"That is a question my oath forbids me to reply to!"
"So be it," said M. Dantès; "but I have written him and he will reply for you!"
"You have written to Vampa!" exclaimed the young man, with a terror-stricken look. "Then all is lost!"
M. Dantès smiled, and, rising, placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
"Espérance," said he, calmly, "if neither crime nor dishonor attaches to you in this affair, as you have sworn, you have nothing whatever to fear, and, besides, Vampa's disclosures may relieve you of some portion of your heavy burden."
"Oh! God!" groaned the young man, "if Vampa speaks how shall I be able to prove my innocence!"
"My son," said M. Dantès, impressively, "God, whose name you have invoked, will not desert you in your hour of need!"
Bowing his head in his hands and trembling like an aspen leaf, Espérance quitted the library with a convulsive sob, as if the last ray of hope had been withdrawn from his life and all was darkness and despair.
M. Dantès threw himself in his chair and for an instant was plunged in absorbing thought; then he arose and putting on his hat and cloak left the library; a few moments later he had quitted the mansion by a private door.