Jon Hagadorn

Ali, mute and attentive, brought the pipes and coffee, and disappeared.

By degrees the light of the lamps gradually faded in the hands of the marble statues which held them, and the perfumes appeared less powerful to Morel.

Seated opposite to him, Monte Cristo watched him in the shadow, and Morel saw nothing but the bright eyes of the Count.

An overpowering sadness took possession of the young man.

His hands relaxed their hold.

The objects in the room gradually lost their form and color.

and his disturbed vision seemed to perceive doors and curtains open in the walls.

We'll return with Chapter 117, the 5th of October, right after these sponsor messages.

And now, back to our story.

"'Friend!'

Morell cried.

"'I feel that I am dying.

Thanks!'

He made a last effort to extend his hand, but it fell powerless beside him.

Then it appeared to him that Monte Cristo smiled, not with the strange and fearful expression which had sometimes revealed to him the secrets of his heart, but with the benevolent kindness of a father for a child.

At the same time the count appeared to increase his stature.

His form, nearly double its usual height, stood out in relief against the red tapestry.

His black hair was thrown back, and he stood in the attitude of an avenging angel.

Morel, overpowered, turned around in the armchair.

A delicious torpor permeated every vein.