t.

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 o