features, lit up as they then were with more than usual fire
and animation, seemed formed to excite the innocent
admiration with which she gazed on her graceful and
intelligent lover.

"You were wishing just now," said Villefort, addressing her,
"that I were a doctor instead of a lawyer. Well, I at least
resemble the disciples of Esculapius in one thing -- that of
not being able to call a day my own, not even that of my
betrothal."

"And wherefore were you called away just now?" asked
Mademoiselle de Saint-Meran, with an air of deep interest.

"For a very serious matter, which bids fair to make work for
the executioner."

"How dreadful!" exclaimed Renee, turning pale.

"Is it possible?" burst simultaneously from all who were
near enough to the magistrate to hear his words.

"Why, if my information prove correct, a sort of Bonaparte
conspiracy has just been discovered."

"Can I believe my ears?" cried the marquise.

"I will read you the letter containing the accusation, at
least," said Villefort: --