"Haydee, you once told me your life is in my hands."
"That I am still ready to acknowledge. Here is my poniard. Kill me, but leave me my child!"
In consternation the young wife pulled a dagger sparkling with diamonds out of her waist, and offered it to Monte-Cristo.
"Strike!" she said, with faltering voice. "What good am I in this world if you and Spero leave me? Well, why are you hesitating? Take my heart out of me, but leave me Spero."
She knelt at Monte-Cristo's feet, and embraced his knee.
Suddenly her eye flashed, and she cried, animated with fresh hopes:
"Indeed, my beloved, I think you only intended to try me. You will not crush me; you will be persuaded. Oh, make an end of this torment. Tell me that you do not wish my death."
"Haydee," replied Monte-Cristo, with stern forehead, "you know that I only fulfil my duty, and instead of assisting me to smooth the path for me, you refuse to bear your share of the burden."
"I do not understand you," uttered Haydee.
"I must depart, and Spero has to accompany me; but if I do not consent, my dear Haydee, for you to accompany us, it is for the reason that you have a mission to fulfil here."