zuleika," he said, in a tone he vainly
+endeavored to render firm. "We are now about to quit this place
+forever!"
+
+He took her hand and led her from the room. Slowly and as if regretfully
+they passed through the salle-a-manger and the apartment they had first
+entered, gaining the stairway and preparing to ascend it. At the foot of
+the steps Monte-Cristo paused and turned to Ali. He was ghastly pale and
+trembled slightly. With a powerful effort he, however, controlled his
+agitation.
+
+"Ali," said he, in a voice that sounded strangely in Zuleika's ear, "is
+everything in readiness?"
+
+The faithful Nubian, scarcely less affected than his master, bowed
+affirmatively.
+
+"Then farewell, ye grottoes of Monte-Cristo!" cried the Count,
+excitedly. "Farewell forever!"
+
+He hastily mounted the stairway, almost dragging Zuleika with him. Ali
+remained below.
+
+When they reached the open air they paused until the mute joined them;
+then the little party regained the beach, where Monte-Cristo waved his
+handkerchief thrice. In obedience to this signal the boat immediately
+left the yacht and was pulled swiftly to the shore.
+
+A few moments later the Count, Zuleika and Ali were safely deposited on
+the Haydee's deck and the gallant little vessel turned her prow towards
+the Italian coast.
+
+Monte-Cristo and his daughter, with Ali at a short distance from them,
+stood closely watching the fast disappearing island. The Count was more
+agitated and paler than he had yet been. Nervous tremors shook his frame
+and his teeth were firmly clenched. The usually impassible countenance
+of the faithful Nubian mute wore an expression of blank horror. Zuleika
+gazed at her father and then at the servant. She knew not what to make
+of their strange, inexplicable emotion. Placing her hand upon the
+Count's shoulder, she was about to speak to him, to endeavor to calm his
+agitation, when suddenly there was a loud explosion on the Isle of
+Monte-Cristo and a huge column of black smoke shot up into the air.
+
+The Count covered his face with his hands as if to shut out the sight.
+Ali fell prostrate upon the deck, pressing his contorted visage against
+his master's feet.
+
+"What was that, oh! father, what was that?" cried Zuleika, clinging to
+the Count in wild alarm.
+
+"The subterranean palace of the Isle of Monte-Cristo is no more!" he
+replied, sadly. "At my command it replaced with its magnificence the
+rude and shapeless grottoes, at my command it has perished!"
+
+As he spoke the rocky island was gradually lost to view in the distance,
+and the Haydee sped over the waves of the Mediterranean like some
+glorious water-fowl in full flight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH.
+
+
+Nothing occurred to impede the progress of the Haydee and, after a rapid
+and pleasant voyage, the beautiful craft cast anchor in the harbor of
+Civita Vecchia, the principal seaport city of the Pontifical States,
+which owes its origin to the Emperor Trajan. The strict quarantine
+regulations of the place caused a brief delay, which Monte-Cristo and
+Zuleika bore with ill-concealed impatience, but the period required by
+law for purification at length expired and the travelers were accorded
+official permission to proceed to Rome. Of this they immediately availed
+themselves and in a short time were in the Eternal City comfortably
+installed in the best apartments the Hotel de France afforded.
+
+The Count's first care was to send his card to M. and Mme. Morrel, who
+at once hastened to his parlor, where the most cordial greetings were
+exchanged. That Monte-Cristo should be in Rome did not in the slightest
+degree astonish Maximilian and Valentine, who were fully aware of his
+habit of suddenly making his appearance in unexpected spots apparently
+without motive, but the presence of Zuleika at this critical juncture
+both surprised them and filled them with consternation. What answer
+should they make to her when she inquired concerning Giovanni? How was
+the fact of his sad condition to be kept from her when all Rome knew of
+it and it was the current gossip of the city? Valentine had written
+several letters to the girl since quitting Paris, but in them had dealt
+only in generalities; she had studiously refrained from informing her of
+the true state of things, hoping against hope that she would eventually
+have some cheering intelligence to impart. The Count, however, speedily
+relieved the devoted husband and wife of their anxiety. He knew as well
+as they that his daughter could not fail soon to learn that the Viscount
+was a maniac and preferred to break the terrible news to her himself. As
+soon, therefore, as the greetings were over, before Zuleika could
+whisper to Mme. Morrel the question that was trembling on her lips, the
+dreaded inquiry as to her lover and his whereabouts, he said, in a quiet
+tone:
+
+"Maximilian and Valentine, you, no doubt, wonder why we have come to
+Rome, what is our business here. I will tell you. We have come to clear
+an unfortunate man, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti, of a fearful charge
+that has long hung over him."
+
+M. and Mme. Morrel exchanged glances. Now was their time to speak, to
+avow their mission to Monte-Cristo.
+
+"Count," said Maximilian, pointing to his wife, "we also came hither on
+the same errand. Zuleika confessed her love for the young Italian to
+Valentine, who extracted from her the nature of the charge to which you
+have just alluded. Pardon us for having acted without your
+authorization, but we desired to succeed before confessing to you the
+part we had taken in the affair."
+
+Monte-Cristo smiled.
+
+"You need no pardon from me," he said, gently, much affected by this
+proof of devotion to his daughter and through her to him; "on the
+contrary you have my gratitude as well as Zuleika's! But what success
+have you met with?"
+
+"Alas! none of any moment as yet," answered M. Morrel, sadly.
+
+"Such a result was to be expected," returned the Count, gravely. "You
+had no evidence to establish Giovanni's innocence and it was impossible
+for you to obtain any. I have the evidence, conclusive evidence! When
+the proper moment arrives I will produce it, remove the stain from his
+name and confound his enemies!"
+
+"Thank God!" simultaneously exclaimed M. and Mme. Morrel, Valentine
+taking Zuleika in her arms, kissing her and clasping her to her bosom.
+
+"But," continued Monte-Cristo, glancing anxiously at his daughter, "the
+unfortunate young man must first be taken in hand and cured!"
+
+Maximilian and Valentine again exchanged glances. They felt relieved.
+The Count knew all. He was making the disclosure gradually,
+considerately. They silently waited for further developments, holding
+their breath. Valentine's heart beat almost audibly. Zuleika started
+from her arms and gazed at her father with anxious, astonished eyes.
+
+"Cured?" she repeated, in a tremulous voice. "Is Giovanni ill?"
+
+"He is, my child," answered the Count.
+
+What would he say next? How much was he going to disclose? Surely not
+the whole of the dreadful truth! These thoughts shot like lightning
+through the minds of M. and Mme. Morrel. Maximilian stood like a statue,
+motionless, pale, gazing upon Monte-Cristo as a condemned criminal gazes
+upon his executioner. Valentine seized her husband's hand and held it
+like a vise.
+
+Zuleika stared at the Morrels; she could not understand their action,
+their breathless interest. Then her glance reverted to her father and,
+for the first time, she saw that, notwithstanding his apparent calmness,
+he, too, was under the dominion of some intense emotion.
+
+"Father!" she cried, clasping her hands appealingly, "what do you mean?
+You say that Giovanni is ill, but your look expresses more than your
+words! With what fearful malady has he been stricken? Tell me, I conjure
+you! I will be strong--I will bear it!"
+
+"My child," said the Count, in a solemn tone, "then summon all your
+courage, all your firmness to your aid! Young Massetti, overwhelmed by
+his troubles, has fallen a prey to a mental disease!"
+
+"Mon Dieu! mon Dieu!" groaned Zuleika, in anguish, "do you mean to say
+that he has lost his mind, that he is a lunatic?"
+
+"Such, alas! is the case! But, my daughter, trust in me! I will find
+him and science will effect his cure!"
+
+The poor girl, stunned by the terrible intelligence of her lover's
+condition, stood for an instant with her eyes stonily fixed upon her
+father. Tears refused to come to her relief. Then she tottered,
+staggered as if she had been suddenly struck with a heavy missile, and
+fell fainting into Valentine's outstretched arms. Maximilian assisted
+his wife to place her in a fauteuil, after which he seized the bell
+cord.
+
+"For what are you going to ring?" asked Monte-Cristo, who had hurried to
+his daughter's side.
+
+"For brandy," answered M. Morrel, his hand still on the cord. "It will
+revive her."
+
+"Never mind the brandy," returned the Count, as he took a small vial
+containing a red-looking fluid from his pocket and, opening Zuleika's
+mouth, poured eight drops of the liquid down her throat. "This is the
+Abbe Faria's elixir, a potent remedy that never yet failed of effect! It
+will work like a charm! See! It is already doing its office!"
+
+As he uttered these words Zuleika moved slightly in the fauteuil, then
+opened her eyes and gazed about her in bewilderment. Almost immediately,
+however, she realized that she had swooned and a full sense of her
+father's terrible though considerately made revelation returned to her.
+She buried her face in her hands, quivered from head to foot, and then
+the glistening drops trickling through her fingers told that the tears
+had at last come to calm her. Valentine bent over her, gently stroking
+her raven hair and endeavoring in a womanly way to soothe her, while
+the Count and Maximilian looked on with anxious countenances, waiting
+for Mme. Morrel's touch and influence to do their work.
+
+Suddenly Zuleika removed her hands from her tear-bathed visage,
+straightened herself up in the fauteuil and, fixing her glance on
+Monte-Cristo, said, in a low, faint and gasping tone that betrayed the
+depth, the intensity, of her emotion:
+
+"Father, you spoke of finding Giovanni! Has he disappeared?"
+
+The Count compressed his lips, hesitating to reply. He wished to keep
+back as much of the dread truth as possible. He feared the effect upon
+his daughter of the startling announcement that young Massetti was
+wandering about amid the ruins of the Colosseum like a second King Lear
+on the blasted heath. But Maximilian came quickly to his aid.
+
+"There is no need to find the Viscount," he said. "He has already been
+found and is at present under treatment in a suitable institution, where
+he is both comfortable and contented."
+
+Zuleika cast a grateful look at M. and Mme. Morrel. Monte-Cristo seized
+Maximilian's hand and pressed it warmly.
+
+"You have done this, my friend," said he, his countenance brightening,
+"and I thank you for it!"
+
+"Do not thank me," replied the husband, gazing fondly and admiringly at
+his wife; "thank Valentine, for she it was who formed the plan and
+successfully carried it into execution!"
+
+Mme. Morrel cast down her eyes and a heightened color overspread her
+charming face.
+
+"You are an angel, Valentine!" exclaimed Monte-Cristo, enthusiastically.
+"Maximilian said awhile ago that no success of any moment had as yet
+crowned your united efforts, but his statement was too modest. Your
+success has been conspicuous; you have taken the first step that I
+designed making and simplified my task to a marked degree. I am deeply
+indebted to you both."
+
+M. and Mme. Morrel lifted their hands and shook their heads in protest.
+
+"The debt is all on our side," said Maximilian, deprecatingly, "and no
+matter what we may do we can never discharge it. We owe you the
+happiness of our lives!"
+
+Monte-Cristo turned the conversation; he took but little credit to
+himself for the benefits he had conferred upon his fellow-creatures,
+considering that every good action on his part went towards atoning for
+the terrible catastrophes he had caused in the prosecution of his
+relentless vengeance against his old-time enemies.
+
+"Tell me," said he, addressing M. Morrel, "what is the Viscount's
+present condition. Is he recovering?"
+
+Maximilian looked hastily in the direction of Zuleika; the poor girl was
+intently watching him, eagerly waiting for his answer. His voice was
+somewhat unsteady as he replied:
+
+"Ever since he was placed in the institution of which I told you he has
+received the closest and most skilful care, but his progress is very
+slow, almost imperceptible, though the physician who is ministering to
+him has never ceased to assure us that he will ultimately regain the
+full possession of his health and senses."
+
+"Oh! take me to him, take me to him at once!" cried Zuleika, starting to
+her feet. "My place is by his side! I will nurse him, I will cure him!"
+
+Monte-Cristo glanced at Maximilian, who shook his head negatively and
+whispered in the Count's ear:
+
+"It will never do to take her to him now; the shock of seeing him would
+be too great! He would not even recognize her--he recognizes no one!"
+
+Zuleika divined enough of what was passing to realize that Maximilian
+opposed her wishes, was striving to prevent her from going to her lover,
+from ministering to his wants. She sprang to her father, clasped her
+arms about his neck, and, looking pitifully and pleadingly into his
+face, exclaimed:
+
+"Oh! take me to Giovanni, take me to him! Do not deny your loving,
+dutiful daughter's most earnest prayer! Do not deny it, oh! my beloved
+father, do not deny it!"
+
+Monte-Cristo was touched to the very depths of his soul; M. and Mme.
+Morrel were equally affected. The Count, however, instantly decided what
+was to be done. Tenderly, compassionately, embracing his daughter, he
+said to her, in a soothing voice:
+
+"My child, for the present it is best that you do not go to Giovanni. I
+will see him for you and without delay put a plan in operation that I do
+not doubt will result in his speedy cure. I know a wondrous physician
+whose skill is so great that he can almost restore the dead to life. He
+belongs to the despised race of Jews, but is a good as well as a
+marvellous man. His name is Dr. Israel Absalom and he resides here in
+Rome, within the walls of the shunned and execrated Ghetto, near the
+Capitoline Mount. I will go to him at once and take him to young
+Massetti. My daughter, rest assumed that this learned Hebrew will work
+another miracle and give your lover back to you and in all the glory of
+his mind and manhood! Be content, therefore, to remain where you are for
+a brief period, with our devoted friend Valentine as your companion and
+comforter."
+
+"Yes, Zuleika," said Mme. Morrel, persuasively, "be content to remain
+with me. I will not quit you even for an instant. We will talk of
+Giovanni, of the happiness and joy the future has in store for both of
+you, and, believe me, the hours will pass on rapid wings!"
+
+As Valentine spoke she gently disengaged the girl from her father's neck
+and passed her arm lovingly around her slender waist. Zuleika's head
+sank upon her friend's shoulder.
+
+"I yield to my father's solicitations and to your own, Valentine," she
+said, submissively. "You are older and wiser than I am and what you say
+is without doubt for the best. I will remain and trust to the wondrous
+physician."
+
+"I have heard a great deal of this Dr. Absalom since I have been in
+Rome," said M. Morrel, addressing Monte-Cristo. "The common people
+regard him as a magician and the higher classes as a cunning charlatan,
+but, if his legitimate scientific skill is generally denied, his
+brilliant and marvellous success, even in cases that the best Roman
+physicians have abandoned as hopeless, is universally admitted."
+
+"Dr. Absalom is neither a magician nor a charlatan," answered
+Monte-Cristo, warmly, "but a physician of the utmost experience and of
+the highest possible attainments. He is bent beneath the weight of years
+and arduous study, yet his eye is as keen and his perception as acute as
+if he were a youth of twenty. No man knows either his age or his
+history. I met him long ago in Athens, where I had the good fortune to
+rescue him from the clutches of a howling mob of ruffians who had seized
+upon him and were about to slay him as a sorcerer because he had taken
+into his hut and cured of the plague a wretched Greek who had been cast
+into the streets to die! For my sake he will save Giovanni!"
+
+"But," said Maximilian, as a sudden thought occurred to him and filled
+him with dismay, "Dr. Absalom can practise outside of the Ghetto only by
+stealth and at the risk of being thrown into prison! He will not be
+allowed to visit the Viscount Massetti!"
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo drew himself up proudly and his peculiar smile
+passed over his countenance.
+
+"I will take care of that!" he said, impressively.
+
+Zuleika was left with Mme. Morrel, and, accompanied by Maximilian,
+Monte-Cristo at once started for the Ghetto.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN.
+
+
+A brisk walk of half an hour brought the Count and his companion to one
+of the two gates in the wall of the Ghetto or Jews' quarter of Rome.
+Monte-Cristo knocked at a wicket and a policeman immediately appeared.
+He was a young man and wore a military dress. His coat was buttoned to
+the throat, a yellow cord and tassel gracefully looped over the breast.
+His hands were encased in white cotton gloves, a helmet adorned with
+brass was upon his head and at his side hung a sword, while on the
+collar of his coat the number of his regiment shone in gilt figures. The
+man's bearing was soldierly and he had evidently seen service in the
+field. The Count addressed him in Italian, informing him that he and M.
+Morrel desired to visit the Ghetto, at the same time exhibiting their
+passports. After examining the papers and seeing that they were in
+proper form the policeman opened the gate and the visitors entered the
+crowded and filthy precincts of the Jews' quarter.
+
+"Mon Dieu! what vile odors!" exclaimed M. Morrel, placing his
+handkerchief saturated with cologne to his nose, as they hurried through
+the narrow, garbage-encumbered lanes.
+
+"The atmosphere is not like that of a perfumer's shop!" replied the
+Count, laughing. "But it seems to suit the children of Israel, for they
+thrive and multiply in it as the sparrows in the pure air and green
+fields of England!"
+
+"I pity them!" said Maximilian.
+
+"Tastes differ," returned Monte-Cristo, philosophically. "I will wager
+that in this whole quarter we could not find a single Jew who would eat
+a partridge in that state of partial decay in which a Frenchman deems it
+most palatable!"
+
+"What a strange, uncouth place this is," said M. Morrel, after a brief
+silence. "It seems like some city of the far orient. No one, suddenly
+transported here, would ever imagine that he was in the heart of Rome."
+
+"It closely resembles the Judengasse at Frankfort-on-the-Main," replied
+the Count, "and is quite as ancient though much larger. But the Germans
+are more progressive and liberal than the Romans, for the gates that
+closed the Judengasse were removed in 1806, while those of the Ghetto
+still remain and are, as you have seen, in charge of the police, who
+subject every person entering or quitting the place to the closest
+scrutiny. Even as far back as the 17th century the gates of the
+Judengasse were shut and locked only at nightfall, after which no Jew
+could venture into any other part of Frankfort without incurring a heavy
+penalty if caught, whereas here at the present time, in this age of
+enlightenment and religious toleration, the gates of the Ghetto are kept
+closed day and night, and the poor Israelites, victims of bigotry and
+unreasoning prejudice, are treated worse than the pariahs in Hindoostan!
+Rome is the Eternal City and verily its faults are as eternal as
+itself!"
+
+Monte-Cristo had evidently visited the Ghetto before, as he seemed
+thoroughly familiar with its crooked lanes and obscure byways, pursuing
+his course without hesitation or pause for inquiry. It apparently
+contained no new sights or surprises for him. To M. Morrel, on the
+contrary, who now was within its walls for the first time, it presented
+an unending series of wonders. The buildings particularly impressed him.
+They looked as if erected away back in remote antiquity, and were
+curiously quaint combinations of wood and stone, exceedingly picturesque
+in appearance. Most of them were not more than eight or ten feet wide
+and towered to a height of four stories, resembling dwarfed steeples
+rather than houses. Not a new or modern edifice was to be seen in any
+direction. Many of the buildings were in a ruinous condition and some
+seemed actually about to crumble to pieces, while here and there great
+piles of shapeless rubbish marked the spots where others had fallen. As
+they were passing one of these piles, much larger than the rest,
+Maximilian called Monte-Cristo's attention to it. The Count glanced at
+it and said:
+
+"That was once the dwelling of old Isaac Nabal, known to his people as
+Isaac the Moneylender, but styled by the Romans Isaac the Usurer. He was
+enormously rich and loaned his gold at exorbitant rates to the
+extravagant and impecunious Roman nobles. Isaac was wifeless and
+childless, but so eager for gain was he that he kept his house
+constantly filled with lodgers. The house was perhaps the oldest in all
+the Ghetto. Strange noises were heard in it every night occasioned by
+the falling of plaster or partition walls. It was no uncommon thing for
+a lodger to be suddenly roused from his sleep by a crash and find
+himself bruised and bleeding. Still old Isaac sturdily refused to make
+repairs. He asserted that the rickety edifice would last as long as he
+did, and he was not wrong, for one night it came down bodily about his
+ears and he perished amid the ruins together with thirty others, all who
+were in the aged rookery at the time. This catastrophe happened twenty
+years ago."
+
+"Do the houses often fall here?" asked M. Morrel, glancing uneasily
+around him at the dilapidated buildings.
+
+"Very often," answered the Count. "Age and decay will bring them all
+down sooner or later."
+
+"Then for Heaven's sake let us hasten lest we be crushed beneath some
+sudden wreck!" said Maximilian. "The houses project over the street at
+the upper stories until they almost join each other in mid air. If one
+should fall there would be no escape!"
+
+"Have no fear, Maximilian!" replied Monte-Cristo, smiling. "A famous
+astrologer once assured me that I bore a charmed life, and if I escape
+you will also!"
+
+The ground floors of the houses were for the most part occupied as shops
+of various kinds and the upper portions used as dwellings. Jewish
+merchants stood at the doors of the shops and Jewish women, some of them
+very beautiful, were occasionally seen at the upper windows. The streets
+were thronged with pedestrians of both sexes and here and there groups
+of chubby, black-haired children were at play.
+
+Maximilian was amazed to notice that most of the men they met took off
+their hats to Monte-Cristo and that some of them saluted him by name.
+
+"You appear to be pretty well known to the Israelites," said he, at
+length.
+
+"Yes," answered the Count, "many of them know me. I have had frequent
+occasion to consult with them on matters of importance. They are a
+shrewd and trusty people."
+
+By this time Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel had reached a lane narrower and
+darker than any they had yet traversed. Into this the Count turned and
+after he had taken his companion a short distance stopped in front of a
+dingy but well-preserved building. It differed from its neighbors in
+having no shop on the ground floor and in being tightly closed from
+bottom to top. It looked as if it were uninhabited.
+
+"We have reached our destination," said Monte-Cristo. "This is the
+residence of Dr. Absalom."
+
+Maximilian stared at him in astonishment.
+
+"The house is deserted," said he. "Are you not mistaken?"
+
+"No. This is the place."
+
+"I fear then that the physician has left it and perhaps also the
+Ghetto."
+
+Monte-Cristo smiled.
+
+"You do not know him," he said. "His habits and manner of living are
+very peculiar. Prepare to be greatly surprised!"
+
+Thus speaking he went to the door of the tightly-closed dwelling and
+struck five loud raps upon it, three very quickly and two very slowly
+delivered. The sounds seemed to reverberate through the house as if it
+were not only uninhabited but also unfurnished. Several minutes elapsed
+but no response was heard to Monte-Cristo's signal, no one came in
+obedience to his summons. The Count held his watch in his hand and his
+eyes were riveted upon the dial.
+
+M. Morrel grew slightly impatient; he said to his companion,
+triumphantly:
+
+"I told you that the house was deserted and I was right!"
+
+The Count smiled again, but made no reply, still keeping his eyes fixed
+on the dial of his watch.
+
+"Ten minutes!" said he, and he repeated his signal, but this time struck
+only three rapid blows. As before no answer was returned.
+
+Maximilian was much interested and not a little amused, the Count's
+proceedings were so singular.
+
+"Fifteen minutes!" said Monte-Cristo at length, putting up his watch and
+giving one long, resounding rap upon the door.
+
+The effect was instantaneous. The portal swung open through some unseen
+influence, as if by magic, disclosing a long, bare, gloomy corridor, but
+not a sign of human life was visible.
+
+M. Morrel's interest and amusement changed to wonder and amazement; he
+was thoroughly mystified and bewildered.
+
+"The common people of Rome are not very far astray in their estimate of
+this Dr. Absalom!" he muttered. "This certainly looks as if the man were
+a magician!"
+
+"Pshaw!" returned Monte-Cristo, with a display of impatience he rarely
+exhibited. "The learned Hebrew is compelled to take his precautions;
+that is all. Follow me, and no matter what you may see or hear, if you
+wish our enterprise to be crowned with success utter not a word, not a
+sound, until I give you permission!"
+
+The Count entered the corridor, followed by his perplexed and astounded
+friend. Immediately the door closed noiselessly behind them and they
+found themselves amid thick darkness. Monte-Cristo took M. Morrel by the
+hand, leading him forward until their progress was completely barred by
+what appeared to be the end of the corridor. Here the Count paused and
+said some words in Hebrew. A faint response came promptly from beyond
+the corridor in the same language, and immediately the light of a lamp
+flashed upon the visitors. A door had opened and on the threshold stood
+the strangest looking specimen of humanity Maximilian had ever beheld.
+The new comer was a very aged man, with stooped shoulders, a long white
+beard that reached to his waist and a profusion of snowy hair that
+escaped from beneath a cap of purple velvet at the side of which hung a
+bright crimson tassel. He wore a long Persian caftan of pink satin,
+profusely and beautifully embroidered with gold, full oriental trousers
+of red velvet and elaborately adorned slippers of tiger skin. On his
+long, bony fingers sparkled several diamond rings undoubtedly of immense
+value and a cluster of brilliant emeralds magnificently set in gold
+adorned his breast. This singular vision of eastern luxury, wealth and
+sumptuousness held the lamp, which was of wrought bronze and resembled
+those found among the ruins of ancient Pompeii, above his head and by
+its light Maximilian could see that his eyes were keen and piercing and
+that his countenance betokened the highest intellectuality.
+
+"Who is it that thus summons the sage from his meditations?" asked the
+old man, in a remarkably youthful voice. This time he spoke in Italian.
+
+"One who served you in the past, oh! Dr. Absalom," replied Monte-Cristo,
+also using the language of Italy, "and who now solicits a service of you
+in return. Remember the mob of Athens and the Frank who interposed to
+save you from destruction!"
+
+The old man lowered his lamp and held it close to his famous visitor's
+face; then he joyfully exclaimed:
+
+"Welcome, Edmond Dantes, Count of Monte-Cristo! Welcome to the abode of
+your devoted servant Israel Absalom! Whatever he can do to serve you
+shall be done, no matter at what cost!"
+
+Then, for the first time, he observed that the Count was not alone and
+fixed his keen eyes on M. Morrel with a look of suspicion and inquiry.
+
+"One of my dearest friends, M. Maximilian Morrel, Captain in the Army
+of France," said Monte-Cristo, in answer to this look. "You can have as
+full confidence in him as in me."
+
+Dr. Absalom bowed profoundly to M. Morrel, and without another word led
+the way to an inner apartment. It was a vast chamber, closed like the
+front of the house, brilliantly illuminated by a huge chandelier
+suspended from the ceiling in which burned twenty wax candles of various
+hues. The room was provided with all the apparatus and paraphernalia of
+a chemist's laboratory of modern days, also containing many strange
+instruments and machines such as aided the researches and labors of the
+old-time disciples of alchemy.
+
+In the centre of the apartment stood a vast table covered with gigantic
+parchment-bound tomes and rolls of yellow manuscript. Behind this table
+was a huge, high-backed chair of elaborate antique workmanship
+resembling the throne of some Asiatic sovereign of the remote past. In
+this chair the physician seated himself after having installed his
+visitors each upon a commodious and comfortable Turkish divan.
+
+Maximilian noticed that the floor of the room was covered with soft and
+elegant Persian rugs and that the walls were hung with exquisitely
+beautiful tapestry. Monte-Cristo had warned him to prepare to be greatly
+surprised, but Dr. Absalom's lavish display of wealth, luxury and taste
+in the midst of the filthy, dilapidated Ghetto, nevertheless, absolutely
+stunned him. The Count had also cautioned him not to speak without his
+permission--a useless injunction, for the young Frenchman was too much
+amazed to utter a syllable.
+
+After seating himself the Hebrew sage, who seemed to be a man of
+business as well as of science, requested the Count to state in what he
+could serve him. Thereupon Monte-Cristo succinctly related the history
+of the Viscount Massetti, told of his mental malady, his confinement in
+the insane asylum and ended by asking the physician if he could and
+would cure him.
+
+"I have already heard somewhat of this unfortunate young man," replied
+Dr. Absalom, "and the fact of his insanity was also imparted to me, but
+before expressing an opinion as to what my science can do in his case, I
+must have the particulars."
+
+The Count motioned to M. Morrel, who, having by this time partially
+recovered from his bewilderment, at once proceeded to give the aged
+Hebrew the information he required. When he had concluded Dr. Absalom
+said, in a quiet, confident tone:
+
+"Count of Monte-Cristo, the case is plain. I can and will cure this
+stricken young Italian!"
+
+"I was sure of it!" cried the Count, joyously and triumphantly. M.
+Morrel was not less delighted, but, at the same time, he could not feel
+as confident as his friend of the Jew's ability to perform his promise.
+
+The physician spoke a few words in Hebrew to Monte-Cristo. The reply of
+the latter seemed to give him entire satisfaction, for he said in
+Italian:
+
+"In that event there will be no opposition from either the authorities
+of Rome or those of the insane asylum. I will be at the asylum at noon
+to-morrow, fully prepared to restore Massetti to health and reason!"
+
+The Count and Maximilian arose and bidding the sage adieu were conducted
+by him to the corridor. They were soon in the street and made their way
+out of the Ghetto as speedily as possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A MODERN MIRACLE.
+
+
+Monte-Cristo, whose power and influence seemed to be absolutely
+boundless, presented himself on the following morning at the insane
+asylum where the Viscount Massetti was under treatment armed with a
+permit from the Papal Secretary of State, Cardinal Monti, for the Hebrew
+physician, Dr. Israel Absalom, to assume charge of the case of the noble
+patient. The director of the institution shrugged his shoulders when
+this permit was exhibited to him by M. Morrel, who had accompanied the
+Count for the purpose of introducing him to that official.
+
+"Messieurs," said he, in very good French, "I am bound to respect this
+paper, but I solemnly protest against trusting the patient to this
+Hebrew charlatan and wash my hands of all responsibility in the
+premises!"
+
+"M. the director," replied Monte-Cristo, in a dignified tone,
+"notwithstanding the repeated assertion of your physician who has been
+in charge of young Massetti ever since his arrival here that his malady
+was entirely curable, he has made but little if any progress with the
+sufferer, who to-day is still insane. Dr. Absalom, even though he be a
+charlatan as you maintain, but which, if you will pardon me, I must
+decline to admit, could not make a more conspicuous and complete
+failure!"
+
+"M. the Count," said the director, coldly, evidently not relishing
+Monte-Cristo's bluntness, "all that the most advanced science can do has
+been done. Insanity is a disease slow and difficult of cure; time is
+required to produce results and it will be fully a year before the
+Viscount can, even under the most favorable circumstances, be thoroughly
+restored."
+
+"Your experience entitles your opinion to respect," returned the Count,
+with equal coldness, "but still I cannot accept that opinion as final."
+
+"As you please," said the official, haughtily. "After your Jewish
+physician, if he really be such, has vainly administered his nostrums
+and ineffectually mumbled his incantations, you will be glad enough to
+have the regular practitioner of the asylum resume the functions of
+which you now see fit so summarily to deprive him."
+
+"Perhaps," answered the Count, smiling. "It is part of my creed never to
+despise science in whatever form it may come!"
+
+The director bowed with satirical politeness.
+
+At noon precisely Dr. Absalom arrived. He had discarded his gaudy and
+fantastic attire of the previous day and appeared in the ordinary street
+dress of a European. If he had seemed imposing to Maximilian at his
+house in the Ghetto, he looked still more imposing to him now, shorn as
+he was of all oriental accessories and depending for effect upon the
+wondrous intellectual aspect of his countenance alone. The only article
+of luxury he had about him was a massive gold-headed cane on which his
+years caused him to lean heavily.
+
+Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel received him with the utmost courtesy and
+deference, but the director hardly noticed him and with difficulty
+concealed his disgust. The Hebrew sage, however, was used to the uncivil
+manner in which the Italians treated the people of his nation and showed
+not the faintest sign of displeasure, though the Count and Maximilian
+could scarcely restrain themselves from resenting the official's
+insulting behavior.
+
+Without delay Dr. Absalom was conducted to young Massetti's chamber by
+the physician who up to that time had attended the patient. He was an
+elderly man, but though an Italian showed marked respect for the aged,
+noble-looking Hebrew. Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel accompanied the two
+savants, the former confident in Dr. Absalom's power to perform his
+promise, the latter hoping for his success, yet doubtful of it.
+
+As the party entered the apartment of the maniac the Italian physician
+said to his Jewish confrere:
+
+"Dr. Absalom, I would very much like to witness your mode of treatment.
+Will you kindly permit me to remain in the room?"
+
+"Certainly," replied the Hebrew. "I have nothing whatever to conceal;
+but," he added, with twinkling eyes, "I warn you in advance that you
+will be no wiser after you have witnessed my operations and their result
+than you are at present!"
+
+The Viscount was sitting in a large arm-chair, his face buried in his
+hands. At the entrance of the four men he murmured, without looking up:
+
+"Why has the beautiful vision left me? Why does the divine Juno deny me
+the light of her presence?"
+
+Dr. Absalom glanced inquiringly at his companions.
+
+"He means Valentine, my wife," explained Maximilian. "She resorted to a
+pardonable little artifice to lure him hither."
+
+"Let her be sent for at once," said the Hebrew. "I shall have need of
+her."
+
+"But," objected Monte-Cristo, "Mme. Morrel is taking charge of my
+daughter, this poor young man's betrothed, who is terribly cast down by
+her lover's fearful misfortune and cannot be left alone."
+
+"His betrothed!" exclaimed Dr. Absalom. "Better and better! Let her also
+be brought! I shall have need of her too!"
+
+"You shall be obeyed, Doctor," said Monte-Cristo, and M. Morrel was at
+once dispatched to the Hotel de France with instructions to return
+immediately with his wife and Zuleika.
+
+When they had arrived and their presence in an adjoining apartment was
+announced to Dr. Absalom by Maximilian, the Hebrew said:
+
+"M. Morrel, kindly conduct your wife hither, and you, M. the Count, go
+to your daughter and remain with her until I summon you. Tell the poor
+child to be of good cheer! that her lover shall be restored to her!"
+
+Monte-Cristo quitted the chamber, followed by Maximilian, who instantly
+came back with Valentine.
+
+"Mme. Morrel," said the Jewish physician, "go to the patient and take
+his hand."
+
+Valentine did as directed. At her touch the Viscount started up,
+exclaiming, in tones of the utmost delight:
+
+"Divine Juno, pardon me! I have wronged you! I thought you had deserted
+me, but I was in error, for you are here!"
+
+He fixed his eyes upon her, gazing at her like one entranced, paying no
+heed whatever to the others in the apartment. Valentine glanced at Dr.
+Absalom, who slowly left his place, gliding stealthily to Massetti's
+side. Erecting himself to his full height, he extended his hands above
+Giovanni's head; almost instantly the demented man sank back into his
+chair as if pressed down by some colossal, some irresistible force; then
+he closed his eyes, falling into a calm, peaceful slumber. Valentine,
+released from his clasp, stood looking on, lost in speechless wonder.
+Maximilian was also amazed at this prompt exhibition of the Hebrew's
+power, but the Italian physician, who had been intently watching,
+whispered in his ear:
+
+"The Jew is a mesmerist; that is all; at least, all that has been
+developed so far!"
+
+Meanwhile Dr. Absalom continued to hold his hands above the patient's
+head that drooped more and more until it finally sank upon his breast.
+For a moment longer the Hebrew maintained his position; then he withdrew
+his hands, taking a small vial from the pocket of his coat and uncorking
+it; immediately a powerful and subtle odor pervaded the apartment,
+causing Valentine, Maximilian and the Italian physician to breathe
+painfully, as if stifling.
+
+"What is it?" gasped M. Morrel, catching the Italian by the arm.
+
+"I do not know," answered the latter. "But look at Massetti--his face is
+violet, the preliminary hue of death! If the Jew kills the patient
+nothing can save him from the fury of the Roman populace!"
+
+The subtle odor increased in intensity and the Viscount's face changed
+from violet to an ashen paleness.
+
+"He is dead!" cried the Italian. "Dr. Absalom, you are a murderer!"
+
+The Hebrew waved his hand commandingly and, with a look of the utmost
+dignity and sternness, said:
+
+"Be silent and wait!"
+
+He corked the vial, replaced it in his pocket and opened a window. The
+fresh air flooded the place and gradually the oppressive odor vanished.
+
+The patient was yet of a ghastly pallor. Dr. Absalom felt his pulse,
+counting the beats by his watch. A smile of satisfaction overspread his
+intellectual countenance.
+
+"The remedy has done its work!" he said. "Now for the second and vital
+application! Whatever may happen," he added, impressively, turning to
+the Italian physician, "I charge you on your life not to interfere or
+interrupt me!"
+
+Producing another vial, larger than the first, he held it aloft and
+shook it, examining its contents with the closest scrutiny. The deeply
+interested and somewhat awed observers saw a bright green fluid flash
+in the sunlight. Satisfied with his examination, the Hebrew uncorked the
+vial; then, opening the patient's mouth, he poured the emerald liquid
+gradually down his throat, drop by drop. For some seconds after this no
+change in Massetti was perceptible. He still sat sleeping in his chair
+with his head bowed, and the ghastly hue of his visage remained
+unaltered. Dr. Absalom had again drawn his watch from his fob, dividing
+his attention between noting the flight of time and intently observing
+the patient. So profound was the silence in the room that the regular
+tick of the watch was distinctly audible in all parts of it.
+
+Suddenly Giovanni began to quiver. A violent convulsion followed,
+shaking him from head to foot and fearfully contorting his face, his
+hands curling up like a strip of paper that has been scraped with a
+knife. His condition was frightful to behold. Maximilian and the Italian
+looked on anxiously, holding their breath. Valentine unable to bear the
+sight turned away, emotion and terror contending within her for the
+mastery. The Hebrew, however, was all nerve and confidence. When a
+quarter of an hour had elapsed he put up his watch. Massetti's
+convulsion had passed away, his hands had uncurled and his unearthly
+pallor had been succeeded by a faint flush. He reclined in his chair as
+if wrapped in a healthful slumber. Presently his lips parted.
+
+"Zuleika!" he murmured. "Oh! my beloved!"
+
+Dr. Absalom glanced at the Italian physician significantly,
+triumphantly.
+
+"The patient is dreaming," he said, "and it is a good sign--he is
+dreaming of his betrothed whom in his insanity he had entirely
+forgotten--another good sign! My treatment is working! I shall succeed!"
+Turning to Maximilian, he added: "Aid me to place the Viscount upon his
+bed, if you please."
+
+M. Morrel complied with alacrity and Massetti was immediately extended
+on his couch in a comfortable position. Dr. Absalom again felt his
+pulse, counting it as before by his watch; then he said:
+
+"The patient may now awake at any time, but it is probable that fifteen
+minutes will first elapse. Let the Count and his daughter be summoned."
+
+Maximilian opened the door and beckoned without. Monte-Cristo and
+Zuleika entered.
+
+"My child," said the Hebrew, taking the latter by the hand and leading
+her to her lover's bedside, "look upon your betrothed! He is sleeping
+peacefully and dreaming of you! Awhile ago he uttered your name!
+Courage, daughter, courage! The worst is over! The clouds are sweeping
+from the young man's mind to leave it clear and perfect! Remain here
+where I place you! It is important that upon awaking the patient's eyes
+shall rest on you!"
+
+Zuleika, astounded, bewildered, gazed at her lover and with difficulty
+resisted the impulse to cast herself upon his neck.
+
+Monte-Cristo, Maximilian, Valentine and the Italian physician grouped
+themselves a short distance away, waiting and watching. Their eagerness
+and anxiety were intense.
+
+Five minutes, ten minutes passed, then fifteen. As Dr. Absalom's watch
+told the quarter of an hour, the Viscount all at once opened his eyes.
+They rested on Zuleika. The anxious interest of the spectators was now
+at the highest pitch. The Count, M. Morrel, Valentine and the Italian
+leaned forward breathlessly. Giovanni put his hand to his brow, uttered
+a low sigh and then sat up, gazing at Monte-Cristo's daughter in
+bewilderment. At last he spoke.
+
+"Zuleika, darling Zuleika!" he said, faintly, but very tenderly, at the
+same time extending his arms towards her. The girl glanced at Dr.
+Absalom. He pointed to Giovanni and smiled. She instantly comprehended
+his permission and threw herself into her lover's embrace.
+
+"Giovanni, dear Giovanni," she murmured, "you are yourself again, are
+you not?"
+
+"Myself, Zuleika? Have I ever been otherwise?"
+
+"You have been very ill, Giovanni."
+
+"Ah! yes. That is the reason I am here." Glancing around him he added:
+"There is your father, too, but who are those strangers with him?"
+
+"The physicians, and two of our most devoted friends, M. Morrel and his
+wife."
+
+The Viscount sank back upon the couch and took Zuleika's hand in his,
+clasping it warmly.
+
+"I feel faint and feeble," he said, "oh! so very faint and feeble, but a
+terrible, crushing weight seems to have been removed from my brain!"
+
+He spoke rationally. Dr. Absalom had worked a modern miracle--the young
+man's reason was fully restored!
+
+The Count and Maximilian exchanged glances of delight. Valentine's eyes
+were wet with tears of joy. As for Zuleika, her cup of happiness was
+full. Dr. Absalom smiled placidly. The Italian physician advanced and
+took him by the hand.
+
+"I congratulate you," said he, cordially. "Your skill is simply
+amazing!"
+
+The Hebrew bowed profoundly.
+
+"Doctor," said he, "I have fulfilled my promise and my portion of the
+work is done. The rest remains for you to accomplish. You must resume
+charge of the patient and restore his strength."
+
+With these words the old savant resumed his hat, saluted all present
+and, leaning heavily upon his gold-headed cane, passed slowly from the
+apartment.
+
+Monte-Cristo followed him, enthusiastically expressing his gratitude;
+taking from his pocket a huge roll of bank-bills, he offered it to the
+Hebrew, but the latter firmly refused to accept.
+
+"I remember the Athenian mob, M. the Count!" said he, impressively.
+
+As they passed the director's office, that official came out.
+
+"Well?" said he to Monte-Cristo. "The Jew has failed, of course!"
+
+"He has succeeded!" replied the Count, with a smile of triumph.
+
+"You do not mean to tell me that the patient is restored to reason!"
+exclaimed the director.
+
+"That is exactly what I do mean to tell you!" retorted Monte-Cristo,
+sharply.
+
+"Humph! there is some cunning trick about this!" cried the official,
+returning to his office and abruptly closing the door behind him.
+
+The Italian physician resumed charge of the Viscount Massetti, Zuleika
+and Valentine nursing him by turns. In two weeks the young man quitted
+the asylum as fully restored in body as he was in mind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER.
+
+
+When the Viscount Massetti quitted the insane asylum, Monte-Cristo
+provided quarters for him at the Hotel de France where he could be near
+both himself and his daughter. During the period of the young Italian's
+convalescence the Count had refrained from communicating to him the
+details of the foul conspiracy disclosed by Peppino, but no sooner was
+Zuleika's betrothed installed in the hotel than he gave him all the
+startling particulars. Massetti was not astonished, for he had long
+suspected a portion at least of the truth, but his indignation against
+old Pasquale Solara knew no bounds, and inwardly he swore to take speedy
+and complete vengeance upon him though the Count warned him to be
+exceedingly prudent and not to imperil the success of his operations in
+his behalf by any rash proceeding. Monte-Cristo did not inform the young
+Italian of his plans, distrusting his natural hot-headedness and
+impetuosity, but urged him to be content to leave the prosecution of the
+scheme of rehabilitation entirely in his hands. The Count had also
+instructed the Viscount that in consequence of Peppino's revelations he
+had no further objections to his union with Zuleika and that the
+marriage should take place immediately upon the full and open
+establishment of his innocence in the eyes of the world. At this the
+ardent young man was delighted to his heart's core; the certainty of his
+approaching happiness and the tenderness the girl exhibited for him
+compensated in a large degree for all his trials and tortures, but at
+the same time he was impatient of the necessary delay in restoring him
+to the possession of an unstained name and reputation, thinking that
+Monte-Cristo was much too careful and slow.
+
+He was now permitted to see Zuleika almost constantly and their love
+tete-a-tetes were of the most delicious and impassioned description.
+They passed hours together upon the vast upper balcony of the hotel in
+the soft Italian dusk and moonlight evenings, discoursing those sweet
+and tender nothings so precious to lovers and so insipid to
+matter-of-fact people whose days of romantic attachment are over.
+Sometimes, however, their conversation was of a more practical
+character; they spoke of their projects for the future--where they
+should go on their bridal tour and what they should do before settling
+down to the calm, peaceful existence of placid matrimonial joy. They had
+decided to take up their permanent residence in Paris; thus they would
+always be near Monte-Cristo, Esperance and Mercedes, near Albert de
+Morcerf and his wife, near those friends of friends Maximilian and
+Valentine Morrel; besides in the gay French capital, the city of cities,
+while enjoying themselves to the utmost they could escape all allusions
+to Giovanni's past which they could not possibly hope for did they
+settle in Rome, where every time the youthful couple appeared in public
+the old scandal, the old charge against the Viscount would undoubtedly
+be freshly and perhaps venomously commented upon.
+
+Occasionally, when Zuleika was with her father or in company with Mme.
+Morrel, young Massetti would take long walks into the country for the
+purpose of breathing the free air and increasing his strength by means
+of healthful exercise. During these strolls he shunned every person he
+met, it being Monte-Cristo's desire that he should studiously avoid
+observation.
+
+The news of Massetti's sudden and marvellous cure had spread throughout
+Rome, but people shook their heads when they talked of it and agreed
+with the opinion expressed by the director of the insane asylum that Dr.
+Absalom had made use of some trick, the influence of which could not be
+permanent, but would soon be dissipated, when the poor, deluded Viscount
+would instantly fall into a worse mental condition than before.
+
+Undoubtedly the Count Massetti heard of his son's restoration to sanity
+and bodily health, but he paid no attention whatever to it, continuing
+proudly and haughtily to ignore the fact of Giovanni's existence.
+Monte-Cristo had not called upon the aged and inflexible nobleman for
+two reasons--he feared that his indignation would get the better of him
+in an interview and, besides, he knew it would be entirely useless to
+approach the Count without being armed with young Massetti's complete
+vindication.
+
+During one of those strolls already alluded to the Viscount went much
+further than usual. It was a bright, balmy and cheerful morning, and the
+sun's gladdening radiance, the brilliant green of the trees, the
+fragrant odors from flowers and grass, the chirping of insect life and
+the wild, intoxicating songs of the birds all contributed to draw him on
+and to make him forget Monte-Cristo's injunctions as to keeping out of
+the sight of the passers-by.
+
+He scarcely noticed in what direction he walked or what road he took,
+indulging in a careless, delicious daydream full of dolce far niente
+delights. He had fixed his eyes upon the ground and was sauntering
+leisurely along when, all at once, he became conscious that some one was
+approaching. He hastily looked up. The pedestrian was yet some distance
+away, but his heavy shoes clattered upon the gravel of the highway with
+a ringing sound. He was evidently an old man and a peasant. In his right
+hand he held a staff and his large, broad-brimmed hat was drawn down
+slightly over his visage as if to protect it from the heat of the sun.
+Giovanni was about to step aside into a little grove of chestnut trees
+beside the road there to wait until the new comer had passed, but on
+taking a second glance at him something familiar in his aspect suddenly
+arrested him, and by one of those inexplicable impulses which sometimes
+take possession of a man he paused and waited.
+
+The peasant had also noticed Giovanni and his action, but he did not
+relax his pace, did not seem inclined to pay even the slightest
+attention to him. He came tramping on, reached the Viscount and passed
+him without as much as a nod of the head in salutation. But Massetti
+with a start recognized him. With a flush of rage on his face and all
+his blood boiling in his veins, he turned, sprang after the old man and
+laid his hand upon his shoulder. The peasant abruptly halted, also
+turned, and a fierce imprecation escaped his lips. He surveyed the irate
+young Italian from head to foot, sneeringly, scowlingly.
+
+"Why, do you stop me?" he said, roughly. "I do not know you."
+
+"But, Pasquale Solara, I know you!" exclaimed the Viscount. "We have met
+in good time and in a fit place! The opportunity for which I have long
+and impatiently waited has at length arrived! You shall feel the
+crushing weight of my vengeance! You shall answer to me for your
+despicable, your unnatural crimes! Pasquale Solara, base wretch who sold
+your own daughter to a fate worse than death, ignoble scoundrel who did
+not respect the dictates of hospitality, I am Giovanni Massetti!"
+
+As he spoke he leaped in front of the morose shepherd, barring his
+passage with his body.
+
+"Well, what if you are Giovanni Massetti!" replied old Pasquale, coldly
+and defiantly. "I care not for you! Stand out of my path and let me pass
+before I strike you to the earth as I would a mongrel, yelping cur!"
+
+With these words he raised his staff menacingly over the young Italian.
+The latter with the quickness and agility of a deer sprang at the staff,
+grasped it and sent it whirling into the chestnut grove. Then he caught
+old Solara by the throat and a terrible struggle at once began. The two
+men closed with each other as if in a death-clutch, wrestling like a
+couple of athletes. Massetti had not yet regained his full vigor, but
+his rage lent him strength. On his side, Pasquale, though old, had
+muscles of steel and a grasp like iron. He whirled his adversary round
+and round, at times almost overturning him, but the Viscount struggled
+manfully, occasionally wrenching the shepherd from his feet and lifting
+him bodily in the air. The breath of both came forth in hot, quick,
+labored gasps, while their faces were red with exertion. For a long
+while the result was doubtful, the strife continuing fiercely without
+any decided advantage on either side. Often the Viscount was borne
+nearly to the ground but he invariably recovered, straightened himself
+up and vigorously renewed the conflict. Not a word was uttered now. The
+concentrated energies of the contestants were bent upon the strife,
+depriving them of the power of speech. Finally by a rapid movement
+Giovanni succeeded in tripping Solara, who fell with a crash, the young
+Italian coming down upon his prostrate body with great force and for an
+instant almost checking his respiration. Both were partially stunned by
+the fall and lay motionless. Massetti was the first to regain possession
+of his faculties. He half arose, placed his knees on old Pasquale's
+breast and, drawing a pistol, cocked it.
+
+"What are you going to do?" gasped the under man, his terror giving him
+the power to speak.
+
+"I am going to kill you, Pasquale Solara!" hissed the Viscount, between
+his set teeth.
+
+"Murderer!" shrieked the shepherd, desperately, making a frantic
+struggle to rise, but not succeeding.
+
+This ominous word, with all the terrible weight of meaning it conveyed,
+struck upon the young Italian's ear like a sound of-doom. A murderer?
+Yes, he would be a murderer, if he slew old Solara then and there, and
+branded with an assassin's dark crime he must forever resign all hope of
+possessing his beloved Zuleika, must abandon her to die of a broken
+heart! Perhaps, too, he would be seized, tried, condemned and meet a
+felon's fate upon the ignominious scaffold! True, Roman justice might be
+silenced with money, but he was a disowned and disinherited son, a
+penniless outcast! These thoughts brought him to a realization of the
+black depths of the yawning gulf into which he was about to plunge and
+made him hesitate. But a quick idea came to his relief--if he were to
+fight a duel with old Solara and kill him thus the Roman law would not
+pursue him, he would not be stamped with a murderer's crime! He would do
+it, he would fight him! Springing to his feet, he drew a second pistol,
+and, casting it upon the ground beside his astonished foe, said to him,
+speaking slowly and impressively:
+
+"Pasquale Solara, I will give you a chance for your life! Rise, take
+that pistol and face me! We will fight!"
+
+The shepherd arose with some difficulty; he was considerably bruised and
+had, besides, seriously strained one of his legs. Taking up the weapon,
+he cocked it and without a word, but with a look of demoniac ferocity
+and triumph upon his evil countenance, assumed a position about twenty
+paces distant from his opponent. Instantly both raised their pistols and
+fired. When the light smoke cleared away it became evident that neither
+of them had been hit. Old Solara cast his empty weapon from him with a
+curse and, producing a pair of long, keen-bladed knives, threw one of
+them towards the Viscount.
+
+"You challenged me and I accepted!" he said, in a harsh tone. "Now I
+challenge you! Take that knife and fight me!"
+
+Massetti hesitated, with a look of horror upon his countenance. A duel
+with knives! It was barbarous! It was worthy of the red savages of the
+American wilds!
+
+"Take the knife, I say!" thundered old Solara. "Take it and face me, or
+by the canopy of heaven I will show you less mercy than you have been
+weak enough to show me! I will stab you to the heart where you stand!"
+
+He advanced with his murderous weapon in his outstretched hand, having
+previously rolled up his sleeve and bared his brown, sinewy arm.
+
+Massetti stooped and took up the knife from where it lay. He also bared
+his arm, nervously grasping the hilt of the weapon.
+
+Pasquale Solara's eyes gleamed like those of a tiger seen through the
+darkness of a Hindoostan jungle. They had a terrible, a bloodthirsty
+gleam. The shepherd now felt sure of his ground. With a pistol he was
+nothing, with a knife he was a power! Giovanni could not cope with him;
+he would fall an easy victim to his skill and cunning!
+
+The Viscount watched the old scoundrel with feverish anxiety, fully
+realizing what was passing through his mind. That Pasquale would
+vanquish him, kill him, he could not doubt, for he knew no more about
+fighting with a knife than an infant in its cradle. However, his courage
+did not desert him, and he resolved to sell his life as dearly as
+possible.
+
+Seeing Giovanni take the knife and prepare for the combat, Solara bent
+partially forward and rushed upon him. The long, keen blades met with a
+flash of fire. The young Italian confined himself to acting upon the
+defensive, the utmost activity and watchfulness being required on his
+part to parry and ward off his opponent's skilful and incessant thrusts.
+The shepherd fought with the bewildering rapidity of the lightning's
+flash and seemed to be in a thousand different places at once so swiftly
+did he advance, retreat and spring aside. His excitement made him forget
+his hurts.
+
+At length Massetti's arm became so strained and fatigued that it was
+impossible for him to hold out much longer. His hand was tightly
+clutched about the haft of his knife, but it was so benumbed that he
+could not feel the weapon. Still with the energy and resolution of
+despair he continued the unequal conflict, hoping against hope that some
+unexpected turn of affairs might give him the advantage.
+
+Meanwhile old Solara, fiendishly confident, was steadily and surely
+closing upon him, narrowing the limit of his retreat after each blow.
+Finally he retreated no more, but began pressing his adversary backwards
+towards the chestnut grove, the while delivering blow after blow. Then
+he suddenly gave his wrist a dextrous twirl and Giovanni's knife was
+torn from his grasp, falling about ten feet away. Instantly the young
+man was forced to the ground and old Pasquale stood over him with his
+legs wide apart, firmly planted to give the death-dealing thrust. As
+Massetti lay his eye caught the glimmer of his own knife beyond the
+shepherd and slipping like a serpent between Solara's legs he seized it,
+sprang to his feet and, before Pasquale could recover from his surprise
+at this unlooked-for manoeuvre, buried the glittering blade in his
+breast. Solara reeled and fell upon the grass, where he lay bathed in
+blood.
+
+"You have escaped me, Viscount Massetti!" he groaned.
+
+Young Massetti could scarcely realize what had happened, what he had
+done, so miraculous did the result of this strange duel appear to his
+bewildered mind.
+
+As he stood like one in a dream he heard a sound as of many feet.
+Hastily dashing into the chestnut grove, he looked back and saw old
+Solara surrounded by a group of Luigi Vampa's men.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+A VISIT TO THE REFUGE.
+
+
+Among the details of the Count of Monte-Cristo's plan for the
+rehabilitation of Giovanni Massetti was a visit to Annunziata Solara at
+the Refuge in Civita Vecchia. This visit he made one morning in company
+with Zuleika and M. and Mme. Morrel. Madame de Rancogne was delighted to
+see the Count and cordially welcomed him and his party.
+
+"So this handsome young lady is your daughter, Edmond," she said,
+seating herself beside Zuleika and taking her hand. "How rapidly time
+flies. To-day we are in the midst of the enjoyment of youth and
+to-morrow we are the middle-aged people of our locality. Then in another
+brief space we are the aged, after which comes death!"
+
+Zuleika blushed at Helena's compliment to herself and looked at her
+curiously while she delivered the closing part of her speech. But the
+Countess of Monte-Cristo of the past was not of a sombre nature, and,
+smiling, she added:
+
+"The most dazzling and enchanting side to the picture of youth is love!
+Has Zuleika, Count, ever experienced the tender passion? It will be
+exceedingly strange if she has not."
+
+Monte-Cristo's daughter blushed again.
+
+The Count smiled as he replied:
+
+"Yes, Helena, Zuleika has experienced the crowning passion of life. She
+is betrothed to the Viscount Giovanni Massetti of Rome."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mme. de Rancogne, stricken with amazement and horror.
+"That Giovanni Massetti who has been disowned and disinherited by his
+father for the commission of one of the vilest and most dishonorable
+crimes known to the world?"
+
+"The same!" answered Monte-Cristo, calmly.
+
+Mme. de Rancogne was now more astounded than ever.
+
+"You know this man's record and yet you allow him to win your daughter!
+Count, this is not like you! I cannot understand it!"
+
+"Helena," returned Monte-Cristo, "this poor young man has been maligned,
+falsely accused by persons inimical to him."
+
+The Superior of the Order of Sisters of Refuge slowly but firmly shook
+her head, looking the while at the Count and his daughter with an
+expression of deep sympathy and compassion upon her noble countenance.
+
+"You have been deceived, imposed upon, Edmond," she rejoined. "There can
+be no doubt whatever as to the young man's terrible and damning guilt.
+Besides, my assertion admits of immediate verification and proof.
+Massetti's unfortunate victim, the beautiful peasant girl Annunziata
+Solara, is now an inmate of this institution whither she dragged herself
+when overcome by shame and suffering of the keenest description,
+seeking to find here an asylum and a cloister where prying eyes could
+not find her out and where the venomous tongue of scandal could not tear
+open her wounds and set them to bleeding afresh. She is a member of our
+Order, has devoted the rest of her days to the achievement of good
+actions and the raising up of the fallen and betrayed of her sex.
+Annunziata Solara is here, almost within sound of my voice, and will,
+though with reluctance I am convinced, confirm every word I have uttered
+relative to her cowardly and villainous abductor!"
+
+"To hold an interview with this unfortunate creature is what has brought
+me here with Zuleika and my friends the Morrels," said the Count. "Of
+course, I wished to see you, Helena, and enjoy once again the pleasure
+of your society," he added, his agreeable smile accompanying his words.
+
+The Superior bowed gracefully and arose.
+
+"I can understand then your anxiety to see and speak with Annunziata at
+the earliest possible moment. Therefore, I will immediately summon her
+to this apartment where the desired interview can take place without
+delay."
+
+As she uttered these words Mme. de Rancogne hastened from the salon,
+shortly afterwards returning with the former flower-girl of the Piazza
+del Popolo in Rome.
+
+Annunziata stood for an instant in the centre of the apartment, gazing
+inquiringly at the visitors, for Mme. de Rancogne had not informed her
+of their business, preferring that Monte-Cristo in his wisdom and
+experience should conduct the interview and develop his wishes in his
+own peculiar fashion.
+
+The Count and Maximilian gazed at old Pasquale Solara's daughter with
+considerable interest, but it was an interest altogether masculine.
+Valentine also looked at her attentively, with that searching,
+penetrating look one woman invariably casts upon another. As for
+Zuleika, her eyes literally devoured the peasant girl, flashing with
+what was not exactly hatred for a rival but rather an instinctive fear
+and distrust. She was well aware that Giovanni had flirted with this
+girl, had been enthralled by her physical charms, had almost yielded to
+her sway, and she felt a peculiar interest in the creature who had
+temporarily at least stolen the heart of her lover from her.
+
+Annunziata had been greatly benefited by her sojourn in the calm and
+quiet Refuge. She had by a great and heroic exercise of her strength of
+mind put aside from her all thoughts of her lamentable history, of her
+suddenly clouded and terrible past. She had thoroughly abandoned herself
+to the discipline and duties of the Sisters of the Order of Refuge, and
+had sought with more or less success even to forget herself. Her
+unruffled life, passed in the continual doing of good, filled her with
+peacefulness and satisfaction, and for the first time in a long while
+she fully realized what it was to be perfectly contented and happy. In
+consequence her physical condition had improved, promptly responding to
+her mental ease. She had recovered the beauty she had lost during her
+confinement in the bandits' hut and her subsequent wanderings as a
+homeless, starving outcast. Her plumpness had also returned, and her
+glance had all the brightness and gayety that had formerly distinguished
+it. Still a general refinement had taken possession of her, and
+Annunziata was no longer the child of nature she had been when she lived
+in the romantic cabin in the forest.
+
+Madame de Rancogne was the first to speak.
+
+"Sister Annunziata," she said, "here are his Excellency the Count of
+Monte-Cristo, Zuleika his daughter, and M. and Mme. Morrel. Allow me to
+make you acquainted with them and to assure you that they are true
+friends of mine, firmly to be relied on. They wish to interrogate you in
+regard to a certain matter. You can answer their questions without fear
+and without the slightest hesitation. The Count of Monte-Cristo is the
+very soul of chivalry and honor!"
+
+The Count bowed in acknowledgment of this well-turned speech and,
+addressing Annunziata, who, notwithstanding Mme. de Rancogne's
+assurances, began to tremble and feel distressed, said:
+
+"Sister Annunziata, I wish to ask you certain important questions as
+your Superior has told you. I am pursuing an investigation that promises
+to be fruitful in the very best results of the highest possible good.
+Sister Annunziata, I wish your aid in clearing the record of an innocent
+man, one who has suffered as greatly as you have and for whom you can,
+therefore, feel pity and sympathy. I allude to the Viscount Giovanni
+Massetti."
+
+The girl gave a sudden start and turned ghastly pale.
+
+"The Viscount Giovanni Massetti?" repeated she, interrogatively, half
+doubting whether she could have heard the name aright.
+
+"Yes," said Monte-Cristo, "the Viscount Giovanni Massetti, who has been
+falsely accused of having abducted you!"
+
+"Falsely accused!" cried Annunziata. "Why, Signor Count of Monte-Cristo,
+the wretched young man is guilty of everything with which he has been
+charged, whether the charges were made by persons inimical to him or
+not!"
+
+The visitors were still closely watching the peasant girl. They had
+expected she would say exactly what she had said and, therefore, were
+not in the slightest degree astonished or disconcerted. Her earnestness
+and the circumstance that she certainly ought to know the identity of
+her abductor were well-calculated to inspire confidence in her
+statements and to induce a belief in the guilt of the young Viscount
+Massetti.
+
+Monte-Cristo answered Annunziata firmly but considerately.
+
+"Sister," he said, "notwithstanding your belief that Massetti was your
+abductor, I know the contrary to be true and have in my possession
+indubitable proof of what I assert!"
+
+Annunziata shook her head.
+
+"The proof must, indeed, be conclusive that would shake my belief!" she
+said, with a slight trace of bitterness in her tone.
+
+"It is conclusive!"
+
+"But if young Massetti is innocent of my abduction and of my poor
+brother's murder, who then, in Heaven's name, is the guilty party?"
+
+"Luigi Vampa!"
+
+"Luigi Vampa?"
+
+"Yes. He forced his way into your cabin on that eventful night, abducted
+you and afterwards shot your brother Lorenzo in the forest."
+
+"You say you have indubitable proof of this. How was it obtained?"
+
+"From a man named Peppino, who overheard all the details of the
+nefarious bargain and conspiracy entered into by the brigand chief and
+old Pasquale Solara."
+
+"Pasquale Solara? My father! Oh! Signor Count, what do you mean?"
+
+"Be calm, my child, and listen to me. Your father despicably sold you to
+Luigi Vampa for a large sum of money and they together so arranged the
+abduction that all suspicion would fall with crushing force upon the
+shoulders of the young Italian!"
+
+Annunziata put her hand to her forehead and stood still, rooted to the
+spot by horror and amazement. She had no great love for her moody and
+morose father, who never had done anything calculated to inspire
+affection for him in the bosom of his daughter, but, at the same time,
+it seemed incredible and horrible to her that her parent should have
+been guilty of this unnatural behavior towards her, of this unmanly
+conduct with regard to an innocent guest who in all confidence was
+partaking of the hospitality his roof afforded. She looked at
+Monte-Cristo doubtingly and then at Mme. de Rancogne, who was smiling
+upon her encouragingly.
+
+"As God is my judge," said she, solemnly, "I believe Giovanni Massetti
+to have been my abductor!"
+
+"Of course," returned Monte-Cristo, "but you are in error!"
+
+"I saw his face! Surely I ought to have been able to recognize that!"
+
+"Certainly; but, I tell you, everything was so arranged as to deceive
+you into believing the young Italian the criminal, the despicable wretch
+who had failed to respect a woman's honor!"
+
+"It may be as you assert, but I cannot rid myself of my firm and
+deep-rooted belief in the matter. I have forgiven the Viscount Massetti
+for the foul wrong he did me, but to the latest day of my earthly
+existence I shall believe him guilty!"
+
+Suddenly fixing her eyes upon Zuleika with a gaze of bewildering
+intensity, Annunziata stood as if anxious to speak to her of some very
+important topic.
+
+Monte-Cristo's daughter divined this, and, going to the former
+flower-girl, said to her:
+
+"Is there anything I can do for you, Sister Annunziata? If so you have
+only to ask it!"
+
+Annunziata laid her hand upon Zuleika's shoulder, asking, in a tone that
+notwithstanding all her efforts to control it was not a little unsteady
+and tremulous:
+
+"Do you love him?--do you love the Viscount Massetti?"
+
+"Yes," answered Zuleika, lowering her eyes beneath the intensity of the
+other's look.
+
+"So I thought, but oh! daughter of a noble family, beware of the
+perfidious young man! He will not hesitate to deceive you as he deceived
+me! Then he will leave you to your fate as he left me to mine, and
+life-long sorrow and misery will be your portion!"
+
+Zuleika gazed pityingly at the peasant girl.
+
+"You loved him once, did you not?" she asked.
+
+"Perhaps I did, perhaps I did not!" replied Annunziata. "I do not know!
+Certainly my heart spoke for him, but that may have been only friendly
+esteem! However, after the abduction and the horrible and disgraceful
+events that followed it, I grew to hate him with the bitterest
+description of hate! I have told you that I have forgiven him and it was
+the truth. I have forgiven and am endeavoring to forget him!"
+
+There was a suspicious glitter in the girl's eyes as she spoke,
+something that hinted of the presence of tears, but the glitter passed
+away and, turning to Mme. de Rancogne, she said:
+
+"Are your guests through with questioning me, Madame the Superior?"
+
+Mme. de Rancogne glanced inquiringly at Monte-Cristo, who nodded his
+head affirmatively.
+
+"The interview is concluded," replied Helena, "and now, if you so
+desire, you can return to your apartment."
+
+Annunziata, more affected and agitated by what she had just passed
+through than she cared to admit, bowed to the visitors and the Superior
+and hastily quitted the salon.
+
+"Poor girl! she remains perfectly unconvinced!" said Monte-Cristo, after
+her departure.
+
+"And she is right!" rejoined Mme. de Rancogne, warmly. "I have heard all
+the details of her story and the chain of evidence against the Viscount
+Giovanni Massetti is altogether complete. To doubt his guilt would be
+sheer idiocy!"
+
+After a sojourn of a few hours longer at the Refuge, Monte-Cristo and
+his party returned to Rome to go actively to work in Massetti's cause.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO.
+
+
+After his fearful and exhausting duel with old Pasquale Solara in which
+he had been so nearly vanquished and so signally favored by Fate, the
+Viscount Massetti dragged himself rather than ran through the chestnut
+grove by the roadside, pausing now and then to glance back through the
+trees and note what was taking place among Vampa's bandits. His wounded
+antagonist was evidently unconscious, for the brigands were bending over
+him, some of them seeming to be engaged in endeavors to restore him to
+his senses. Another circumstance tending to confirm this supposition was
+the absence of pursuit, for had the shepherd been able to give even the
+most fragmentary information relative to the encounter, Vampa's men
+would have immediately devoted their attention to a search for his
+successful assailant, and in Giovanni's present condition of exhaustion
+his capture could not have been doubtful.
+
+The young Italian did not waste a moment, but made his way towards Rome
+as rapidly as he was able, though his progress was necessarily toilsome
+and painful in the extreme. Having at length reached the bank of a small
+brook at a safe distance from the scene of the conflict, he washed the
+dust and sweat from his face, and held his benumbed hand in the cool,
+limpid water until the blood resumed its normal circulation. Then he
+arranged his torn and disordered garments so as not to attract too much
+attention from the curious pedestrians he would be sure to meet on the
+outskirts of the city, resuming his journey strengthened and refreshed.
+Contrary to his expectations he eventually gained the Hotel de France
+without exciting any special observation or comment. Once in his own
+apartment he carefully locked the door and, casting himself upon his
+bed, breathed freely for the first time since old Solara had fallen by
+his hand.
+
+His thoughts, however, were not altogether of a reassuring nature. He
+had taken an Italian's vengeance upon the despicable old Pasquale
+Solara, who certainly merited all he had received, but how would
+Monte-Cristo look at the affair when he learned of it as he most
+assuredly would when he began his campaign against Vampa, if not before?
+Undoubtedly with strong disapprobation and displeasure. The Count had
+cautioned him to keep out of sight, to restrain his impetuosity, and he
+had done neither. On the contrary he had shown himself to the shepherd,
+declared his identity and assumed the responsibility of dealing with
+him, though, to be sure, he had given him a chance to defend himself. If
+Solara was dead, if he had expired without making any revelation, his
+secret was secure and even Monte-Cristo could not unearth it, but would
+not the death of old Pasquale deprive the Count of a most important
+witness, a most important factor in his rehabilitation? Perhaps so,
+perhaps not, for it was by no means certain that Monte-Cristo could
+force Solara to confess and make at least partial and tardy amends for
+his atrocious misdeeds. It was highly probable that Annunziata's
+wretched father, even if brought to bay, would persist in preserving a
+stony and unbroken silence, would make no admissions whatever. Taking
+this view of the matter the Viscount felt relieved and, composing
+himself on his couch, yielded to the influence of extreme fatigue and
+fell asleep. His slumber was profound and dreamless. Exactly how long he
+slept he knew not, but meanwhile an event as unexpected as it was
+portentous occurred almost within earshot of where he lay, an event
+brought about by his rash and inconsiderate action of that morning.
+
+Monte-Cristo's salon was opposite to Massetti's chamber, a wide corridor
+separating the two apartments. It was late in the afternoon and the
+Count, seated at his desk, was pondering over his plans in relation to
+the Viscount. Matters had not progressed as swiftly as he had hoped.
+Besides, much further delay seemed inevitable. Maximilian, of course,
+could do nothing, for the present at least, and Valentine's ability to
+be of use was limited to encouraging Zuleika and exercising a proper
+degree of surveillance over the lovers when such surveillance was
+possible. Peppino and Beppo, too, were comparatively useless, though by
+careful and well-directed inquiries they had ascertained that Luigi
+Vampa and his band had changed their quarters from the old rendezvous,
+locating in a fastness that could not be approached without great
+difficulty and danger. None of the brigands now visited Rome and even
+Vampa himself seemed distrustful of the future. According to the
+intelligence gathered by Peppino and Beppo he constantly went about in
+various disguises that defied detection, studiously avoiding all his
+accustomed haunts. With regard to the brigand chief's actions
+Monte-Cristo could entertain but one of two opinions--either he was
+filled with remorse for his shameful conduct towards poor Annunziata
+Solara and for his complicity with old Pasquale in bringing the innocent
+Viscount under suspicion, which was doubtful, or he was afraid that
+Roman justice stimulated by young Massetti and such friends as he still
+possessed would overtake him, which was the more probable. The Count had
+not hoped for much from Annunziata Solara, though he had calculated
+somewhat on the effect upon her of his assurance that he possessed
+conclusive proof of Giovanni's innocence. His recent interview with the
+girl, however, had established the fact that she firmly believed the
+Viscount guilty, and it was fair to presume that she would retain her
+belief in the face of everything with all the proverbial obstinacy of
+woman. Besides, after all, what was his conclusive proof? Simply the
+unsupported assertions of a former member of Vampa's band, who in making
+them had clearly been actuated by a desire of wreaking personal
+vengeance upon old Pasquale Solara!
+
+The Count was not a little discouraged, but his own conviction of the
+truth of Peppino's statement was as strong as ever and, notwithstanding
+all the apparently insurmountable obstacles, he did not doubt that he
+would eventually find some way to force Vampa and the shepherd into a
+full confirmation of every diabolical detail related by the ex-bandit in
+the cell of the police poste in Paris.
+
+As he sat thus communing with his sombre thoughts and reflecting that
+the delay might stretch out into many months, a knock was heard at his
+door and in response to his permission Peppino entered the salon.
+
+A glance at the man's pale and agitated countenance was sufficient to
+tell Monte-Cristo that something unusual had happened.
+
+"Well," said he, gazing keenly at him, "what is it?"
+
+The man looked hastily about the apartment and, having satisfied himself
+that his master was alone, came close to him, bending down and
+whispering in his ear:
+
+"Signor Count, a strange visitor is below, asking to see you. He is
+garbed like a Roman noble and his face is made up with paints and
+cosmetics like that of an actor on the stage of a theatre. Still, I
+think I have pierced his disguise and that he is no less a personage
+than Luigi Vampa himself!"
+
+"Ah!" said the Count, rising, with a smile of satisfaction. "Heaven
+grant that you are correct! If Vampa is here, his visit will simplify
+matters."
+
+"But you do not mean to see the brigand chief, do you, Signor Count?"
+said Peppino, in a startled tone.
+
+"Why, pray, should I not see him when for so long I have been
+impatiently awaiting an opportunity to meet him?" asked Monte-Cristo, in
+amazement.
+
+"Because," answered the Italian, with an unmistakable display of fear,
+"he may have divined your mission to Rome and his business with you here
+to-day may be assassination!"
+
+Monte Cristo laughed heartily.
+
+"My good fellow," said he, in a reassuring tone, "dismiss your childish
+terrors. Vampa will not dare even to attempt to harm me! Show the
+mysterious visitor up and let the problem of his identity be solved!"
+
+"I know your power over Vampa, Signor Count," returned Peppino,
+hesitating, "but still in this peculiar instance it may fail you!"
+
+"Pshaw!" said the Count, impatiently. "I tell you I do not fear Vampa.
+Show him up at once."
+
+Peppino very reluctantly quitted the salon, soon returning with the
+suspicious visitor.
+
+Monte-Cristo advanced to meet the new comer, who silently pointed to
+Peppino, motioning towards the door. The Count nodded to the ex-bandit
+and with a slow step he left the room.
+
+Although Vampa was carefully disguised and even elegantly dressed in the
+fashionable attire of the Roman aristocracy, Monte-Cristo, like Peppino,
+had no difficulty whatever in recognizing him.
+
+"Well, Luigi Vampa!" said he, facing his visitor and calmly folding his
+arms as soon as they were alone. "What do you want with me?"
+
+The brigand chief did not seem either disconcerted or surprised even in
+the slightest degree. He boldly returned his host's gaze and said:
+
+"I knew you would recognize me at once, for I am well aware of your
+extraordinary keenness and penetration, Signor Count, but, to confess
+the truth, my disguise was not intended to deceive you; its sole object
+was to secure me safe entrance to and exit from Rome which of late has
+become dangerous for men in my line of industry!"
+
+The Count smiled in his peculiar way.
+
+"What do you want with me, Luigi Vampa?" he repeated. "Your errand must
+be of vast importance since you have taken so much trouble to execute
+it!"
+
+"It is of vast importance, Signor Count. This morning one of the most
+efficient members of my band, old Pasquale Solara, was attacked and
+severely wounded by your protege the Viscount Giovanni Massetti!"
+
+"Old Solara attacked and severely wounded by the Viscount Massetti?
+Impossible!"
+
+The Count was greatly disconcerted by this intelligence; he could not
+conceal his chagrin. The Viscount's rashness and impetuosity would ruin
+all!
+
+"What I say is true," continued Vampa, "and I have come to you to
+protest. You must restrain this Viscount Massetti, this reckless madman!
+He professes to have a grudge against Pasquale Solara and there is no
+telling to what length he may go if you do not control him. Had Pasquale
+been able to speak when discovered lying bathed in blood upon the
+highway by some of the members of my band, young Massetti would have
+been pursued, captured and made to pay for his murderous assault with
+his life; but it was only later, when brought into my presence, that he
+became sufficiently conscious to relate what had happened. Signor Count,
+I wish to respect your friends, but they on their part must respect me
+and my band!"
+
+"Luigi Vampa," replied Monte-Cristo, sternly, "you say that young
+Massetti has a grudge against old Pasquale Solara! What you seek to
+belittle with the name of grudge is simply just indignation for an
+outrage such as human beings rarely commit! This you know!--you to whom
+Solara basely sold his daughter!--you who plotted with the aged
+scoundrel that the charge of abduction and murder might fall upon the
+Viscount's innocent shoulders when you, Luigi Vampa, were the guilty
+man!"
+
+The brigand chief started and grew pale beneath the paint and cosmetics
+with which his visage was thickly coated.
+
+"You have been deceived, Signor Count!" he stammered, taken at a
+disadvantage, but nevertheless speaking guardedly and endeavoring to put
+on a bold front. "The girl herself, Annunziata Solara, will swear to you
+that the Viscount Giovanni Massetti was her abductor and the author of
+her ruin!"
+
+"Yes," replied Monte-Cristo, bitterly, "she will and does say so, for
+she has been completely blinded by the cunning, fiendish stratagems you
+resorted to, aided and abetted by that infamous miscreant old Pasquale
+Solara, for whom a lingering death upon the rack of the ancient Spanish
+Inquisition would not be a sufficient punishment!"
+
+"You speak very confidently, Signor Count," said Vampa, resuming his
+cool self-possession. "Pray tell me how you are going to prove all
+this?"
+
+"I should be foolish, indeed, did I do so," replied Monte-Cristo, seeing
+the brigand chief's trap and adroitly avoiding being caught in it.
+"However, suffice it to say that I can and will make good all I have
+asserted! Even Annunziata Solara herself shall be thoroughly convinced!"
+
+"Signor Count," said Vampa, pleadingly, "we have long been good friends,
+have long understood each other perfectly. Do not let the idle tales
+designing persons have poured into your ears destroy that friendship and
+that understanding!"
+
+"I have heard no idle tales from designing persons," retorted the Count.
+"What I have heard was a plain and simple statement of the truth. I know
+how old Solara summoned you with his signal whistle, how you bargained
+with him for his beautiful daughter and how you finally bought her of
+him! I know how you abducted the girl while her infamous father waited
+outside the cabin with a torch, how you bore her away in your arms
+through the forest, murdering her brother and in turn encountering my
+son Esperance and the Viscount Massetti. I know how you carried her to
+the hut you had prepared, how you kept her a close prisoner there
+guarded by members of your band until your shameful object was
+accomplished! I know how you wrote that letter signed Tonio which was
+intended to influence Annunziata's belief in the Viscount's guilt, and I
+know how old Solara secreted it where his daughter afterwards found and
+read it! Now, Luigi Vampa, are you satisfied? You said a moment ago that
+we have long understood each other. I hope there will be no
+misunderstanding on your part when I tell you that I mean to force both
+you and old Solara to confess your crimes and make reparation for them
+as far as possible!"
+
+"Then you declare war against us?" cried the brigand chief.
+
+"I do!" answered Monte-Cristo, coldly.
+
+"Then in my own name and in that of Pasquale Solara, I defy you, Edmond
+Dantes, Count of Monte-Cristo!"
+
+He backed towards the door as if afraid the Count would attack him. When
+he reached it, he turned, flung it open and stepped into the corridor,
+instantly finding himself in the grasp of Peppino and Beppo, who at once
+handed him over to a squad of policemen, the officer in charge of whom
+said:
+
+"I arrest you, Luigi Vampa! Follow me!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE BANDITS' REPRISALS.
+
+
+Monte-Cristo was astounded when he saw Luigi Vampa arrested by the Roman
+policeman and his squad; his first thought was that Peppino, unwilling
+to let slip so fair an opportunity to obtain vengeance, had betrayed the
+brigand chief to the authorities; this idea was apparently confirmed by
+the part the two ex-bandits had taken in their former leader's capture;
+hence after the officers and their prisoner had departed, he turned
+fiercely upon Peppino and said, in a tone of anger:
+
+"This is fine work for one of my servants to do, especially one so
+trusted as you!"
+
+"Signor Count," answered Peppino, humbly, "you are mistaken. I had no
+hand in it whatever save obeying the order of the officer in command of
+the police."
+
+"Indeed!" cried the Count, incredulously.
+
+"Yes," continued Peppino, in the same humble voice, "and Beppo here is
+equally innocent. The officer tracked Vampa to the hotel and was
+informed that I had conducted him into your presence. He thereupon sent
+for me, directing me without further ado to take Beppo, who chanced to
+be in my company, and seize the chief, who was personally unknown to
+him, the instant he quitted your salon. I trust your Excellency will
+pardon us, as we could do nothing but obey."
+
+"In that case," said Monte-Cristo, "no blame attaches to either of you,
+but, nevertheless, Vampa's arrest at this critical juncture will
+seriously interfere with my projected operations."
+
+The police had conducted matters very quietly; still, the tramp of many
+feet in the corridor had awakened the Viscount and filled him with
+terror. Knowing the unparalleled audacity of the bandits, he at once
+jumped to the conclusion that a body of them had entered Rome and taken
+possession of the Hotel de France with the object of seizing upon him as
+the murderer of old Pasquale Solara, who, he did not doubt, was dead.
+When the tramping feet, which the Count and Vampa were too much
+engrossed to hear, paused in front of his very door he became fixed in
+this conclusion and sprang from his bed in wild alarm. He looked hastily
+around him for some avenue of escape, but there was none. If the
+brigands were without he was trapped and would speedily be in their
+hands. He listened with the utmost anxiety, expecting every instant that
+his door would be forced and his relentless foes come thronging into the
+chamber. No such movement, however, was made. A deathlike silence
+prevailed. What was the meaning of all this? What was taking place or
+about to occur? If the men in the corridor were not Luigi Vampa's
+bandits, who were they? The Viscount lost himself in a bewildering maze
+of conjectures. Make a personal examination and satisfy himself he dare
+not. In the midst of his conjectures he heard a door open directly
+across the corridor and knew it was Monte-Cristo's. Then a voice of
+stern command broke the silence, but what was uttered he could not
+distinguish, though he fancied he made out the ominous word "arrest,"
+which was almost immediately succeeded by a renewal of the tramping of
+feet. This sound speedily died away and silence again prevailed. Young
+Massetti was more perplexed than ever. He could make nothing out of the
+knotty problem presented to him for solution. Suddenly a thought struck
+him that brought beads of cold perspiration out upon his forehead.
+Monte-Cristo had been arrested and carried off to a Roman prison! Then
+he heard the Count's well-known voice angrily addressing some one and
+this alarming thought vanished as quickly as it had come to him. The
+party arrested, if an arrest had been made, was, therefore, not
+Monte-Cristo but some one else, some one who had come from the Count's
+salon. Who could it possibly be? Maximilian Morrel? No, the idea was
+absurd, for what had the young Frenchman done to provoke arrest?
+Finally, unable longer to endure the uncertainty and suspense, the
+Viscount cautiously opened his door and glanced out into the corridor.
+His eyes rested upon Monte-Cristo, Peppino and Beppo. The former saw him
+and at once came to him.
+
+"What has happened?" demanded Massetti, eagerly.
+
+"Luigi Vampa was here and has been taken away a prisoner by the police,"
+answered the Count.
+
+"Luigi Vampa!" cried the young Italian, in amazement.
+
+"Yes, Luigi Tampa," returned Monte-Cristo, his brow clouding.
+
+"What brought him to the Hotel de France?"
+
+"He came to complain of you!"
+
+"Of me?"
+
+"I have said so."
+
+"And you caused him to be arrested?"
+
+"I did not. His arrest was due entirely to his own rashness. The police
+tracked him hither and apprehended him as he quitted my apartment."
+
+While speaking Monte-Cristo made his way into Giovanni's chamber.
+Closing the door behind him, he stood gazing at the Viscount with a
+gloomy air.
+
+"Giovanni Massetti," said he, in a slow, measured tone, "you have
+disregarded my injunctions and by your impetuosity put all my plans in
+jeopardy! You did wrong, very wrong, in attacking old Pasquale Solara
+this morning!"
+
+"I am keenly sensible of it now, after calm reflection," answered the
+Viscount, penitently. "But still you must make some allowance for me. I
+came suddenly upon the shepherd and my indignation and desire for
+vengeance so mastered me at the sight of him that I could not control
+myself. Nevertheless I gave him a chance for his life. We fought a
+desperate duel and he was wounded, but whether mortally or not it is
+impossible for me to say, as Vampa's men made their appearance
+immediately after his fall, and I was forced into precipitate flight."
+
+"Should Solara die," said Monte-Cristo, moodily, "you will have
+deprived us of a most important witness, for I calculated upon
+compelling him to speak, to disclose every detail of the infamous
+conspiracy against you. But like you I do not know his present
+condition, as Vampa did not vouchsafe me any information upon that head.
+I can only hope that he is not seriously wounded and will recover."
+
+"I am singularly unfortunate," said the Viscount, humbly. "Everything I
+do seems to be wrong."
+
+"Because you are governed by impulse alone and do not wait for your
+calmer judgment to come to your aid," replied Monte-Cristo. Then he
+added, firmly: "Giovanni Massetti, either you must submit wholly to me
+for the future, be guided entirely by my wishes, or I will be compelled
+to leave you to your fate! I need not say that I shall abandon you very
+reluctantly, but abandon you I must unless you cease to trammel my
+efforts in your behalf!"
+
+The young Italian seized his benefactor's hand convulsively.
+
+"Your Excellency," he exclaimed, supplicatingly, "do not abandon me, do
+not leave me to my fate at this critical juncture! I will yield you
+blind and implicit submission and obedience! For the future I will do
+nothing, take not even the slightest, most unimportant step without your
+direct authorization or express command!"
+
+"It is well, Giovanni," said the Count, evidently much relieved to find
+his ardent protege so tractable. "I will continue the work I have begun
+and also endeavor to bring it to a speedy and successful conclusion.
+The arrest of Vampa and the wounding of old Solara have complicated
+matters to a certain extent, but a brief time, I trust, will suffice to
+straighten out the complications and tangles, and then the result will
+be happiness for all of us, the richest possible reward!"
+
+"God grant it!" cried Massetti, fervently.
+
+"Now," said the Count, "you must not quit the Hotel de France even for a
+moment without my permission! Do you promise me that?"
+
+"I not only promise it, I swear it!" exclaimed the Viscount, lifting his
+eyes and his right hand towards Heaven.
+
+"It is well," repeated Monte-Cristo, joyously, and turning he left
+Massetti's chamber.
+
+It had been planned that the Count should take Zuleika out riding the
+following morning, but a desire to know what had become of Luigi Vampa
+and what the authorities proposed to do in his case prevented
+Monte-Cristo from fulfilling his promise to his daughter. He, however,
+determined not to deprive Zuleika of the pleasure she anticipated from
+her drive and, therefore, when the barouche and its spirited horses were
+brought to the hotel door installed Peppino in the driver's seat with
+the faithful Ali to act as an additional guard and protector.
+
+Zuleika, after bidding her father a tender farewell, was assisted by him
+into the elegant vehicle and Ali drove off, managing the prancing and
+mettlesome steeds, with all the dash and skill of a veteran Paris
+coachman.
+
+They passed along the Corso, which as usual was crowded with splendid
+equipages and gay promenaders, finally making their way to the vast and
+beautiful Piazza del Popolo, which presented even a more animated and
+enlivening scene than the Corso. The elegant equipages were there
+supplemented by superbly mounted cavaliers and the various paths were
+alive with handsome girls and their gallants, while interspersed amid
+the better classes were gorgeously attired peasants of both sexes, some
+simply idling about, others vending small wares and flowers.
+
+Tiring at length of the ordinary sights of Rome, Zuleika directed Ali to
+drive a short distance into the country. He obeyed with considerable
+reluctance for he was well aware of the dangers to be encountered in the
+environs of the city, and Peppino, on his side, was also uneasy, though
+he did not venture to protest against what he considered a most
+censurable caprice of his youthful mistress.
+
+However, they drove along for several miles without the slightest
+incident occurring to warrant the fears of Ali and Peppino or trouble
+the serenity of Zuleika. The young girl enjoyed the open country, with
+its stately trees, verdure and refreshing odors, immensely, and
+internally congratulated herself on having varied her programme by
+leaving dusty Rome behind her for a time.
+
+Meanwhile Ali, with the habitual fatalism of his nation, had resigned
+himself in advance to whatever might happen and drove straight onward
+with his eyes impassibly fixed upon the horses. Not so with Peppino;
+the wily and well-posted Italian was constantly on the alert, scanning
+every thicket, clump of trees or turn of the road with a searching look
+long before they came to it; although nothing suspicious had as yet met
+his gaze, he was not by any means either satisfied or reassured.
+
+Finally they approached a small roadside inn and Zuleika, complaining of
+thirst, directed the barouche to be stopped and Peppino to dismount from
+his seat, enter the inn and procure some wine for her. Peppino made a
+grimace at this command, but had not the courage to explain to
+Monte-Cristo's daughter that in obeying her he ran the risk of
+encountering some of his old comrades who might prove too inquisitive.
+He slowly clambered down from the barouche and with an exceedingly
+rueful countenance made his way into the inn. He had not been gone an
+instant when he suddenly reappeared, running towards the barouche and
+uttering loud cries of alarm. Half a dozen rough-looking men pursued him
+and before he could reach the vehicle he was caught. Simultaneously
+another party of ruffians issued from the inn, catching the horses by
+the bridle as Ali was about to drive off.
+
+"Not so fast, my sable friend!" said one of the men. "We must make the
+acquaintance of your beautiful young mistress!"
+
+Zuleika sat speechless, frozen with terror. Ali raised his whip to
+strike the ruffian who had spoken so flippantly of Monte-Cristo's
+daughter, but the indignant mute was instantly overpowered and dragged
+to the ground.
+
+Meanwhile the men who held Peppino in their clutches were examining him
+closely.
+
+"I would swear," said one of them, "that this is our old comrade,
+Peppino, who ran away from us so unceremoniously, taking with him all he
+could lay his hands on!"
+
+"It is Peppino," put in another. "I know him in spite of his stained
+face and livery! By the Holy Virgin!" he added, "I know the livery, too!
+It's Monte-Cristo's!"
+
+"Then the barouche and horses are Monte-Cristo's also!" said the first
+speaker. "No doubt, too, that young woman there is a member of the
+Count's family. We followed Peppino for a little fun, comrades, but have
+fallen upon a slice of rare luck! Monte-Cristo is responsible for
+Vampa's arrest yesterday, for the chief was taken as he left his room
+Now we can make reprisals!"
+
+"Excellent!" cried another of the band. "We can make reprisals and
+obtain at least one valuable hostage for Vampa's safety! Signora," he
+said to the terrified Zuleika, "who are you?"
+
+The poor girl, commanding her voice as best she could, replied, with
+some dignity:
+
+"I am Zuleika, daughter of the Count of Monte-Cristo! In his name I
+demand that you instantly release us!"
+
+"So!" said the man, turning to his delighted companions. "His daughter!
+We can now count on Vampa's safety without the shadow of a doubt!"
+
+The leader of the bandits now came from the inn; upon being informed of
+the important capture his men had made he rubbed his hands in glee.
+Turning to his lieutenants, he said:
+
+"Have a guard placed in the barouche beside Monte-Cristo's daughter and
+let another comrade drive the equipage to the rendezvous of the band. As
+for the colored driver, let him go back to Rome on foot and carry the
+news to his master with the compliments of Vampa's men!"
+
+"What shall be done with Peppino?" asked one of the lieutenants.
+
+"Hang him to the nearest tree!" answered the leader, but, immediately
+taking a second thought, he added: "No. Keep him! Perhaps Monte-Cristo
+places some value on the scoundrel and it might not be bad policy to
+retain him as an additional hostage!"
+
+Peppino who had been listening intently to the leader's words heaved a
+deep sigh of relief. He would certainly experience rough treatment, but
+at least his life was safe. He, therefore, submitted to be bound without
+a murmur and even smiled as he was being led away.
+
+The leader's commands regarding Zuleika and the equipage were promptly
+obeyed, and soon Monte-Cristo's daughter was a close prisoner in a rocky
+cell of the bandits' subterranean fastness.
+
+Ali, as soon as set free, started for Rome to give the alarm.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+THE RAID ON THE BANDITS.
+
+
+When Ali reached the Hotel de France and dragged himself to his master's
+apartment, which was not until quite late in the afternoon, his
+condition was truly deplorable. Footsore and ready to drop from extreme
+fatigue, he staggered like a drunken man. He was thickly covered with
+dust and profuse perspiration made his dark skin glisten. The faithful
+mute at once threw himself at the Count's feet, embracing his knees and
+in his marvellous pantomime eloquently entreating pardon.
+
+Monte-Cristo, who was suffering torment because of his beloved
+daughter's prolonged absence, instantly divined that some terrible
+accident had befallen her and grew almost wild with grief and
+apprehension. Raising Ali up, he said to him in a broken, anxious voice:
+
+"Tell me what has occurred without circumlocution or delay, and tell me
+all!"
+
+The Nubian made a profound salaam in token of submission and obedience.
+Then he proceeded, in his own peculiar mode of narrating events with
+which Monte-Cristo was so thoroughly familiar and which in this instance
+he translated only too readily and unerringly, to recount the
+particulars of the fatal drive into the outskirts of the city and of
+the capture of Zuleika, Peppino and the equipage by the brigands.
+
+Monte-Cristo sat for an instant after he had concluded like one
+stupefied, so utterly overwhelmed was he by the unexpected and
+distracting intelligence. Then he sprang to his feet and began pacing
+the room, muttering as he walked:
+
+"So the wretches have seized my daughter and servant by way of reprisals
+and intend to hold them as hostages for the safety of Luigi Vampa! What
+is to be done? Let me think, let me think!"
+
+He placed his hand to his forehead and accelerated his step, passing
+back and forth with such feverish rapidity that even Ali, impassible as
+he was by nature, showed alarm, dreading the effect of all this fearful
+and exhausting excitement upon his adored master to save whom from the
+slightest trouble or grief he would have freely and unhesitatingly given
+his life. Monte-Cristo continued to mutter:
+
+"Vampa is a prisoner, closely confined in a dungeon of the Castle of St.
+Angelo. He is to be tried for his many crimes, among which I have caused
+to be included the abduction of Annunziata Solara and his attempt to
+blacken the fair fame of the Viscount Massetti. His conviction and
+punishment as a bandit may be accepted as certain, whatever may be the
+fate of the other counts in the black indictment against him, for hosts
+of those whom he has robbed and maltreated are to testify, and the Roman
+authorities have for some reason suddenly become his deadly, implacable
+foes; they will show him no mercy! But the rest of the infamous band,
+what is to be done with them? Nothing, absolutely nothing, so far as I
+have been able to learn! Why? Possibly because the police fear to attack
+the brigands in their stronghold! But I will change this item of the
+programme--yes, I will change it! I will at once to Cardinal Monti,
+complain that my daughter has been seized by the bandits and offer with
+the aid of Captain Morrel to lead a detachment of soldiery against them.
+Animated by Maximilian and myself, the military will show courage for
+once. The result cannot be doubtful. We shall capture the whole band,
+together with their famous fastness, and rescue Zuleika. Peppino, too,
+shall be delivered. I will not take Massetti with me--no, he is too rash
+and might imperil the success of the undertaking--no, I will not take
+him, I will not even inform him of what I propose doing. The Cardinal
+will scarcely venture to refuse me. Should he hesitate, however, I will
+shame him into consenting, I will threaten him with invoking the aid of
+the French minister! No, he will not refuse me! Now for the trial of my
+power! Oh! Zuleika, my darling child, I will save you, I will save you!"
+
+Hastily putting on his hat and throwing a light cloak about him, the
+Count of Monte-Cristo departed on his mission, a mission certainly
+altogether characteristic of the marvellous man.
+
+Cardinal Monti received him cordially, heard his complaint and, after
+demurring slightly, accepted his offer to lead the soldiers against the
+redoubtable brigands, agreeing to place two hundred of the Swiss Guard
+properly officered and equipped at the disposal of himself and Captain
+Morrel. It was decided that the expedition should start from the Castle
+of St. Angelo at ten o'clock that night and should be guided by a trusty
+peasant, then in the Cardinal's service, who professed to know the exact
+location of the bandits' retreat and the safest route to it.
+
+These preliminaries satisfactorily settled, Monte-Cristo, his heart
+overflowing with joy, immediately returned to the Hotel de France to
+notify M. Morrel and to make his preparations for the coming campaign.
+Upon being informed of Zuleika's seizure by the outlaws and of the part
+her father wished him to take in her deliverance, Maximilian instantly
+consented, only too happy to have such a signal opportunity of serving
+his benefactor. Zuleika's misfortune, however, distressed him greatly.
+
+"Does Valentine know of your daughter's capture?" he asked of the Count.
+
+"No," answered Monte-Cristo, "and I must ask you not to tell her until
+after the result of the expedition is known. I wish to keep the whole
+matter a close secret lest young Massetti should hear of it and mar our
+plans by his usual hot-headedness. With this view I have already
+instructed Ali, the only person save yourself in the Hotel de France who
+is aware of the terrible blow that has fallen upon me, to refrain from
+communicating the intelligence to any one. It is better thus, for the
+brigands undoubtedly have spies in Rome at this time and the utmost
+caution is advisable."
+
+M. Morrel readily assented to the wisdom of the Count's policy of
+complete silence, and the twain separated to quietly prepare for the
+night's perilous and exciting adventure.
+
+At half-past nine o'clock Monte-Cristo and Maximilian entered the
+court-yard of the grim Castle of St. Angelo, where the detachment of the
+Swiss Guard was already drawn up under arms awaiting orders. The Count
+wore a half military dress and had a sword at his side, while his friend
+was clad in the full uniform of a Captain in the Army of France and
+similarly provided with the regulation weapon. Both he and Monte-Cristo
+had a couple of pistols in their belts, freshly and carefully loaded.
+
+The Captain of the Swiss Guard received them and presented the peasant
+whom Cardinal Monti had sent to act as guide. Then he turned over the
+command of his men to Captain Morrel, who briefly addressed them in
+French, a language with which they were well acquainted, informing them
+that he and his Excellency, the Count of Monte-Cristo, relied on every
+man to do his duty in suppressing the banditti and rescuing from their
+rude clutches a beautiful young French girl, no other than the Count's
+own daughter.
+
+At the close of this address the soldiers saluted, the only way in which
+the military regulations permitted them to respond.
+
+Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel then had a brief conference with the peasant
+guide, who seemed very intelligent and thoroughly posted as to the
+bandits and their stronghold. The information he gave was in every
+respect satisfactory and it was abundantly plain that the man could be
+implicitly relied upon.
+
+Everything was now in readiness and, as the hour of ten was sounded by
+the clock of the Castle of St. Angelo, the troops headed by Captain
+Morrel and the Count filed out of the court-yard and began their march.
+When the open country was reached the guide took up a position a trifle
+in advance of the detachment and led the way. Complete silence was
+maintained and the utmost care taken to muffle the tramp of the
+soldiers' feet.
+
+After marching until nearly midnight, the guide in a low, cautious
+whisper informed the Count and Maximilian that the bandits' fastness was
+close at hand. A brief halt for rest and recuperation was immediately
+ordered; then the advance was resumed, followed by a struggle with the
+brigands' sentinel, who was seized and overpowered before he could give
+even the slightest alarm.
+
+"Now, men," said Captain Morrel, in a firm, commanding tone, "for a
+prompt dash and we shall trap all the wolves in their subterranean den!"
+
+The cave had two entrances. The Count at the head of half the troops
+speedily possessed himself of one and Maximilian with the rest of the
+detachment promptly seized the other.
+
+So far the success of the expedition had been complete. The outlaws were
+caged and could not escape, but, nevertheless, it was probable that they
+would make a desperate and bloody resistance. Simultaneously
+Monte-Cristo and Captain Morrel penetrated the gloomy depths with their
+men and a dozen torches quickly lighted illuminated the cavern as if by
+magic. Instantly there arose a chorus of wild shouts uttered by the
+surprised bandits, who, armed to the teeth, came thronging from every
+direction. A fierce hand to hand battle ensued, the cavern echoing with
+the rattle of musketry, the reports of pistols and the clash of swords.
+
+As had been anticipated the brigands contended desperately and with the
+utmost fury. They were brave, hardy wretches, and though hemmed in on
+all sides evidently hoped to triumph over the invaders of their
+stronghold and drive them out in disorder and terror. Their former
+experience with the Swiss Guard and the police warranted them in
+entertaining this hope, but on the present occasion they reckoned
+without their host, for the soldiers had never before had such intrepid,
+determined and able leaders.
+
+The battle lasted for over an hour and it was not until many had been
+killed and wounded on both sides that the outlaws began to show signs of
+wavering. Monte-Cristo and Captain Morrel performed prodigies of valor,
+animating and encouraging their troops both by word and example. Finally
+the outlaws were completely subdued, such of them as had not been slain
+having been made prisoners. The Count escaped without a scratch, but
+Maximilian was slightly wounded in the left hand.
+
+When the firing and the clash, of swords had ceased, Captain Morrel
+gave the order to search the cave for Zuleika and Peppino, first placing
+sentinels at the entrances to guard against surprise and prevent the
+escape of any of the bandits who amid the confusion might slip from
+their captors.
+
+"Where are the cells?" asked Monte-Cristo of the peasant guide, who had
+manfully borne his part in the struggle.
+
+"Follow me," answered the man. "I will take you to them."
+
+Monte-Cristo now that the excitement of the fray had left him was filled
+with anxiety for his daughter. What had happened to her since she had
+been a captive in the bandits' den? Had her honor been respected as well
+as her life? His suspense was the most terrible torture possible to
+conceive. He could scarcely restrain himself until he should learn the
+truth, be it fatal or favorable. Maximilian was almost equally agitated,
+but managed to maintain a comparatively calm exterior that he might the
+better support and cheer his friend in this his hour of bitter need.
+
+The peasant, holding a torch above his head, conducted them into a dark,
+damp corridor, several soldiers following in charge of a lieutenant. The
+party had not gone many steps when a man's cries became audible,
+proceeding from a cell near at hand. The door of this cell was fastened
+only by a bar of iron, to remove which required but an instant, when it
+was discovered that the cries came from Peppino, who having heard the
+noise of the conflict and concluded that relief was near had at once
+commenced to shout that he might disclose his whereabouts to the
+invaders. The ex-bandit was set at liberty and the search was continued.
+
+Presently a low moan struck the Count's attentive ear.
+
+"What was that?" he asked, with a start.
+
+"A moan that was no doubt uttered by your daughter!" answered the guide.
+
+"My daughter!" cried the Count. "Then, thank God, she is alive!"
+
+They reached another cell, the door of which, like that of Peppino's,
+was fastened by a bar. Within the cell the low moaning continued.
+Monte-Cristo seized the bar, whirled it aside and flung open the door;
+then he sprang into the cell, calling wildly on his daughter.
+
+Zuleika was lying in a corner upon a heap of straw and moaning
+piteously. At the sound of her father's voice, however, she was on her
+feet in an instant and cast herself rapturously into his arms.
+
+"Are you safe, my darling child?" said the Count, covering her face with
+kisses. "Did the bandits respect you?"
+
+"I am safe, dear father," answered Zuleika, "safe and uninjured. The
+bandits frightened me and the solitude and terrors of this dark, dismal
+dungeon have been fearful to endure. But all my troubles are over now
+that you are here!"
+
+The Count then directed the guide to conduct them to the bandits'
+stables and there his horses and barouche were found. The equipage was
+taken to the open air, and after placing his daughter in the vehicle the
+Count left her in charge of Peppino and several soldiers of the Swiss
+Guard, returning to the cavern to bring the work of the expedition to a
+close.
+
+When Monte-Cristo reached the point where the Swiss Guard and their
+prisoners were assembled, he found Captain Morrel superintending the
+placing of an aged bandit upon an improvised stretcher.
+
+"During your absence, Count," said he, his face radiant with joy, "we
+made the most important capture of the night! This old man is Pasquale
+Solara!"
+
+"Where did you find him?" asked the Count.
+
+"In a large cell used by the outlaws as an infirmary. He says he is
+mortally wounded and slowly dying, that his wound was inflicted by a
+Roman nobleman who met him upon the highway--a very likely story,
+truly!"
+
+"It is a fact," answered Monte-Cristo. "The Roman nobleman who wounded
+him was Giovanni Massetti! But, thank God, he is still alive and will
+probably last until Vampa's trial at which I may be able to force him to
+speak out. Have him carefully attended to, Maximilian!"
+
+The captives were formed in line and, none being too much disabled to
+walk, save old Solara who was borne along on his stretcher, they were
+marched to Rome surrounded by the triumphant Swiss Guard. Monte-Cristo,
+Maximilian and Zuleika followed in the Count's barouche, Peppino
+officiating as coachman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+VAMPA'S TRIAL.
+
+
+The successful result of the raid upon the bandits made Monte-Cristo and
+Captain Morrel the heroes of the hour in Rome. Everywhere they went
+crowds assembled to gaze upon them and they were greeted with hearty
+cheers and loud acclamations of joy. Truth to tell the Roman people both
+high and low had very much to thank them for. The outlaws' band was
+completely broken up and every member of it was safely bestowed in the
+dungeons of the Castle of St. Angelo, where, as already stated, the
+redoubtable leader the notorious brigand chief, Luigi Vampa himself,
+also languished, awaiting whatever disposition the authorities might
+choose to make of him with anything but stoicism, for he did not doubt
+that it would go hard with him. Vampa's arrest was considered as
+directly due to Monte-Cristo, for had he not come to visit the Count it
+was improbable that he would ever have been captured. By the advice of
+Monte-Cristo also the bandits' subterranean retreat had been filled with
+powder and blown to atoms. No wonder, therefore, the Romans were
+grateful to the illustrious Frenchman and his able assistant Captain
+Morrel.
+
+Old Pasquale Solara had been placed in a hospital where he was closely
+watched and had the attendance of a competent physician, for the Count
+had assured Cardinal Monti that he could perhaps be made an important
+witness against Vampa at his forthcoming trial. After examining the
+shepherd's wound the physician had given his opinion that it was fatal,
+but that by resorting to proper and judicious measures the old man's
+life could be prolonged sufficiently to enable him to testify.
+
+Valentine was much affected when she heard from Zuleika's lips the story
+of her seizure by the brigands and her imprisonment in the dark, damp
+cell of their cavern fastness, but her emotion was tempered with joy
+that her beloved friend had escaped with no other injury than the shock
+resulting from her fright and natural apprehensions.
+
+When Giovanni learned of his betrothed's dangerous adventure and the
+perils that had encompassed her his indignation knew no bounds, and in
+addition he felt considerably hurt that Monte-Cristo had not allowed him
+to participate in her rescue. The Count and his daughter, however,
+succeeded in calming him and in convincing him that all had been done
+for the best. He was further propitiated by Monte-Cristo's assurance
+that he could now act openly and without fear of prejudicing his case,
+as the criminals were secured and the end was surely approaching.
+
+Cardinal Monti decided that Vampa's trial should take place within a
+week and that the first charge investigated should be that relating to
+the abduction of Annunziata Solara and the conspiracy against the
+Viscount Massetti. This decision was brought about by the influence of
+the Count of Monte-Cristo, who represented to the Papal Secretary of
+State the importance of utilizing the testimony of old Pasquale Solara
+while he was yet in a condition to give it.
+
+The Count resolved to make a final effort to convince Annunziata Solara
+of Giovanni's innocence, though he had determined to employ her evidence
+in any event, trusting to the lawyers and the Court to extract such
+admissions from her as would tend to show that she was mistaken in
+regard to the identity of her abductor. He knew the former flower-girl
+was conscientious and firmly believed in her theory, but still he was
+not without hope that she might be led to see matters as they really
+were. Besides, if her father should see fit to confess she could not
+fail to be convinced of Vampa's guilt and in that case the expression of
+her conviction would be of the utmost value.
+
+In pursuit of his plan Monte-Cristo at once communicated with Mme. de
+Rancogne at the Refuge in Civita Vecchia, begging her to bring
+Annunziata to Rome without an instant's delay. She promptly responded by
+appearing at the Hotel de France with her protegee and the Count
+arranged an interview between the latter and young Massetti in his
+salon. When Annunziata accompanied by the Superior of the Order of
+Sisters of Refuge entered the apartment and found Giovanni waiting for
+her there she flushed deeply and began to tremble.
+
+"Courage, my poor child," said Mme. de Rancogne, soothingly, "courage!"
+
+"Sister Annunziata," said the Count, who was also in the salon, "have
+no fear. All we wish in this peculiarly unfortunate matter is to get at
+the truth. Hear what the Viscount has to say in his own behalf--that is
+only justice!"
+
+The flush on the girl's handsome countenance was succeeded by an ashen
+paleness, but she eventually managed to obtain control of herself.
+Casting down her eyes, she said:
+
+"I will hear what the Viscount Massetti has to say, but he will not, he
+cannot, deny his shameful and dishonorable conduct towards me!"
+
+Giovanni, hardly less affected than the girl who supposed herself his
+victim, advanced to her and took her hand. She did not refuse to let him
+hold it in his, but studiously refrained from looking him in the face.
+
+"Annunziata," said Massetti, humbly, "I do not deny that my conduct
+towards you in the past was altogether reprehensible and unpardonable. I
+do not deny that circumstances so shaped themselves that I was made to
+seem a wretched, despicable criminal in your eyes; but, Annunziata, I
+stopped short of actual guilt, and as Heaven is my witness I had no hand
+either in your abduction or the horrible events that accompanied and
+followed it! This I swear, and this is God's truth!"
+
+Annunziata lifted her eyes and gave him a searching glance.
+
+"I understand your anxiety to clear yourself," she said, slowly. "With a
+stain on your name you cannot marry the Count of Monte-Cristo's
+beautiful daughter!"
+
+It was a keen, cutting thrust and made Giovanni wince, but he recovered
+himself instantly.
+
+"I am anxious to clear my name that I may wed Zuleika," he replied,
+steadily and firmly, "but I am also anxious because I am innocent of all
+criminal action--innocent of your abduction, of your dishonor and of
+your brother's blood! Annunziata, do you still decline to believe my
+solemn assertions?"
+
+"I would gladly believe them if I could," responded the girl; "but,
+alas! I cannot! I saw your face when your mask fell from it that
+dreadful night in the forest! I heard the tones of your voice afterwards
+in the hut guarded by the bandits! What more convincing evidence could I
+require?"
+
+"You were mistaken, Annunziata, you were fearfully mistaken!" cried the
+young Italian, overwhelming despair seizing upon him and crushing the
+hope in his heart. He could not convince the former flower-girl, he
+could not even shake her convictions! He had failed with her as
+Monte-Cristo had previously failed at the Refuge in Civita Vecchia! Up
+to this time he had continued to hold Annunziata's hand, but now he
+dropped it as if it had been some venomous serpent.
+
+Annunziata was deeply affected, but her emotion arose from an altogether
+different cause. She felt her shame and disgrace and was, besides,
+horrified at the idea that she had once hung upon the honeyed words of
+such a scoundrel as in her view the Viscount Massetti had proved to be.
+
+Monte-Cristo was now thoroughly satisfied that Giovanni could effect
+nothing with Annunziata and that a further prolongation of the interview
+would only be fraught with additional suffering for both the girl and
+young Massetti; he, therefore, requested Mme. de Rancogne to take her
+protegee to her apartment, and when they had quitted the salon said to
+the Viscount:
+
+"We must trust this girl to the lawyers and judges, Giovanni. They
+perhaps may be sufficiently shrewd to shake her testimony even should
+old Solara elect to maintain silence on the subject that vitally
+concerns us."
+
+At the appointed time the trial of Luigi Vampa began in the Judgment
+Hall of the Vatican, which was crowded to its utmost capacity, both men
+and women being present and striving to push forward so as to obtain a
+glimpse of the notorious brigand chief and of the first witness
+Annunziata Solara.
+
+Cardinal Monti in person presided, assisted by two subordinate
+Cardinals. In the portion of the hall railed off for the use of the bar
+sat Monte-Cristo and the Viscount Massetti with their lawyers, the best
+and most acute advocates in Rome, while just without the rail were M.
+Morrel and Esperance, the latter having come from Paris expressly to
+attend the trial, though at his request his testimony was not to be
+demanded of him. Just within the rail and close beside Maximilian and
+the son of Monte-Cristo Valentine and Zuleika were seated, both closely
+veiled. Near them sat Mme. de Rancogne and the unfortunate Annunziata
+Solara, clad in the dark gray habits of the Order of the Sisters of
+Refuge, their white faces plainly visible beneath the nuns' bonnets of
+spotless linen they wore. Peppino sat beside the Count.
+
+There was a low murmur of conversation in the Judgment Hall, as the
+audience discussed the probable issue of the trial and expressed diverse
+opinions, though all were agreed that whatever might be the decision of
+the Court in regard to the abduction and conspiracy Luigi Vampa would
+not escape punishment for the crimes he had committed in his capacity of
+chief of the bandits.
+
+Presently Cardinal Monti arose, magnificent in his princely apparel and
+glittering jewels, waving his hand for silence. His gesture was
+instantly obeyed and the entire hall grew still as death. Then the
+Cardinal resumed his seat on the judicial bench, and, turning to the
+clerk of the Court, commanded him to proclaim the session opened. This
+was done, whereupon the Cardinal said, in a voice distinctly audible in
+all parts of the vast apartment:
+
+"Bring in the accused!"
+
+A moment later Luigi Vampa entered a raised enclosure serving the
+purpose of a dock in the custody of two stalwart and thoroughly armed
+military policemen. His face was ashen, but he glanced about him
+nonchalantly and defiantly. When his eyes rested upon Monte-Cristo and
+the Viscount Massetti he smiled in a peculiar sort of way as if he felt
+convinced that all their labors would be in vain. Suddenly he saw the
+two gray-robed women in their linen nuns' bonnets, starting slightly as
+he recognized Annunziata Solara, but otherwise evincing no emotion.
+
+The men and women in the distant portions of the hall got upon the
+benches, craning their necks to see the accused, and there arose a
+murmur, a faint hiss, that was promptly checked by the vigilant Court
+officials who were marching here and there with their long white staffs
+in their hands and their black caps upon their heads.
+
+Then Cardinal Monti again arose, speaking in a deep, impressive voice:
+
+"Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar," said he, "you stand here accused of
+many grave crimes, but the charge which the Court will first consider is
+blacker than all the rest; that charge, Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the
+bar, is that you abducted and afterwards seduced a peasant girl named
+Annunziata Solara and, in collusion with her father, Pasquale Solara,
+conspired to throw the onus and suspicion of your crime upon an innocent
+man, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti. What say you, Luigi Vampa, prisoner
+at the bar, are you guilty or not guilty?"
+
+"Not guilty, your Eminence!" responded the unabashed brigand chief.
+
+At this there was another murmur in the hall which was promptly
+suppressed as before.
+
+"Accused, you can take your seat," said the Cardinal.
+
+Vampa did as directed, the policemen remaining standing at his sides
+with drawn swords in their hands.
+
+"Let the first witness be called," said the Cardinal, addressing the
+clerk of the Court.
+
+That official arose and called out, in a loud voice:
+
+"Annunziata Solara!"
+
+The former flower-girl came forward, slowly and timidly, and went upon
+the elevated witness stand, where the accustomed oath was administered
+to her by the clerk.
+
+Again there was a general craning of necks, the women showing the
+strongest anxiety to behold the girl who was said to have been Vampa's
+victim.
+
+In a low, faltering voice Annunziata proceeded to give her testimony.
+She repeated her sad story precisely as she had done before, entirely
+exonerating the bandit chief and throwing the whole weight of the crime
+upon the shoulders of the Viscount Massetti.
+
+This was the reverse of what the audience had expected and the murmur of
+surprise was universal.
+
+The prisoner glanced at Monte-Cristo and Massetti with a radiant look of
+triumph.
+
+The Viscount's lawyers then took the witness in hand, but shrewd and
+able as they were they utterly failed to make her swerve even a hair's
+breadth from her evidence. She returned to her place beside Mme. de
+Rancogne, confident that she had done her duty and uttered not a single
+syllable that was untrue.
+
+Peppino followed her. He repeated almost word for word the details he
+had given the Count of Monte-Cristo in Paris. His recital was so vivid,
+so circumstantial, that it made a wonderful impression both upon the
+Court and the audience. When he spoke of old Pasquale Solara's infamous
+sale of his beautiful daughter to Luigi Vampa the male auditors could
+scarcely restrain their indignation and the women fairly screamed with
+horror, the utmost efforts of the Court officers being required to force
+them into anything like quietude. Another sensation was caused by
+Peppino's exposure of the nefarious conspiracy by which the innocent
+young Viscount was brought and kept under the suspicion of murder and
+abduction. When he concluded his narrative and quitted the witness stand
+he and Vampa exchanged glances of bitter and vindictive hate, and it
+required all the strength of the policemen in charge of the prisoner to
+keep him from leaping from the dock and attempting to take summary
+vengeance upon the fearless and outspoken witness.
+
+The Viscount Massetti now took the stand. He gave the full history of
+his acquaintance with Annunziata Solara from the meeting in the Piazza
+del Popolo to the encounter with Vampa in the forest and the
+administration of the oath of silence, speaking with such evident
+sincerity and feeling that his testimony acquired additional weight
+thereby. The brigand chief watched him closely, listening to his
+testimony with a contemptuous smile. When the young Italian returned to
+Monte-Cristo and resumed his seat his pale visage was a mass of
+perspiration and great agitation had possession of him.
+
+"Call Pasquale Solara," said the Cardinal to the clerk, after referring
+to a paper upon the desk in front of him.
+
+"Pasquale Solara!" cried the clerk, immediately.
+
+There was a stir in the audience and four soldiers of the Swiss Guard
+advanced towards the judicial bench, bearing a stretcher upon which was
+extended the emaciated form of the aged shepherd.
+
+As her father was borne past her, Annunziata uttered a cry and arose to
+go to him, but Mme. de Rancogne gently pulled her back into her chair,
+whispering to her that he was in the custody of the Court and that she
+could only see him after the trial was concluded, when the requisite
+permission would be obtained for her.
+
+Old Pasquale was lifted from the stretcher by a couple of soldiers and
+aided to mount the witness stand. He was so faint and weak that it was
+necessary to hold him in an upright position after he had with great
+difficulty mounted the stand. Even then he trembled like a paralytic and
+it was some moments before he could answer the questions addressed to
+him. Vampa regarded him with intense anxiety, eagerly leaning forward to
+catch the feeble, almost imperceptible sounds that issued from his lips.
+
+"May it please your Eminence," said old Pasquale, painfully pausing
+after every word, "I am a dying man. The hospital physician who has
+accompanied me and is now in the Judgment Hall assures me that I can
+last but a few days at most. I have been a great sinner, but I do not
+desire to go before my angered God with all the weight of my iniquity
+upon me; therefore, I have resolved to speak, to tell all I know!"
+
+The spectators in the body of the hall shuddered. Old Solara's voice
+did not reach them, but they felt instinctively that some dreadful
+revelation was either being or about to be made. Monte-Cristo and
+Massetti half arose in their seats; they were near enough to grasp the
+purport of what the shepherd had said and its effect upon them was
+absolutely overwhelming; they had expected that Pasquale would either
+tell a cunningly fabricated tale calculated to shield Vampa or take
+refuge in stony, stubborn silence, but instead he was going to make a
+clean breast of the whole terrible crime! Annunziata had also heard and
+was listening for what should follow with a countenance almost as white
+as her nun's bonnet. Mme. de Rancogne caught her hands and held them
+firmly; she too was startled beyond expression by old Solara's words and
+feared the effect of further revelations upon her protegee. Zuleika,
+Valentine, M. Morrel and Esperance were too far away from the witness
+stand to comprehend a syllable, but like the spectators in the body of
+the hall they divined what was on the point of coming, holding their
+breath in fear and expectation. As for Vampa, he could hardly be kept
+still; his fingers worked nervously as if he desired to strangle the
+dying witness, and he glanced at him with the flashing eyes of a
+ferocious tiger brought to bay.
+
+Old Pasquale continued, amid the deepest silence:
+
+"I do not seek to shield myself. Vampa is guilty both of the abduction
+and of the plot to ruin the Viscount Massetti, but I was his tempter and
+to me he owes his crime! However, with the murder of my son Lorenzo I
+had nothing to do--the chief alone is responsible for that! But I
+tempted him with the beauty of my poor daughter Annunziata! Greedy for
+gold I sold her to him! The abduction was proposed by me and executed by
+him! The plan to throw young Massetti under suspicion also originated
+with me, Vampa and myself carrying it out together. In forming the plan
+I was actuated by a desire to obtain vengeance upon old Count Massetti
+for a wrong he did me in the past! Now, your Eminence, you know the
+whole black history!"
+
+Pasquale Solara ceased and sank back into the arms of the two soldiers
+who were supporting him, totally overcome by the terrible exertions he
+had made in delivering his crushing testimony, and lay there a helpless,
+quivering mass. As they were about to remove him from the witness stand
+a sudden thought occurred to him, and with a herculean effort he
+straightened himself up, making a sign to the Court that he had
+something further to communicate.
+
+"Speak, witness," said Cardinal Monti, in response to this sign.
+
+"Your Eminence," resumed the shepherd, slowly and painfully, "I wish to
+say yet another word. I received my death wound at the hands of the
+Viscount Massetti!"
+
+There was a quick stir among those who heard this unexpected accusation
+and a score of eyes, including those of Cardinal Monti and his
+associates on the judicial bench, were instantly fixed upon the young
+Italian, who glanced at Monte-Cristo and the lawyers with a look of
+consternation. The Count was about to address the Court in explanation,
+when old Solara, who had paused to recover breath, added:
+
+"But I richly deserve what I received and it is fitting that I should
+die by the hand of the man I sought to ruin! The wound, however, was
+dealt me in a perfectly fair duel and with my latest breath I shall
+exonerate the Viscount from all blame in the matter as I do now!"
+
+The concluding portion of old Solara's last speech was a surprise.
+Massetti drew a long breath of relief. It was scarcely probable that he
+would be prosecuted by the Roman authorities for fighting a duel with
+the shepherd under the circumstances, and the wounded man had
+voluntarily removed every suspicion of foul play from him. Monte-Cristo
+and the lawyers cast congratulatory glances at the young Italian. His
+rehabilitation now only needed Vampa's conviction and sentence to be
+perfect, and it could not for an instant be doubted that they would
+speedily follow.
+
+The effect of her father's testimony or rather confession upon
+Annunziata had been startling. It completely shattered all her
+convictions, placing her misfortunes in a new and horrible light. The
+Viscount was innocent as he had steadily asserted, and her parent stood
+revealed to her in all his moral hideousness; he was a monster, a demon;
+he had made his fearful revelations only when death was upon him and
+reparation was impossible; besides, there was nothing noble or elevating
+about his remorse--it was thoroughly characteristic of the
+man--altogether selfish, induced solely by the fear of consequences in
+the world to come. Annunziata felt as if all faith in humanity had been
+withdrawn from her, and as she gradually realized the full meaning of
+her father's words she closed her eyes and with a gasp sank fainting
+into the arms of Mme. de Rancogne, who, hardly less shocked and
+surprised than the poor girl herself, used every effort to revive her,
+finally succeeding.
+
+In the little group consisting of Zuleika, Valentine, M. Morrel and
+Esperance uncertainty prevailed for some moments. They had been unable
+to catch what old Solara had said, to glean more than a general idea
+that his testimony had been against Vampa. As soon, however, as his
+emotion permitted him to do so Giovanni went to them and communicated
+the glad tidings. Zuleika was almost overcome by the immensity of her
+joy and with difficultly restrained herself from embracing her lover
+directly in the face of the august Court and the assembled spectators.
+Valentine was ready to weep with delight and her husband felt as much
+triumph as if he had won a decisive victory over the combined enemies of
+France. As for Esperance, he was both enraptured and ashamed--enraptured
+that the dark stain was removed from Giovanni's name and ashamed that he
+had been so blind and unjust as to wrongfully suspect him.
+
+When the gist of Pasquale Solara's evidence was whispered around among
+the audience the Court officers were powerless to suppress the
+expressions of horror and enthusiasm. Had the shepherd not been closely
+guarded by the soldiers he certainly would have been torn to pieces and
+trodden under foot, so great was the tide of popular indignation against
+him. At last, however, the tumult subsided and Cardinal Monti,
+addressing the brigand chief, said:
+
+"Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, you have heard the testimony. What
+have you to say in your defense?"
+
+Vampa forced to his feet by the policemen replied, doggedly and
+sullenly:
+
+"Nothing!"
+
+Cardinal Monti then turned to his associates on the judicial bench and a
+brief conference ensued, after which he arose and facing Vampa said,
+solemnly:
+
+"Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, the judgment of the Papal Court is
+that you are guilty, first of the murder of Lorenzo Solara, though as he
+attacked you the crime has been placed in the second degree, second of
+the abduction of Annunziata Solara, and third of conspiracy to indelibly
+blacken the character of a worthy Roman nobleman, the Viscount Giovanni
+Massetti. Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, the sentence of the Papal
+Court is that you be taken hence back to your dungeon in the Castle of
+St. Angelo, there to undergo solitary imprisonment for life. As this
+sentence renders it unnecessary to proceed to an examination of the
+other and less important charge against you, that of robbery on the
+public highways and of maltreating your captives, your trial is now at
+an end. Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, may God have mercy upon you
+and bring you to repentance and ultimate salvation!"
+
+Cardinal Monti resumed his seat amid loud murmurs of applause and
+satisfaction. When these died away the clerk declared the Court
+adjourned, the convict was removed and the audience slowly dispersed.
+
+Mme. de Rancogne and Annunziata Solara immediately returned to the
+Refuge in Civita Vecchia, where the poor girl lay prostrated for many
+weeks. After his confession of his infamous deeds she had no further
+desire to see her despicable and degraded father.
+
+Monte-Cristo and his party rode joyously back to the Hotel de France in
+the Count's barouche.
+
+That evening no happier persons existed upon earth than Giovanni and
+Zuleika.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+JOY UNBOUNDED.
+
+
+The news of the result of Luigi Vampa's trial spread with the utmost
+rapidity throughout Rome and occasioned the wildest rejoicing, still
+further augmenting the popularity of Monte-Cristo and Captain Morrel,
+who were credited by the Roman populace with having brought about the
+dreaded brigand chief's conviction and inspired his sentence.
+Everywhere, while the vast importance of old Pasquale Solara's testimony
+was recognized and admitted, the wretched shepherd himself was execrated
+as an unnatural, heartless father, as a diabolical scoundrel without a
+single redeeming trait. The fact of his having turned State's evidence
+saved him from the heavy hand of the law, but his mortal wound would
+soon rid the world of him and this circumstance occasioned hearty
+congratulation in all quarters.
+
+The morning succeeding Vampa's trial a messenger arrived at the Hotel de
+France from the Count Massetti, bearing a brief note in which the aged
+nobleman begged his son to come to him at once. Giovanni exhibited this
+note triumphantly to Zuleika and the friends who had labored so
+untiringly and successfully in his cause, and, together with the Count
+of Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel, immediately repaired to the Palazzo
+Massetti in Monte-Cristo's barouche. The old Count received his son with
+open arms and cordially greeted Monte-Cristo and Maximilian.
+
+"Giovanni," said he, frankly, "I admit that I was wrong, that I was led
+astray by what seemed to me to be convincing proof. My pride and honor
+revolted at the stain apparently cast upon them and I acted as almost
+any Roman father would have done. I acknowledge that I was hasty, that I
+proceeded to extremities without due reflection or examination. These
+admissions in the presence of your noble, self-sacrificing friends cost
+me dear, but, you observe that I do not shrink from them,
+notwithstanding the deep humiliation. I humbly ask your forgiveness and
+restore all I have taken from you. Again you are my beloved son and
+heir."
+
+The old nobleman paused, greatly affected; his eyes were full of tears,
+tears of mingled contrition and delight. The Viscount's emotion was such
+that for an instant he was unable to reply. He, however, recovered
+control of himself with a mighty effort, and said, in a voice tremulous
+with his colossal joy:
+
+"Father, I have nothing to forgive. Appearances warranted all you did,
+and I can only thank Heaven that the truth has been developed before it
+was too late!"
+
+With these words he threw himself upon the old Patrician's neck. The
+Count embraced him, drawing him to his heart and their tears mingled
+together, for Giovanni also was weeping now.
+
+Slowly and as if reluctantly releasing his recovered and rehabilitated
+son, the Count turned to M. Morrel.
+
+"Captain," he said, "I owe you an ample apology for my haughty and
+imperious treatment when you stated to me the object of your mission to
+Rome. I tender it at this moment and venture to hope that you will
+accept it even though it comes at the eleventh hour!"
+
+"Count," replied Maximilian, "I should be worse than a boor did I not
+accept it. Here is my hand in token of my renewed friendship and
+esteem."
+
+Old Massetti took the Captain's proffered hand and pressed it warmly.
+
+"You fully sustain the reputation of the great nation to which you
+belong," said he, with the utmost cordiality, "--you are as noble as you
+are generous!"
+
+"Count," answered M. Morrel, bowing profoundly, "you flatter me! Say
+rather that I am a French soldier and as such never shrink from my duty
+no matter in what shape it may come!"
+
+"As you please, Captain," returned the aged nobleman, with an agreeable
+smile. "To my apology I must, however, add my gratitude for all you have
+done to aid Giovanni and in the expression of that gratitude I must
+include Mme. Morrel, of whose heroic exploit in the Colosseum and
+subsequent devotion to my son in his hour of mental darkness I have
+heard."
+
+Maximilian again bowed profoundly.
+
+Advancing to the Count of Monte-Cristo the elder Massetti said:
+
+"Now, your Excellency, it is your turn. Your name and deeds have long
+been familiar to me, but to whom are they not familiar! Still, though
+you have frequently honored Rome with your illustrious presence, never
+have I had the pleasure of meeting you until this happy day when I, too,
+am included in the long list of those who have received overwhelming
+benefits at your hands. Edmond Dantes, Count of Monte-Cristo, I owe to
+you my son's restoration to sanity brought about by little less than a
+miracle, a blessing almost as great as his rehabilitation, for which
+also I am on the endless roll of your debtors."
+
+Monte-Cristo bowed, but made no reply.
+
+"My debt, vast as it is," continued old Massetti, "is I learn to be yet
+further augmented by an alliance between our two houses, and I need not
+tell you that this increase of my obligations will be a burden of joy
+that I shall accept with thanks to Heaven for the signal favor shown
+me!"
+
+Monte-Cristo repeated his bow and said:
+
+"You ratify the compact between our two children then, Count Massetti?"
+
+"With more delight than I can express!" replied the latter,
+enthusiastically. "May I ask another favor of your Excellency?" he
+added, suddenly.
+
+"Certainly," said Monte-Cristo, somewhat astonished and casting a look
+of inquiry at his venerable host.
+
+"In that case," resumed the aged nobleman, "I would like to welcome your
+daughter immediately to the Palazzo Massetti!"
+
+"She shall be sent for without an instant's delay," answered
+Monte-Cristo. "Giovanni, return in the barouche to the Hotel de France
+and bring Zuleika to your father!"
+
+The young man joyously obeyed and in a very short space of time
+Monte-Cristo's daughter came timidly and blushingly into the presence of
+the Count Massetti, leaning upon the arm of her betrothed, whose
+countenance fairly shone with happiness. The youthful pair were
+accompanied by Mme. Morrel.
+
+When the presentations had been made, the venerable Patrician stood for
+a moment contemplating his future daughter-in-law.
+
+"So this is Zuleika!" he said at length. "She is a beautiful and
+charming girl, and I do not doubt that the attractions of her mind are
+fully equal to those of her person! My child," he continued, addressing
+Monte-Cristo's daughter, "I welcome you to my home and to my heart! Make
+Giovanni as happy as I know he will make you! Now, my children, accept a
+father's blessing!"
+
+The young couple knelt at the old man's feet and he extended his hands
+above their heads. When they arose he took Zuleika in his arms and
+tenderly kissed her.
+
+In the general joy Valentine was not forgotten, the aged Count renewing
+to her the expression of his gratitude he had previously made to her
+husband in her behalf.
+
+It was ultimately arranged that the marriage contract should be signed
+within a week, and this formality was complied with in the presence of
+many of the young Viscount's relatives, of Monte-Cristo, Mercedes, M.
+and Mme. Albert de Morcerf, Esperance and M. and Mme. Morrel, Mercedes
+and the Morcerfs having come post-haste to Rome to take part in the
+auspicious event. Monte-Cristo gave his daughter the dowry of a Princess
+and his liberality was fully matched by that of the Count Massetti who
+settled upon Giovanni a fortune equal to that of some oriental
+potentate.
+
+The marriage took place in Rome and was a grand affair, the wedding
+festivities lasting all day and far into the night. The happy occasion
+had the character of a public rejoicing, for the populace grateful to
+the Count of Monte-Cristo and Maximilian Morrel for the suppression of
+Luigi Vampa and his dangerous outlaws, who for years had been the terror
+of rich and poor alike, paraded the streets in vast bodies in honor of
+Zuleika's nuptials with the man whom the notorious brigand chief had so
+nearly succeeded in overwhelming with irretrievable ruin and disgrace.
+
+From a very early hour in the morning the Palazzo Massetti was
+surrounded by cheering and enthusiastic throngs, and by eight o'clock
+the vast gardens of the Massettis' were thrown open freely to all who
+chose to enter. The preparations there were on a gigantic and princely
+scale. Huge tables had been placed in various broad alleys and literally
+groaned beneath the weight of the abundant and inviting refreshments,
+while vast casks of excellent wines were on tap. An army of servants
+waited upon the people, liberally supplying them with the appetizing
+edibles and the exhilarating product of the vintage. The Papal and
+French flags were everywhere displayed in company, and the beauty of the
+decorations of the gardens was such as to excite universal wonder and
+admiration. The health of the Viscount Massetti and his charming bride
+was drunk thousands of times amid acclamations of delight, but
+throughout the whole colossal assemblage perfect order was preserved,
+the military police on duty finding their occupation a sinecure.
+
+Immediately in front of the Palazzo Massetti a triumphal arch had been
+erected. It was covered with the intertwined ensigns of Rome and France
+and at its apex bore an appropriate motto formed of creamy white orange
+blossoms and scarlet roses.
+
+The interior of the palazzo rivaled in dazzling splendor the most superb
+and gorgeous vision that ever entranced a devotee of hatchis while
+dreaming under the potent influence of his favorite drug.
+
+In the principal salon were gathered many personages with whom the
+reader is familiar, all in festal attire--the Count of Monte-Cristo and
+his beloved wife Mercedes, their friends Maximilian and Valentine
+Morrel, Esperance, Mlle. Louise d' Armilly and M. and Madame Albert de
+Morcerf. Many noble relatives of the groom were also present, to say
+nothing of hosts of acquaintances. Old Count Massetti, who seemed
+rejuvenated and whose venerable countenance was wreathed in smiles of
+joy, moved about among his guests the happiest of the happy.
+
+Presently a door was thrown open, a valet announced the bride and groom
+and Giovanni entered proudly with the lovely Zuleika hanging upon his
+arm, her beauty heightened by her blushes and diffidence. She wore a
+magnificent robe of white satin that a Queen might have envied and the
+radiance of diamonds of inestimable value flashed from a tasteful
+necklace that adorned her pearly throat; upon her night black hair
+rested a wreath of orange blossoms and her flowing bridal veil was
+fastened back by a sparkling emerald pin.. A murmur of admiration and
+approval arose from the guests as they beheld Monte-Cristo's daughter
+and noted her unequaled charms.
+
+The procession to St. Peter's was witnessed by compact masses of
+spectators, who loudly cheered the bride and groom and hailed with
+tumultuous applause all the well-known personages as they in turn
+appeared.
+
+Within the vast cathedral the concourse was immense, but was kept at a
+suitable distance by uniformed ushers.
+
+The Pope himself united the young couple in the holy bonds of wedlock,
+having consented to do so in consequence of his high esteem for the
+Massetti house, the oldest and most aristocratic in his dominions, and
+out of consideration for the Count of Monte-Cristo, whose wonderful
+history had penetrated even the august portals of the Vatican. At the
+close of the impressive ceremony His Holiness blessed the newly-made
+husband and wife, and immediately afterwards the grand organ burst out
+with a triumphal peal, an unseen choir chanting a jubilant marriage
+hymn, whereupon the bride and groom surrounded by their bridesmaids and
+groomsmen, Esperance holding the first place among the latter, received
+the congratulations of their relatives and friends.
+
+That night there was unbounded festivity at the Palazzo Massetti, the
+glad celebration terminating with a grand ball and an elaborate supper.
+The next morning Giovanni and Zuleika started upon an extended bridal
+tour which was to embrace the most interesting portions of Europe.
+
+Eventually they settled in Paris, as they had originally decided, where
+Giovanni bought a magnificent residence, furnishing it with all the
+luxury of the orient.
+
+Their married life was as happy as it was favored, and Zuleika never had
+occasion to regret that she had clung to Giovanni when all the rest of
+the world seemed to have deserted him.
+
+Esperance and the young husband at once became as fast friends as ever,
+and the dark cloud that had separated them in the past was completely
+forgotten.
+
+The Count of Monte-Cristo and Mercedes continued to lead a tranquil and
+charming existence in the palatial mansion on the Rue du Helder. Upon
+the elevation of Louis Napoleon to power the Count, who distrusted him
+and his schemes, abandoned politics and the agitation of public life
+forever, contenting himself with doing all the good in his power and
+aiding the needy in a quiet, unostentatious way. His daughter and her
+husband spent a great deal of their time at the family mansion, and the
+Count and Mercedes acquired additional delight thereby. Albert de
+Morcerf, his wife and Mlle. Louise d' Armilly remained inmates of the
+Monte-Cristo residence, aiding not a little in promoting the comfort and
+happiness of their generous and agreeable hosts.
+
+Maximilian Morrel and his wife returned to Marseilles, but they were
+frequently in Paris and never failed to find vast enjoyment and
+gratification in the society of the Monte-Cristos, the Massettis and
+their friends.
+
+Giovanni's father died a year or two after the marriage of his son,
+leaving him his title, his palaces, his vineyard and all his colossal
+wealth; but even this change in his condition did not induce the young
+Count to return to Rome, where the sad associations of the past were too
+powerful for him.
+
+Old Solara expired in the hospital at Rome a few days subsequent to
+Vampa's trial, and Annunziata lived long with Mme. de Rancogne in the
+Refuge at Civita Vecchia, drawing what consolation she could from
+abundant good works.
+
+Peppino and Beppo remained in the service of the Count of Monte-Cristo,
+leading honest and upright lives.
+
+Waldmann and Siebecker were caught red-handed in the commission of a
+murder and ended their iniquitous association on the scaffold, the knife
+of the guillotine ridding the world of two extremely dangerous wretches.
+
+As for Danglars, he suddenly disappeared from Paris one day and was
+heard of no more.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Monte-Cristo's Daughter, by Edmund Flagg
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