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 tow