"'No imprudence! We must not be compromised.'
"'I am hardly foolish enough for that. I will torture Monte-Cristo's son, but not in a way that the law can reach!'
"'Let him be tortured! Let him pay for all the agony his father has inflicted on me!'
"'You shall be satisfied!'
"The two men then walked away still talking, but in such low voices that I could not hear. I rushed from my hiding-place and hastened to my room. I had learned little, it is true; but what I heard had opened wide and fearful possibilities. I knew Monsieur de Laisangy, and knew that he would stop at nothing. It would be useless for me to interfere openly, and then I thought of you."
"And you we're right in sending for me. In your recital, however, there are many points that are obscure. Thank you for warning me. You asked me, a few moments since, if I loved Esperance. I look upon him as my brother, and I would give my life to spare him a pang."
"But of whom did the man speak when he said, 'she is in my power'?"
"I do not venture to say; but in an hour we shall know."
The young man turned toward the door. Carmen came to his side and gave him her hand. He drew her to his breast.