The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 54 (2/2)

The Marquis took her hand ”It is time that we understood each other,”

he said, sadly ”For twenty years I have lived a melancholy life I have yielded to your caprices, I have followed your counsel, and to what end?

Look at ray, my face is seamed and lined I have never had one hour of repose For whom have I carried this burthen? For myself? I despise mankind, I despise power, I despise you, and despise myself I have but one real passion in life, and that is my love for this wretched boy who bears dalena turned away from her husband's melancholy eyes

”Why I love him,” continued the Marquis, ”I know not, except that cri You have questioned me, and I have answered you Are you satisfied?”

There came at this moment a hurried knock at the door

”Corily

A valet entered with a very pale face

”Monsieur!master--”

”Ah! he has co to the door

But the lacquey extended his aran

”Well! what is it?”

”My younglips

Then there went up the cry of two stricken hearts The two criminals looked at each other They must have misunderstood the servant, who now pointed to the stairs, up which were co a bier What was underneath the cloth? Was it their son? Idalena rushed toward him, without a word The youth bowed his head

”Yes, he is dead Monsieur de Talizac has been killed in a duel!”

Magdalena sank upon the floor, unconscious Fongereues laughed hysterically

”Nonsense! My son has fought no duel,” he said

”Yes--with Arthur de Montferrand, whose sword pierced his heart!”

Fongereues tore the cloth from the bier Yes, it was the Vicomte de Talizac The wretched father tried to speak Every muscle in his face quivered The servants fell back, shocked by all this agony

”Tell me all!” he said at last

”There is little to tell, sir, beyond the bare fact I have, however, a letter which the Vicodalena snatched this letter and tore it open It contained but one line:

”Faithless parents, I curse you withbreath!”