, Count Massetti?"

"With more delight than I can express!" replied the latter,
enthusiastically. "May I ask another favor of your Excellency?" he
added, suddenly.

"Certainly," said Monte-Cristo, somewhat astonished and casting a look
of inquiry at his venerable host.

"In that case," resumed the aged nobleman, "I would like to welcome your
daughter immediately to the Palazzo Massetti!"

"She shall be sent for without an instant's delay," answered
Monte-Cristo. "Giovanni, return in the barouche to the Hotel de France
and bring Zuleika to your father!"

The young man joyously obeyed and in a very short space of time
Monte-Cristo's daughter came timidly and blushingly into the presence of
the Count Massetti, leaning upon the arm of her betrothed, whose
countenance fairly shone with happiness. The youthful pair were
accompanied by Mme. Morrel.

When the presentations had been made, the venerable Patrician stood for
a moment contemplating his future daughter-in-law.

"So this is Zuleika!" he said at length. "She is a beautiful and
charming girl, and I do not doubt that the attractions of her mind are
fully equal to those of her person! My child," he continued, addressing
Monte-Cristo's daughter, "I welcome you to my home and to my heart! Make
Giovanni as happy as I know he will make you! Now, my children, accept a
father's blessing!"

The young couple knelt at the old man's feet and he extended his hands
above their heads. When they arose he took Zuleika in his arms and
tenderly kissed her.

In the general joy Valentine was not forgotten, the aged Count renewing
to her the expression of his gratitude he had previously made to her
husband in her behalf.

It was ultimately arranged that the marriage contract should be signed
within a week, and this formality was complied with in the presence of
many of the young Viscount's relatives, of Monte-Cristo, Mercedes, M.
and Mme. Albert de Morcerf, Esperance and M. and Mme. Morrel, Mercedes
and the Morcerfs having come post-haste to Rome to take part in the
auspicious event. Monte-Cristo gave his daughter the dowry of a Princess
and his liberality was fully matched by that of the Count Massetti who
settled upon Giovanni a fortune equal to that of some oriental
potentate.

The marriage took place in Rome and was a grand affair, the wedding
festivities lasting all day and far into the night. The happy occasion
had the character of a public rejoicing, for the populace gr