d to make one more effort to get at
the truth.

"Count," he said, "I do not wish you to misunderstand me, to impute to
mere idle curiosity my desire to be informed concerning this unfortunate
and unhappy young man. I know that a black cloud hangs over him, that
at present he is branded and disgraced. I was not aware, however, that
his family had cast him off."

"Monsieur," returned the Count, impatiently, "you are strangely
persistent."

"I am persistent, Count," said Maximilian, earnestly, "because the
Viscount Massetti is not alone in his misfortune. Another, an estimable
young lady, is now languishing in Paris on his account."

"I pity her!" said the old nobleman, impressively.

"So do I," rejoined Maximilian; "from the bottom of my heart I pity them
both and that is the reason I am here."

"May I ask the name of this estimable young lady?"

"Certainly. Her name is Zuleika; she is the daughter of the world-famous
Count of Monte-Cristo."

Old Massetti gave a start and the muscles of his face twitched
nervously, but he managed to control himself and said:

"Indeed! Permit me to inquire what relations the young man sustained
towards the daughter of the Count of Monte-Cristo."

"She is or rather was betrothed to him."

"My God! Another victim! Does the girl love him?"

"She does, with all her soul!"

"Did he betray her, did he lead her astray?"

"No; his conduct towards her was in all respects that of a man of the
strictest honor."

"Heaven be praised for that! Then no damage has been done! Let her
forget him!"

"I fear, I know, she cannot!"

"She is young, isn't she?"

"Very young."

"Then time will heal her wounds. She must forget him, for he is unworthy
of her love!"

"But do you feel no affection, no pity, for your son?"

"I tell you I have no son! How many times must I repeat it!"

The Count's look was harder than ever; all the pride and haughtiness of
the Massettis seemed concentrated in the expression of his venerable
countenance. Maximilian opened his lips to speak again, but the old
nobleman stopped him and said, sternly:

"We have had enough of this! Captain Morrel, let what has passed between
us on this wretched subject be forgotten. I shall be glad to receive you
at any hour as a friend, but, if you value my acquaintance, my
friendship, never mention that young man to me again! Farewell,
Monsieur!"

The Count touched a bell and a valet appeared. Maximilian bowed to his
host a