and to revive in the spring. Haidee's learned
reference is to the behavior of an actor in the Dionysian
festivals.--Ed.

"My mother experienced the same sensations, for I felt her tremble.
'Mamma, mamma,' said I, 'are we really to be killed?' And at the
sound of my voice the slaves redoubled their cries and prayers and
lamentations. 'My child,' said Vasiliki, 'may God preserve you from ever
wishing for that death which to-day you so much dread!' Then, whispering
to Selim, she asked what were her master's orders. 'If he send me
his poniard, it will signify that the emperor's intentions are not
favorable, and I am to set fire to the powder; if, on the contrary, he
send me his ring, it will be a sign that the emperor pardons him, and
I am to extinguish the match and leave the magazine untouched.'--'My
friend,' said my mother, 'when your master's orders arrive, if it is the
poniard which he sends, instead of despatching us by that horrible death
which we both so much dread, you will mercifully kill us with this same
poniard, will you not?'--'Yes, Vasiliki,' replied Selim tranquilly.

"Suddenly we heard loud cries; and, listening, discerned that they
were cries of joy. The name of the French officer who had been sent
to Constantinople resounded on all sides amongst our Palikares; it
was evident that he brought the answer of the emperor, and that it was
favorable."

"And do you not remember the Frenchman's name?" said Morcerf, quite
ready to aid the memory of the narrator. Monte Cristo made a sign to him
to be silent.

"I do not recollect it," said Haidee.

"The noise increased; steps were heard approaching nearer and nearer:
they were descending the steps leading to the cavern. Selim made ready
his lance. Soon a figure appeared in the gray twilight at the entrance
of the cave, formed by the reflection of the few rays of daylight which
had found their way into this gloomy retreat. 'Who are you?' cried
Selim. 'But whoever you may be, I charge you not to advance another
step.'--'Long live the emperor!' said the figure. 'He grants a full
pardon to the Vizier Ali, and not only gives him his life, but restores
to him his fortune and his possessions.' My mother uttered a cry of joy,
and clasped me to her bosom. 'Stop,' said Selim, seeing that she was
about to go out; 'you see I have not yet received the ring,'--'True,'
said my mother. And she fell on her knees, at the same time holding me
up towards heaven, as if sh