"Should I be mad enough to do so," said M. Dantès, calmly, "with it all hope of your marriage with Zuleika would perish!"
"Oh! do not say that, do not say that!" groaned Massetti. "What would life be worth to me without Zuleika's love!"
"Then deserve that love by clearing yourself, by proving that your record will bear the light of day!"
"I have sworn to you that I am innocent! Is not that enough?"
"No," replied M. Dantès, coldly. "I must have proof to support your oath."
"Then you believe me guilty in spite of all! This is the worst blow yet!"
"It is in your power to completely justify yourself; at least, so you give me to understand, and yet your refusal will forever separate you from the woman you love!"
"You fill me with despair!" said Massetti, in a smothered voice, sinking upon a sofa. "I fain would reveal everything to you, but an awful oath of silence stands between me and the revelation."
"Then I must wait for Vampa's answer, and shape my course by that!" said M. Dantès, firmly.
"That answer will destroy both Espérance and myself!" replied the Viscount, in a hoarse whisper.