"I shall consider the matter. Now go down and wait for me in the street, I shall be there almost immediately."
"At your service, commander," said the Zouave, putting his hand to his cap, whereupon he left.
"Well?" inquired Mercedes, when alone with the count.
"Mercedes," said Monte-Cristo, with sincerity, "do not despair. All my energy shall be devoted toward finding your son, and perhaps God will be merciful."
"I will believe it and not give way to despair."
"Then farewell, Mercedes! We will soon meet again. Now I am ready to look for Beauchamp, who, as I have heard, is again in Marseilles."
A knock interrupted the count—the door was quietly opened and a clear voice inquired:
"Are you alone, dear mother?"
Receiving a wink from the count, Mercedes said:
"Yes, Clary, you may enter."