"Everybody is ignorant that you are the bearer of a letter
from the Island of Elba, and addressed to M. Noirtier?"

"Everybody, except the person who gave it to me."

"And that was too much, far too much," murmured Villefort.
Villefort's brow darkened more and more, his white lips and
clinched teeth filled Dantes with apprehension. After
reading the letter, Villefort covered his face with his
hands.

"Oh," said Dantes timidly, "what is the matter?" Villefort
made no answer, but raised his head at the expiration of a
few seconds, and again perused the letter.

"And you say that you are ignorant of the contents of this
letter?"

"I give you my word of honor, sir," said Dantes; "but what
is the matter? You are ill -- shall I ring for assistance?
-- shall I call?"

"No," said Villefort, rising hastily; "stay where you are.
It is for me to give orders here, and not you."

"Monsieur," replied Dantes proudly, "it was only to summon
assistance for you."

"I want none; it was a temporary indisposition. Attend to
yourself; answer me." Dantes waited, expecting a question,