whom you so gloriously and valiantly
served, a more exquisite beauty or richer costume?"

"Did I hear rightly, monsieur," said Monte Cristo "that you served at
Yanina?"

"I was inspector-general of the pasha's troops," replied Morcerf; "and
it is no secret that I owe my fortune, such as it is, to the liberality
of the illustrious Albanese chief."

"But look!" exclaimed Madame Danglars.

"Where?" stammered Morcerf.

"There," said Monte Cristo placing his arms around the count, and
leaning with him over the front of the box, just as Haidee, whose
eyes were occupied in examining the theatre in search of her guardian,
perceived his pale features close to Morcerf's face. It was as if the
young girl beheld the head of Medusa. She bent forwards as though to
assure herself of the reality of what she saw, then, uttering a faint
cry, threw herself back in her seat. The sound was heard by the people
about Ali, who instantly opened the box-door. "Why, count," exclaimed
Eugenie, "what has happened to your ward? she seems to have been taken
suddenly ill."

"Very probably," answered the count. "But do not be alarmed on her
account. Haidee's nervous system is delicately organized, and she is
peculiarly susceptible to the odors even of flowers--nay, there are
some which cause her to faint if brought into her presence. However,"
continued Monte Cristo, drawing a small phial from his pocket, "I have
an infallible remedy." So saying, he bowed to the baroness and her
daughter, exchanged a parting shake of the hand with Debray and the
count, and left Madame Danglars' box. Upon his return to Haidee he found
her still very pale. As soon as she saw him she seized his hand; her own
hands were moist and icy cold. "Who was it you were talking with over
there?" she asked.

"With the Count of Morcerf," answered Monte Cristo. "He tells me he
served your illustrious father, and that he owes his fortune to him."

"Wretch!" exclaimed Haidee, her eyes flashing with rage; "he sold my
father to the Turks, and the fortune he boasts of was the price of his
treachery! Did not you know that, my dear lord?"

"Something of this I heard in Epirus," said Monte Cristo; "but the
particulars are still unknown to me. You shall relate them to me, my
child. They are, no doubt, both curious and interesting."

"Yes, yes; but let us go. I feel as though it would kill me to remain
long near that dreadful man." So saying, Haidee arose, and wrapping
herself in he