"Well, then, Valentine is now Madame Morrel. They left France and went to India. They needed a governess for their little daughters, and so she asked Madame Danglars to take the position."
"Poor mother," muttered Luciola, sorrowfully. "How hard it must have been for her to take a dependent position."
"Madame Danglars," said the count, "accepted the offer with thanks, and she tenderly loves Valentine and her daughters."
"How long has my mother been in India?"
"About three years."
"And do you know where she is?"
"I do not know Morrel's present address, but expect a letter from him soon."
Just then the deep tones of a bell were heard, and Monte-Cristo arose.
"My child," he solemnly said, "whatever your past has been, you have expiated it a thousand times, and you deserve the love of a humane and honest man."
"Ah, you recall Aslitta to me—where is he?"