iness--for four days
I have not closed them, for I have been constantly watching you, to
protect and preserve you for Maximilian." The blood mounted rapidly
to the cheeks of Valentine, for the name just announced by the count
dispelled all the fear with which his presence had inspired her.
"Maximilian!" she exclaimed, and so sweet did the sound appear to her,
that she repeated it--"Maximilian!--has he then owned all to you?"

"Everything. He told me your life was his, and I have promised him that
you shall live."

"You have promised him that I shall live?"

"Yes."

"But, sir, you spoke of vigilance and protection. Are you a doctor?"

"Yes; the best you could have at the present time, believe me."

"But you say you have watched?" said Valentine uneasily; "where have
you been?--I have not seen you." The count extended his hand towards the
library. "I was hidden behind that door," he said, "which leads into the
next house, which I have rented." Valentine turned her eyes away, and,
with an indignant expression of pride and modest fear, exclaimed: "Sir,
I think you have been guilty of an unparalleled intrusion, and that what
you call protection is more like an insult."

"Valentine," he answered, "during my long watch over you, all I
have observed has been what people visited you, what nourishment was
prepared, and what beverage was served; then, when the latter appeared
dangerous to me, I entered, as I have now done, and substituted, in the
place of the poison, a healthful draught; which, instead of producing
the death intended, caused life to circulate in your veins."

"Poison--death!" exclaimed Valentine, half believing herself under the
influence of some feverish hallucination; "what are you saying, sir?"

"Hush, my child," said Monte Cristo, again placing his finger upon her
lips, "I did say poison and death. But drink some of this;" and the
count took a bottle from his pocket, containing a red liquid, of which
he poured a few drops into the glass. "Drink this, and then take nothing
more to-night." Valentine stretched out her hand, but scarcely had she
touched the glass when she drew back in fear. Monte Cristo took the
glass, drank half its contents, and then presented it to Valentine, who
smiled and swallowed the rest. "Oh, yes," she exclaimed, "I recognize
the flavor of my nocturnal beverage which refreshed me so much, and
seemed to ease my aching brain. Thank you, sir, thank you!"

"This is how you have liv