ay his eye caught the glimmer of his own knife beyond the
shepherd and slipping like a serpent between Solara's legs he seized it,
sprang to his feet and, before Pasquale could recover from his surprise
at this unlooked-for manoeuvre, buried the glittering blade in his
breast. Solara reeled and fell upon the grass, where he lay bathed in
blood.

"You have escaped me, Viscount Massetti!" he groaned.

Young Massetti could scarcely realize what had happened, what he had
done, so miraculous did the result of this strange duel appear to his
bewildered mind.

As he stood like one in a dream he heard a sound as of many feet.
Hastily dashing into the chestnut grove, he looked back and saw old
Solara surrounded by a group of Luigi Vampa's men.

CHAPTER XXV.

A VISIT TO THE REFUGE.

Among the details of the Count of Monte-Cristo's plan for the
rehabilitation of Giovanni Massetti was a visit to Annunziata Solara at
the Refuge in Civita Vecchia. This visit he made one morning in company
with Zuleika and M. and Mme. Morrel. Madame de Rancogne was delighted to
see the Count and cordially welcomed him and his party.

"So this handsome young lady is your daughter, Edmond," she said,
seating herself beside Zuleika and taking her hand. "How rapidly time
flies. To-day we are in the midst of the enjoyment of youth and
to-morrow we are the middle-aged people of our locality. Then in another
brief space we are the aged, after which comes death!"

Zuleika blushed at Helena's compliment to herself and looked at her
curiously while she delivered the closing part of her speech. But the
Countess of Monte-Cristo of the past was not of a sombre nature, and,
smiling, she added:

"The most dazzling and enchanting side to the picture of youth is love!
Has Zuleika, Count, ever experienced the tender passion? It will be
exceedingly strange if she has not."

Monte-Cristo's daughter blushed again.

The Count smiled as he replied:

"Yes, Helena, Zuleika has experienced the crowning passion of life. She
is betrothed to the Viscount Giovanni Massetti of Rome."

"What!" exclaimed Mme. de Rancogne, stricken with amazement and horror.
"That Giovanni Massetti who has been disowned and disinherited by his
father for the commission of one of the vilest and most dishonorable
crimes known to the world?"

"The same!" answered Monte-Cristo, calmly.

Mme. de Rancogne was now more astounded than ever.

"You know this man's record and yet you