owful and
dismal forebodings.

Mercedes noticed her condition, and, ascribing it to its proper cause,
strove in a motherly way to rouse and console her, but without effect.
She spoke to the Count about it, begging him to use his influence to
cheer his child, but Monte-Cristo only shook his head, saying that they
must trust to the soothing power of time which could not fail ultimately
to do its work. Esperance pitied his sister sincerely, but refrained
from interfering, well knowing that nothing he could say would be
productive of good. Albert de Morcerf, his wife and Mlle. d' Armilly,
who had learned of Zuleika's love affair and the dark shadow that had
fallen upon it, felt a delicacy about alluding to the matter and,
therefore, held aloof; besides, they were too much depressed by the
circumstances under which Danglars had reappeared to be able to exert a
cheering influence.

When Mercedes returned from Marseilles she was accompanied by Maximilian
and Valentine Morrel, who immediately went to the mansion on the Rue du
Helder and paid their respects to the Count of Monte-Cristo, their
benefactor. It was their intention to make only a brief call, taking up
their residence during their sojourn in Paris at that famous
stopping-place for strangers, the Grand Hotel du Louvre on the Rue de
Rivoli adjoining the Palais Royal, but Monte-Cristo would not hear of
such a thing, insisting that the young soldier and his wife should be
his guests and partake of his hospitality. They were not reluctant to
consent to this agreeable arrangement, as it would enable them to enjoy
uninterruptedly the society of their dearest friends.

Mme. Morrel at once took a deep interest in Zuleika. She saw that some
sorrow was heavily weighing on the young girl, and, rightly divining
that the tender passion had much to do with it, immediately endeavored
to inspire her with a degree of confidence sufficient to bring about
revelations. In this Mme. Morrel was not actuated by curiosity. Her
motive was altogether laudable; she desired to serve the Count of
Monte-Cristo, to do something to show her gratitude for the overwhelming
benefits he had in the past showered upon her husband and herself, and
could conceive no better or more effectual way than by striving to
relieve Zuleika. She, therefore, promptly set about her praiseworthy but
difficult task, resolved to bring back the roses to the young girl's
cheeks and restore hope to her sad and dejected hear