"His condition is hopeless," said the doctor sorrowfully; "as his attendant just informed me, he is again in possession of his senses, but I fear it is the last glimmering before the final extinguishment. He begged me to send for the district-attorney, as he wished to make an important communication to him, and as I hesitated he hurriedly said:
"'D'Avigny, I have no time to lose; Death is already sitting on my tongue.'"
"Then we must be quick," murmured Maximilian to himself, and then speaking aloud he said: "Doctor, would a great excitement injure your patient?"
"That depends upon the nature of the excitement," answered D'Avigny. "There can hardly be any more joys for Villefort, and troubles I would keep aloof from him."
"It is a question of a great joy, which, however, is not free from certain anxieties."
"You are speaking in riddles, Monsieur Morrel."
"Then let me unravel these riddles to you. Valentine de Villefort lives."
The old physician swayed from side to side and would have fallen to the ground had not Morrel caught him in his arms. Hot tears rolled over D'Avigny's cheeks, and sobbing he asked:
"Is it no dream? Does Valentine live?"