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Updated: June 7, 2025
"Oh! do not say that, do not say that!" groaned Massetti. "What would life be worth to me without Zuleika's love!" "Then deserve that love by clearing yourself, by proving that your record will bear the light of day!" "I have sworn to you that I am innocent! Is not that enough?" "No," replied M. Dantès, coldly. "I must have proof to support your oath." "Then you believe me guilty in spite of all!
Bidding Valentine remain where she was, her husband drew close beside Giovanni and suddenly placed his hand on his shoulder. The Viscount started at this unexpected interruption of his sombre reverie and hastily glanced at the intruder. His eyes, however, had a stony, uncomprehending stare, expressing neither surprise nor fear. "Giovanni Massetti," said Maximilian, "listen to me! I am a friend!"
When Espérance had read this letter that so effectually cleared him, and was such a fearful arraignment of the Viscount Massetti, he restored it to his father and sank into his chair utterly overcome by the terrible excitement and mental strain through which he had passed.
"Farewell," he murmured, reluctantly releasing her, "farewell, my own!" He turned from her and ran to the wall, scaled it with the agility of a cat and vanished. When the gardener and his assistants reached the elm, they found Zuleika standing there alone. Had they seen Massetti scale the wall? Had they recognized him? These thoughts shot through the girl's agitated mind.
But no, she was unobserved, and even now her companions and the nun were at such a distance that she could read her letter without the slightest danger of being discovered or interrupted. The temptation was strong. She yielded to it. She would read the letter. She felt convinced that it was from the Viscount Massetti, and the conviction filled her with unutterable joy.
Of course, he fully comprehended the influence of female beauty over hot, headstrong youth, and he acknowledged to himself that Annunziata was really very beautiful and alluring; still, she was not more so than hosts of other girls who would be glad to win a smile from the Viscount Massetti at almost any price, and whose pursuit would be altogether unattended with danger.
"Young Massetti is not dead." "Has he succeeded in clearing himself of that terrible charge?" the girl asked, trembling with anxiety. "Alas! no! But he is innocent, Zuleika, as innocent of the dreadful crime imputed to him as the babe unborn! Of that you can rest assured, for the proof of his innocence is in my hands!" Zuleika gave a wild cry of joy and flung her arms about her father's neck.
Among the details of the Count of Monte-Cristo's plan for the rehabilitation of Giovanni Massetti was a visit to Annunziata Solara at the Refuge in Civita Vecchia. This visit he made one morning in company with Zuleika and M. and Mme. Morrel. Madame de Rancogne was delighted to see the Count and cordially welcomed him and his party.
Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Monte-Cristo, springing to his feet and pacing the cell, a prey to intense agitation he did not endeavour to control. "A raving maniac! Giovanni a raving maniac! Oh! my daughter, my daughter!" "All I say is the truth," resumed the Italian. "As I hope for Heaven I swear it!" "But what has become of Massetti? Where is he?" demanded the Count, abruptly pausing in his walk.
While speaking Monte-Cristo made his way into Giovanni's chamber. Closing the door behind him, he stood gazing at the Viscount with a gloomy air. "Giovanni Massetti," said he, in a slow, measured tone, "you have disregarded my injunctions and by your impetuosity put all my plans in jeopardy! You did wrong, very wrong, in attacking old Pasquale Solara this morning!"
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