s stupefied silence would be followed by a
fiery outburst. 'Well,' asked the president, 'what is your decision?'

"'I have no reply to make,' said the count in a low tone.

"'Has the daughter of Ali Tepelini spoken the truth?' said the
president. 'Is she, then, the terrible witness to whose charge you dare
not plead "Not guilty"? Have you really committed the crimes of which
you are accused?' The count looked around him with an expression which
might have softened tigers, but which could not disarm his judges. Then
he raised his eyes towards the ceiling, but withdrew then, immediately,
as if he feared the roof would open and reveal to his distressed view
that second tribunal called heaven, and that other judge named God.
Then, with a hasty movement, he tore open his coat, which seemed to
stifle him, and flew from the room like a madman; his footstep was heard
one moment in the corridor, then the rattling of his carriage-wheels
as he was driven rapidly away. 'Gentlemen,' said the president, when
silence was restored, 'is the Count of Morcerf convicted of felony,
treason, and conduct unbecoming a member of this House?'--'Yes,' replied
all the members of the committee of inquiry with a unanimous voice.

"Haidee had remained until the close of the meeting. She heard the
count's sentence pronounced without betraying an expression of joy or
pity; then drawing her veil over her face she bowed majestically to the
councillors, and left with that dignified step which Virgil attributes
to his goddesses."

Chapter 87. The Challenge.

"Then," continued Beauchamp, "I took advantage of the silence and
the darkness to leave the house without being seen. The usher who
had introduced me was waiting for me at the door, and he conducted me
through the corridors to a private entrance opening into the Rue de
Vaugirard. I left with mingled feelings of sorrow and delight. Excuse
me, Albert,--sorrow on your account, and delight with that noble girl,
thus pursuing paternal vengeance. Yes, Albert, from whatever source the
blow may have proceeded--it may be from an enemy, but that enemy is only
the agent of providence." Albert held his head between his hands;
he raised his face, red with shame and bathed in tears, and seizing
Beauchamp's arm, "My friend," said he, "my life is ended. I cannot
calmly say with you, 'Providence has struck the blow;' but I must
discover who pursues me with this hatred, and when I have found him I
shall kill hi