into a chair. "Yes," said he, "I came quickly; I wanted to
speak to you."

"Are all your family well?" asked the count, with an affectionate
benevolence, whose sincerity no one could for a moment doubt.

"Thank you, count--thank you," said the young man, evidently embarrassed
how to begin the conversation; "yes, every one in my family is well."

"So much the better; yet you have something to tell me?" replied the
count with increased anxiety.

"Yes," said Morrel, "it is true; I have but now left a house where death
has just entered, to run to you."

"Are you then come from M. de Morcerf's?" asked Monte Cristo.

"No," said Morrel; "is some one dead in his house?"

"The general has just blown his brains out," replied Monte Cristo with
great coolness.

"Oh, what a dreadful event!" cried Maximilian.

"Not for the countess, or for Albert," said Monte Cristo; "a dead father
or husband is better than a dishonored one,--blood washes out shame."

"Poor countess," said Maximilian, "I pity her very much; she is so noble
a woman!"

"Pity Albert also, Maximilian; for believe me he is the worthy son
of the countess. But let us return to yourself. You have hastened to
me--can I have the happiness of being useful to you?"

"Yes, I need your help: that is I thought like a madman that you could
lend me your assistance in a case where God alone can succor me."

"Tell me what it is," replied Monte Cristo.

"Oh," said Morrel, "I know not, indeed, if I may reveal this secret
to mortal ears, but fatality impels me, necessity constrains me,
count"--Morrel hesitated. "Do you think I love you?" said Monte Cristo,
taking the young man's hand affectionately in his.

"Oh, you encourage me, and something tells me there," placing his hand
on his heart, "that I ought to have no secret from you."

"You are right, Morrel; God is speaking to your heart, and your heart
speaks to you. Tell me what it says."

"Count, will you allow me to send Baptistin to inquire after some one
you know?"

"I am at your service, and still more my servants."

"Oh, I cannot live if she is not better."

"Shall I ring for Baptistin?"

"No, I will go and speak to him myself." Morrel went out, called
Baptistin, and whispered a few words to him. The valet ran directly.
"Well, have you sent?" asked Monte Cristo, seeing Morrel return.

"Yes, and now I shall be more calm."

"You know I am waiting," said Monte Cristo, smiling.

"Yes, and I will tell you.