The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

Twenty minutes, twenty tedious minutes, passed thus, then ten more,
and at last the clock struck the half-hour. Just then the sound of
finger-nails slightly grating against the door of the library informed
Valentine that the count was still watching, and recommended her to
do the same; at the same time, on the opposite side, that is towards
Edward's room, Valentine fancied that she heard the creaking of the
floor; she listened attentively, holding her breath till she was nearly
suffocated; the lock turned, and the door slowly opened. Valentine had
raised herself upon her elbow, and had scarcely time to throw herself
down on the bed and shade her eyes with her arm; then, trembling,
agitated, and her heart beating with indescribable terror, she awaited
the event.

Some one approached the bed and drew back the curtains. Valentine
summoned every effort, and breathed with that regular respiration which
announces tranquil sleep. "Valentine!" said a low voice. Still silent:
Valentine had promised not to awake. Then everything was still,