THE DEAD LIVE
Dr. D'Avigny sat in his private office and studied the sick-list of his asylum. A servant entered, and announced a young man who desired to speak with him.
"You know, Jean, that I do not like to receive visitors so late at night," said the physician.
"The gentleman gave me his card and told me you would receive him."
The doctor threw a glance at the card. No sooner had he read the name, Maximilian Morrel, than he hurriedly rose and said:
"Bring the gentleman in at once."
Dr. D'Avigny had only seen young Morrel once—at the time Valentine de Villefort sank apparently lifeless to the ground. As Maximilian entered, both men remembered the sorrowful circumstances under which they had met before, and, deeply moved, they shook each other's hand.
"Doctor," said Maximilian in a solemn voice, "I do not come to the physician but to the friend of the Villefort family."
D'Avigny bowed and Morrel continued:
"Can you tell me how Monsieur de Villefort is getting on?"