He had scarcely done so before the door opened, and the jailer saw the prisoner seated as usual on the side of his bed.

Almost before the key had turned in the lock, and before the departing steps of the jailer had died away in the long corridor he had to traverse, Dantes, whose restless anxiety concerning his friend left him no desire to touch the food brought him, hurried back to the abbe's chamber, and raising the stone by pressing his head against it, was soon beside the sick man's couch.

Faria had now fully regained his consciousness, but he still lay helpless and exhausted.
"I did not expect to see you again," said he feebly, to Dantes.
"And why not ?" asked the young man.

"Did you fancy yourself dying ?" "No, I had no such idea; but, knowing that all was ready for flight, I thought you might have made your escape." The deep glow of indignation suffused the cheeks of Dantes.
"Without you?
Did you really think me capable of that ?" "At least," said the abbe, "I now see how wrong such an opinion would have been.

Alas, alas! I am fearfully exhausted and debilitated by this attack." "Be of good cheer," replied Dantes; "your strength will return." And as he spoke he seated himself near the bed beside Faria, and took his hands.