trength, she fell not asleep this time, but
fainting on the floor. The count leaned over her and raised her in his
arms; and seeing that sweet pale face, those lovely eyes closed, that
beautiful form motionless and to all appearance lifeless, the idea
occurred to him for the first time, that perhaps she loved him otherwise
than as a daughter loves a father.

"Alas," murmured he, with intense suffering, "I might, then, have been
happy yet." Then he carried Haidee to her room, resigned her to the care
of her attendants, and returning to his study, which he shut quickly
this time, he again copied the destroyed will. As he was finishing,
the sound of a cabriolet entering the yard was heard. Monte Cristo
approached the window, and saw Maximilian and Emmanuel alight. "Good,"
said he; "it was time,"--and he sealed his will with three seals. A
moment afterwards he heard a noise in the drawing-room, and went to open
the door himself. Morrel was there; he had come twenty minutes before
the time appointed. "I am perhaps come too soon, count," said he, "but
I frankly acknowledge that I have not closed my eyes all night, nor
has any one in my house. I need to see you strong in your courageous
assurance, to recover myself." Monte Cristo could not resist this proof
of affection; he not only extended his hand to the young man, but flew
to him with open arms. "Morrel," said he, "it is a happy day for me, to
feel that I am beloved by such a man as you. Good-morning, Emmanuel; you
will come with me then, Maximilian?"

"Did you doubt it?" said the young captain.

"But if I were wrong"--

"I watched you during the whole scene of that challenge yesterday; I
have been thinking of your firmness all night, and I said to myself that
justice must be on your side, or man's countenance is no longer to be
relied on."

"But, Morrel, Albert is your friend?"

"Simply an acquaintance, sir."

"You met on the same day you first saw me?"

"Yes, that is true; but I should not have recollected it if you had not
reminded me."

"Thank you, Morrel." Then ringing the bell once, "Look." said he to Ali,
who came immediately, "take that to my solicitor. It is my will, Morrel.
When I am dead, you will go and examine it."

"What?" said Morrel, "you dead?"

"Yes; must I not be prepared for everything, dear friend? But what did
you do yesterday after you left me?"

"I went to Tortoni's, where, as I expected, I found Beauchamp and
Chateau-Renaud. I own I