Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 1).djvu/105

Rh "Oh! monsieur, and I thank you," cried Dantès; "you have been rather a friend than a judge."

"Well, I must detain you some time longer, but I will strive to make it as short as possible. The principal charge against you is this letter and you see"

Villefort approached the fire, cast it in, and waited until it was entirely consumed.

"You see, I destroy it?"

"Oh!" exclaimed Dantès, "you are goodness itself."

"Listen," continued Villefort; "you can now have confidence in me after what I have done."

"Oh! order me, and I will obey."