llain. 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