,
kissed him rapturously.

The Count started from his deep reverie and returned his daughter's
kiss; then, looking up, he perceived Haydee and Esperance.

"Ah! my loved ones," said he, "so you are all here!"

"Yes, papa," returned Zuleika, in a clear, crystal voice, that sounded
like the tinkle of a fairy bell, "we are all here--mamma, Esperance and
'Leika!"

Monte-Cristo smiled faintly, and patted the little girl tenderly on the
cheek.

"Haydee," said he, "fortune favors us in our children; they are, indeed,
a blessing to us."

"A veritable blessing, my lord," answered the lovely Haydee, "but still
I cannot help feeling some terror at the thought that Esperance may one
day be drawn into those political struggles you have so often foretold,
and in which it is your intention to act a prominent part."

"Papa will lead the people to victory, and I will fight by his side!"
cried Esperance, proudly.

Haydee gazed sadly at the enthusiastic boy, and tears came into her
gazelle-like eyes.

"Oh! my lord," she said to her husband, "teach Esperance the arts of
peace, implant in his boyish bosom, while there is yet time, the love of
home and domestic joys."

The Count glanced admiringly at the little lad, who stood with dilated
nostrils and eyes flashing fire; then, turning to Haydee, he said in an
impressive tone:

"My beloved wife, Esperance is but an infant, and it may be years ere
Europe shall awake from her lethargy and strive to overturn the thrones
of her despots; before that period, the period of revolution and
bloodshed, our son may change his opinions and cease to be the ardent
Republican he is now."

"No, no," protested the enthusiastic boy; "I will be a Republican all my
life!"

Monte-Cristo smiled sadly, and, drawing the lad to his knee, said to
him:

"Esperance, my son, you are yet too young to know the ways of the world
and the snares that monarchs set for the inexperienced and unwary. There
are temptations at their command capable of winning over even the most
zealous enemies, and they never hesitate to use them when the
opportunity offers. At the proper time I will instruct you fully about
all this; now, you cannot understand it."

As Monte-Cristo ceased to speak, Ali entered the library, followed by
three native servants attached to the palace. The Nubian bowed low
before his master and reverently kissed Haydee's hand; the servants did
likewise. Then Ali handed the Count a sealed letter, maki