"Father," said she, in a tremulous voice, "have you received word from the Viscount Massetti?"
"No, my child," answered Monte-Cristo; "but tidings of the gravest nature relating to him have been imparted to me."
"Tidings of the gravest nature, father! Is it possible that he is dead?"
As she uttered the last words, the poor girl burst into a flood of tears.
"No, my child," replied the Count. "Young Massetti is not dead."
"Has he succeeded in clearing himself of that terrible charge?" the girl asked, trembling with anxiety.
"Alas! no! But he is innocent, Zuleika, as innocent of the dreadful crime imputed to him as the babe unborn! Of that you can rest assured, for the proof of his innocence is in my hands!"
Zuleika gave a wild cry of joy and flung her arms about her father's neck.
"Calm yourself, my child," resumed Monte-Cristo; "all will yet be well. I start for Rome to-morrow with Ali and two of Giovanni's friends. Be ready to accompany me!"