Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 4).djvu/117

Rh and prove the determination of Providence to effect the entire ruin of the Roman empire, sullied by so many crimes. Brunehaut and Fredegonda are the results of the painful struggle of civilization in its infancy, when man was learning to control mind, were it even by an emissary

from the realms of darkness. All these women had been, or were, beautiful. The same flower of innocence had flourished, or was still flourishing on their brow, that is seen on the brow of the culprit in your house."

Villefort shrieked, clasped his hands, and looked at the doctor with a supplicating air. But the latter pursued without pity.