Volume II Part 68 (1/2)

”How good you are! Do you love the Vicomte of Monte-Cristo?” she suddenly asked

”I love and esteem him But what er threatens him, and I want you to warn hier?” asked Gontraainst him, and if we are not more prudent they will crush both him and us”

”Enemies! Who could be an eneny!”

”And the other?”

”Have you noticed the Count of Vellini's secretary?”

”Signor fagiano? Yes, I know hiiano is not his real name”

”Do you know it?”

”Not yet, but I hope to very soon Signor fagiano and Monsieur Larsagny have met before When the Vicomte of Monte-Cristo was announced at your _soiree_ the other evening, Monsieur de Larsagny beca man as if he had been a spectre, and, under pretence of seeking a cooler spot, he hurriedly left the room”

”Yes, I remember,” said Gontram

”As you know, shortly afterent out on the balcony and heard two voices quarrelling One of the voices said: 'Monsieur de Larsagny, take care that you do not know ny about it, but he gave iano was announced and our conversation ended

That day I learned nothing; but two days later, when Signor fagiano caain, I hid behind the drapery and listened Don't think bad of , but there was no other choice As soon as the two exchanged their first words, I saw at once they were partners in crime

I heard the Italian say:

”'I have taken the prelie is assured for us, but I must have some more ny

”I heard the cru of bank-notes For a while all was still, and then Monsieur de Larsagny said:

”'What do you intend to do now?'

”'Oh, I have already struck the young fool a blow,' replied the Italian

'She is in my power, and it will be easy for htest haste ht ruin us'

”'The Vicomte of Monte-Cristo shall suffer; he shall crawl and bend in tortures I shall prepare for him, and my plans are so made that the law cannot reach us'

”'Then I am satisfied Ah, if he only suffers for one hour the tortures his father ny

”'You shall be satisfied I have also a debt to settle with him'