Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 3).djvu/333

Rh will, then, wait until the last moment, and when my misery is certain. irremediable, hopeless, I will write a confidential letter to my brother. in-law, another to the prefect of police, to acquaint them with my intention, and at the corner of some wood, on the brink of some abyss, on

the bank of some river, I will put an end to my existence, as certainly as I am the son of the most honest man who ever lived in France."

Valentine trembled convulsively; she loosed her hold of the gate, her arms fell by her side, and two large tears rolled down her cheeks. The young man stood before her, sorrowful and resolute.

"Oh! for pity's sake," said she, "you will live, will you not?"