Monte-Cristo quitted the chamber, followed by Maximilian, who instantly came back with Valentine.
"Mme. Morrel," said the Jewish physician, "go to the patient and take his hand."
Valentine did as directed. At her touch the Viscount started up, exclaiming, in tones of the utmost delight: "Divine Juno, pardon me! I have wronged you! I thought you had deserted me, but I was in error, for you are here!"
He fixed his eyes upon her, gazing at her like one entranced, paying no heed whatever to the others in the apartment. Valentine glanced at Dr. Absalom, who slowly left his place, gliding stealthily to Massetti's side. Erecting himself to his full height, he extended his hands above Giovanni's head; almost instantly the demented man sank back into his chair as if pressed down by some colossal, some irresistible force; then he closed his eyes, falling into a calm, peaceful slumber. Valentine, released from his clasp, stood looking on, lost in speechless wonder. Maximilian was also amazed at this prompt exhibition of the Hebrew's power, but the Italian physician, who had been intently watching, whispered in his ear: "The Jew is a mesmerist; that is all; at least, all that has been developed so far!"
Meanwhile Dr. Absalom continued to hold his hands above the patient's head that drooped more and more until it finally sank upon his breast. For a moment longer the Hebrew maintained his position; then he withdrew his hands, taking a small vial from the pocket of his coat and uncorking it; immediately a powerful and subtle odor pervaded the apartment, causing Valentine, Maximilian and the Italian physician to breathe painfully, as if stifling.
"What is it?" gasped M. Morrel, catching the Italian by the arm.
"I do not know," answered the latter. "But look at Massetti--his face is violet, the preliminary hue of death! If the Jew kills the patient nothing can save him from the fury of the Roman populace!"
The subtle odor increased in intensity and the Viscount's face changed from violet to an ashen paleness.
"He is dead!" cried the Italian. "Dr. Absalom, you are a murderer!"
The Hebrew waved his hand commandingly and, with a look of the utmost dignity and sternness, said: "Be silent and wait!"
He corked the vial, replaced it in his pocket and opened a window. The fresh air flooded the place and gradually the oppressive odor vanished.
The patient was yet of a ghastly pallor. Dr. Absalom felt his pulse, counting the beats by his watch. A smile of satisfaction overspread his intellectual countenance.
"The remedy has done its work!" he said. "Now for the second and vital application! Whatever may happen," he added, impressively, turning to the Italian physician, "I charge you on your life not to interfere or interrupt me!"