"Accompany me to Algeria, Madame Caraman; I need your consolation and comforting care. I go there to perform a good action."
Madame Caraman looked keenly at Clary. The latter blushed, and continued:
"Mercedes deplores the loss of her son, and I desire to restore him to her if it is possible. Think what joy will be mine if Albert flies to the arms of his mother and I can proudly say: 'This is my work.'"
The governess pondered deeply, and Clary, who was deceived by her silence, impetuously exclaimed:
"Mamma Caraman, answer me. Have I not expressed myself clearly? I have never been of service to any one. Yet, while there are people who offer up their lives and their energies to help others, is it a sin for me to desire to do likewise?"
"You mean, by that, the Count of Monte-Cristo?" replied Madame Caraman, thoughtfully.
Clary blushed.
"Yes," she said, softly. "The count is my model."
"And you wish to follow this 'model' to Africa?"