The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

you to be married?"

"I will tell you all," said Valentine; "from you I have nothing
to conceal. This morning the subject was introduced, and my dear
grandmother, on whom I depended as my only support, not only declared
herself favorable to it, but is so anxious for it, that they only await
the arrival of M. d'Epinay, and the following day the contract will
be signed." A deep sigh escaped the young man, who gazed long and
mournfully at her he loved. "Alas," replied he, "it is dreadful thus to
hear my condemnation from your own lips. The sentence is passed, and, in
a few hours, will be executed; it must be so, and I will not endeavor
to prevent it. But, since you say nothing remains but for M. d'Epinay to
arrive that the contract may be signed, and the following day you will
be his, to-morrow you will be engaged to M. d'Epinay, for he came this
morning to Paris." Valentine uttered a cry.

"I was at the house of Monte Cristo an hour since," said Morrel; "we