Volume I Part 42 (1/2)
”And, Mamma Caraman, I should like to do the journey on horseback,”
added Clary, in a hesitating voice
”Still better, dear child--e reach Marseilles you will be sound in health”
Eight days later we find Clary and her companion settled down in Marseilles Madaradually now, as she felt a real desire to get better, and whoever saw the fresh, bloo else than a sufferer froot to know an to see the blessing of being wealthy She gave with full hands, and Madame Caraman was proud of her conquests since her first journey undertaken under such discouraging circumstances
Upon a walk in the Meillan alley Clary noticed Mercedes--that beautiful pale face, with its dark, deep-set, sorrowful eyes, which attracted the young girl's attention in an irresistible manner, and a pocket-handkerchief which Mercedes dropped offered her aood opportunity to enter upon a conversation with the owner
Mercedes ad of the rudeness which, especially to reeable
They often met, and after a few days Clary was quite at home in the little house in which Mercedes resided
Mercedes very soon becalish lady--she assisted Madaive to Clary's life, up to now aimless, a fixed object and satisfaction, and it stands to reason that the young girl also felt great interest for Mercedes Mercedes was only too happy to find an opportunity to speak about Albert--during the ten years he sojourned in Algiers, his letters had been the joy of his mother Albert called himself Joliette--the name of Morcerf contained for him, the same as for Mercedes, terrible recollections--and soon Clary adher being
Albert's letters, which, up to now, had always regularly reached Marseilles, now reuish commenced for Mercedes--the arrival of the Jackal Coucou only increased her troubles, for the nehich he brought was unsatisfactory, and thus the th to send that call for help to Monte-Cristo
While Mercedes spoke to Clary the sergeant stood at the , and he called out suddenly:
”Just now a beautiful yacht, in full sail, is entering the harbor--ah, now I can read the inscription on the vessel; it is the Ice Bird”
”God be blessed,” sobbed Mercedes, falling on her knees ”Ah, I are that he would co, ”butof importance happens, I hope I shall also know of it?”
”At once,” nodded Mercedes, ”Monsieur Coucou, pray accompany Mademoiselle Clary, and return ieant nodded and both went away
Soon after a carriage stopped before the door A ot out and hastened up the narrow staircase
”Mercedes,” he called aloud, with faltering voice; it resounded upon him--”Edmond, Edmond!”
CHAPTER xxxVI
A MOTHER
For a moment Mercedes and the count stood motionless opposite each other; then Monte-Cristo extended his hand to the sobbing woed:
”Mercedes--to-day I know that I have sinned--I have punished harder than I had a right to do, and I can only supplicate you to forgive ht to fulfil e!”
”No, Edmond--do not talk like this!” said Mercedes, softly; ”the lot which met me I deserved even e itself bitterly Theto do with the past, and therefore I ask your help”
”Then speak, Mercedes--I hear,” replied Monte-Cristo, siies, ”you knoas the intention ofaround was destroyed Alas! Albert is the favorite of my heart; do not think me foolish, if I tell you he orthy of you! His letters, which, breathe of his uninterrupted, faithful filial love, have kept , lonesome and weary years; when I read his tender words, when he embraced ain! But suddenly all letters ceased to arrive I waitedday, weeks, months, but all in vain--no news came