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THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO.
35

this inclosure to exchange a few words with you through this door,—to be close to you without being enabled to obtain a view of your features,—have I even solicited to touch the tip of your glove through the bars? Do you think that at my age, and with my strength, this wall that now

Valentine.

parts us would keep me from your side one instant, were it not that my respect for your wishes presents an impassable barrier? Never has a complaint or a murmur of your rigor escaped me. I have been bound by my promises as rigidly as any knight of olden times. Confess that, lest I be tempted to call you unjust."