CHAPTER IV
CONSPIRACY
ANGLARS followed Edmond and Mercédès with his eyes until the two lovers disappeared behind one of the angles of Fort Saint Nicolas; then, turning round, he perceived Fernand, who had fallen, pale and trembling, into his chair, whilst Caderousse stammered out the words of a drinking-song.
"Well, my dear sir," said Danglars to Fernand, "here is a marriage which does not appear to make everybody happy."
"It drives me to despair," said Fernand.
"Do you, then, love Mercédès?"
"I adore her!"
"Have you loved her long?"
"Ever since I have known her."
"And you sit there, tearing your hair, instead of seeking to remedy your condition; I did not think it was thus the men of your nation acted."
"What would you have me do?" said Fernand.
"How do I know? Is it my affair? I am not the one who is in love with Mademoiselle Mercédès; but you. Seek, says Scripture, and you shall find."
"I have found already.
"What?"
"I would stab the man, but the woman told me that if any misfortune happened to her betrothed, she would kill herself."
"Pooh! women say those things, but never do them."
"You do not know Mercédès; what she threatens she will do."
"Idiot!" muttered Danglars; "whether she kill herself or not, what matter, provided Dantès is not captain?"
"Before Mercédès should die," replied Fernand, with the accents of unshaken resolution, "I would die myself!"
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