"Madame," stammered Haydee, blushing, "I give you my most valuable possessions, my husband and my son."
"Your son?" repeated Mercedes, with emotion.
"Spero—come this way," said the count.
The boy sprang toward him—Mercedes looked at him and sobbed bitterly.
"Papa, why is she crying?" whispered Spero.
"Because she is reminded of her son who is in peril of death," replied the count significantly.
"In danger of death?" Spero repeated quickly; "oh, papa, why do we not hasten to his rescue?"
Monte-Cristo lifted the boy joyfully in his arms and kissed him passionately.
"How is it," said Haydee, alike proud and sorrowful, "will you leave me, Spero?"
"Oh, mamma—to hasten to aid the unfortunate is our first duty, and you yourself have taught me it," replied Spero, embracing the young wife.