relieved her. Albert stood one moment speechless by
the side of his mother's bed. It was evident from his pale face and knit
brows that his resolution to revenge himself was growing weaker. "My
dear mother," said he, "do you know if M. de Morcerf has any enemy?"
Mercedes started; she noticed that the young man did not say "my
father." "My son," she said, "persons in the count's situation have many
secret enemies. Those who are known are not the most dangerous."

"I know it, and appeal to your penetration. You are of so superior a
mind, nothing escapes you."

"Why do you say so?"

"Because, for instance, you noticed on the evening of the ball we gave,
that M. de Monte Cristo would eat nothing in our house." Mercedes raised
herself on her feverish arm. "M. de Monte Cristo!" she exclaimed; "and
how is he connected with the question you asked me?"

"You know, mother, M. de Monte Cristo is almost an Oriental, and it is
customary with the Orientals to secure full liberty for revenge by not
eating or drinking in the houses of their enemies."

"Do you say M. de Monte Cristo is our enemy?" replied Mercedes, becoming
paler than the sheet which covered her. "Who told you so? Why, you are
mad, Albert! M. de Monte Cristo has only shown us kindness. M. de Monte
Cristo saved your life; you yourself presented him to us. Oh, I entreat
you, my son, if you had entertained such an idea, dispel it; and my
counsel to you--nay, my prayer--is to retain his friendship."

"Mother," replied the young man, "you have especial reasons for telling
me to conciliate that man."

"I?" said Mercedes, blushing as rapidly as she had turned pale, and
again becoming paler than ever.

"Yes, doubtless; and is it not that he may never do us any harm?"
Mercedes shuddered, and, fixing on her son a scrutinizing gaze, "You
speak strangely," said she to Albert, "and you appear to have some
singular prejudices. What has the count done? Three days since you were
with him in Normandy; only three days since we looked on him as our best
friend."

An ironical smile passed over Albert's lips. Mercedes saw it and with
the double instinct of woman and mother guessed all; but as she was
prudent and strong-minded she concealed both her sorrows and her fears.
Albert was silent; an instant after, the countess resumed: "You came to
inquire after my health; I will candidly acknowledge that I am not well.
You should install yourself here, and cheer my solitude. I do not w