The Count of Mount Cristo (56-78) 180 pages

Chapter 56. Andrea Cavalcanti.

The Count of Monte Cristo entered the adjoining room, which Baptistinhad designated as the drawing-room, and found there a young man, ofgraceful demeanor and elegant appearance, who had arrived in a cababout half an hour previously. Baptistin had not found any difficulty inrecognizing the person who presented himself at the door for admittance. He was certainly the tall young man with light hair, red beard, blackeyes, and brilliant complexion, whom his master had so particularlydescribed to him. When the count entered the room the young man wascarelessly stretched on a sofa, tapping his boot with the gold-headedcane which he held in his hand. On perceiving the count he rose quickly. "The Count of Monte Cristo, I believe?" said he.

"Yes, sir, and I think I have the honor of addressing Count AndreaCavalcanti?"

"Count Andrea Cavalcanti, " repeated the young man, accompanying hiswords with a bow.

"You are charged with a letter of introduction addressed to me, are younot?" said the count.

"I did not mention that, because the signature seemed to me so strange. "

"The letter signed 'Sinbad the Sailor, ' is it not?"

"Exactly so. Now, as I have never known any Sinbad, with the exceptionof the one celebrated in the 'Thousand and One Nights'"--

"Well, it is one of his descendants, and a great friend of mine; he is avery rich Englishman, eccentric almost to insanity, and his real name isLord Wilmore. "

"Ah, indeed? Then that explains everything that is extraordinary, "said Andrea. "He is, then, the same Englishman whom I met--at--ah--yes, indeed. Well, monsieur, I am at your service. "

"If what you say be true, " replied the count, smiling, "perhaps you willbe kind enough to give me some account of yourself and your family?"

"Certainly, I will do so, " said the young man, with a quickness whichgave proof of his ready invention. "I am (as you have said) the CountAndrea Cavalcanti, son of Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti, a descendant ofthe Cavalcanti whose names are inscribed in the golden book at Florence. Our family, although still rich (for my father's income amounts to halfa million), has experienced many misfortunes, and I myself was, at theage of five years, taken away by the treachery of my tutor, so that forfifteen years I have not seen the author of my existence. Since I havearrived at years of discretion and become my own master, I have beenconstantly seeking him, but all in vain. At length I received thisletter from your friend, which states that my father is in Paris, andauthorizes me to address myself to you for information respecting him. "

"Really, all you have related to me is exceedingly interesting, " saidMonte Cristo, observing the young man with a gloomy satisfaction; "andyou have done well to conform in everything to the wishes of my friendSinbad; for your father is indeed here, and is seeking you. "

The count from the moment of first entering the drawing-room, had notonce lost sight of the expression of the young man's countenance; he hadadmired the assurance of his look and the firmness of his voice; but atthese words, so natural in themselves, "Your father is indeed here, andis seeking you, " young Andrea started, and exclaimed, "My father? Is myfather here?"

"Most undoubtedly, " replied Monte Cristo; "your father, Major BartolomeoCavalcanti. " The expression of terror which, for the moment, hadoverspread the features of the young man, had now disappeared. "Ah, yes, that is the name, certainly. Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti. And you reallymean to say; monsieur, that my dear father is here?"

"Yes, sir; and I can even add that I have only just left his company. The history which he related to me of his lost son touched me to thequick; indeed, his griefs, hopes, and fears on that subject mightfurnish material for a most touching and pathetic poem. At length, heone day received a letter, stating that the abductors of his son nowoffered to restore him, or at least to give notice where he might befound, on condition of receiving a large sum of money, by way of ransom. Your father did not hesitate an instant, and the sum was sent to thefrontier of Piedmont, with a passport signed for Italy. You were in thesouth of France, I think?"

"Yes, " replied Andrea, with an embarrassed air, "I was in the south ofFrance. "

"A carriage was to await you at Nice?"

"Precisely so; and it conveyed me from Nice to Genoa, from Genoa toTurin, from Turin to Chambery, from Chambery to Pont-de-Beauvoisin, andfrom Pont-de-Beauvoisin to Paris. "

"Indeed? Then your father ought to have met with you on the road, for itis exactly the same route which he himself took, and that is how we havebeen able to trace your journey to this place. "

"But, " said Andrea, "if my father had met me, I doubt if he would haverecognized me; I must be somewhat altered since he last saw me. "

"Oh, the voice of nature, " said Monte Cristo.

"True, " interrupted the young man, "I had not looked upon it in thatlight. "

"Now, " replied Monte Cristo "there is only one source of uneasiness leftin your father's mind, which is this--he is anxious to know how youhave been employed during your long absence from him, how you havebeen treated by your persecutors, and if they have conducted themselvestowards you with all the deference due to your rank. Finally, he isanxious to see if you have been fortunate enough to escape the bad moralinfluence to which you have been exposed, and which is infinitely moreto be dreaded than any physical suffering; he wishes to discover if thefine abilities with which nature had endowed you have been weakened bywant of culture; and, in short, whether you consider yourself capable ofresuming and retaining in the world the high position to which your rankentitles you. "

"Sir!" exclaimed the young man, quite astounded, "I hope no falsereport"--

"As for myself, I first heard you spoken of by my friend Wilmore, thephilanthropist. I believe he found you in some unpleasant position, butdo not know of what nature, for I did not ask, not being inquisitive. Your misfortunes engaged his sympathies, so you see you must havebeen interesting. He told me that he was anxious to restore you to theposition which you had lost, and that he would seek your father until hefound him. He did seek, and has found him, apparently, since he is herenow; and, finally, my friend apprised me of your coming, and gave me afew other instructions relative to your future fortune. I am quite awarethat my friend Wilmore is peculiar, but he is sincere, and as rich as agold-mine, consequently, he may indulge his eccentricities withoutany fear of their ruining him, and I have promised to adhere to hisinstructions. Now, sir, pray do not be offended at the question I amabout to put to you, as it comes in the way of my duty as your patron. I would wish to know if the misfortunes which have happened toyou--misfortunes entirely beyond your control, and which in no degreediminish my regard for you--I would wish to know if they have not, insome measure, contributed to render you a stranger to the world in whichyour fortune and your name entitle you to make a conspicuous figure?"

"Sir, " returned the young man, with a reassurance of manner, "makeyour mind easy on this score. Those who took me from my father, andwho always intended, sooner or later, to sell me again to my originalproprietor, as they have now done, calculated that, in order to make themost of their bargain, it would be politic to leave me in possession ofall my personal and hereditary worth, and even to increase the value, if possible. I have, therefore, received a very good education, and havebeen treated by these kidnappers very much as the slaves were treatedin Asia Minor, whose masters made them grammarians, doctors, andphilosophers, in order that they might fetch a higher price in the Romanmarket. " Monte Cristo smiled with satisfaction; it appeared as if he hadnot expected so much from M. Andrea Cavalcanti. "Besides, " continuedthe young man, "if there did appear some defect in education, or offenceagainst the established forms of etiquette, I suppose it would beexcused, in consideration of the misfortunes which accompanied my birth, and followed me through my youth. "

"Well, " said Monte Cristo in an indifferent tone, "you will do as youplease, count, for you are the master of your own actions, and are theperson most concerned in the matter, but if I were you, I would notdivulge a word of these adventures. Your history is quite a romance, and the world, which delights in romances in yellow covers, strangelymistrusts those which are bound in living parchment, even though they begilded like yourself. This is the kind of difficulty which I wishedto represent to you, my dear count. You would hardly have recited yourtouching history before it would go forth to the world, and be deemedunlikely and unnatural. You would be no longer a lost child found, but you would be looked upon as an upstart, who had sprung up like amushroom in the night. You might excite a little curiosity, but it isnot every one who likes to be made the centre of observation and thesubject of unpleasant remark. "

"I agree with you, monsieur, " said the young man, turning pale, and, in spite of himself, trembling beneath the scrutinizing look of hiscompanion, "such consequences would be extremely unpleasant. "

"Nevertheless, you must not exaggerate the evil, " said Monte Cristo, "for by endeavoring to avoid one fault you will fall into another. Youmust resolve upon one simple and single line of conduct, and for a manof your intelligence, this plan is as easy as it is necessary; you mustform honorable friendships, and by that means counteract the prejudicewhich may attach to the obscurity of your former life. " Andrea visiblychanged countenance. "I would offer myself as your surety and friendlyadviser, " said Monte Cristo, "did I not possess a moral distrust of mybest friends, and a sort of inclination to lead others to doubt themtoo; therefore, in departing from this rule, I should (as the actorssay) be playing a part quite out of my line, and should, therefore, runthe risk of being hissed, which would be an act of folly. "

"However, your excellency, " said Andrea, "in consideration of LordWilmore, by whom I was recommended to you--"

"Yes, certainly, " interrupted Monte Cristo; "but Lord Wilmore did notomit to inform me, my dear M. Andrea, that the season of your youth wasrather a stormy one. Ah, " said the count, watching Andrea's countenance, "I do not demand any confession from you; it is precisely to avoid thatnecessity that your father was sent for from Lucca. You shall soonsee him. He is a little stiff and pompous in his manner, and he isdisfigured by his uniform; but when it becomes known that he has beenfor eighteen years in the Austrian service, all that will be pardoned. We are not generally very severe with the Austrians. In short, you willfind your father a very presentable person, I assure you. "

"Ah, sir, you have given me confidence; it is so long since we wereseparated, that I have not the least remembrance of him, and, besides, you know that in the eyes of the world a large fortune covers alldefects. "

"He is a millionaire--his income is 500, 000 francs. "

"Then, " said the young man, with anxiety, "I shall be sure to be placedin an agreeable position. "

"One of the most agreeable possible, my dear sir; he will allow you anincome of 50, 000 livres per annum during the whole time of your stay inParis. "

"Then in that case I shall always choose to remain there. "

"You cannot control circumstances, my dear sir; 'man proposes, and Goddisposes. '" Andrea sighed. "But, " said he, "so long as I do remain inParis, and nothing forces me to quit it, do you mean to tell me that Imay rely on receiving the sum you just now mentioned to me?"

"You may. "

"Shall I receive it from my father?" asked Andrea, with some uneasiness.

"Yes, you will receive it from your father personally, but Lord Wilmorewill be the security for the money. He has, at the request of yourfather, opened an account of 6, 000. Francs a month at M. Danglars', which is one of the safest banks in Paris. "

"And does my father mean to remain long in Paris?" asked Andrea.

"Only a few days, " replied Monte Cristo. "His service does not allow himto absent himself more than two or three weeks together. "

"Ah, my dear father!" exclaimed Andrea, evidently charmed with the ideaof his speedy departure.

"Therefore, " said Monte Cristo feigning to mistake hismeaning--"therefore I will not, for another instant, retard the pleasureof your meeting. Are you prepared to embrace your worthy father?"

"I hope you do not doubt it. "

"Go, then, into the drawing-room, my young friend, where you will findyour father awaiting you. " Andrea made a low bow to the count, and entered the adjoining room. Monte Cristo watched him till hedisappeared, and then touched a spring in a panel made to look like apicture, which, in sliding partly from the frame, discovered to viewa small opening, so cleverly contrived that it revealed all that waspassing in the drawing-room now occupied by Cavalcanti and Andrea. Theyoung man closed the door behind him, and advanced towards the major, who had risen when he heard steps approaching him. "Ah, my dear father!"said Andrea in a loud voice, in order that the count might hear him inthe next room, "is it really you?"

"How do you do, my dear son?" said the major gravely.

"After so many years of painful separation, " said Andrea, in the sametone of voice, and glancing towards the door, "what a happiness it is tomeet again!"

"Indeed it is, after so long a separation. "

"Will you not embrace me, sir?" said Andrea.

"If you wish it, my son, " said the major; and the two men embraced eachother after the fashion of actors on the stage; that is to say, eachrested his head on the other's shoulder.

"Then we are once more reunited?" said Andrea.

"Once more, " replied the major.

"Never more to be separated?"

"Why, as to that--I think, my dear son, you must be by this time soaccustomed to France as to look upon it almost as a second country. "

"The fact is, " said the young man, "that I should be exceedingly grievedto leave it. "

"As for me, you must know I cannot possibly live out of Lucca; thereforeI shall return to Italy as soon as I can. "

"But before you leave France, my dear father, I hope you will put mein possession of the documents which will be necessary to prove mydescent. "

"Certainly; I am come expressly on that account; it has cost me muchtrouble to find you, but I had resolved on giving them into your hands, and if I had to recommence my search, it would occupy all the fewremaining years of my life. "

"Where are these papers, then?"

"Here they are. "

Andrea seized the certificate of his father's marriage and his ownbaptismal register, and after having opened them with all the eagernesswhich might be expected under the circumstances, he read them with afacility which proved that he was accustomed to similar documents, andwith an expression which plainly denoted an unusual interest in thecontents. When he had perused the documents, an indefinable expressionof pleasure lighted up his countenance, and looking at the major with amost peculiar smile, he said, in very excellent Tuscan, --"Then there isno longer any such thing, in Italy as being condemned to the galleys?"The major drew himself up to his full height.

"Why?--what do you mean by that question?"

"I mean that if there were, it would be impossible to draw up withimpunity two such deeds as these. In France, my dear sir, half such apiece of effrontery as that would cause you to be quickly despatched toToulon for five years, for change of air. "

"Will you be good enough to explain your meaning?" said the major, endeavoring as much as possible to assume an air of the greatestmajesty.

"My dear M. Cavalcanti, " said Andrea, taking the major by the arm in aconfidential manner, "how much are you paid for being my father?" Themajor was about to speak, when Andrea continued, in a low voice.

"Nonsense, I am going to set you an example of confidence, they give me50, 000 francs a year to be your son; consequently, you can understandthat it is not at all likely I shall ever deny my parent. " The majorlooked anxiously around him. "Make yourself easy, we are quite alone, "said Andrea; "besides, we are conversing in Italian. "

"Well, then, " replied the major, "they paid me 50, 000 francs down. "

"Monsieur Cavalcanti, " said Andrea, "do you believe in fairy tales?"

"I used not to do so, but I really feel now almost obliged to have faithin them. "

"You have, then, been induced to alter your opinion; you have had someproofs of their truth?" The major drew from his pocket a handful ofgold. "Most palpable proofs, " said he, "as you may perceive. "

"You think, then, that I may rely on the count's promises?"

"Certainly I do. "

"You are sure he will keep his word with me?"

"To the letter, but at the same time, remember, we must continue to playour respective parts. I, as a tender father"--

"And I as a dutiful son, as they choose that I shall be descended fromyou. "

"Whom do you mean by they?"

"Ma foi, I can hardly tell, but I was alluding to those who wrote theletter; you received one, did you not?"

"Yes. "

"From whom?"

"From a certain Abbe Busoni. "

"Have you any knowledge of him?"

"No, I have never seen him. "

"What did he say in the letter?"

"You will promise not to betray me?"

"Rest assured of that; you well know that our interests are the same. "

"Then read for yourself;" and the major gave a letter into the youngman's hand. Andrea read in a low voice--

"You are poor; a miserable old age awaits you. Would you like to becomerich, or at least independent? Set out immediately for Paris, and demandof the Count of Monte Cristo, Avenue des Champs Elysees, No. 30, the sonwhom you had by the Marchesa Corsinari, and who was taken from you atfive years of age. This son is named Andrea Cavalcanti. In order thatyou may not doubt the kind intention of the writer of this letter, youwill find enclosed an order for 2, 400 francs, payable in Florence, atSignor Gozzi's; also a letter of introduction to the Count of MonteCristo, on whom I give you a draft of 48, 000 francs. Remember to go tothe count on the 26th May at seven o'clock in the evening.

(Signed)

"Abbe Busoni. "

"It is the same. "

"What do you mean?" said the major.

"I was going to say that I received a letter almost to the same effect. "

"You?"

"Yes. "

"From the Abbe Busoni?"

"No. "

"From whom, then?"

"From an Englishman, called Lord Wilmore, who takes the name of Sinbadthe Sailor. "

"And of whom you have no more knowledge than I of the Abbe Busoni?"

"You are mistaken; there I am ahead of you. "

"You have seen him, then?"

"Yes, once. "

"Where?"

"Ah, that is just what I cannot tell you; if I did, I should make you aswise as myself, which it is not my intention to do. "

"And what did the letter contain?"

"Read it. "

"'You are poor, and your future prospects are dark and gloomy. Do youwish for a name? should you like to be rich, and your own master?'"

"Ma foi, " said the young man; "was it possible there could be twoanswers to such a question?"

"Take the post-chaise which you will find waiting at the Porte de Genes, as you enter Nice; pass through Turin, Chambery, and Pont-de-Beauvoisin. Go to the Count of Monte Cristo, Avenue des Champs Elysees, on the 26thof May, at seven o'clock in the evening, and demand of him your father. You are the son of the Marchese Cavalcanti and the Marchesa OlivaCorsinari. The marquis will give you some papers which will certify thisfact, and authorize you to appear under that name in the Parisian world. As to your rank, an annual income of 50, 000 livres will enable you tosupport it admirably. I enclose a draft for 5, 000 livres, payable on M. Ferrea, banker at Nice, and also a letter of introduction to the Countof Monte Cristo, whom I have directed to supply all your wants.



"Sinbad the Sailor. "

"Humph, " said the major; "very good. You have seen the count, you say?"

"I have only just left him. "

"And has he conformed to all that the letter specified?"

"He has. "

"Do you understand it?"

"Not in the least. "

"There is a dupe somewhere. "

"At all events, it is neither you nor I. "

"Certainly not. "

"Well, then"--

"Why, it does not much concern us, do you think it does?"

"No; I agree with you there. We must play the game to the end, andconsent to be blindfolded. "

"Ah, you shall see; I promise you I will sustain my part to admiration. "

"I never once doubted your doing so. " Monte Cristo chose this moment forre-entering the drawing-room. On hearing the sound of his footsteps, thetwo men threw themselves in each other's arms, and while they were inthe midst of this embrace, the count entered. "Well, marquis, " saidMonte Cristo, "you appear to be in no way disappointed in the son whomyour good fortune has restored to you. "

"Ah, your excellency, I am overwhelmed with delight. "

"And what are your feelings?" said Monte Cristo, turning to the youngman.

"As for me, my heart is overflowing with happiness. "

"Happy father, happy son!" said the count.

"There is only one thing which grieves me, " observed the major, "andthat is the necessity for my leaving Paris so soon. "

"Ah, my dear M. Cavalcanti, I trust you will not leave before I have hadthe honor of presenting you to some of my friends. "

"I am at your service, sir, " replied the major.

"Now, sir, " said Monte Cristo, addressing Andrea, "make yourconfession. "

"To whom?"

"Tell M. Cavalcanti something of the state of your finances. "

"Ma foi, monsieur, you have touched upon a tender chord. "

"Do you hear what he says, major?"

"Certainly I do. "

"But do you understand?"

"I do. "

"Your son says he requires money. "

"Well, what would you have me do?" said the major.

"You should furnish him with some of course, " replied Monte Cristo.

"I?"

"Yes, you, " said the count, at the same time advancing towards Andrea, and slipping a packet of bank-notes into the young man's hand.

"What is this?"

"It is from your father. "

"From my father?"

"Yes; did you not tell him just now that you wanted money? Well, then, he deputes me to give you this. "

"Am I to consider this as part of my income on account?"

"No, it is for the first expenses of your settling in Paris. "

"Ah, how good my dear father is!"

"Silence, " said Monte Cristo; "he does not wish you to know that itcomes from him. "

"I fully appreciate his delicacy, " said Andrea, cramming the noteshastily into his pocket.

"And now, gentlemen, I wish you good-morning, " said Monte Cristo.

"And when shall we have the honor of seeing you again, your excellency?"asked Cavalcanti.

"Ah, " said Andrea, "when may we hope for that pleasure?"

"On Saturday, if you will--Yes. --Let me see--Saturday--I am to dine atmy country house, at Auteuil, on that day, Rue de la Fontaine, No. 28. Several persons are invited, and among others, M. Danglars, your banker. I will introduce you to him, for it will be necessary he should knowyou, as he is to pay your money. "

"Full dress?" said the major, half aloud.

"Oh, yes, certainly, " said the count; "uniform, cross, knee-breeches. "

"And how shall I be dressed?" demanded Andrea.

"Oh, very simply; black trousers, patent leather boots, white waistcoat, either a black or blue coat, and a long cravat. Go to Blin or Veroniquefor your clothes. Baptistin will tell you where, if you do not knowtheir address. The less pretension there is in your attire, the betterwill be the effect, as you are a rich man. If you mean to buy anyhorses, get them of Devedeux, and if you purchase a phaeton, go toBaptiste for it. "

"At what hour shall we come?" asked the young man.

"About half-past six. "

"We will be with you at that time, " said the major. The two Cavalcantibowed to the count, and left the house. Monte Cristo went to the window, and saw them crossing the street, arm in arm. "There go two miscreants;"said he, "it is a pity they are not really related!"--then, after aninstant of gloomy reflection, "Come, I will go to see the Morrels, " saidhe; "I think that disgust is even more sickening than hatred. "

Chapter 57. In the Lucerne Patch.

Our readers must now allow us to transport them again to the enclosuresurrounding M. De Villefort's house, and, behind the gate, half screenedfrom view by the large chestnut-trees, which on all sides spread theirluxuriant branches, we shall find some people of our acquaintance. Thistime Maximilian was the first to arrive. He was intently watching for ashadow to appear among the trees, and awaiting with anxiety the sound ofa light step on the gravel walk. At length, the long-desired sound washeard, and instead of one figure, as he had expected, he perceived thattwo were approaching him. The delay had been occasioned by a visit fromMadame Danglars and Eugenie, which had been prolonged beyond the time atwhich Valentine was expected. That she might not appear to fail in herpromise to Maximilian, she proposed to Mademoiselle Danglars that theyshould take a walk in the garden, being anxious to show that the delay, which was doubtless a cause of vexation to him, was not occasioned byany neglect on her part. The young man, with the intuitive perceptionof a lover, quickly understood the circumstances in which she wasinvoluntarily placed, and he was comforted. Besides, although sheavoided coming within speaking distance, Valentine arranged so thatMaximilian could see her pass and repass, and each time she went by, shemanaged, unperceived by her companion, to cast an expressive look atthe young man, which seemed to say, "Have patience! You see it is notmy fault. " And Maximilian was patient, and employed himself in mentallycontrasting the two girls, --one fair, with soft languishing eyes, afigure gracefully bending like a weeping willow; the other a brunette, with a fierce and haughty expression, and as straight as a poplar. It isunnecessary to state that, in the eyes of the young man, Valentine didnot suffer by the contrast. In about half an hour the girls went away, and Maximilian understood that Mademoiselle Danglars' visit had at lastcome to an end. In a few minutes Valentine re-entered the garden alone. For fear that any one should be observing her return, she walked slowly;and instead of immediately directing her steps towards the gate, sheseated herself on a bench, and, carefully casting her eyes around, toconvince herself that she was not watched, she presently arose, andproceeded quickly to join Maximilian.

"Good-evening, Valentine, " said a well-known voice.

"Good-evening, Maximilian; I know I have kept you waiting, but you sawthe cause of my delay. "

"Yes, I recognized Mademoiselle Danglars. I was not aware that you wereso intimate with her. "

"Who told you we were intimate, Maximilian?"

"No one, but you appeared to be so. From the manner in which you walkedand talked together, one would have thought you were two school-girlstelling your secrets to each other. "

"We were having a confidential conversation, " returned Valentine; "shewas owning to me her repugnance to the marriage with M. De Morcerf; andI, on the other hand, was confessing to her how wretched it made me tothink of marrying M. D'Epinay. "

"Dear Valentine!"

"That will account to you for the unreserved manner which you observedbetween me and Eugenie, as in speaking of the man whom I could not love, my thoughts involuntarily reverted to him on whom my affections werefixed. "

"Ah, how good you are to say so, Valentine! You possess a quality whichcan never belong to Mademoiselle Danglars. It is that indefinable charmwhich is to a woman what perfume is to the flower and flavor to thefruit, for the beauty of either is not the only quality we seek. "

"It is your love which makes you look upon everything in that light. "

"No, Valentine, I assure you such is not the case. I was observing youboth when you were walking in the garden, and, on my honor, without atall wishing to depreciate the beauty of Mademoiselle Danglars, I cannotunderstand how any man can really love her. "

"The fact is, Maximilian, that I was there, and my presence had theeffect of rendering you unjust in your comparison. "

"No; but tell me--it is a question of simple curiosity, and which wassuggested by certain ideas passing in my mind relative to MademoiselleDanglars"--

"I dare say it is something disparaging which you are going to say. It only proves how little indulgence we may expect from your sex, "interrupted Valentine.

"You cannot, at least, deny that you are very harsh judges of eachother. "

"If we are so, it is because we generally judge under the influence ofexcitement. But return to your question. "

"Does Mademoiselle Danglars object to this marriage with M. De Morcerfon account of loving another?"

"I told you I was not on terms of strict intimacy with Eugenie. "

"Yes, but girls tell each other secrets without being particularlyintimate; own, now, that you did question her on the subject. Ah, I seeyou are smiling. "

"If you are already aware of the conversation that passed, the woodenpartition which interposed between us and you has proved but a slightsecurity. "

"Come, what did she say?"

"She told me that she loved no one, " said Valentine; "that she dislikedthe idea of being married; that she would infinitely prefer leading anindependent and unfettered life; and that she almost wished her fathermight lose his fortune, that she might become an artist, like herfriend, Mademoiselle Louise d'Armilly. "

"Ah, you see"--

"Well, what does that prove?" asked Valentine.

"Nothing, " replied Maximilian.

"Then why did you smile?"

"Why, you know very well that you are reflecting on yourself, Valentine. "

"Do you want me to go away?"

"Ah, no, no. But do not let us lose time; you are the subject on which Iwish to speak. "

"True, we must be quick, for we have scarcely ten minutes more to passtogether. "

"Ma foi, " said Maximilian, in consternation.

"Yes, you are right; I am but a poor friend to you. What a life Icause you to lead, poor Maximilian, you who are formed for happiness! Ibitterly reproach myself, I assure you. "

"Well, what does it signify, Valentine, so long as I am satisfied, andfeel that even this long and painful suspense is amply repaid by fiveminutes of your society, or two words from your lips? And I have alsoa deep conviction that heaven would not have created two hearts, harmonizing as ours do, and almost miraculously brought us together, toseparate us at last. "

"Those are kind and cheering words. You must hope for us both, Maximilian; that will make me at least partly happy. "

"But why must you leave me so soon?"

"I do not know particulars. I can only tell you that Madame de Villefortsent to request my presence, as she had a communication to make on whicha part of my fortune depended. Let them take my fortune, I am alreadytoo rich; and, perhaps, when they have taken it, they will leave me inpeace and quietness. You would love me as much if I were poor, would younot, Maximilian?"

"Oh, I shall always love you. What should I care for either riches orpoverty, if my Valentine was near me, and I felt certain that no onecould deprive me of her? But do you not fear that this communication mayrelate to your marriage?"

"I do not think that is the case. "

"However it may be, Valentine, you must not be alarmed. I assure youthat, as long as I live, I shall never love any one else!"

"You think to reassure me when you say that, Maximilian. "

"Pardon me, you are right. I am a brute. But I was going to tell youthat I met M. De Morcerf the other day. "

"Well?"

"Monsieur Franz is his friend, you know. "

"What then?"

"Monsieur de Morcerf has received a letter from Franz, announcing hisimmediate return. " Valentine turned pale, and leaned her hand againstthe gate. "Ah heavens, if it were that! But no, the communication wouldnot come through Madame de Villefort. "

"Why not?"

"Because--I scarcely know why--but it has appeared as if Madame deVillefort secretly objected to the marriage, although she did not chooseopenly to oppose it. "

"Is it so? Then I feel as if I could adore Madame de Villefort. "

"Do not be in such a hurry to do that, " said Valentine, with a sadsmile.

"If she objects to your marrying M. D'Epinay, she would be all the morelikely to listen to any other proposition. "

"No, Maximilian, it is not suitors to which Madame de Villefort objects, it is marriage itself. "

"Marriage? If she dislikes that so much, why did she ever marryherself?"

"You do not understand me, Maximilian. About a year ago, I talked ofretiring to a convent. Madame de Villefort, in spite of all the remarkswhich she considered it her duty to make, secretly approved of theproposition, my father consented to it at her instigation, and it wasonly on account of my poor grandfather that I finally abandoned theproject. You can form no idea of the expression of that old man's eyewhen he looks at me, the only person in the world whom he loves, and, I had almost said, by whom he is beloved in return. When he learned myresolution, I shall never forget the reproachful look which he caston me, and the tears of utter despair which chased each other down hislifeless cheeks. Ah, Maximilian, I experienced, at that moment, such remorse for my intention, that, throwing myself at his feet, Iexclaimed, --'Forgive me, pray forgive me, my dear grandfather; they maydo what they will with me, I will never leave you. ' When I had ceasedspeaking, he thankfully raised his eyes to heaven, but without utteringa word. Ah, Maximilian, I may have much to suffer, but I feel as if mygrandfather's look at that moment would more than compensate for all. "

"Dear Valentine, you are a perfect angel, and I am sure I do not knowwhat I--sabring right and left among the Bedouins--can have done tomerit your being revealed to me, unless, indeed, heaven took intoconsideration the fact that the victims of my sword were infidels. Buttell me what interest Madame de Villefort can have in your remainingunmarried?"

"Did I not tell you just now that I was rich, Maximilian--too rich? Ipossess nearly 50, 000 livres in right of my mother; my grandfather andmy grandmother, the Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Meran, will leaveme as much, and M. Noirtier evidently intends making me his heir. Mybrother Edward, who inherits nothing from his mother, will, therefore, be poor in comparison with me. Now, if I had taken the veil, all thisfortune would have descended to my father, and, in reversion, to hisson. "

"Ah, how strange it seems that such a young and beautiful woman shouldbe so avaricious. "

"It is not for herself that she is so, but for her son, and what youregard as a vice becomes almost a virtue when looked at in the light ofmaternal love. "

"But could you not compromise matters, and give up a portion of yourfortune to her son?"

"How could I make such a proposition, especially to a woman who alwaysprofesses to be so entirely disinterested?"

"Valentine, I have always regarded our love in the light of somethingsacred; consequently, I have covered it with the veil of respect, andhid it in the innermost recesses of my soul. No human being, not even mysister, is aware of its existence. Valentine, will you permit me to makea confidant of a friend and reveal to him the love I bear you?"

Valentine started. "A friend, Maximilian; and who is this friend? Itremble to give my permission. "

"Listen, Valentine. Have you never experienced for any one that suddenand irresistible sympathy which made you feel as if the object of it hadbeen your old and familiar friend, though, in reality, it was the firsttime you had ever met? Nay, further, have you never endeavored to recallthe time, place, and circumstances of your former intercourse, andfailing in this attempt, have almost believed that your spirits musthave held converse with each other in some state of being anterior tothe present, and that you are only now occupied in a reminiscence of thepast?"

"Yes. "

"Well, that is precisely the feeling which I experienced when I firstsaw that extraordinary man. "

"Extraordinary, did you say?"

"Yes. "

"You have known him for some time, then?"

"Scarcely longer than eight or ten days. "

"And do you call a man your friend whom you have only known for eightor ten days? Ah, Maximilian, I had hoped you set a higher value on thetitle of friend. "

"Your logic is most powerful, Valentine, but say what you will, I cannever renounce the sentiment which has instinctively taken possessionof my mind. I feel as if it were ordained that this man should beassociated with all the good which the future may have in store for me, and sometimes it really seems as if his eye was able to see what was tocome, and his hand endowed with the power of directing events accordingto his own will. "

"He must be a prophet, then, " said Valentine, smiling.

"Indeed, " said Maximilian, "I have often been almost tempted toattribute to him the gift of prophecy; at all events, he has a wonderfulpower of foretelling any future good. "

"Ah, " said Valentine in a mournful tone, "do let me see this man, Maximilian; he may tell me whether I shall ever be loved sufficiently tomake amends for all I have suffered. "

"My poor girl, you know him already. "

"I know him?"

"Yes; it was he who saved the life of your step-mother and her son. "

"The Count of Monte Cristo?"

"The same. "

"Ah, " cried Valentine, "he is too much the friend of Madame de Villefortever to be mine. "

"The friend of Madame de Villefort! It cannot be; surely, Valentine, youare mistaken?"

"No, indeed, I am not; for I assure you, his power over our householdis almost unlimited. Courted by my step-mother, who regards him as theepitome of human wisdom; admired by my father, who says he has neverbefore heard such sublime ideas so eloquently expressed; idolized byEdward, who, notwithstanding his fear of the count's large black eyes, runs to meet him the moment he arrives, and opens his hand, in which heis sure to find some delightful present, --M. De Monte Cristo appearsto exert a mysterious and almost uncontrollable influence over all themembers of our family. "

"If such be the case, my dear Valentine, you must yourself have felt, or at all events will soon feel, the effects of his presence. He meetsAlbert de Morcerf in Italy--it is to rescue him from the hands of thebanditti; he introduces himself to Madame Danglars--it is that he maygive her a royal present; your step-mother and her son pass before hisdoor--it is that his Nubian may save them from destruction. This manevidently possesses the power of influencing events, both as regardsmen and things. I never saw more simple tastes united to greatermagnificence. His smile is so sweet when he addresses me, that I forgetit ever can be bitter to others. Ah, Valentine, tell me, if he everlooked on you with one of those sweet smiles? if so, depend on it, youwill be happy. "

"Me?" said the young girl, "he never even glances at me; on thecontrary, if I accidentally cross his path, he appears rather to avoidme. Ah, he is not generous, neither does he possess that supernaturalpenetration which you attribute to him, for if he did, he would haveperceived that I was unhappy; and if he had been generous, seeing mesad and solitary, he would have used his influence to my advantage, andsince, as you say, he resembles the sun, he would have warmed my heartwith one of his life-giving rays. You say he loves you, Maximilian; howdo you know that he does? All would pay deference to an officer likeyou, with a fierce mustache and a long sabre, but they think they maycrush a poor weeping girl with impunity. "

"Ah, Valentine, I assure you you are mistaken. "

"If it were otherwise--if he treated me diplomatically--that is to say, like a man who wishes, by some means or other, to obtain a footing inthe house, so that he may ultimately gain the power of dictating to itsoccupants--he would, if it had been but once, have honored me with thesmile which you extol so loudly; but no, he saw that I was unhappy, he understood that I could be of no use to him, and therefore paid noattention to me whatever. Who knows but that, in order to please Madamede Villefort and my father, he may not persecute me by every means inhis power? It is not just that he should despise me so, without anyreason. Ah, forgive me, " said Valentine, perceiving the effect which herwords were producing on Maximilian: "I have done wrong, for I have givenutterance to thoughts concerning that man which I did not even knowexisted in my heart. I do not deny the influence of which you speak, or that I have not myself experienced it, but with me it has beenproductive of evil rather than good. "

"Well, Valentine, " said Morrel with a sigh, "we will not discuss thematter further. I will not make a confidant of him. "

"Alas, " said Valentine, "I see that I have given you pain. I can onlysay how sincerely I ask pardon for having griefed you. But, indeed, I amnot prejudiced beyond the power of conviction. Tell me what this Countof Monte Cristo has done for you. "

"I own that your question embarrasses me, Valentine, for I cannot saythat the count has rendered me any ostensible service. Still, as I havealready told you I have an instinctive affection for him, the source ofwhich I cannot explain to you. Has the sun done anything for me? No; hewarms me with his rays, and it is by his light that I see you--nothingmore. Has such and such a perfume done anything for me? No; its odorcharms one of my senses--that is all I can say when I am asked why Ipraise it. My friendship for him is as strange and unaccountable ashis for me. A secret voice seems to whisper to me that there must besomething more than chance in this unexpected reciprocity of friendship. In his most simple actions, as well as in his most secret thoughts, Ifind a relation to my own. You will perhaps smile at me when I tell youthat, ever since I have known this man, I have involuntarily entertainedthe idea that all the good fortune which has befallen me originatedfrom him. However, I have managed to live thirty years without thisprotection, you will say; but I will endeavor a little to illustrate mymeaning. He invited me to dine with him on Saturday, which was a verynatural thing for him to do. Well, what have I learned since? That yourmother and M. De Villefort are both coming to this dinner. I shall meetthem there, and who knows what future advantages may result from theinterview? This may appear to you to be no unusual combination ofcircumstances; nevertheless, I perceive some hidden plot in thearrangement--something, in fact, more than is apparent on a casual viewof the subject. I believe that this singular man, who appears to fathomthe motives of every one, has purposely arranged for me to meet M. AndMadame de Villefort, and sometimes, I confess, I have gone so far as totry to read in his eyes whether he was in possession of the secret ofour love. "

"My good friend, " said Valentine, "I should take you for a visionary, and should tremble for your reason, if I were always to hear you talk ina strain similar to this. Is it possible that you can see anythingmore than the merest chance in this meeting? Pray reflect a little. My father, who never goes out, has several times been on the pointof refusing this invitation; Madame de Villefort, on the contrary, isburning with the desire of seeing this extraordinary nabob in his ownhouse, therefore, she has with great difficulty prevailed on my fatherto accompany her. No, no; it is as I have said, Maximilian, --there is noone in the world of whom I can ask help but yourself and my grandfather, who is little better than a corpse. "

"I see that you are right, logically speaking, " said Maximilian; "butthe gentle voice which usually has such power over me fails to convinceme to-day. "

"I feel the same as regards yourself. " said Valentine; "and I own that, if you have no stronger proof to give me"--

"I have another, " replied Maximilian; "but I fear you will deem it evenmore absurd than the first. "

"So much the worse, " said Valentine, smiling.

"It is, nevertheless, conclusive to my mind. My ten years of servicehave also confirmed my ideas on the subject of sudden inspirations, forI have several times owed my life to a mysterious impulse which directedme to move at once either to the right or to the left, in order toescape the ball which killed the comrade fighting by my side, while itleft me unharmed. "

"Dear Maximilian, why not attribute your escape to my constant prayersfor your safety? When you are away, I no longer pray for myself, but foryou. "

"Yes, since you have known me, " said Morrel, smiling; "but that cannotapply to the time previous to our acquaintance, Valentine. "

"You are very provoking, and will not give me credit for anything; butlet me hear this second proof, which you yourself own to be absurd. "

"Well, look through this opening, and you will see the beautiful newhorse which I rode here. "

"Ah, what a beautiful creature!" cried Valentine; "why did you not bringhim close to the gate, so that I could talk to him and pat him?"

"He is, as you see, a very valuable animal, " said Maximilian. "You knowthat my means are limited, and that I am what would be designated a manof moderate pretensions. Well, I went to a horse dealer's, where I sawthis magnificent horse, which I have named Medeah. I asked the price;they told me it was 4, 500 francs. I was, therefore, obliged to give itup, as you may imagine, but I own I went away with rather a heavy heart, for the horse had looked at me affectionately, had rubbed his headagainst me and, when I mounted him, had pranced in the most delightfulway imaginable, so that I was altogether fascinated with him. The sameevening some friends of mine visited me, --M. De Chateau-Renaud, M. Debray, and five or six other choice spirits, whom you do not know, evenby name. They proposed a game of bouillotte. I never play, for I am notrich enough to afford to lose, or sufficiently poor to desire to gain. But I was at my own house, you understand, so there was nothing to bedone but to send for the cards, which I did.

"Just as they were sitting down to table, M. De Monte Cristo arrived. Hetook his seat amongst them; they played, and I won. I am almost ashamedto say that my gains amounted to 5, 000 francs. We separated at midnight. I could not defer my pleasure, so I took a cabriolet and drove to thehorse dealer's. Feverish and excited, I rang at the door. The person whoopened it must have taken me for a madman, for I rushed at once to thestable. Medeah was standing at the rack, eating his hay. I immediatelyput on the saddle and bridle, to which operation he lent himself withthe best grace possible; then, putting the 4, 500 francs into the handsof the astonished dealer, I proceeded to fulfil my intention of passingthe night in riding in the Champs Elysees. As I rode by the count'shouse I perceived a light in one of the windows, and fancied I saw theshadow of his figure moving behind the curtain. Now, Valentine, I firmlybelieve that he knew of my wish to possess this horse, and that he lostexpressly to give me the means of procuring him. "

"My dear Maximilian, you are really too fanciful; you will not love evenme long. A man who accustoms himself to live in such a world of poetryand imagination must find far too little excitement in a common, every-day sort of attachment such as ours. But they are calling me. Doyou hear?"

"Ah, Valentine, " said Maximilian, "give me but one finger through thisopening in the grating, one finger, the littlest finger of all, that Imay have the happiness of kissing it. "

"Maximilian, we said we would be to each other as two voices, twoshadows. "

"As you will, Valentine. "

"Shall you be happy if I do what you wish?"

"Oh, yes!" Valentine mounted on a bench, and passed not only her fingerbut her whole hand through the opening. Maximilian uttered a cry ofdelight, and, springing forwards, seized the hand extended towards him, and imprinted on it a fervent and impassioned kiss. The little hand wasthen immediately withdrawn, and the young man saw Valentine hurryingtowards the house, as though she were almost terrified at her ownsensations.

Chapter 58. M. Noirtier de Villefort.

We will now relate what was passing in the house of the king's attorneyafter the departure of Madame Danglars and her daughter, and during thetime of the conversation between Maximilian and Valentine, which we havejust detailed. M. De Villefort entered his father's room, followed byMadame de Villefort. Both of the visitors, after saluting the old manand speaking to Barrois, a faithful servant, who had been twenty-fiveyears in his service, took their places on either side of the paralytic.

M. Noirtier was sitting in an arm-chair, which moved upon casters, inwhich he was wheeled into the room in the morning, and in the same waydrawn out again at night. He was placed before a large glass, whichreflected the whole apartment, and so, without any attempt to move, which would have been impossible, he could see all who entered the roomand everything which was going on around him. M. Noirtier, althoughalmost as immovable as a corpse, looked at the new-comers with a quickand intelligent expression, perceiving at once, by their ceremoniouscourtesy, that they were come on business of an unexpected and officialcharacter. Sight and hearing were the only senses remaining, and they, like two solitary sparks, remained to animate the miserable body whichseemed fit for nothing but the grave; it was only, however, by means ofone of these senses that he could reveal the thoughts and feelings thatstill occupied his mind, and the look by which he gave expression to hisinner life was like the distant gleam of a candle which a traveller seesby night across some desert place, and knows that a living being dwellsbeyond the silence and obscurity. Noirtier's hair was long and white, and flowed over his shoulders; while in his eyes, shaded by thick blacklashes, was concentrated, as it often happens with an organ which isused to the exclusion of the others, all the activity, address, force, and intelligence which were formerly diffused over his whole body; andso although the movement of the arm, the sound of the voice, and theagility of the body, were wanting, the speaking eye sufficed for all. He commanded with it; it was the medium through which his thanks wereconveyed. In short, his whole appearance produced on the mind theimpression of a corpse with living eyes, and nothing could be morestartling than to observe the expression of anger or joy suddenlylighting up these organs, while the rest of the rigid and marble-likefeatures were utterly deprived of the power of participation. Threepersons only could understand this language of the poor paralytic; thesewere Villefort, Valentine, and the old servant of whom we have alreadyspoken. But as Villefort saw his father but seldom, and then only whenabsolutely obliged, and as he never took any pains to please or gratifyhim when he was there, all the old man's happiness was centred in hisgranddaughter. Valentine, by means of her love, her patience, and herdevotion, had learned to read in Noirtier's look all the varied feelingswhich were passing in his mind. To this dumb language, which was sounintelligible to others, she answered by throwing her whole soulinto the expression of her countenance, and in this manner were theconversations sustained between the blooming girl and the helplessinvalid, whose body could scarcely be called a living one, but who, nevertheless, possessed a fund of knowledge and penetration, united witha will as powerful as ever although clogged by a body rendered utterlyincapable of obeying its impulses. Valentine had solved the problem, and was able easily to understand his thoughts, and to convey her own inreturn, and, through her untiring and devoted assiduity, it was seldomthat, in the ordinary transactions of every-day life, she failed toanticipate the wishes of the living, thinking mind, or the wants of thealmost inanimate body. As to the servant, he had, as we have said, beenwith his master for five and twenty years, therefore he knew all hishabits, and it was seldom that Noirtier found it necessary to ask foranything, so prompt was he in administering to all the necessities ofthe invalid. Villefort did not need the help of either Valentine or thedomestic in order to carry on with his father the strange conversationwhich he was about to begin. As we have said, he perfectly understoodthe old man's vocabulary, and if he did not use it more often, itwas only indifference and ennui which prevented him from so doing. Hetherefore allowed Valentine to go into the garden, sent away Barrois, and after having seated himself at his father's right hand, while Madamede Villefort placed herself on the left, he addressed him thus:--

"I trust you will not be displeased, sir, that Valentine has not comewith us, or that I dismissed Barrois, for our conference will be onewhich could not with propriety be carried on in the presence of either. Madame de Villefort and I have a communication to make to you. "

Noirtier's face remained perfectly passive during this long preamble, while, on the contrary, Villefort's eye was endeavoring to penetrateinto the inmost recesses of the old man's heart.

"This communication, " continued the procureur, in that cold and decisivetone which seemed at once to preclude all discussion, "will, we aresure, meet with your approbation. " The eye of the invalid still retainedthat vacancy of expression which prevented his son from obtaining anyknowledge of the feelings which were passing in his mind; he listened, nothing more. "Sir, " resumed Villefort, "we are thinking of marryingValentine. " Had the old man's face been moulded in wax it could not haveshown less emotion at this news than was now to be traced there. "Themarriage will take place in less than three months, " said Villefort. Noirtier's eye still retained its inanimate expression.

Madame de Villefort now took her part in the conversation andadded, --"We thought this news would possess an interest for you, sir, who have always entertained a great affection for Valentine; ittherefore only now remains for us to tell you the name of the young manfor whom she is destined. It is one of the most desirable connectionswhich could possibly be formed; he possesses fortune, a high rank insociety, and every personal qualification likely to render Valentinesupremely happy, --his name, moreover, cannot be wholly unknown to you. It is M. Franz de Quesnel, Baron d'Epinay. "

While his wife was speaking, Villefort had narrowly watched the oldman's countenance. When Madame de Villefort pronounced the name ofFranz, the pupil of M. Noirtier's eye began to dilate, and his eyelidstrembled with the same movement that may be perceived on the lips of anindividual about to speak, and he darted a lightning glance at Madamede Villefort and his son. The procureur, who knew the political hatredwhich had formerly existed between M. Noirtier and the elder d'Epinay, well understood the agitation and anger which the announcement hadproduced; but, feigning not to perceive either, he immediately resumedthe narrative begun by his wife. "Sir, " said he, "you are aware thatValentine is about to enter her nineteenth year, which renders itimportant that she should lose no time in forming a suitable alliance. Nevertheless, you have not been forgotten in our plans, and we havefully ascertained beforehand that Valentine's future husband willconsent, not to live in this house, for that might not be pleasant forthe young people, but that you should live with them; so that you andValentine, who are so attached to each other, would not be separated, and you would be able to pursue exactly the same course of life whichyou have hitherto done, and thus, instead of losing, you will be againer by the change, as it will secure to you two children instead ofone, to watch over and comfort you. "



Noirtier's look was furious; it was very evident that somethingdesperate was passing in the old man's mind, for a cry of anger andgrief rose in his throat, and not being able to find vent in utterance, appeared almost to choke him, for his face and lips turned quite purplewith the struggle. Villefort quietly opened a window, saying, "It isvery warm, and the heat affects M. Noirtier. " He then returned to hisplace, but did not sit down. "This marriage, " added Madame de Villefort, "is quite agreeable to the wishes of M. D'Epinay and his family;besides, he had no relations nearer than an uncle and aunt, his motherhaving died at his birth, and his father having been assassinatedin 1815, that is to say, when he was but two years old; it naturallyfollowed that the child was permitted to choose his own pursuits, and hehas, therefore, seldom acknowledged any other authority but that of hisown will. "

"That assassination was a mysterious affair, " said Villefort, "and theperpetrators have hitherto escaped detection, although suspicion hasfallen on the head of more than one person. " Noirtier made such aneffort that his lips expanded into a smile.

"Now, " continued Villefort, "those to whom the guilt really belongs, by whom the crime was committed, on whose heads the justice of man mayprobably descend here, and the certain judgment of God hereafter, would rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded of bestowing sucha peace-offering as Valentine on the son of him whose life they soruthlessly destroyed. " Noirtier had succeeded in mastering his emotionmore than could have been deemed possible with such an enfeebled andshattered frame. "Yes, I understand, " was the reply contained in hislook; and this look expressed a feeling of strong indignation, mixedwith profound contempt. Villefort fully understood his father's meaning, and answered by a slight shrug of his shoulders. He then motioned to hiswife to take leave. "Now sir, " said Madame de Villefort, "I must bid youfarewell. Would you like me to send Edward to you for a short time?"

It had been agreed that the old man should express his approbation byclosing his eyes, his refusal by winking them several times, and if hehad some desire or feeling to express, he raised them to heaven. Ifhe wanted Valentine, he closed his right eye only, and if Barrois, theleft. At Madame de Villefort's proposition he instantly winked his eyes. Provoked by a complete refusal, she bit her lip and said, "Then shallI send Valentine to you?" The old man closed his eyes eagerly, therebyintimating that such was his wish. M. And Madame de Villefort bowed andleft the room, giving orders that Valentine should be summoned to hergrandfather's presence, and feeling sure that she would have much to doto restore calmness to the perturbed spirit of the invalid. Valentine, with a color still heightened by emotion, entered the room just afterher parents had quitted it. One look was sufficient to tell her that hergrandfather was suffering, and that there was much on his mind which hewas wishing to communicate to her. "Dear grandpapa, " cried she, "whathas happened? They have vexed you, and you are angry?" The paralyticclosed his eyes in token of assent. "Who has displeased you? Is it myfather?"

"No. "

"Madame de Villefort?"

"No. "

"Me?" The former sign was repeated. "Are you displeased with me?" criedValentine in astonishment. M. Noirtier again closed his eyes. "And whathave I done, dear grandpapa, that you should be angry with me?" criedValentine.

There was no answer, and she continued. "I have not seen you all day. Has any one been speaking to you against me?"

"Yes, " said the old man's look, with eagerness.

"Let me think a moment. I do assure you, grandpapa--Ah--M. And Madame deVillefort have just left this room, have they not?"

"Yes. "

"And it was they who told you something which made you angry? Whatwas it then? May I go and ask them, that I may have the opportunity ofmaking my peace with you?"

"No, no, " said Noirtier's look.

"Ah, you frighten me. What can they have said?" and she again tried tothink what it could be.

"Ah, I know, " said she, lowering her voice and going close to the oldman. "They have been speaking of my marriage, --have they not?"

"Yes, " replied the angry look.

"I understand; you are displeased at the silence I have preserved on thesubject. The reason of it was, that they had insisted on my keeping thematter a secret, and begged me not to tell you anything of it. They didnot even acquaint me with their intentions, and I only discovered themby chance, that is why I have been so reserved with you, dear grandpapa. Pray forgive me. " But there was no look calculated to reassure her; allit seemed to say was, "It is not only your reserve which afflicts me. "

"What is it, then?" asked the young girl. "Perhaps you think I shallabandon you, dear grandpapa, and that I shall forget you when I ammarried?"

"No. "

"They told you, then, that M. D'Epinay consented to our all livingtogether?"

"Yes. "

"Then why are you still vexed and grieved?" The old man's eyes beamedwith an expression of gentle affection. "Yes, I understand, " saidValentine; "it is because you love me. " The old man assented. "And youare afraid I shall be unhappy?"

"Yes. "

"You do not like M. Franz?" The eyes repeated several times, "No, no, no. "

"Then you are vexed with the engagement?"

"Yes. "

"Well, listen, " said Valentine, throwing herself on her knees, andputting her arm round her grandfather's neck, "I am vexed, too, for I donot love M. Franz d'Epinay. " An expression of intense joy illumined theold man's eyes. "When I wished to retire into a convent, you rememberhow angry you were with me?" A tear trembled in the eye of the invalid. "Well, " continued Valentine, "the reason of my proposing it was thatI might escape this hateful marriage, which drives me to despair. "Noirtier's breathing came thick and short. "Then the idea of thismarriage really grieves you too? Ah, if you could but help me--if wecould both together defeat their plan! But you are unable to opposethem, --you, whose mind is so quick, and whose will is so firm arenevertheless, as weak and unequal to the contest as I am myself. Alas, you, who would have been such a powerful protector to me in the daysof your health and strength, can now only sympathize in my joys andsorrows, without being able to take any active part in them. However, this is much, and calls for gratitude and heaven has not taken away allmy blessings when it leaves me your sympathy and kindness. "

At these words there appeared in Noirtier's eye an expression of suchdeep meaning that the young girl thought she could read these wordsthere: "You are mistaken; I can still do much for you. "

"Do you think you can help me, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine.

"Yes. " Noirtier raised his eyes, it was the sign agreed on between himand Valentine when he wanted anything.

"What is it you want, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine, and sheendeavored to recall to mind all the things which he would be likely toneed; and as the ideas presented themselves to her mind, she repeatedthem aloud, then, --finding that all her efforts elicited nothing but aconstant "No, "--she said, "Come, since this plan does not answer, Iwill have recourse to another. " She then recited all the letters of thealphabet from A down to N. When she arrived at that letter the paralyticmade her understand that she had spoken the initial letter of the thinghe wanted. "Ah, " said Valentine, "the thing you desire begins with theletter N; it is with N that we have to do, then. Well, let me see, whatcan you want that begins with N? Na--Ne--Ni--No"--

"Yes, yes, yes, " said the old man's eye.

"Ah, it is No, then?"

"Yes. " Valentine fetched a dictionary, which she placed on a deskbefore Noirtier; she opened it, and, seeing that the odd man's eye wasthoroughly fixed on its pages, she ran her finger quickly up and downthe columns. During the six years which had passed since Noirtier firstfell into this sad state, Valentine's powers of invention had been toooften put to the test not to render her expert in devising expedientsfor gaining a knowledge of his wishes, and the constant practice hadso perfected her in the art that she guessed the old man's meaning asquickly as if he himself had been able to seek for what he wanted. Atthe word "Notary, " Noirtier made a sign to her to stop. "Notary, " saidshe, "do you want a notary, dear grandpapa?" The old man again signifiedthat it was a notary he desired.

"You would wish a notary to be sent for then?" said Valentine.

"Yes. "

"Shall my father be informed of your wish?"

"Yes. "

"Do you wish the notary to be sent for immediately?"

"Yes. "

"Then they shall go for him directly, dear grandpapa. Is that all youwant?"

"Yes. " Valentine rang the bell, and ordered the servant to tell Monsieuror Madame de Villefort that they were requested to come to M. Noirtier'sroom. "Are you satisfied now?" inquired Valentine.

"Yes. "

"I am sure you are; it is not very difficult to discover that, "--and theyoung girl smiled on her grandfather, as if he had been a child. M. DeVillefort entered, followed by Barrois. "What do you want me for, sir?"demanded he of the paralytic.

"Sir, " said Valentine, "my grandfather wishes for a notary. " At thisstrange and unexpected demand M. De Villefort and his father exchangedlooks. "Yes, " motioned the latter, with a firmness which seemed todeclare that with the help of Valentine and his old servant, whoboth knew what his wishes were, he was quite prepared to maintain thecontest. "Do you wish for a notary?" asked Villefort.

"Yes. "

"What to do?"

Noirtier made no answer. "What do you want with a notary?" againrepeated Villefort. The invalid's eye remained fixed, by whichexpression he intended to intimate that his resolution was unalterable. "Is it to do us some ill turn? Do you think it is worth while?" saidVillefort.

"Still, " said Barrois, with the freedom and fidelity of an old servant, "if M. Noirtier asks for a notary, I suppose he really wishes fora notary; therefore I shall go at once and fetch one. " Barroisacknowledged no master but Noirtier, and never allowed his desires inany way to be contradicted.

"Yes, I do want a notary, " motioned the old man, shutting his eyes witha look of defiance, which seemed to say, "and I should like to see theperson who dares to refuse my request. "

"You shall have a notary, as you absolutely wish for one, sir, " saidVillefort; "but I shall explain to him your state of health, and makeexcuses for you, for the scene cannot fail of being a most ridiculousone. "

"Never mind that, " said Barrois; "I shall go and fetch a notary, nevertheless, "--and the old servant departed triumphantly on hismission.

Chapter 59. The Will.

As soon as Barrois had left the room, Noirtier looked at Valentine witha malicious expression that said many things. The young girl perfectlyunderstood the look, and so did Villefort, for his countenance becameclouded, and he knitted his eyebrows angrily. He took a seat, andquietly awaited the arrival of the notary. Noirtier saw him seat himselfwith an appearance of perfect indifference, at the same time giving aside look at Valentine, which made her understand that she also was toremain in the room. Three-quarters of an hour after, Barrois returned, bringing the notary with him. "Sir, " said Villefort, after the firstsalutations were over, "you were sent for by M. Noirtier, whom you seehere. All his limbs have become completely paralysed, he has lost hisvoice also, and we ourselves find much trouble in endeavoring to catchsome fragments of his meaning. " Noirtier cast an appealing look onValentine, which look was at once so earnest and imperative, thatshe answered immediately. "Sir, " said she, "I perfectly understand mygrandfather's meaning at all times. "

"That is quite true, " said Barrois; "and that is what I told thegentleman as we walked along. "

"Permit me, " said the notary, turning first to Villefort and then toValentine--"permit me to state that the case in question is just oneof those in which a public officer like myself cannot proceed to actwithout thereby incurring a dangerous responsibility. The firstthing necessary to render an act valid is, that the notary should bethoroughly convinced that he has faithfully interpreted the will andwishes of the person dictating the act. Now I cannot be sure of theapprobation or disapprobation of a client who cannot speak, and as theobject of his desire or his repugnance cannot be clearly proved tome, on account of his want of speech, my services here would be quiteuseless, and cannot be legally exercised. " The notary then prepared toretire. An imperceptible smile of triumph was expressed on the lips ofthe procureur. Noirtier looked at Valentine with an expression so fullof grief, that she arrested the departure of the notary. "Sir, " saidshe, "the language which I speak with my grandfather may be easilylearnt, and I can teach you in a few minutes, to understand it almost aswell as I can myself. Will you tell me what you require, in order to setyour conscience quite at ease on the subject?"

"In order to render an act valid, I must be certain of the approbationor disapprobation of my client. Illness of body would not affect thevalidity of the deed, but sanity of mind is absolutely requisite. "

"Well, sir, by the help of two signs, with which I will acquaint youpresently, you may ascertain with perfect certainty that my grandfatheris still in the full possession of all his mental faculties. M. Noirtier, being deprived of voice and motion, is accustomed to conveyhis meaning by closing his eyes when he wishes to signify 'yes, ' andto wink when he means 'no. ' You now know quite enough to enable you toconverse with M. Noirtier;--try. " Noirtier gave Valentine such a lookof tenderness and gratitude that it was comprehended even by the notaryhimself. "You have heard and understood what your granddaughter has beensaying, sir, have you?" asked the notary. Noirtier closed his eyes. "Andyou approve of what she said--that is to say, you declare that thesigns which she mentioned are really those by means of which you areaccustomed to convey your thoughts?"

"Yes. "

"It was you who sent for me?"

"Yes. "

"To make your will?"

"Yes. "

"And you do not wish me to go away without fulfilling your originalintentions?" The old man winked violently. "Well, sir, " said the younggirl, "do you understand now, and is your conscience perfectly at reston the subject?" But before the notary could answer, Villefort had drawnhim aside. "Sir, " said he, "do you suppose for a moment that a man cansustain a physical shock, such as M. Noirtier has received, without anydetriment to his mental faculties?"

"It is not exactly that, sir, " said the notary, "which makes me uneasy, but the difficulty will be in wording his thoughts and intentions, so asto be able to get his answers. "

"You must see that to be an utter impossibility, " said Villefort. Valentine and the old man heard this conversation, and Noirtier fixedhis eye so earnestly on Valentine that she felt bound to answer to thelook.

"Sir, " said she, "that need not make you uneasy, however difficult itmay at first sight appear to be. I can discover and explain to you mygrandfather's thoughts, so as to put an end to all your doubts and fearson the subject. I have now been six years with M. Noirtier, and let himtell you if ever once, during that time, he has entertained a thoughtwhich he was unable to make me understand. "

"No, " signed the old man.

"Let us try what we can do, then, " said the notary. "You accept thisyoung lady as your interpreter, M. Noirtier?"

"Yes. "

"Well, sir, what do you require of me, and what document is it that youwish to be drawn up?" Valentine named all the letters of the alphabetuntil she came to W. At this letter the eloquent eye of Noirtier gaveher notice that she was to stop. "It is very evident that it is theletter W which M. Noirtier wants, " said the notary. "Wait, "said Valentine; and, turning to her grandfather, she repeated, "Wa--We--Wi"--The old man stopped her at the last syllable. Valentinethen took the dictionary, and the notary watched her while she turnedover the pages. She passed her finger slowly down the columns, and whenshe came to the word "Will, " M. Noirtier's eye bade her stop. "Will, "said the notary; "it is very evident that M. Noirtier is desirous ofmaking his will. "

"Yes, yes, yes, " motioned the invalid.

"Really, sir, you must allow that this is most extraordinary, " saidthe astonished notary, turning to M. De Villefort. "Yes, " said theprocureur, "and I think the will promises to be yet more extraordinary, for I cannot see how it is to be drawn up without the intervention ofValentine, and she may, perhaps, be considered as too much interested inits contents to allow of her being a suitable interpreter of the obscureand ill-defined wishes of her grandfather. "

"No, no, no, " replied the eye of the paralytic.

"What?" said Villefort, "do you mean to say that Valentine is notinterested in your will?"

"No. "

"Sir, " said the notary, whose interest had been greatly excited, andwho had resolved on publishing far and wide the account of thisextraordinary and picturesque scene, "what appeared so impossible to mean hour ago, has now become quite easy and practicable, and this maybe a perfectly valid will, provided it be read in the presence of sevenwitnesses, approved by the testator, and sealed by the notary in thepresence of the witnesses. As to the time, it will not require very muchmore than the generality of wills. There are certain forms necessary tobe gone through, and which are always the same. As to the details, thegreater part will be furnished afterwards by the state in which wefind the affairs of the testator, and by yourself, who, having had themanagement of them, can doubtless give full information on the subject. But besides all this, in order that the instrument may not be contested, I am anxious to give it the greatest possible authenticity, therefore, one of my colleagues will help me, and, contrary to custom, will assistin the dictation of the testament. Are you satisfied, sir?" continuedthe notary, addressing the old man.

"Yes, " looked the invalid, his eye beaming with delight at the readyinterpretation of his meaning.

"What is he going to do?" thought Villefort, whose position demandedmuch reserve, but who was longing to know what his father's intentionswere. He left the room to give orders for another notary to be sent, butBarrois, who had heard all that passed, had guessed his master's wishes, and had already gone to fetch one. The procureur then told his wife tocome up. In the course of a quarter of an hour every one had assembledin the chamber of the paralytic; the second notary had also arrived. Afew words sufficed for a mutual understanding between the two officersof the law. They read to Noirtier the formal copy of a will, in orderto give him an idea of the terms in which such documents are generallycouched; then, in order to test the capacity of the testator, the firstnotary said, turning towards him, --"When an individual makes his will, it is generally in favor or in prejudice of some person. "

"Yes. "

"Have you an exact idea of the amount of your fortune?"

"Yes. "

"I will name to you several sums which will increase by gradation; youwill stop me when I reach the one representing the amount of your ownpossessions?"

"Yes. " There was a kind of solemnity in this interrogation. Never hadthe struggle between mind and matter been more apparent than now, andif it was not a sublime, it was, at least, a curious spectacle. They hadformed a circle round the invalid; the second notary was sitting at atable, prepared for writing, and his colleague was standing before thetestator in the act of interrogating him on the subject to which we havealluded. "Your fortune exceeds 300, 000. Francs, does it not?" askedhe. Noirtier made a sign that it did. "Do you possess 400, 000 francs?"inquired the notary. Noirtier's eye remained immovable. "Fivehundred thousand?" The same expression continued. "Six hundredthousand--700, 000--800, 000--900, 000?" Noirtier stopped him at thelast-named sum. "You are then in possession of 900, 000. Francs?" askedthe notary. "Yes. "

"In landed property?"

"No. "

"In stock?"

"Yes. "

"The stock is in your own hands?" The look which M. Noirtier cast onBarrois showed that there was something wanting which he knew where tofind. The old servant left the room, and presently returned, bringingwith him a small casket. "Do you permit us to open this casket?" askedthe notary. Noirtier gave his assent. They opened it, and found 900, 000. Francs in bank scrip. The first notary handed over each note, as heexamined it, to his colleague.

The total amount was found to be as M. Noirtier had stated. "It is allas he has said; it is very evident that the mind still retains its fullforce and vigor. " Then, turning towards the paralytic, he said, "Youpossess, then, 900, 000. Francs of capital, which, according to themanner in which you have invested it, ought to bring in an income ofabout 40, 000 livres?"

"Yes. "

"To whom do you desire to leave this fortune?"

"Oh, " said Madame de Villefort, "there is not much doubt on thatsubject. M. Noirtier tenderly loves his granddaughter, Mademoiselle deVillefort; it is she who has nursed and tended him for six years, andhas, by her devoted attention, fully secured the affection, I had almostsaid the gratitude, of her grandfather, and it is but just that sheshould reap the fruit of her devotion. " The eye of Noirtier clearlyshowed by its expression that he was not deceived by the false assentgiven by Madame de Villefort's words and manner to the motives which shesupposed him to entertain. "Is it, then, to Mademoiselle Valentine deVillefort that you leave these 900, 000 francs?" demanded the notary, thinking he had only to insert this clause, but waiting first for theassent of Noirtier, which it was necessary should be given before allthe witnesses of this singular scene. Valentine, when her name wasmade the subject of discussion, had stepped back, to escape unpleasantobservation; her eyes were cast down, and she was crying. The oldman looked at her for an instant with an expression of the deepesttenderness, then, turning towards the notary, he significantly winkedhis eye in token of dissent.

"What, " said the notary, "do you not intend making MademoiselleValentine de Villefort your residuary legatee?"

"No. "

"You are not making any mistake, are you?" said the notary; "you reallymean to declare that such is not your intention?"

"No, " repeated Noirtier; "No. " Valentine raised her head, struck dumbwith astonishment. It was not so much the conviction that she wasdisinherited that caused her grief, but her total inability to accountfor the feelings which had provoked her grandfather to such an act. ButNoirtier looked at her with so much affectionate tenderness that sheexclaimed, "Oh, grandpapa, I see now that it is only your fortune ofwhich you deprive me; you still leave me the love which I have alwaysenjoyed. "

"Ah, yes, most assuredly, " said the eyes of the paralytic, for he closedthem with an expression which Valentine could not mistake. "Thank you, thank you, " murmured she. The old man's declaration that Valentinewas not the destined inheritor of his fortune had excited the hopes ofMadame de Villefort; she gradually approached the invalid, and said:"Then, doubtless, dear M. Noirtier, you intend leaving your fortuneto your grandson, Edward de Villefort?" The winking of the eyes whichanswered this speech was most decided and terrible, and expressed afeeling almost amounting to hatred.

"No?" said the notary; "then, perhaps, it is to your son, M. DeVillefort?"

"No. " The two notaries looked at each other in mute astonishment andinquiry as to what were the real intentions of the testator. Villefortand his wife both grew red, one from shame, the other from anger.

"What have we all done, then, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine; "you nolonger seem to love any of us?" The old man's eyes passed rapidlyfrom Villefort and his wife, and rested on Valentine with a look ofunutterable fondness. "Well, " said she; "if you love me, grandpapa, tryand bring that love to bear upon your actions at this present moment. You know me well enough to be quite sure that I have never thoughtof your fortune; besides, they say I am already rich in right of mymother--too rich, even. Explain yourself, then. " Noirtier fixed hisintelligent eyes on Valentine's hand. "My hand?" said she.

"Yes. "

"Her hand!" exclaimed every one.

"Oh, gentlemen, you see it is all useless, and that my father's mind isreally impaired, " said Villefort.

"Ah, " cried Valentine suddenly, "I understand. It is my marriage youmean, is it not, dear grandpapa?"

"Yes, yes, yes, " signed the paralytic, casting on Valentine a look ofjoyful gratitude for having guessed his meaning.

"You are angry with us all on account of this marriage, are you not?"

"Yes?"

"Really, this is too absurd, " said Villefort.

"Excuse me, sir, " replied the notary; "on the contrary, the meaning ofM. Noirtier is quite evident to me, and I can quite easily connect thetrain of ideas passing in his mind. "

"You do not wish me to marry M. Franz d'Epinay?" observed Valentine.

"I do not wish it, " said the eye of her grandfather. "And you disinherityour granddaughter, " continued the notary, "because she has contractedan engagement contrary to your wishes?"

"Yes. "

"So that, but for this marriage, she would have been your heir?"

"Yes. " There was a profound silence. The two notaries were holdinga consultation as to the best means of proceeding with the affair. Valentine was looking at her grandfather with a smile of intensegratitude, and Villefort was biting his lips with vexation, while Madamede Villefort could not succeed in repressing an inward feeling of joy, which, in spite of herself, appeared in her whole countenance. "But, "said Villefort, who was the first to break the silence, "I consider thatI am the best judge of the propriety of the marriage in question. I amthe only person possessing the right to dispose of my daughter's hand. It is my wish that she should marry M. Franz d'Epinay--and she shallmarry him. " Valentine sank weeping into a chair.

"Sir, " said the notary, "how do you intend disposing of your fortune incase Mademoiselle de Villefort still determines on marrying M. Franz?"The old man gave no answer. "You will, of course, dispose of it in someway or other?"

"Yes. "

"In favor of some member of your family?"

"No. "

"Do you intend devoting it to charitable purposes, then?" pursued thenotary.

"Yes. "

"But, " said the notary, "you are aware that the law does not allow a sonto be entirely deprived of his patrimony?"

"Yes. "

"You only intend, then, to dispose of that part of your fortune whichthe law allows you to subtract from the inheritance of your son?"Noirtier made no answer. "Do you still wish to dispose of all?"

"Yes. "

"But they will contest the will after your death?"

"No. "

"My father knows me, " replied Villefort; "he is quite sure that hiswishes will be held sacred by me; besides, he understands that in myposition I cannot plead against the poor. " The eye of Noirtier beamedwith triumph. "What do you decide on, sir?" asked the notary ofVillefort.

"Nothing, sir; it is a resolution which my father has taken and I knowhe never alters his mind. I am quite resigned. These 900, 000 francswill go out of the family in order to enrich some hospital; but it isridiculous thus to yield to the caprices of an old man, and I shall, therefore, act according to my conscience. " Having said this, Villefortquitted the room with his wife, leaving his father at liberty to do ashe pleased. The same day the will was made, the witnesses were brought, it was approved by the old man, sealed in the presence of all and givenin charge to M. Deschamps, the family notary.

Chapter 60. The Telegraph.

M. And Madame de Villefort found on their return that the Count of MonteCristo, who had come to visit them in their absence, had been usheredinto the drawing-room, and was still awaiting them there. Madame deVillefort, who had not yet sufficiently recovered from her late emotionto allow of her entertaining visitors so immediately, retired to herbedroom, while the procureur, who could better depend upon himself, proceeded at once to the salon. Although M. De Villefort flatteredhimself that, to all outward view, he had completely masked the feelingswhich were passing in his mind, he did not know that the cloud wasstill lowering on his brow, so much so that the count, whose smile wasradiant, immediately noticed his sombre and thoughtful air. "Ma foi, "said Monte Cristo, after the first compliments were over, "what is thematter with you, M. De Villefort? Have I arrived at the moment when youwere drawing up an indictment for a capital crime?" Villefort tried tosmile. "No, count, " he replied, "I am the only victim in this case. Itis I who lose my cause, and it is ill-luck, obstinacy, and folly whichhave caused it to be decided against me. "

"To what do you refer?" said Monte Cristo with well-feigned interest. "Have you really met with some great misfortune?"

"Oh, no, monsieur, " said Villefort with a bitter smile; "it is only aloss of money which I have sustained--nothing worth mentioning, I assureyou. "

"True, " said Monte Cristo, "the loss of a sum of money becomes almostimmaterial with a fortune such as you possess, and to one of yourphilosophic spirit. "

"It is not so much the loss of the money that vexes me, " said Villefort, "though, after all, 900, 000 francs are worth regretting; but I am themore annoyed with this fate, chance, or whatever you please to call thepower which has destroyed my hopes and my fortune, and may blast theprospects of my child also, as it is all occasioned by an old manrelapsed into second childhood. "

"What do you say?" said the count; "900, 000 francs? It is indeed a sumwhich might be regretted even by a philosopher. And who is the cause ofall this annoyance?"

"My father, as I told you. "

"M. Noirtier? But I thought you told me he had become entirelyparalyzed, and that all his faculties were completely destroyed?"

"Yes, his bodily faculties, for he can neither move nor speak, nevertheless he thinks, acts, and wills in the manner I have described. I left him about five minutes ago, and he is now occupied in dictatinghis will to two notaries. "

"But to do this he must have spoken?"

"He has done better than that--he has made himself understood. "

"How was such a thing possible?"

"By the help of his eyes, which are still full of life, and, as youperceive, possess the power of inflicting mortal injury. "

"My dear, " said Madame de Villefort, who had just entered the room, "perhaps you exaggerate the evil. "

"Good-morning, madame, " said the count, bowing. Madame de Villefortacknowledged the salutation with one of her most gracious smiles. "Whatis this that M. De Villefort has been telling me?" demanded Monte Cristo"and what incomprehensible misfortune"--

"Incomprehensible is not the word, " interrupted the procureur, shrugginghis shoulders. "It is an old man's caprice. "

"And is there no means of making him revoke his decision?"

"Yes, " said Madame de Villefort; "and it is still entirely in the powerof my husband to cause the will, which is now in prejudice of Valentine, to be altered in her favor. " The count, who perceived that M. And Madamede Villefort were beginning to speak in parables, appeared to pay noattention to the conversation, and feigned to be busily engaged inwatching Edward, who was mischievously pouring some ink into the bird'swater-glass. "My dear, " said Villefort, in answer to his wife, "you knowI have never been accustomed to play the patriarch in my family, norhave I ever considered that the fate of a universe was to be decided bymy nod. Nevertheless, it is necessary that my will should be respectedin my family, and that the folly of an old man and the caprice ofa child should not be allowed to overturn a project which I haveentertained for so many years. The Baron d'Epinay was my friend, as youknow, and an alliance with his son is the most suitable thing that couldpossibly be arranged. "

"Do you think, " said Madame de Villefort, "that Valentine is in leaguewith him? She has always been opposed to this marriage, and I should notbe at all surprised if what we have just seen and heard is nothing butthe execution of a plan concerted between them. "

"Madame, " said Villefort, "believe me, a fortune of 900, 000. Francs isnot so easily renounced. "

"She could, nevertheless, make up her mind to renounce the world, sir, since it is only about a year ago that she herself proposed entering aconvent. "

"Never mind, " replied Villefort; "I say that this marriage shall beconsummated. "

"Notwithstanding your father's wishes to the contrary?" said Madame deVillefort, selecting a new point of attack. "That is a serious thing. "Monte Cristo, who pretended not to be listening, heard however, everyword that was said. "Madame, " replied Villefort "I can truly say thatI have always entertained a high respect for my father, because, to thenatural feeling of relationship was added the consciousness of his moralsuperiority. The name of father is sacred in two senses; he should bereverenced as the author of our being and as a master whom we ought toobey. But, under the present circumstances, I am justified in doubtingthe wisdom of an old man who, because he hated the father, vents hisanger on the son. It would be ridiculous in me to regulate my conductby such caprices. I shall still continue to preserve the same respecttoward M. Noirtier; I will suffer, without complaint, the pecuniarydeprivation to which he has subjected me; but I shall remain firm inmy determination, and the world shall see which party has reason onhis side. Consequently I shall marry my daughter to the Baron Franzd'Epinay, because I consider it would be a proper and eligible matchfor her to make, and, in short, because I choose to bestow my daughter'shand on whomever I please. "

"What?" said the count, the approbation of whose eye Villefort hadfrequently solicited during this speech. "What? Do you say that M. Noirtier disinherits Mademoiselle de Villefort because she is going tomarry M. Le Baron Franz d'Epinay?"

"Yes, sir, that is the reason, " said Villefort, shrugging his shoulders.

"The apparent reason, at least, " said Madame de Villefort.

"The real reason, madame, I can assure you; I know my father. "

"But I want to know in what way M. D'Epinay can have displeased yourfather more than any other person?"

"I believe I know M. Franz d'Epinay, " said the count; "is he not the sonof General de Quesnel, who was created Baron d'Epinay by Charles X. ?"



"The same, " said Villefort.

"Well, but he is a charming young man, according to my ideas. "

"He is, which makes me believe that it is only an excuse of M. Noirtierto prevent his granddaughter marrying; old men are always so selfish intheir affection, " said Madame de Villefort.

"But, " said Monte Cristo "do you not know any cause for this hatred?"

"Ah, ma foi, who is to know?"

"Perhaps it is some political difference?"

"My father and the Baron d'Epinay lived in the stormy times of which Ionly saw the ending, " said Villefort.

"Was not your father a Bonapartist?" asked Monte Cristo; "I think Iremember that you told me something of that kind. "

"My father has been a Jacobin more than anything else, " said Villefort, carried by his emotion beyond the bounds of prudence; "and the senator'srobe, which Napoleon cast on his shoulders, only served to disguise theold man without in any degree changing him. When my father conspired, it was not for the emperor, it was against the Bourbons; for M. Noirtierpossessed this peculiarity, he never projected any Utopian schemes whichcould never be realized, but strove for possibilities, and he appliedto the realization of these possibilities the terrible theories of TheMountain, --theories that never shrank from any means that were deemednecessary to bring about the desired result. "

"Well, " said Monte Cristo, "it is just as I thought; it was politicswhich brought Noirtier and M. D'Epinay into personal contact. AlthoughGeneral d'Epinay served under Napoleon, did he not still retain royalistsentiments? And was he not the person who was assassinated one eveningon leaving a Bonapartist meeting to which he had been invited on thesupposition that he favored the cause of the emperor?" Villefort lookedat the count almost with terror. "Am I mistaken, then?" said MonteCristo.

"No, sir, the facts were precisely what you have stated, " said Madamede Villefort; "and it was to prevent the renewal of old feuds that M. DeVillefort formed the idea of uniting in the bonds of affection the twochildren of these inveterate enemies. "

"It was a sublime and charitable thought, " said Monte Cristo, "and thewhole world should applaud it. It would be noble to see MademoiselleNoirtier de Villefort assuming the title of Madame Franz d'Epinay. "Villefort shuddered and looked at Monte Cristo as if he wished to readin his countenance the real feelings which had dictated the words hehad just uttered. But the count completely baffled the procureur, andprevented him from discovering anything beneath the never-varyingsmile he was so constantly in the habit of assuming. "Although, "said Villefort, "it will be a serious thing for Valentine to loseher grandfather's fortune, I do not think that M. D'Epinay will befrightened at this pecuniary loss. He will, perhaps, hold me in greateresteem than the money itself, seeing that I sacrifice everything inorder to keep my word with him. Besides, he knows that Valentine is richin right of her mother, and that she will, in all probability, inheritthe fortune of M. And Madame de Saint-Meran, her mother's parents, whoboth love her tenderly. "

"And who are fully as well worth loving and tending as M. Noirtier, "said Madame de Villefort; "besides, they are to come to Paris in abouta month, and Valentine, after the affront she has received, need notconsider it necessary to continue to bury herself alive by being shut upwith M. Noirtier. " The count listened with satisfaction to this taleof wounded self-love and defeated ambition. "But it seems to me, " saidMonte Cristo, "and I must begin by asking your pardon for what I amabout to say, that if M. Noirtier disinherits Mademoiselle de Villefortbecause she is going to marry a man whose father he detested, he cannothave the same cause of complaint against this dear Edward. "

"True, " said Madame de Villefort, with an intonation of voice which itis impossible to describe; "is it not unjust--shamefully unjust? PoorEdward is as much M. Noirtier's grandchild as Valentine, and yet, if shehad not been going to marry M. Franz, M. Noirtier would have lefther all his money; and supposing Valentine to be disinherited by hergrandfather, she will still be three times richer than he. " The countlistened and said no more. "Count, " said Villefort, "we will notentertain you any longer with our family misfortunes. It is true that mypatrimony will go to endow charitable institutions, and my father willhave deprived me of my lawful inheritance without any reason for doingso, but I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that I have acted likea man of sense and feeling. M. D'Epinay, to whom I had promised theinterest of this sum, shall receive it, even if I endure the most cruelprivations. "

"However, " said Madame de Villefort, returning to the one idea whichincessantly occupied her mind, "perhaps it would be better to explainthis unlucky affair to M. D'Epinay, in order to give him the opportunityof himself renouncing his claim to the hand of Mademoiselle deVillefort. "

"Ah, that would be a great pity, " said Villefort.

"A great pity, " said Monte Cristo.

"Undoubtedly, " said Villefort, moderating the tones of his voice, "amarriage once concerted and then broken off, throws a sort of discrediton a young lady; then again, the old reports, which I was so anxious toput an end to, will instantly gain ground. No, it will all go well; M. D'Epinay, if he is an honorable man, will consider himself more thanever pledged to Mademoiselle de Villefort, unless he were actuated by adecided feeling of avarice, but that is impossible. "

"I agree with M. De Villefort, " said Monte Cristo, fixing his eyes onMadame de Villefort; "and if I were sufficiently intimate with him toallow of giving my advice, I would persuade him, since I have been toldM. D'Epinay is coming back, to settle this affair at once beyond allpossibility of revocation. I will answer for the success of a projectwhich will reflect so much honor on M. De Villefort. " The procureurarose, delighted with the proposition, but his wife slightly changedcolor. "Well, that is all that I wanted, and I will be guided by acounsellor such as you are, " said he, extending his hand to MonteCristo. "Therefore let every one here look upon what has passed to-dayas if it had not happened, and as though we had never thought of such athing as a change in our original plans. "

"Sir, " said the count, "the world, unjust as it is, will be pleased withyour resolution; your friends will be proud of you, and M. D'Epinay, even if he took Mademoiselle de Villefort without any dowry, which hewill not do, would be delighted with the idea of entering a familywhich could make such sacrifices in order to keep a promise and fulfil aduty. " At the conclusion of these words, the count rose to depart. "Areyou going to leave us, count?" said Madame de Villefort.

"I am sorry to say I must do so, madame, I only came to remind you ofyour promise for Saturday. "

"Did you fear that we should forget it?"

"You are very good, madame, but M. De Villefort has so many importantand urgent occupations. "

"My husband has given me his word, sir, " said Madame de Villefort; "youhave just seen him resolve to keep it when he has everything to lose, and surely there is more reason for his doing so where he has everythingto gain. "

"And, " said Villefort, "is it at your house in the Champs-Elysees thatyou receive your visitors?"

"No, " said Monte Cristo, "which is precisely the reason which rendersyour kindness more meritorious, --it is in the country. "

"In the country?"

"Yes. "

"Where is it, then? Near Paris, is it not?"

"Very near, only half a league from the Barriers, --it is at Auteuil. "

"At Auteuil?" said Villefort; "true, Madame de Villefort told me youlived at Auteuil, since it was to your house that she was taken. And inwhat part of Auteuil do you reside?"

"Rue de la Fontaine. "

"Rue de la Fontaine!" exclaimed Villefort in an agitated tone; "at whatnumber?"

"No. 28. "

"Then, " cried Villefort, "was it you who bought M. De Saint-Meran'shouse!"

"Did it belong to M. De Saint-Meran?" demanded Monte Cristo.

"Yes, " replied Madame de Villefort; "and, would you believe it, count"--

"Believe what?"

"You think this house pretty, do you not?"

"I think it charming. "

"Well, my husband would never live in it. "

"Indeed?" returned Monte Cristo, "that is a prejudice on your part, M. De Villefort, for which I am quite at a loss to account. "

"I do not like Auteuil, sir, " said the procureur, making an evidenteffort to appear calm.

"But I hope you will not carry your antipathy so far as to deprive me ofthe pleasure of your company, sir, " said Monte Cristo.

"No, count, --I hope--I assure you I shall do my best, " stammeredVillefort.

"Oh, " said Monte Cristo, "I allow of no excuse. On Saturday, at sixo'clock. I shall be expecting you, and if you fail to come, I shallthink--for how do I know to the contrary?--that this house, which hisremained uninhabited for twenty years, must have some gloomy traditionor dreadful legend connected with it. "

"I will come, count, --I will be sure to come, " said Villefort eagerly.

"Thank you, " said Monte Cristo; "now you must permit me to take my leaveof you. "

"You said before that you were obliged to leave us, monsieur, " saidMadame de Villefort, "and you were about to tell us why when yourattention was called to some other subject. "

"Indeed madame, " said Monte Cristo: "I scarcely know if I dare tell youwhere I am going. "

"Nonsense; say on. "

"Well, then, it is to see a thing on which I have sometimes mused forhours together. "

"What is it?"

"A telegraph. So now I have told my secret. "

"A telegraph?" repeated Madame de Villefort.

"Yes, a telegraph. I had often seen one placed at the end of a road ona hillock, and in the light of the sun its black arms, bending in everydirection, always reminded me of the claws of an immense beetle, and Iassure you it was never without emotion that I gazed on it, for I couldnot help thinking how wonderful it was that these various signs shouldbe made to cleave the air with such precision as to convey to thedistance of three hundred leagues the ideas and wishes of a man sittingat a table at one end of the line to another man similarly placed at theopposite extremity, and all this effected by a simple act of volitionon the part of the sender of the message. I began to think of genii, sylphs, gnomes, in short, of all the ministers of the occult sciences, until I laughed aloud at the freaks of my own imagination. Now, it neveroccurred to me to wish for a nearer inspection of these large insects, with their long black claws, for I always feared to find under theirstone wings some little human genius fagged to death with cabals, factions, and government intrigues. But one fine day I learned that themover of this telegraph was only a poor wretch, hired for twelve hundredfrancs a year, and employed all day, not in studying the heavens likean astronomer, or in gazing on the water like an angler, or even inenjoying the privilege of observing the country around him, but all hismonotonous life was passed in watching his white-bellied, black-clawedfellow insect, four or five leagues distant from him. At length I felta desire to study this living chrysalis more closely, and to endeavorto understand the secret part played by these insect-actors when theyoccupy themselves simply with pulling different pieces of string. "

"And are you going there?"

"I am. "

"What telegraph do you intend visiting? that of the home department, orof the observatory?"

"Oh, no; I should find there people who would force me to understandthings of which I would prefer to remain ignorant, and who would tryto explain to me, in spite of myself, a mystery which even they donot understand. Ma foi, I should wish to keep my illusions concerninginsects unimpaired; it is quite enough to have those dissipated which Ihad formed of my fellow-creatures. I shall, therefore, not visit eitherof these telegraphs, but one in the open country where I shall finda good-natured simpleton, who knows no more than the machine he isemployed to work. "

"You are a singular man, " said Villefort.

"What line would you advise me to study?"

"The one that is most in use just at this time. "

"The Spanish one, you mean, I suppose?"

"Yes; should you like a letter to the minister that they might explainto you"--

"No, " said Monte Cristo; "since, as I told you before, I do not wish tocomprehend it. The moment I understand it there will no longer exist atelegraph for me; it will be nothing more than a sign from M. Duchatel, or from M. Montalivet, transmitted to the prefect of Bayonne, mystifiedby two Greek words, tele, graphein. It is the insect with black claws, and the awful word which I wish to retain in my imagination in all itspurity and all its importance. "

"Go then; for in the course of two hours it will be dark, and you willnot be able to see anything. "

"Ma foi, you frighten me. Which is the nearest way? Bayonne?"

"Yes; the road to Bayonne. "

"And afterwards the road to Chatillon?"

"Yes. "

"By the tower of Montlhery, you mean?"

"Yes. "

"Thank you. Good-by. On Saturday I will tell you my impressionsconcerning the telegraph. " At the door the count was met by the twonotaries, who had just completed the act which was to disinheritValentine, and who were leaving under the conviction of having done athing which could not fail of redounding considerably to their credit.

Chapter 61. How a Gardener May Get Rid of the Dormice that Eat His Peaches

Not on the same night, as he had intended, but the next morning, theCount of Monte Cristo went out by the Barrier d'Enfer, taking theroad to Orleans. Leaving the village of Linas, without stopping at thetelegraph, which flourished its great bony arms as he passed, the countreached the tower of Montlhery, situated, as every one knows, upon thehighest point of the plain of that name. At the foot of the hill thecount dismounted and began to ascend by a little winding path, abouteighteen inches wide; when he reached the summit he found himselfstopped by a hedge, upon which green fruit had succeeded to red andwhite flowers.

Monte Cristo looked for the entrance to the enclosure, and was not longin finding a little wooden gate, working on willow hinges, and fastenedwith a nail and string. The count soon mastered the mechanism, the gateopened, and he then found himself in a little garden, about twenty feetlong by twelve wide, bounded on one side by part of the hedge, whichcontained the ingenious contrivance we have called a gate, and on theother by the old tower, covered with ivy and studded with wall-flowers. No one would have thought in looking at this old, weather-beaten, floral-decked tower (which might be likened to an elderly dame dressedup to receive her grandchildren at a birthday feast) that it would havebeen capable of telling strange things, if, --in addition to the menacingears which the proverb says all walls are provided with, --it had also avoice. The garden was crossed by a path of red gravel, edged by a borderof thick box, of many years' growth, and of a tone and color that wouldhave delighted the heart of Delacroix, our modern Rubens. This path wasformed in the shape of the figure of 8, thus, in its windings, making awalk of sixty feet in a garden of only twenty.

Never had Flora, the fresh and smiling goddess of gardeners, beenhonored with a purer or more scrupulous worship than that which was paidto her in this little enclosure. In fact, of the twenty rose-trees whichformed the parterre, not one bore the mark of the slug, nor were thereevidences anywhere of the clustering aphis which is so destructive toplants growing in a damp soil. And yet it was not because the damphad been excluded from the garden; the earth, black as soot, thethick foliage of the trees betrayed its presence; besides, had naturalhumidity been wanting, it could have been immediately supplied byartificial means, thanks to a tank of water, sunk in one of the cornersof the garden, and upon which were stationed a frog and a toad, who, from antipathy, no doubt, always remained on the two opposite sides ofthe basin. There was not a blade of grass to be seen in the paths, ora weed in the flower-beds; no fine lady ever trained and watered hergeraniums, her cacti, and her rhododendrons, with more pains than thishitherto unseen gardener bestowed upon his little enclosure. MonteCristo stopped after having closed the gate and fastened the string tothe nail, and cast a look around.

"The man at the telegraph, " said he, "must either engage a gardener ordevote himself passionately to agriculture. " Suddenly he struck againstsomething crouching behind a wheelbarrow filled with leaves; thesomething rose, uttering an exclamation of astonishment, and MonteCristo found himself facing a man about fifty years old, who wasplucking strawberries, which he was placing upon grape leaves. He hadtwelve leaves and about as many strawberries, which, on rising suddenly, he let fall from his hand. "You are gathering your crop, sir?" saidMonte Cristo, smiling.

"Excuse me, sir, " replied the man, raising his hand to his cap; "I amnot up there, I know, but I have only just come down. "

"Do not let me interfere with you in anything, my friend, " said thecount; "gather your strawberries, if, indeed, there are any left. "

"I have ten left, " said the man, "for here are eleven, and I hadtwenty-one, five more than last year. But I am not surprised; the springhas been warm this year, and strawberries require heat, sir. This is thereason that, instead of the sixteen I had last year, I have this year, you see, eleven, already plucked--twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen. Ah, I miss three, they were here lastnight, sir--I am sure they were here--I counted them. It must be theMere Simon's son who has stolen them; I saw him strolling about herethis morning. Ah, the young rascal--stealing in a garden--he does notknow where that may lead him to. "

"Certainly, it is wrong, " said Monte Cristo, "but you should take intoconsideration the youth and greediness of the delinquent. "

"Of course, " said the gardener, "but that does not make it the lessunpleasant. But, sir, once more I beg pardon; perhaps you are an officerthat I am detaining here. " And he glanced timidly at the count's bluecoat.

"Calm yourself, my friend, " said the count, with the smile which he madeat will either terrible or benevolent, and which now expressed only thekindliest feeling; "I am not an inspector, but a traveller, broughthere by a curiosity he half repents of, since he causes you to lose yourtime. "

"Ah, my time is not valuable, " replied the man with a melancholy smile. "Still it belongs to government, and I ought not to waste it; but, having received the signal that I might rest for an hour" (here heglanced at the sun-dial, for there was everything in the enclosure ofMontlhery, even a sun-dial), "and having ten minutes before me, and mystrawberries being ripe, when a day longer--by-the-by, sir, do you thinkdormice eat them?"

"Indeed, I should think not, " replied Monte Cristo; "dormice are badneighbors for us who do not eat them preserved, as the Romans did. "

"What? Did the Romans eat them?" said the gardener--"ate dormice?"

"I have read so in Petronius, " said the count.

"Really? They can't be nice, though they do say 'as fat as a dormouse. 'It is not a wonder they are fat, sleeping all day, and only waking toeat all night. Listen. Last year I had four apricots--they stole one, Ihad one nectarine, only one--well, sir, they ate half of it on the wall;a splendid nectarine--I never ate a better. "

"You ate it?"

"That is to say, the half that was left--you understand; it wasexquisite, sir. Ah, those gentlemen never choose the worst morsels; likeMere Simon's son, who has not chosen the worst strawberries. But thisyear, " continued the horticulturist, "I'll take care it shall nothappen, even if I should be forced to sit by the whole night to watchwhen the strawberries are ripe. " Monte Cristo had seen enough. Every manhas a devouring passion in his heart, as every fruit has its worm;that of the telegraph man was horticulture. He began gathering thegrape-leaves which screened the sun from the grapes, and won the heartof the gardener. "Did you come here, sir, to see the telegraph?" hesaid.

"Yes, if it isn't contrary to the rules. "

"Oh, no, " said the gardener; "not in the least, since there is no dangerthat anyone can possibly understand what we are saying. "

"I have been told, " said the count, "that you do not always yourselvesunderstand the signals you repeat. "

"That is true, sir, and that is what I like best, " said the man, smiling.

"Why do you like that best?"

"Because then I have no responsibility. I am a machine then, and nothingelse, and so long as I work, nothing more is required of me. "

"Is it possible, " said Monte Cristo to himself, "that I can have metwith a man that has no ambition? That would spoil my plans. "

"Sir, " said the gardener, glancing at the sun-dial, "the ten minutes arealmost up; I must return to my post. Will you go up with me?"

"I follow you. " Monte Cristo entered the tower, which was divided intothree stories. The tower contained implements, such as spades, rakes, watering-pots, hung against the wall; this was all the furniture. Thesecond was the man's conventional abode, or rather sleeping-place; itcontained a few poor articles of household furniture--a bed, a table, two chairs, a stone pitcher--and some dry herbs, hung up to the ceiling, which the count recognized as sweet pease, and of which the good man waspreserving the seeds; he had labelled them with as much care as if hehad been master botanist in the Jardin des Plantes.

"Does it require much study to learn the art of telegraphing?" askedMonte Cristo.

"The study does not take long; it was acting as a supernumerary that wasso tedious. "

"And what is the pay?"

"A thousand francs, sir. "

"It is nothing. "

"No; but then we are lodged, as you perceive. "

Monte Cristo looked at the room. They passed to the third story; it wasthe telegraph room. Monte Cristo looked in turn at the two iron handlesby which the machine was worked. "It is very interesting, " he said, "butit must be very tedious for a lifetime. "

"Yes. At first my neck was cramped with looking at it, but at the endof a year I became used to it; and then we have our hours of recreation, and our holidays. "

"Holidays?"

"Yes. "

"When?"

"When we have a fog. "

"Ah, to be sure. "

"Those are indeed holidays to me; I go into the garden, I plant, Iprune, I trim, I kill the insects all day long. "

"How long have you been here?"

"Ten years, and five as a supernumerary make fifteen. "

"You are--"

"Fifty-five years old. "

"How long must you have served to claim the pension?"

"Oh, sir, twenty-five years. "

"And how much is the pension?"

"A hundred crowns. "

"Poor humanity!" murmured Monte Cristo.

"What did you say, sir?" asked the man.

"I was saying it was very interesting. "

"What was?"

"All you were showing me. And you really understand none of thesesignals?"

"None at all. "

"And have you never tried to understand them?"

"Never. Why should I?"

"But still there are some signals only addressed to you. "

"Certainly. "

"And do you understand them?"

"They are always the same. "

"And they mean--"

"Nothing new; You have an hour; or To-morrow. "

"This is simple enough, " said the count; "but look, is not yourcorrespondent putting itself in motion?"

"Ah, yes; thank you, sir. "

"And what is it saying--anything you understand?"

"Yes; it asks if I am ready. "

"And you reply?"

"By the same sign, which, at the same time, tells my right-handcorrespondent that I am ready, while it gives notice to my left-handcorrespondent to prepare in his turn. "

"It is very ingenious, " said the count.

"You will see, " said the man proudly; "in five minutes he will speak. "

"I have, then, five minutes, " said Monte Cristo to himself; "it ismore time than I require. My dear sir, will you allow me to ask you aquestion?"

"What is it, sir?"

"You are fond of gardening?"

"Passionately. "

"And you would be pleased to have, instead of this terrace of twentyfeet, an enclosure of two acres?"

"Sir, I should make a terrestrial paradise of it. "

"You live badly on your thousand francs?"

"Badly enough; but yet I do live. "

"Yes; but you have a wretchedly small garden. "

"True, the garden is not large. "

"And, then, such as it is, it is filled with dormice, who eateverything. "

"Ah, they are my scourges. "

"Tell me, should you have the misfortune to turn your head while yourright-hand correspondent was telegraphing"--

"I should not see him. "

"Then what would happen?"

"I could not repeat the signals. "

"And then?"

"Not having repeated them, through negligence, I should be fined. "

"How much?"

"A hundred francs. "

"The tenth of your income--that would be fine work. "

"Ah, " said the man.

"Has it ever happened to you?" said Monte Cristo.

"Once, sir, when I was grafting a rose-tree. "

"Well, suppose you were to alter a signal, and substitute another?"

"Ah, that is another case; I should be turned off, and lose my pension. "

"Three hundred francs?"

"A hundred crowns, yes, sir; so you see that I am not likely to do anyof these things. "

"Not even for fifteen years' wages? Come, it is worth thinking about?"

"For fifteen thousand francs?"

"Yes. "

"Sir, you alarm me. "

"Nonsense. "

"Sir, you are tempting me?"

"Just so; fifteen thousand francs, do you understand?"

"Sir, let me see my right-hand correspondent. "

"On the contrary, do not look at him, but at this. "

"What is it?"

"What? Do you not know these bits of paper?"

"Bank-notes!"

"Exactly; there are fifteen of them. "

"And whose are they?"

"Yours, if you like. "

"Mine?" exclaimed the man, half-suffocated.

"Yes; yours--your own property. "

"Sir, my right-hand correspondent is signalling. "

"Let him signal. "

"Sir, you have distracted me; I shall be fined. "

"That will cost you a hundred francs; you see it is your interest totake my bank-notes. "

"Sir, my right-hand correspondent redoubles his signals; he isimpatient. "

"Never mind--take these;" and the count placed the packet in the man'shands. "Now this is not all, " he said; "you cannot live upon yourfifteen thousand francs. "

"I shall still have my place. "

"No, you will lose it, for you are going to alter your correspondent'smessage. "

"Oh, sir, what are you proposing?"

"A jest. "

"Sir, unless you force me"--

"I think I can effectually force you;" and Monte Cristo drew anotherpacket from his pocket. "Here are ten thousand more francs, " he said, "with the fifteen thousand already in your pocket, they will maketwenty-five thousand. With five thousand you can buy a pretty littlehouse with two acres of land; the remaining twenty thousand will bringyou in a thousand francs a year. "

"A garden with two acres of land!"

"And a thousand francs a year. "

"Oh, heavens!"

"Come, take them, " and Monte Cristo forced the bank-notes into his hand.

"What am I to do?"

"Nothing very difficult. "

"But what is it?"

"To repeat these signs. " Monte Cristo took a paper from his pocket, upon which were drawn three signs, with numbers to indicate the order inwhich they were to be worked.

"There, you see it will not take long. "

"Yes; but"--

"Do this, and you will have nectarines and all the rest. " The shottold; red with fever, while the large drops fell from his brow, the manexecuted, one after the other, the three signs given by the count, inspite of the frightful contortions of the right-hand correspondent, who, not understanding the change, began to think the gardener had gone mad. As to the left-hand one, he conscientiously repeated the same signals, which were finally transmitted to the Minister of the Interior. "Now youare rich, " said Monte Cristo.

"Yes, " replied the man, "but at what a price!"

"Listen, friend, " said Monte Cristo. "I do not wish to cause you anyremorse; believe me, then, when I swear to you that you have wronged noman, but on the contrary have benefited mankind. " The man looked at thebank-notes, felt them, counted them, turned pale, then red, then rushedinto his room to drink a glass of water, but he had no time to reachthe water-jug, and fainted in the midst of his dried herbs. Five minutesafter the new telegram reached the minister, Debray had the horses putto his carriage, and drove to Danglars' house.

"Has your husband any Spanish bonds?" he asked of the baroness.

"I think so, indeed! He has six millions' worth. "

"He must sell them at whatever price. "

"Why?"

"Because Don Carlos has fled from Bourges, and has returned to Spain. "

"How do you know?" Debray shrugged his shoulders. "The idea ofasking how I hear the news, " he said. The baroness did not wait fora repetition; she ran to her husband, who immediately hastened to hisagent, and ordered him to sell at any price. When it was seen thatDanglars sold, the Spanish funds fell directly. Danglars lost fivehundred thousand francs; but he rid himself of all his Spanish shares. The same evening the following was read in Le Messager:

"[By telegraph. ] The king, Don Carlos, has escaped the vigilance ofhis guardians at Bourges, and has returned to Spain by the Catalonianfrontier. Barcelona has risen in his favor. "

All that evening nothing was spoken of but the foresight of Danglars, who had sold his shares, and of the luck of the stock-jobber, who onlylost five hundred thousand francs by such a blow. Those who had kepttheir shares, or bought those of Danglars, looked upon themselves asruined, and passed a very bad night. Next morning Le Moniteur containedthe following:

"It was without any foundation that Le Messager yesterday announced theflight of Don Carlos and the revolt of Barcelona. The king (Don Carlos)has not left Bourges, and the peninsula is in the enjoyment of profoundpeace. A telegraphic signal, improperly interpreted, owing to the fog, was the cause of this error. "

The funds rose one per cent higher than before they had fallen. This, reckoning his loss, and what he had missed gaining, made the differenceof a million to Danglars. "Good, " said Monte Cristo to Morrel, who wasat his house when the news arrived of the strange reverse of fortune ofwhich Danglars had been the victim, "I have just made a discovery fortwenty-five thousand francs, for which I would have paid a hundredthousand. "

"What have you discovered?" asked Morrel.

"I have just discovered how a gardener may get rid of the dormice thateat his peaches. "

Chapter 62. Ghosts.

At first sight, the exterior of the house at Auteuil gave no indicationsof splendor, nothing one would expect from the destined residence of themagnificent Count of Monte Cristo; but this simplicity was accordingto the will of its master, who positively ordered nothing to be alteredoutside. The splendor was within. Indeed, almost before the dooropened, the scene changed. M. Bertuccio had outdone himself in the tastedisplayed in furnishing, and in the rapidity with which it was executed. It is told that the Duc d'Antin removed in a single night a whole avenueof trees that annoyed Louis XIV. ; in three days M. Bertuccio planted anentirely bare court with poplars, large spreading sycamores to shadethe different parts of the house, and in the foreground, instead of theusual paving-stones, half hidden by the grass, there extended a lawn butthat morning laid down, and upon which the water was yet glistening. Forthe rest, the orders had been issued by the count; he himself had givena plan to Bertuccio, marking the spot where each tree was to be planted, and the shape and extent of the lawn which was to take the place of thepaving-stones. Thus the house had become unrecognizable, and Bertucciohimself declared that he scarcely knew it, encircled as it was by aframework of trees. The overseer would not have objected, while he wasabout it, to have made some improvements in the garden, but the counthad positively forbidden it to be touched. Bertuccio made amends, however, by loading the ante-chambers, staircases, and mantle-pieceswith flowers.

What, above all, manifested the shrewdness of the steward, and theprofound science of the master, the one in carrying out the ideas of theother, was that this house which appeared only the night before so sadand gloomy, impregnated with that sickly smell one can almost fancy tobe the smell of time, had in a single day acquired the aspect of life, was scented with its master's favorite perfumes, and had the very lightregulated according to his wish. When the count arrived, he hadunder his touch his books and arms, his eyes rested upon his favoritepictures; his dogs, whose caresses he loved, welcomed him in theante-chamber; the birds, whose songs delighted him, cheered him withtheir music; and the house, awakened from its long sleep, like thesleeping beauty in the wood, lived, sang, and bloomed like the houses wehave long cherished, and in which, when we are forced to leave them, we leave a part of our souls. The servants passed gayly along the finecourt-yard; some, belonging to the kitchens, gliding down the stairs, restored but the previous day, as if they had always inhabited thehouse; others filling the coach-houses, where the equipages, encased andnumbered, appeared to have been installed for the last fifty years; andin the stables the horses replied with neighs to the grooms, who spoketo them with much more respect than many servants pay their masters.

The library was divided into two parts on either side of the wall, andcontained upwards of two thousand volumes; one division was entirelydevoted to novels, and even the volume which had been published but theday before was to be seen in its place in all the dignity of its red andgold binding. On the other side of the house, to match with the library, was the conservatory, ornamented with rare flowers, that bloomed inchina jars; and in the midst of the greenhouse, marvellous alike tosight and smell, was a billiard-table which looked as if it had beenabandoned during the past hour by players who had left the balls onthe cloth. One chamber alone had been respected by the magnificentBertuccio. Before this room, to which you could ascend by the grand, andgo out by the back staircase, the servants passed with curiosity, andBertuccio with terror. At five o'clock precisely, the count arrivedbefore the house at Auteuil, followed by Ali. Bertuccio was awaitingthis arrival with impatience, mingled with uneasiness; he hoped for somecompliments, while, at the same time, he feared to have frowns. MonteCristo descended into the courtyard, walked all over the house, withoutgiving any sign of approbation or pleasure, until he entered hisbedroom, situated on the opposite side to the closed room; then heapproached a little piece of furniture, made of rosewood, which he hadnoticed at a previous visit. "That can only be to hold gloves, " he said.



"Will your excellency deign to open it?" said the delighted Bertuccio, "and you will find gloves in it. " Elsewhere the count found everythinghe required--smelling-bottles, cigars, knick-knacks.

"Good, " he said; and M. Bertuccio left enraptured, so great, sopowerful, and real was the influence exercised by this man over all whosurrounded him. At precisely six o'clock the clatter of horses' hoofswas heard at the entrance door; it was our captain of Spahis, who hadarrived on Medeah. "I am sure I am the first, " cried Morrel; "I did iton purpose to have you a minute to myself, before every one came. Julieand Emmanuel have a thousand things to tell you. Ah, really this ismagnificent! But tell me, count, will your people take care of myhorse?"

"Do not alarm yourself, my dear Maximilian--they understand. "

"I mean, because he wants petting. If you had seen at what a pace hecame--like the wind!"

"I should think so, --a horse that cost 5, 000 francs!" said Monte Cristo, in the tone which a father would use towards a son.

"Do you regret them?" asked Morrel, with his open laugh.

"I? Certainly not, " replied the count. "No; I should only regret if thehorse had not proved good. "

"It is so good, that I have distanced M. De Chateau-Renaud, one of thebest riders in France, and M. Debray, who both mount the minister'sArabians; and close on their heels are the horses of Madame Danglars, who always go at six leagues an hour. "

"Then they follow you?" asked Monte Cristo.

"See, they are here. " And at the same minute a carriage with smokinghorses, accompanied by two mounted gentlemen, arrived at the gate, whichopened before them. The carriage drove round, and stopped at the steps, followed by the horsemen. The instant Debray had touched the ground, he was at the carriage-door. He offered his hand to the baroness, who, descending, took it with a peculiarity of manner imperceptible to everyone but Monte Cristo. But nothing escaped the count's notice, and heobserved a little note, passed with the facility that indicates frequentpractice, from the hand of Madame Danglars to that of the minister'ssecretary. After his wife the banker descended, as pale as though he hadissued from his tomb instead of his carriage. Madame Danglars threwa rapid and inquiring glance which could only be interpreted by MonteCristo, around the court-yard, over the peristyle, and across the frontof the house, then, repressing a slight emotion, which must have beenseen on her countenance if she had not kept her color, she ascended thesteps, saying to Morrel, "Sir, if you were a friend of mine, I shouldask you if you would sell your horse. "

Morrel smiled with an expression very like a grimace, and then turnedround to Monte Cristo, as if to ask him to extricate him from hisembarrassment. The count understood him. "Ah, madame, " he said, "why didyou not make that request of me?"

"With you, sir, " replied the baroness, "one can wish for nothing, one isso sure to obtain it. If it were so with M. Morrel"--

"Unfortunately, " replied the count, "I am witness that M. Morrel cannotgive up his horse, his honor being engaged in keeping it. "

"How so?"

"He laid a wager he would tame Medeah in the space of six months. Youunderstand now that if he were to get rid of the animal before thetime named, he would not only lose his bet, but people would say he wasafraid; and a brave captain of Spahis cannot risk this, even togratify a pretty woman, which is, in my opinion, one of the most sacredobligations in the world. "

"You see my position, madame, " said Morrel, bestowing a grateful smileon Monte Cristo.

"It seems to me, " said Danglars, in his coarse tone, ill-concealed by aforced smile, "that you have already got horses enough. " Madame Danglarsseldom allowed remarks of this kind to pass unnoticed, but, to thesurprise of the young people, she pretended not to hear it, and saidnothing. Monte Cristo smiled at her unusual humility, and showed her twoimmense porcelain jars, over which wound marine plants, of a size anddelicacy that nature alone could produce. The baroness was astonished. "Why, " said she, "you could plant one of the chestnut-trees in theTuileries inside! How can such enormous jars have been manufactured?"

"Ah, madame, " replied Monte Cristo, "you must not ask of us, themanufacturers of fine porcelain, such a question. It is the work ofanother age, constructed by the genii of earth and water. "

"How so?--at what period can that have been?"

"I do not know; I have only heard that an emperor of China had anoven built expressly, and that in this oven twelve jars like this weresuccessively baked. Two broke, from the heat of the fire; the other tenwere sunk three hundred fathoms deep into the sea. The sea, knowingwhat was required of her, threw over them her weeds, encircled them withcoral, and encrusted them with shells; the whole was cemented by twohundred years beneath these almost impervious depths, for a revolutioncarried away the emperor who wished to make the trial, and only left thedocuments proving the manufacture of the jars and their descent into thesea. At the end of two hundred years the documents were found, and theythought of bringing up the jars. Divers descended in machines, madeexpressly on the discovery, into the bay where they were thrown; but often three only remained, the rest having been broken by the waves. I amfond of these jars, upon which, perhaps, misshapen, frightful monstershave fixed their cold, dull eyes, and in which myriads of small fishhave slept, seeking a refuge from the pursuit of their enemies. "Meanwhile, Danglars, who had cared little for curiosities, wasmechanically tearing off the blossoms of a splendid orange-tree, oneafter another. When he had finished with the orange-tree, he began atthe cactus; but this, not being so easily plucked as the orange-tree, pricked him dreadfully. He shuddered, and rubbed his eyes as thoughawaking from a dream.

"Sir, " said Monte Cristo to him, "I do not recommend my pictures to you, who possess such splendid paintings; but, nevertheless, here are twoby Hobbema, a Paul Potter, a Mieris, two by Gerard Douw, a Raphael, aVandyke, a Zurbaran, and two or three by Murillo, worth looking at. "

"Stay, " said Debray; "I recognize this Hobbema. "

"Ah, indeed!"

"Yes; it was proposed for the Museum. "

"Which, I believe, does not contain one?" said Monte Cristo.

"No; and yet they refused to buy it. "

"Why?" said Chateau-Renaud.

"You pretend not to know, --because government was not rich enough. "

"Ah, pardon me, " said Chateau-Renaud; "I have heard of these thingsevery day during the last eight years, and I cannot understand themyet. "

"You will, by and by, " said Debray.

"I think not, " replied Chateau-Renaud.

"Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti and Count Andrea Cavalcanti, " announcedBaptistin. A black satin stock, fresh from the maker's hands, graymoustaches, a bold eye, a major's uniform, ornamented with three medalsand five crosses--in fact, the thorough bearing of an old soldier--suchwas the appearance of Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti, that tender fatherwith whom we are already acquainted. Close to him, dressed in entirelynew clothes, advanced smilingly Count Andrea Cavalcanti, the dutifulson, whom we also know. The three young people were talking together. Onthe entrance of the new-comers, their eyes glanced from father toson, and then, naturally enough, rested on the latter, whom they begancriticising. "Cavalcanti!" said Debray. "A fine name, " said Morrel.

"Yes, " said Chateau-Renaud, "these Italians are well named and badlydressed. "

"You are fastidious, Chateau-Renaud, " replied Debray; "those clothes arewell cut and quite new. "

"That is just what I find fault with. That gentleman appears to be welldressed for the first time in his life. "

"Who are those gentlemen?" asked Danglars of Monte Cristo.

"You heard--Cavalcanti. "

"That tells me their name, and nothing else. "

"Ah, true. You do not know the Italian nobility; the Cavalcanti are alldescended from princes. "

"Have they any fortune?"

"An enormous one. "

"What do they do?"

"Try to spend it all. They have some business with you, I think, fromwhat they told me the day before yesterday. I, indeed, invited them hereto-day on your account. I will introduce you to them. "

"But they appear to speak French with a very pure accent, " saidDanglars.

"The son has been educated in a college in the south; I believe nearMarseilles. You will find him quite enthusiastic. "

"Upon what subject?" asked Madame Danglars.

"The French ladies, madame. He has made up his mind to take a wife fromParis. "

"A fine idea that of his, " said Danglars, shrugging his shoulders. Madame Danglars looked at her husband with an expression which, at anyother time, would have indicated a storm, but for the second time shecontrolled herself. "The baron appears thoughtful to-day, " said MonteCristo to her; "are they going to put him in the ministry?"

"Not yet, I think. More likely he has been speculating on the Bourse, and has lost money. "

"M. And Madame de Villefort, " cried Baptistin. They entered. M. DeVillefort, notwithstanding his self-control, was visibly affected, andwhen Monte Cristo touched his hand, he felt it tremble. "Certainly, women alone know how to dissimulate, " said Monte Cristo to himself, glancing at Madame Danglars, who was smiling on the procureur, andembracing his wife. After a short time, the count saw Bertuccio, who, until then, had been occupied on the other side of the house, glide intoan adjoining room. He went to him. "What do you want, M. Bertuccio?"said he.

"Your excellency has not stated the number of guests. "

"Ah, true. "

"How many covers?"

"Count for yourself. "

"Is every one here, your excellency?"

"Yes. "

Bertuccio glanced through the door, which was ajar. The count watchedhim. "Good heavens!" he exclaimed.

"What is the matter?" said the count.

"That woman--that woman!"

"Which?"

"The one with a white dress and so many diamonds--the fair one. "

"Madame Danglars?"

"I do not know her name; but it is she, sir, it is she!"

"Whom do you mean?"

"The woman of the garden!--she that was enciente--she who was walkingwhile she waited for"--Bertuccio stood at the open door, with his eyesstarting and his hair on end.

"Waiting for whom?" Bertuccio, without answering, pointed to Villefortwith something of the gesture Macbeth uses to point out Banquo. "Oh, oh, " he at length muttered, "do you see?"

"What? Who?"

"Him!"

"Him!--M. De Villefort, the king's attorney? Certainly I see him. "

"Then I did not kill him?"

"Really, I think you are going mad, good Bertuccio, " said the count.

"Then he is not dead?"

"No; you see plainly he is not dead. Instead of striking between thesixth and seventh left ribs, as your countrymen do, you must have struckhigher or lower, and life is very tenacious in these lawyers, or ratherthere is no truth in anything you have told me--it was a fright of theimagination, a dream of your fancy. You went to sleep full of thoughtsof vengeance; they weighed heavily upon your stomach; you had thenightmare--that's all. Come, calm yourself, and reckon them up--M. And Madame de Villefort, two; M. And Madame Danglars, four; M. De Chateau-Renaud, M. Debray, M. Morrel, seven; Major BartolomeoCavalcanti, eight. "

"Eight!" repeated Bertuccio.

"Stop! You are in a shocking hurry to be off--you forget one of myguests. Lean a little to the left. Stay! look at M. Andrea Cavalcanti, the young man in a black coat, looking at Murillo's Madonna; now he isturning. " This time Bertuccio would have uttered an exclamation, hadnot a look from Monte Cristo silenced him. "Benedetto?" he muttered;"fatality!"

"Half-past six o'clock has just struck, M. Bertuccio, " said the countseverely; "I ordered dinner at that hour, and I do not like to wait;"and he returned to his guests, while Bertuccio, leaning against thewall, succeeded in reaching the dining-room. Five minutes afterwardsthe doors of the drawing-room were thrown open, and Bertuccio appearingsaid, with a violent effort, "The dinner waits. "

The Count of Monte Cristo offered his arm to Madame de Villefort. "M. DeVillefort, " he said, "will you conduct the Baroness Danglars?"

Villefort complied, and they passed on to the dining-room.

Chapter 63. The Dinner.

It was evident that one sentiment affected all the guests on enteringthe dining-room. Each one asked what strange influence had brought themto this house, and yet astonished, even uneasy though they were, theystill felt that they would not like to be absent. The recent events, thesolitary and eccentric position of the count, his enormous, nay, almostincredible fortune, should have made men cautious, and have altogetherprevented ladies visiting a house where there was no one of their ownsex to receive them; and yet curiosity had been enough to lead themto overleap the bounds of prudence and decorum. And all present, evenincluding Cavalcanti and his son, notwithstanding the stiffness ofthe one and the carelessness of the other, were thoughtful, on findingthemselves assembled at the house of this incomprehensible man. MadameDanglars had started when Villefort, on the count's invitation, offeredhis arm; and Villefort felt that his glance was uneasy beneath his goldspectacles, when he felt the arm of the baroness press upon his own. None of this had escaped the count, and even by this mere contact ofindividuals the scene had already acquired considerable interest for anobserver. M. De Villefort had on the right hand Madame Danglars, onhis left Morrel. The count was seated between Madame de Villefort andDanglars; the other seats were filled by Debray, who was placed betweenthe two Cavalcanti, and by Chateau-Renaud, seated between Madame deVillefort and Morrel.

The repast was magnificent; Monte Cristo had endeavored completely tooverturn the Parisian ideas, and to feed the curiosity as much as theappetite of his guests. It was an Oriental feast that he offered tothem, but of such a kind as the Arabian fairies might be supposed toprepare. Every delicious fruit that the four quarters of the globe couldprovide was heaped in vases from China and jars from Japan. Rare birds, retaining their most brilliant plumage, enormous fish, spread uponmassive silver dishes, together with every wine produced in theArchipelago, Asia Minor, or the Cape, sparkling in bottles, whosegrotesque shape seemed to give an additional flavor to the draught, --allthese, like one of the displays with which Apicius of old gratified hisguests, passed in review before the eyes of the astonished Parisians, who understood that it was possible to expend a thousand louis upon adinner for ten persons, but only on the condition of eating pearls, likeCleopatra, or drinking refined gold, like Lorenzo de' Medici.

Monte Cristo noticed the general astonishment, and began laughingand joking about it. "Gentlemen, " he said, "you will admit that, whenarrived at a certain degree of fortune, the superfluities of life areall that can be desired; and the ladies will allow that, after havingrisen to a certain eminence of position, the ideal alone can bemore exalted. Now, to follow out this reasoning, what is themarvellous?--that which we do not understand. What is it that we reallydesire?--that which we cannot obtain. Now, to see things which I cannotunderstand, to procure impossibilities, these are the study of my life. I gratify my wishes by two means--my will and my money. I take asmuch interest in the pursuit of some whim as you do, M. Danglars, inpromoting a new railway line; you, M. De Villefort, in condemning aculprit to death; you, M. Debray, in pacifying a kingdom; you, M. DeChateau-Renaud, in pleasing a woman; and you, Morrel, in breaking ahorse that no one can ride. For example, you see these two fish; onebrought from fifty leagues beyond St. Petersburg, the other five leaguesfrom Naples. Is it not amusing to see them both on the same table?"

"What are the two fish?" asked Danglars.

"M. Chateau-Renaud, who has lived in Russia, will tell you the name ofone, and Major Cavalcanti, who is an Italian, will tell you the name ofthe other. "

"This one is, I think, a sterlet, " said Chateau-Renaud.

"And that one, if I mistake not, a lamprey. "

"Just so. Now, M. Danglars, ask these gentlemen where they are caught. "

"Sterlets, " said Chateau-Renaud, "are only found in the Volga. "

"And, " said Cavalcanti, "I know that Lake Fusaro alone supplies lampreysof that size. "

"Exactly; one comes from the Volga, and the other from Lake Fusaro. "

"Impossible!" cried all the guests simultaneously.

"Well, this is just what amuses me, " said Monte Cristo. "I am likeNero--cupitor impossibilium; and that is what is amusing you at thismoment. This fish, which seems so exquisite to you, is very likely nobetter than perch or salmon; but it seemed impossible to procure it, andhere it is. "

"But how could you have these fish brought to France?"

"Oh, nothing more easy. Each fish was brought over in a cask--one filledwith river herbs and weeds, the other with rushes and lake plants; theywere placed in a wagon built on purpose, and thus the sterlet livedtwelve days, the lamprey eight, and both were alive when my cook seizedthem, killing one with milk and the other with wine. You do not believeme, M. Danglars!"

"I cannot help doubting, " answered Danglars with his stupid smile.

"Baptistin, " said the count, "have the other fish brought in--thesterlet and the lamprey which came in the other casks, and which are yetalive. " Danglars opened his bewildered eyes; the company clapped theirhands. Four servants carried in two casks covered with aquatic plants, and in each of which was breathing a fish similar to those on the table.

"But why have two of each sort?" asked Danglars.

"Merely because one might have died, " carelessly answered Monte Cristo.

"You are certainly an extraordinary man, " said Danglars; "andphilosophers may well say it is a fine thing to be rich. "

"And to have ideas, " added Madame Danglars.

"Oh, do not give me credit for this, madame; it was done by the Romans, who much esteemed them, and Pliny relates that they sent slaves fromOstia to Rome, who carried on their heads fish which he calls the mulus, and which, from the description, must probably be the goldfish. It wasalso considered a luxury to have them alive, it being an amusing sightto see them die, for, when dying, they change color three or four times, and like the rainbow when it disappears, pass through all the prismaticshades, after which they were sent to the kitchen. Their agony formedpart of their merit--if they were not seen alive, they were despisedwhen dead. "

"Yes, " said Debray, "but then Ostia is only a few leagues from Rome. "

"True, " said Monte Cristo; "but what would be the use of living eighteenhundred years after Lucullus, if we can do no better than he could?" Thetwo Cavalcanti opened their enormous eyes, but had the good sense notto say anything. "All this is very extraordinary, " said Chateau-Renaud;"still, what I admire the most, I confess, is the marvellous promptitudewith which your orders are executed. Is it not true that you only boughtthis house five or six days ago?"

"Certainly not longer. "

"Well, I am sure it is quite transformed since last week. If I rememberrightly, it had another entrance, and the court-yard was paved andempty; while to-day we have a splendid lawn, bordered by trees whichappear to be a hundred years old. "

"Why not? I am fond of grass and shade, " said Monte Cristo.

"Yes, " said Madame de Villefort, "the door was towards the road before, and on the day of my miraculous escape you brought me into the housefrom the road, I remember. "

"Yes, madame, " said Monte Cristo; "but I preferred having an entrancewhich would allow me to see the Bois de Boulogne over my gate. "

"In four days, " said Morrel; "it is extraordinary!"

"Indeed, " said Chateau-Renaud, "it seems quite miraculous to make a newhouse out of an old one; for it was very old, and dull too. I recollectcoming for my mother to look at it when M. De Saint-Meran advertised itfor sale two or three years ago. "

"M. De Saint-Meran?" said Madame de Villefort; "then this house belongedto M. De Saint-Meran before you bought it?"

"It appears so, " replied Monte Cristo.

"Is it possible that you do not know of whom you purchased it?"

"Quite so; my steward transacts all this business for me. "

"It is certainly ten years since the house had been occupied, " saidChateau-Renaud, "and it was quite melancholy to look at it, with theblinds closed, the doors locked, and the weeds in the court. Really, ifthe house had not belonged to the father-in-law of the procureur, onemight have thought it some accursed place where a horrible crime hadbeen committed. " Villefort, who had hitherto not tasted the three orfour glasses of rare wine which were placed before him, here took one, and drank it off. Monte Cristo allowed a short time to elapse, and thensaid, "It is singular, baron, but the same idea came across me the firsttime I came here; it looked so gloomy I should never have bought itif my steward had not taken the matter into his own hands. Perhaps thefellow had been bribed by the notary. "

"It is probable, " stammered out Villefort, trying to smile; "but I canassure you that I had nothing to do with any such proceeding. This houseis part of Valentine's marriage-portion, and M. De Saint-Meran wished tosell it; for if it had remained another year or two uninhabited it wouldhave fallen to ruin. " It was Morrel's turn to become pale.

"There was, above all, one room, " continued Monte Cristo, "very plain inappearance, hung with red damask, which, I know not why, appeared to mequite dramatic. "

"Why so?" said Danglars; "why dramatic?"

"Can we account for instinct?" said Monte Cristo. "Are there not someplaces where we seem to breathe sadness?--why, we cannot tell. It is achain of recollections--an idea which carries you back to other times, to other places--which, very likely, have no connection with the presenttime and place. And there is something in this room which reminds meforcibly of the chamber of the Marquise de Ganges [*] or Desdemona. Stay, since we have finished dinner, I will show it to you, and then we willtake coffee in the garden. After dinner, the play. " Monte Cristo lookedinquiringly at his guests. Madame de Villefort rose, Monte Cristo didthe same, and the rest followed their example. Villefort and MadameDanglars remained for a moment, as if rooted to their seats; theyquestioned each other with vague and stupid glances. "Did you hear?"said Madame Danglars.

* Elisabeth de Rossan, Marquise de Ganges, was one of the famous women of the court of Louis XIV. Where she was known as "La Belle Provencale. " She was the widow of the Marquise de Castellane when she married de Ganges, and having the misfortune to excite the enmity of her new brothers-in-law, was forced by them to take poison; and they finished her off with pistol and dagger. --Ed.

"We must go, " replied Villefort, offering his arm. The others, attractedby curiosity, were already scattered in different parts of the house;for they thought the visit would not be limited to the one room, andthat, at the same time, they would obtain a view of the rest of thebuilding, of which Monte Cristo had created a palace. Each one went outby the open doors. Monte Cristo waited for the two who remained; then, when they had passed, he brought up the rear, and on his face was asmile, which, if they could have understood it, would have alarmed themmuch more than a visit to the room they were about to enter. They beganby walking through the apartments, many of which were fitted up inthe Eastern style, with cushions and divans instead of beds, and pipesinstead of furniture. The drawing-rooms were decorated with the rarestpictures by the old masters, the boudoirs hung with draperies fromChina, of fanciful colors, fantastic design, and wonderful texture. Atlength they arrived at the famous room. There was nothing particularabout it, excepting that, although daylight had disappeared, it was notlighted, and everything in it was old-fashioned, while the rest of therooms had been redecorated. These two causes were enough to give ita gloomy aspect. "Oh. " cried Madame de Villefort, "it is reallyfrightful. " Madame Danglars tried to utter a few words, but was notheard. Many observations were made, the import of which was a unanimousopinion that there was something sinister about the room. "Is it notso?" asked Monte Cristo. "Look at that large clumsy bed, hung with suchgloomy, blood-colored drapery! And those two crayon portraits, that havefaded from the dampness; do they not seem to say, with their palelips and staring eyes, 'We have seen'?" Villefort became livid; MadameDanglars fell into a long seat placed near the chimney. "Oh, " saidMadame de Villefort, smiling, "are you courageous enough to sit downupon the very seat perhaps upon which the crime was committed?" MadameDanglars rose suddenly.

"And then, " said Monte Cristo, "this is not all. "

"What is there more?" said Debray, who had not failed to notice theagitation of Madame Danglars.

"Ah, what else is there?" said Danglars; "for, at present, I cannotsay that I have seen anything extraordinary. What do you say, M. Cavalcanti?"

"Ah, " said he, "we have at Pisa, Ugolino's tower; at Ferrara, Tasso'sprison; at Rimini, the room of Francesca and Paolo. "

"Yes, but you have not this little staircase, " said Monte Cristo, opening a door concealed by the drapery. "Look at it, and tell me whatyou think of it. "

"What a wicked-looking, crooked staircase, " said Chateau-Renaud with asmile.

"I do not know whether the wine of Chios produces melancholy, butcertainly everything appears to me black in this house, " said Debray.

Ever since Valentine's dowry had been mentioned, Morrel had been silentand sad. "Can you imagine, " said Monte Cristo, "some Othello or Abbe deGanges, one stormy, dark night, descending these stairs step by step, carrying a load, which he wishes to hide from the sight of man, if notfrom God?" Madame Danglars half fainted on the arm of Villefort, who wasobliged to support himself against the wall. "Ah, madame, " cried Debray, "what is the matter with you? how pale you look!"

"It is very evident what is the matter with her, " said Madame deVillefort; "M. De Monte Cristo is relating horrible stories to us, doubtless intending to frighten us to death. "

"Yes, " said Villefort, "really, count, you frighten the ladies. "

"What is the matter?" asked Debray, in a whisper, of Madame Danglars.

"Nothing, " she replied with a violent effort. "I want air, that is all. "

"Will you come into the garden?" said Debray, advancing towards the backstaircase.

"No, no, " she answered, "I would rather remain here. "

"Are you really frightened, madame?" said Monte Cristo.

"Oh, no, sir, " said Madame Danglars; "but you suppose scenes in a mannerwhich gives them the appearance of reality. "

"Ah, yes, " said Monte Cristo smiling; "it is all a matter ofimagination. Why should we not imagine this the apartment of an honestmother? And this bed with red hangings, a bed visited by the goddessLucina? And that mysterious staircase, the passage through which, notto disturb their sleep, the doctor and nurse pass, or even the fathercarrying the sleeping child?" Here Madame Danglars, instead of beingcalmed by the soft picture, uttered a groan and fainted. "MadameDanglars is ill, " said Villefort; "it would be better to take her to hercarriage. "

"Oh, mon Dieu, " said Monte Cristo, "and I have forgotten mysmelling-bottle!"

"I have mine, " said Madame de Villefort; and she passed over toMonte Cristo a bottle full of the same kind of red liquid whose goodproperties the count had tested on Edward.

"Ah, " said Monte Cristo, taking it from her hand.

"Yes, " she said, "at your advice I have made the trial. "

"And have you succeeded?"

"I think so. "

Madame Danglars was carried into the adjoining room; Monte Cristodropped a very small portion of the red liquid upon her lips; shereturned to consciousness. "Ah, " she cried, "what a frightful dream!"

Villefort pressed her hand to let her know it was not a dream. Theylooked for M. Danglars, but, as he was not especially interested inpoetical ideas, he had gone into the garden, and was talking with MajorCavalcanti on the projected railway from Leghorn to Florence. MonteCristo seemed in despair. He took the arm of Madame Danglars, andconducted her into the garden, where they found Danglars taking coffeebetween the Cavalcanti. "Really, madame, " he said, "did I alarm youmuch?"

"Oh, no, sir, " she answered; "but you know, things impress usdifferently, according to the mood of our minds. " Villefort forceda laugh. "And then, you know, " he said, "an idea, a supposition, issufficient. "

"Well, " said Monte Cristo, "you may believe me if you like, but it is myopinion that a crime has been committed in this house. "

"Take care, " said Madame de Villefort, "the king's attorney is here. "

"Ah, " replied Monte Cristo, "since that is the case, I will takeadvantage of his presence to make my declaration. "

"Your declaration?" said Villefort.

"Yes, before witnesses. "

"Oh, this is very interesting, " said Debray; "if there really has been acrime, we will investigate it. "

"There has been a crime, " said Monte Cristo. "Come this way, gentlemen;come, M. Villefort, for a declaration to be available, should be madebefore the competent authorities. " He then took Villefort's arm, and, atthe same time, holding that of Madame Danglars under his own, he draggedthe procureur to the plantain-tree, where the shade was thickest. Allthe other guests followed. "Stay, " said Monte Cristo, "here, in thisvery spot" (and he stamped upon the ground), "I had the earth dug up andfresh mould put in, to refresh these old trees; well, my man, digging, found a box, or rather, the iron-work of a box, in the midst of whichwas the skeleton of a newly born infant. " Monte Cristo felt the arm ofMadame Danglars stiffen, while that of Villefort trembled. "A newly borninfant, " repeated Debray; "this affair becomes serious!"

"Well, " said Chateau-Renaud, "I was not wrong just now then, when Isaid that houses had souls and faces like men, and that their exteriorscarried the impress of their characters. This house was gloomy becauseit was remorseful: it was remorseful because it concealed a crime. "

"Who said it was a crime?" asked Villefort, with a last effort.

"How? is it not a crime to bury a living child in a garden?" cried MonteCristo. "And pray what do you call such an action?"

"But who said it was buried alive?"

"Why bury it there if it were dead? This garden has never been acemetery. "

"What is done to infanticides in this country?" asked Major Cavalcantiinnocently.

"Oh, their heads are soon cut off, " said Danglars.

"Ah, indeed?" said Cavalcanti.

"I think so; am I not right, M. De Villefort?" asked Monte Cristo.

"Yes, count, " replied Villefort, in a voice now scarcely human.

Monte Cristo, seeing that the two persons for whom he had prepared thisscene could scarcely endure it, and not wishing to carry it too far, said, "Come, gentlemen, --some coffee, we seem to have forgotten it, " andhe conducted the guests back to the table on the lawn.

"Indeed, count, " said Madame Danglars, "I am ashamed to own it, but allyour frightful stories have so upset me, that I must beg you to let mesit down;" and she fell into a chair. Monte Cristo bowed, and wentto Madame de Villefort. "I think Madame Danglars again requires yourbottle, " he said. But before Madame de Villefort could reach her friendthe procureur had found time to whisper to Madame Danglars, "I mustspeak to you. "

"When?"

"To-morrow. "

"Where?"

"In my office, or in the court, if you like, --that is the surest place. "

"I will be there. "--At this moment Madame de Villefort approached. "Thanks, my dear friend, " said Madame Danglars, trying to smile; "it isover now, and I am much better. "

Chapter 64. The Beggar.

The evening passed on; Madame de Villefort expressed a desire to returnto Paris, which Madame Danglars had not dared to do, notwithstanding theuneasiness she experienced. On his wife's request, M. De Villefort wasthe first to give the signal of departure. He offered a seat in hislandau to Madame Danglars, that she might be under the care of his wife. As for M. Danglars, absorbed in an interesting conversation with M. Cavalcanti, he paid no attention to anything that was passing. WhileMonte Cristo had begged the smelling-bottle of Madame de Villefort, hehad noticed the approach of Villefort to Madame Danglars, and he soonguessed all that had passed between them, though the words had beenuttered in so low a voice as hardly to be heard by Madame Danglars. Without opposing their arrangements, he allowed Morrel, Chateau-Renaud, and Debray to leave on horseback, and the ladies in M. De Villefort'scarriage. Danglars, more and more delighted with Major Cavalcanti, hadoffered him a seat in his carriage. Andrea Cavalcanti found his tilburywaiting at the door; the groom, in every respect a caricature of theEnglish fashion, was standing on tiptoe to hold a large iron-gray horse.

Andrea had spoken very little during dinner; he was an intelligentlad, and he feared to utter some absurdity before so many grand people, amongst whom, with dilating eyes, he saw the king's attorney. Thenhe had been seized upon by Danglars, who, with a rapid glance at thestiff-necked old major and his modest son, and taking into considerationthe hospitality of the count, made up his mind that he was in thesociety of some nabob come to Paris to finish the worldly education ofhis heir. He contemplated with unspeakable delight the large diamondwhich shone on the major's little finger; for the major, like aprudent man, in case of any accident happening to his bank-notes, hadimmediately converted them into an available asset. Then, after dinner, on the pretext of business, he questioned the father and son upon theirmode of living; and the father and son, previously informed that it wasthrough Danglars the one was to receive his 48, 000 francs and the other50, 000 livres annually, were so full of affability that they wouldhave shaken hands even with the banker's servants, so much did theirgratitude need an object to expend itself upon. One thing above all therest heightened the respect, nay almost the veneration, of Danglarsfor Cavalcanti. The latter, faithful to the principle of Horace, niladmirari, had contented himself with showing his knowledge by declaringin what lake the best lampreys were caught. Then he had eaten somewithout saying a word more; Danglars, therefore, concluded that suchluxuries were common at the table of the illustrious descendant ofthe Cavalcanti, who most likely in Lucca fed upon trout brought fromSwitzerland, and lobsters sent from England, by the same means used bythe count to bring the lampreys from Lake Fusaro, and the sterlet fromthe Volga. Thus it was with much politeness of manner that he heardCavalcanti pronounce these words, "To-morrow, sir, I shall have thehonor of waiting upon you on business. "



"And I, sir, " said Danglars, "shall be most happy to receive you. " Uponwhich he offered to take Cavalcanti in his carriage to the Hotel desPrinces, if it would not be depriving him of the company of his son. Tothis Cavalcanti replied by saying that for some time past his son hadlived independently of him, that he had his own horses and carriages, and that not having come together, it would not be difficult for themto leave separately. The major seated himself, therefore, by the sideof Danglars, who was more and more charmed with the ideas of order andeconomy which ruled this man, and yet who, being able to allow his son60, 000 francs a year, might be supposed to possess a fortune of 500, 000or 600, 000 livres.

As for Andrea, he began, by way of showing off, to scold his groom, who, instead of bringing the tilbury to the steps of the house, had taken itto the outer door, thus giving him the trouble of walking thirty stepsto reach it. The groom heard him with humility, took the bit of theimpatient animal with his left hand, and with the right held out thereins to Andrea, who, taking them from him, rested his polished bootlightly on the step. At that moment a hand touched his shoulder. Theyoung man turned round, thinking that Danglars or Monte Cristo hadforgotten something they wished to tell him, and had returned just asthey were starting. But instead of either of these, he saw nothing but astrange face, sunburnt, and encircled by a beard, with eyes brilliant ascarbuncles, and a smile upon the mouth which displayed a perfect setof white teeth, pointed and sharp as the wolf's or jackal's. A redhandkerchief encircled his gray head; torn and filthy garments coveredhis large bony limbs, which seemed as though, like those of a skeleton, they would rattle as he walked; and the hand with which he leaned uponthe young man's shoulder, and which was the first thing Andrea saw, seemed of gigantic size. Did the young man recognize that face by thelight of the lantern in his tilbury, or was he merely struck with thehorrible appearance of his interrogator? We cannot say; but only relatethe fact that he shuddered and stepped back suddenly. "What do you wantof me?" he asked.

"Pardon me, my friend, if I disturb you, " said the man with the redhandkerchief, "but I want to speak to you. "

"You have no right to beg at night, " said the groom, endeavoring to ridhis master of the troublesome intruder.

"I am not begging, my fine fellow, " said the unknown to the servant, with so ironical an expression of the eye, and so frightful a smile, that he withdrew; "I only wish to say two or three words to your master, who gave me a commission to execute about a fortnight ago. "

"Come, " said Andrea, with sufficient nerve for his servant not toperceive his agitation, "what do you want? Speak quickly, friend. "

The man said, in a low voice: "I wish--I wish you to spare me the walkback to Paris. I am very tired, and as I have not eaten so good a dinneras you, I can scarcely stand. " The young man shuddered at this strangefamiliarity. "Tell me, " he said--"tell me what you want?"

"Well, then, I want you to take me up in your fine carriage, and carryme back. " Andrea turned pale, but said nothing.

"Yes, " said the man, thrusting his hands into his pockets, and lookingimpudently at the youth; "I have taken the whim into my head; do youunderstand, Master Benedetto?"

At this name, no doubt, the young man reflected a little, for he wenttowards his groom, saying, "This man is right; I did indeed charge himwith a commission, the result of which he must tell me; walk to thebarrier, there take a cab, that you may not be too late. " The surprisedgroom retired. "Let me at least reach a shady spot, " said Andrea.

"Oh, as for that, I'll take you to a splendid place, " said the man withthe handkerchief; and taking the horse's bit he led the tilbury whereit was certainly impossible for any one to witness the honor that Andreaconferred upon him.

"Don't think I want the glory of riding in your fine carriage, " said he;"oh, no, it's only because I am tired, and also because I have a littlebusiness to talk over with you. "

"Come, step in, " said the young man. It was a pity this scene had notoccurred in daylight, for it was curious to see this rascal throwinghimself heavily down on the cushion beside the young and elegant driverof the tilbury. Andrea drove past the last house in the village withoutsaying a word to his companion, who smiled complacently, as thoughwell-pleased to find himself travelling in so comfortable a vehicle. Once out of Auteuil, Andrea looked around, in order to assure himselfthat he could neither be seen nor heard, and then, stopping the horseand crossing his arms before the man, he asked, --"Now, tell me why youcome to disturb my tranquillity?"

"Let me ask you why you deceived me?"

"How have I deceived you?"

"'How, ' do you ask? When we parted at the Pont du Var, you told me youwere going to travel through Piedmont and Tuscany; but instead of that, you come to Paris. "

"How does that annoy you?"

"It does not; on the contrary, I think it will answer my purpose. "

"So, " said Andrea, "you are speculating upon me?"

"What fine words he uses!"

"I warn you, Master Caderousse, that you are mistaken. "

"Well, well, don't be angry, my boy; you know well enough what it isto be unfortunate; and misfortunes make us jealous. I thought youwere earning a living in Tuscany or Piedmont by acting as facchino orcicerone, and I pitied you sincerely, as I would a child of my own. Youknow I always did call you my child. "

"Come, come, what then?"

"Patience--patience!"

"I am patient, but go on. "

"All at once I see you pass through the barrier with a groom, a tilbury, and fine new clothes. You must have discovered a mine, or else become astockbroker. "

"So that, as you confess, you are jealous?"

"No, I am pleased--so pleased that I wished to congratulate you; but asI am not quite properly dressed, I chose my opportunity, that I mightnot compromise you. "

"Yes, and a fine opportunity you have chosen!" exclaimed Andrea; "youspeak to me before my servant. "

"How can I help that, my boy? I speak to you when I can catch you. Youhave a quick horse, a light tilbury, you are naturally as slippery as aneel; if I had missed you to-night, I might not have had another chance. "

"You see, I do not conceal myself. "

"You are lucky; I wish I could say as much, for I do conceal myself;and then I was afraid you would not recognize me, but you did, " addedCaderousse with his unpleasant smile. "It was very polite of you. "

"Come, " said Andrea, "what do you want?"

"You do not speak affectionately to me, Benedetto, my old friend, thatis not right--take care, or I may become troublesome. " This menacesmothered the young man's passion. He urged the horse again into a trot. "You should not speak so to an old friend like me, Caderousse, as yousaid just now; you are a native of Marseilles, I am"--

"Do you know then now what you are?"

"No, but I was brought up in Corsica; you are old and obstinate, Iam young and wilful. Between people like us threats are out of place, everything should be amicably arranged. Is it my fault if fortune, whichhas frowned on you, has been kind to me?"

"Fortune has been kind to you, then? Your tilbury, your groom, yourclothes, are not then hired? Good, so much the better, " said Caderousse, his eyes sparkling with avarice.

"Oh, you knew that well enough before speaking to me, " said Andrea, becoming more and more excited. "If I had been wearing a handkerchieflike yours on my head, rags on my back, and worn-out shoes on my feet, you would not have known me. "

"You wrong me, my boy; now I have found you, nothing prevents my beingas well-dressed as any one, knowing, as I do, the goodness of yourheart. If you have two coats you will give me one of them. I used todivide my soup and beans with you when you were hungry. "

"True, " said Andrea.

"What an appetite you used to have! Is it as good now?"

"Oh, yes, " replied Andrea, laughing.

"How did you come to be dining with that prince whose house you havejust left?"

"He is not a prince; simply a count. "

"A count, and a rich one too, eh?"

"Yes; but you had better not have anything to say to him, for he is nota very good-tempered gentleman. "

"Oh, be easy! I have no design upon your count, and you shall havehim all to yourself. But, " said Caderousse, again smiling with thedisagreeable expression he had before assumed, "you must pay for it--youunderstand?"

"Well, what do you want?"

"I think that with a hundred francs a month"--

"Well?"

"I could live"--

"Upon a hundred francs!"

"Come--you understand me; but that with"--

"With?"

"With a hundred and fifty francs I should be quite happy. "

"Here are two hundred, " said Andrea; and he placed ten gold louis in thehand of Caderousse.

"Good!" said Caderousse.

"Apply to the steward on the first day of every month, and you willreceive the same sum. "

"There now, again you degrade me. "

"How so?"

"By making me apply to the servants, when I want to transact businesswith you alone. "

"Well, be it so, then. Take it from me then, and so long at least as Ireceive my income, you shall be paid yours. "

"Come, come; I always said you were a fine fellow, and it is a blessingwhen good fortune happens to such as you. But tell me all about it?"

"Why do you wish to know?" asked Cavalcanti.

"What? do you again defy me?"

"No; the fact is, I have found my father. "

"What? a real father?"

"Yes, so long as he pays me"--

"You'll honor and believe him--that's right. What is his name?"

"Major Cavalcanti. "

"Is he pleased with you?"

"So far I have appeared to answer his purpose. "

"And who found this father for you?"

"The Count of Monte Cristo. "

"The man whose house you have just left?"

"Yes. "

"I wish you would try and find me a situation with him as grandfather, since he holds the money-chest!"

"Well, I will mention you to him. Meanwhile, what are you going to do?"

"I?"

"Yes, you. "

"It is very kind of you to trouble yourself about me. "

"Since you interest yourself in my affairs, I think it is now my turn toask you some questions. "

"Ah, true. Well; I shall rent a room in some respectable house, weara decent coat, shave every day, and go and read the papers in a cafe. Then, in the evening, I shall go to the theatre; I shall look like someretired baker. That is what I want. "

"Come, if you will only put this scheme into execution, and be steady, nothing could be better. "

"Do you think so, M. Bossuet? And you--what will you become? A peer ofFrance?"

"Ah, " said Andrea, "who knows?"

"Major Cavalcanti is already one, perhaps; but then, hereditary rank isabolished. "

"No politics, Caderousse. And now that you have all you want, and thatwe understand each other, jump down from the tilbury and disappear. "

"Not at all, my good friend. "

"How? Not at all?"

"Why, just think for a moment; with this red handkerchief on my head, with scarcely any shoes, no papers, and ten gold napoleons in my pocket, without reckoning what was there before--making in all about two hundredfrancs, --why, I should certainly be arrested at the barriers. Then, to justify myself, I should say that you gave me the money; this wouldcause inquiries, it would be found that I left Toulon without givingdue notice, and I should then be escorted back to the shores of theMediterranean. Then I should become simply No. 106, and good-by tomy dream of resembling the retired baker! No, no, my boy; I preferremaining honorably in the capital. " Andrea scowled. Certainly, as hehad himself owned, the reputed son of Major Cavalcanti was a wilfulfellow. He drew up for a minute, threw a rapid glance around him, andthen his hand fell instantly into his pocket, where it began playingwith a pistol. But, meanwhile, Caderousse, who had never taken his eyesoff his companion, passed his hand behind his back, and opened a longSpanish knife, which he always carried with him, to be ready in caseof need. The two friends, as we see, were worthy of and understood oneanother. Andrea's hand left his pocket inoffensively, and was carriedup to the red mustache, which it played with for some time. "GoodCaderousse, " he said, "how happy you will be. "

"I will do my best, " said the inn-keeper of the Pont du Gard, shuttingup his knife.

"Well, then, we will go into Paris. But how will you pass through thebarrier without exciting suspicion? It seems to me that you are in moredanger riding than on foot. "

"Wait, " said Caderousse, "we shall see. " He then took the great-coatwith the large collar, which the groom had left behind in the tilbury, and put it on his back; then he took off Cavalcanti's hat, which heplaced upon his own head, and finally he assumed the careless attitudeof a servant whose master drives himself.

"But, tell me, " said Andrea, "am I to remain bareheaded?"

"Pooh, " said Caderousse; "it is so windy that your hat can easily appearto have blown off. "

"Come, come; enough of this, " said Cavalcanti.

"What are you waiting for?" said Caderousse. "I hope I am not thecause. "

"Hush, " said Andrea. They passed the barrier without accident. At thefirst cross street Andrea stopped his horse, and Caderousse leaped out.

"Well!" said Andrea, --"my servant's coat and my hat?"

"Ah, " said Caderousse, "you would not like me to risk taking cold?"

"But what am I to do?"

"You? Oh, you are young while I am beginning to get old. Au revoir, Benedetto;" and running into a court, he disappeared. "Alas, " saidAndrea, sighing, "one cannot be completely happy in this world!"

Chapter 65. A Conjugal Scene.

At the Place Louis XV. The three young people separated--that is tosay, Morrel went to the Boulevards, Chateau-Renaud to the Pont dela Revolution, and Debray to the Quai. Most probably Morrel andChateau-Renaud returned to their "domestic hearths, " as they say in thegallery of the Chamber in well-turned speeches, and in the theatre ofthe Rue Richelieu in well-written pieces; but it was not the case withDebray. When he reached the wicket of the Louvre, he turned to the left, galloped across the Carrousel, passed through the Rue Saint-Roch, and, issuing from the Rue de la Michodiere, he arrived at M. Danglars' doorjust at the same time that Villefort's landau, after having depositedhim and his wife at the Faubourg St. Honore, stopped to leave thebaroness at her own house. Debray, with the air of a man familiar withthe house, entered first into the court, threw his bridle into the handsof a footman, and returned to the door to receive Madame Danglars, towhom he offered his arm, to conduct her to her apartments. The gate onceclosed, and Debray and the baroness alone in the court, he asked, --"Whatwas the matter with you, Hermine? and why were you so affected at thatstory, or rather fable, which the count related?"

"Because I have been in such shocking spirits all the evening, myfriend, " said the baroness.

"No, Hermine, " replied Debray; "you cannot make me believe that; on thecontrary, you were in excellent spirits when you arrived at the count's. M. Danglars was disagreeable, certainly, but I know how much you carefor his ill-humor. Some one has vexed you; I will allow no one to annoyyou. "

"You are deceived, Lucien, I assure you, " replied Madame Danglars; "andwhat I have told you is really the case, added to the ill-humor youremarked, but which I did not think it worth while to allude to. " Itwas evident that Madame Danglars was suffering from that nervousirritability which women frequently cannot account for even tothemselves; or that, as Debray had guessed, she had experienced somesecret agitation that she would not acknowledge to any one. Being aman who knew that the former of these symptoms was one of the inherentpenalties of womanhood, he did not then press his inquiries, but waitedfor a more appropriate opportunity when he should again interrogateher, or receive an avowal proprio motu. At the door of her apartment thebaroness met Mademoiselle Cornelie, her confidential maid. "What is mydaughter doing?" asked Madame Danglars.

"She practiced all the evening, and then went to bed, " repliedMademoiselle Cornelie.

"Yet I think I hear her piano. "

"It is Mademoiselle Louise d'Armilly, who is playing while MademoiselleDanglars is in bed. "

"Well, " said Madame Danglars, "come and undress me. " They enteredthe bedroom. Debray stretched himself upon a large couch, and MadameDanglars passed into her dressing-room with Mademoiselle Cornelie. "Mydear M. Lucien, " said Madame Danglars through the door, "you are alwayscomplaining that Eugenie will not address a word to you. "

"Madame, " said Lucien, playing with a little dog, who, recognizing himas a friend of the house, expected to be caressed, "I am not the onlyone who makes similar complaints, I think I heard Morcerf say that hecould not extract a word from his betrothed. "

"True, " said Madame Danglars; "yet I think this will all pass off, andthat you will one day see her enter your study. "

"My study?"

"At least that of the minister. "

"Why so!"

"To ask for an engagement at the Opera. Really, I never saw such aninfatuation for music; it is quite ridiculous for a young lady offashion. " Debray smiled. "Well, " said he, "let her come, with yourconsent and that of the baron, and we will try and give her anengagement, though we are very poor to pay such talent as hers. "

"Go, Cornelie, " said Madame Danglars, "I do not require you any longer. "

Cornelie obeyed, and the next minute Madame Danglars left her room ina charming loose dress, and came and sat down close to Debray. Then shebegan thoughtfully to caress the little spaniel. Lucien looked at herfor a moment in silence. "Come, Hermine, " he said, after a short time, "answer candidly, --something vexes you--is it not so?"

"Nothing, " answered the baroness.

And yet, as she could scarcely breathe, she rose and went towardsa looking-glass. "I am frightful to-night, " she said. Debray rose, smiling, and was about to contradict the baroness upon this latterpoint, when the door opened suddenly. M. Danglars appeared; Debrayreseated himself. At the noise of the door Madame Danglars turned round, and looked upon her husband with an astonishment she took no troubleto conceal. "Good-evening, madame, " said the banker; "good-evening, M. Debray. "

Probably the baroness thought this unexpected visit signified a desireto make up for the sharp words he had uttered during the day. Assuminga dignified air, she turned round to Debray, without answering herhusband. "Read me something, M. Debray, " she said. Debray, who wasslightly disturbed at this visit, recovered himself when he saw thecalmness of the baroness, and took up a book marked by a mother-of-pearlknife inlaid with gold. "Excuse me, " said the banker, "but you willtire yourself, baroness, by such late hours, and M. Debray lives somedistance from here. "

Debray was petrified, not only to hear Danglars speak so calmly andpolitely, but because it was apparent that beneath outward politenessthere really lurked a determined spirit of opposition to anything hiswife might wish to do. The baroness was also surprised, and showed herastonishment by a look which would doubtless have had some effect uponher husband if he had not been intently occupied with the paper, wherehe was looking to see the closing stock quotations. The result was, thatthe proud look entirely failed of its purpose.

"M. Lucien, " said the baroness, "I assure you I have no desire to sleep, and that I have a thousand things to tell you this evening, which youmust listen to, even though you slept while hearing me. "

"I am at your service, madame, " replied Lucien coldly.

"My dear M. Debray, " said the banker, "do not kill yourself to-nightlistening to the follies of Madame Danglars, for you can hear them aswell to-morrow; but I claim to-night and will devote it, if you willallow me, to talk over some serious matters with my wife. " This timethe blow was so well aimed, and hit so directly, that Lucien and thebaroness were staggered, and they interrogated each other with theireyes, as if to seek help against this aggression, but the irresistiblewill of the master of the house prevailed, and the husband wasvictorious.

"Do not think I wish to turn you out, my dear Debray, " continuedDanglars; "oh, no, not at all. An unexpected occurrence forces me to askmy wife to have a little conversation with me; it is so rarely I makesuch a request, I am sure you cannot grudge it to me. " Debray mutteredsomething, bowed and went out, knocking himself against the edge of thedoor, like Nathan in "Athalie. "

"It is extraordinary, " he said, when the door was closed behind him, "how easily these husbands, whom we ridicule, gain an advantage overus. "

Lucien having left, Danglars took his place on the sofa, closed the openbook, and placing himself in a dreadfully dictatorial attitude, he beganplaying with the dog; but the animal, not liking him as well as Debray, and attempting to bite him, Danglars seized him by the skin of his neckand threw him upon a couch on the other side of the room. The animaluttered a cry during the transit, but, arrived at its destination, itcrouched behind the cushions, and stupefied at such unusual treatmentremained silent and motionless. "Do you know, sir, " asked the baroness, "that you are improving? Generally you are only rude, but to-night youare brutal. "

"It is because I am in a worse humor than usual, " replied Danglars. Hermine looked at the banker with supreme disdain. These glancesfrequently exasperated the pride of Danglars, but this evening he tookno notice of them.

"And what have I to do with your ill-humor?" said the baroness, irritated at the impassibility of her husband; "do these things concernme? Keep your ill-humor at home in your money boxes, or, since you haveclerks whom you pay, vent it upon them. "

"Not so, " replied Danglars; "your advice is wrong, so I shall not followit. My money boxes are my Pactolus, as, I think, M. Demoustier says, andI will not retard its course, or disturb its calm. My clerks are honestmen, who earn my fortune, whom I pay much below their deserts, if I mayvalue them according to what they bring in; therefore I shall not getinto a passion with them; those with whom I will be in a passion arethose who eat my dinners, mount my horses, and exhaust my fortune. "

"And pray who are the persons who exhaust your fortune? Explain yourselfmore clearly, I beg, sir. "

"Oh, make yourself easy!--I am not speaking riddles, and you will soonknow what I mean. The people who exhaust my fortune are those who drawout 700, 000 francs in the course of an hour. "

"I do not understand you, sir, " said the baroness, trying to disguisethe agitation of her voice and the flush of her face. "You understand meperfectly, on the contrary, " said Danglars: "but, if you will persist, I will tell you that I have just lost 700, 000 francs upon the Spanishloan. "

"And pray, " asked the baroness, "am I responsible for this loss?"

"Why not?"

"Is it my fault you have lost 700, 000 francs?"

"Certainly it is not mine. "

"Once for all, sir, " replied the baroness sharply, "I tell you I willnot hear cash named; it is a style of language I never heard in thehouse of my parents or in that of my first husband. "

"Oh, I can well believe that, for neither of them was worth a penny. "

"The better reason for my not being conversant with the slang of thebank, which is here dinning in my ears from morning to night; that noiseof jingling crowns, which are constantly being counted and re-counted, is odious to me. I only know one thing I dislike more, which is thesound of your voice. "

"Really?" said Danglars. "Well, this surprises me, for I thought youtook the liveliest interest in all my affairs!"

"I? What could put such an idea into your head?"

"Yourself. "

"Ah?--what next?"

"Most assuredly. "

"I should like to know upon what occasion?"

"Oh, mon Dieu, that is very easily done. Last February you were thefirst who told me of the Haitian funds. You had dreamed that a ship hadentered the harbor at Havre, that this ship brought news that apayment we had looked upon as lost was going to be made. I know howclear-sighted your dreams are; I therefore purchased immediately as manyshares as I could of the Haitian debt, and I gained 400, 000 francs byit, of which 100, 000 have been honestly paid to you. You spent it as youpleased; that was your business. In March there was a question about agrant to a railway. Three companies presented themselves, each offeringequal securities. You told me that your instinct, --and although youpretend to know nothing about speculations, I think on the contrary, that your comprehension is very clear upon certain affairs, --well, youtold me that your instinct led you to believe the grant would be givento the company called the Southern. I bought two thirds of the sharesof that company; as you had foreseen, the shares trebled in value, andI picked up a million, from which 250, 000 francs were paid to you forpin-money. How have you spent this 250, 000 francs?--it is no business ofmine. "

"When are you coming to the point?" cried the baroness, shivering withanger and impatience.

"Patience, madame, I am coming to it. "

"That's fortunate. "

"In April you went to dine at the minister's. You heard a privateconversation respecting Spanish affairs--on the expulsion of Don Carlos. I bought some Spanish shares. The expulsion took place and I pocketed600, 000 francs the day Charles V. Repassed the Bidassoa. Of these600, 000 francs you took 50, 000 crowns. They were yours, you disposed ofthem according to your fancy, and I asked no questions; but it is notthe less true that you have this year received 500, 000 livres. "

"Well, sir, and what then?"

"Ah, yes, it was just after this that you spoiled everything. "

"Really, your manner of speaking"--

"It expresses my meaning, and that is all I want. Well, three days afterthat you talked politics with M. Debray, and you fancied from his wordsthat Don Carlos had returned to Spain. Well, I sold my shares, the newsgot out, and I no longer sold--I gave them away, next day I find thenews was false, and by this false report I have lost 700, 000. Francs. "

"Well?"

"Well, since I gave you a fourth of my gains, I think you owe me afourth of my losses; the fourth of 700, 000 francs is 175, 000 francs. "

"What you say is absurd, and I cannot see why M. Debray's name is mixedup in this affair. "

"Because if you do not possess the 175, 000 francs I reclaim, you musthave lent them to your friends, and M. Debray is one of your friends. "

"For shame!" exclaimed the baroness.

"Oh, let us have no gestures, no screams, no modern drama, or you willoblige me to tell you that I see Debray leave here, pocketing the wholeof the 500, 000 livres you have handed over to him this year, whilehe smiles to himself, saying that he has found what the most skilfulplayers have never discovered--that is, a roulette where he wins withoutplaying, and is no loser when he loses. " The baroness became enraged. "Wretch!" she cried, "will you dare to tell me you did not know what younow reproach me with?"

"I do not say that I did know it, and I do not say that I did not knowit. I merely tell you to look into my conduct during the last four yearsthat we have ceased to be husband and wife, and see whether it has notalways been consistent. Some time after our rupture, you wished tostudy music, under the celebrated baritone who made such a successfulappearance at the Theatre Italien; at the same time I felt inclined tolearn dancing of the danseuse who acquired such a reputation in London. This cost me, on your account and mine, 100, 000 francs. I said nothing, for we must have peace in the house; and 100, 000 francs for a lady andgentleman to be properly instructed in music and dancing are not toomuch. Well, you soon become tired of singing, and you take a fancyto study diplomacy with the minister's secretary. You understand, itsignifies nothing to me so long as you pay for your lessons out of yourown cashbox. But to-day I find you are drawing on mine, and that yourapprenticeship may cost me 700, 000 francs per month. Stop there, madame, for this cannot last. Either the diplomatist must give his lessonsgratis, and I will tolerate him, or he must never set his foot again inmy house;--do you understand, madame?"

"Oh, this is too much, " cried Hermine, choking, "you are worse thandespicable. "

"But, " continued Danglars, "I find you did not even pause there"--

"Insults!"

"You are right; let us leave these facts alone, and reason coolly. Ihave never interfered in your affairs excepting for your good; treat mein the same way. You say you have nothing to do with my cash-box. Beit so. Do as you like with your own, but do not fill or empty mine. Besides, how do I know that this was not a political trick, that theminister enraged at seeing me in the opposition, and jealous of thepopular sympathy I excite, has not concerted with M. Debray to ruin me?"

"A probable thing!"

"Why not? Who ever heard of such an occurrence as this?--a falsetelegraphic despatch--it is almost impossible for wrong signals to bemade as they were in the last two telegrams. It was done on purpose forme--I am sure of it. "

"Sir, " said the baroness humbly, "are you not aware that the manemployed there was dismissed, that they talked of going to law with him, that orders were issued to arrest him and that this order would havebeen put into execution if he had not escaped by flight, which provesthat he was either mad or guilty? It was a mistake. "

"Yes, which made fools laugh, which caused the minister to have asleepless night, which has caused the minister's secretaries to blackenseveral sheets of paper, but which has cost me 700, 000 francs. "

"But, sir, " said Hermine suddenly, "if all this is, as you say, causedby M. Debray, why, instead of going direct to him, do you come and tellme of it? Why, to accuse the man, do you address the woman?"

"Do I know M. Debray?--do I wish to know him?--do I wish to know that hegives advice?--do I wish to follow it?--do I speculate? No; you do allthis, not I. "

"Still it seems to me, that as you profit by it--"

Danglars shrugged his shoulders. "Foolish creature, " he exclaimed. "Women fancy they have talent because they have managed two or threeintrigues without being the talk of Paris! But know that if you hadeven hidden your irregularities from your husband, who has but thecommencement of the art--for generally husbands will not see--you wouldthen have been but a faint imitation of most of your friends among thewomen of the world. But it has not been so with me, --I see, and alwayshave seen, during the last sixteen years. You may, perhaps, have hiddena thought; but not a step, not an action, not a fault, has escaped me, while you flattered yourself upon your address, and firmly believed youhad deceived me. What has been the result?--that, thanks to my pretendedignorance, there is none of your friends, from M. De Villefort to M. Debray, who has not trembled before me. There is not one who has nottreated me as the master of the house, --the only title I desire withrespect to you; there is not one, in fact, who would have dared to speakof me as I have spoken of them this day. I will allow you to make mehateful, but I will prevent your rendering me ridiculous, and, aboveall, I forbid you to ruin me. "

The baroness had been tolerably composed until the name of Villefort hadbeen pronounced; but then she became pale, and, rising, as if touched bya spring, she stretched out her hands as though conjuring an apparition;she then took two or three steps towards her husband, as though to tearthe secret from him, of which he was ignorant, or which he withheld fromsome odious calculation, --odious, as all his calculations were. "M. DeVillefort!--What do you mean?"

"I mean that M. De Nargonne, your first husband, being neither aphilosopher nor a banker, or perhaps being both, and seeing there wasnothing to be got out of a king's attorney, died of grief or anger atfinding, after an absence of nine months, that you had been enceintesix. I am brutal, --I not only allow it, but boast of it; it is oneof the reasons of my success in commercial business. Why did he killhimself instead of you? Because he had no cash to save. My life belongsto my cash. M. Debray has made me lose 700, 000 francs; let him bear hisshare of the loss, and we will go on as before; if not, let him becomebankrupt for the 250, 000 livres, and do as all bankrupts do--disappear. He is a charming fellow, I allow, when his news is correct; but whenit is not, there are fifty others in the world who would do better thanhe. "

Madame Danglars was rooted to the spot; she made a violent effortto reply to this last attack, but she fell upon a chair thinking ofVillefort, of the dinner scene, of the strange series of misfortuneswhich had taken place in her house during the last few days, and changedthe usual calm of her establishment to a scene of scandalous debate. Danglars did not even look at her, though she did her best to faint. He shut the bedroom door after him, without adding another word, andreturned to his apartments; and when Madame Danglars recovered from herhalf-fainting condition, she could almost believe that she had had adisagreeable dream.

Chapter 66. Matrimonial Projects.

The day following this scene, at the hour the banker usually chose topay a visit to Madame Danglars on his way to his office, his coupedid not appear. At this time, that is, about half-past twelve, MadameDanglars ordered her carriage, and went out. Danglars, hidden behind acurtain, watched the departure he had been waiting for. He gave ordersthat he should be informed as soon as Madame Danglars appeared; but attwo o'clock she had not returned. He then called for his horses, droveto the Chamber, and inscribed his name to speak against the budget. Fromtwelve to two o'clock Danglars had remained in his study, unsealing hisdispatches, and becoming more and more sad every minute, heapingfigure upon figure, and receiving, among other visits, one from MajorCavalcanti, who, as stiff and exact as ever, presented himself preciselyat the hour named the night before, to terminate his business with thebanker. On leaving the Chamber, Danglars, who had shown violent marks ofagitation during the sitting, and been more bitter than ever against theministry, re-entered his carriage, and told the coachman to drive to theAvenue des Champs-Elysees, No. 30.

Monte Cristo was at home; only he was engaged with some one and beggedDanglars to wait for a moment in the drawing-room. While the banker waswaiting in the anteroom, the door opened, and a man dressed as an abbeand doubtless more familiar with the house than he was, came in andinstead of waiting, merely bowed, passed on to the farther apartments, and disappeared. A minute after the door by which the priest had enteredreopened, and Monte Cristo appeared. "Pardon me, " said he, "my dearbaron, but one of my friends, the Abbe Busoni, whom you perhaps saw passby, has just arrived in Paris; not having seen him for a long time, Icould not make up my mind to leave him sooner, so I hope this will besufficient reason for my having made you wait. "

"Nay, " said Danglars, "it is my fault; I have chosen my visit at a wrongtime, and will retire. "



"Not at all; on the contrary, be seated; but what is the matterwith you? You look careworn; really, you alarm me. Melancholy in acapitalist, like the appearance of a comet, presages some misfortune tothe world. "

"I have been in ill-luck for several days, " said Danglars, "and I haveheard nothing but bad news. "

"Ah, indeed?" said Monte Cristo. "Have you had another fall at theBourse?"

"No; I am safe for a few days at least. I am only annoyed about abankrupt of Trieste. "

"Really? Does it happen to be Jacopo Manfredi?"

"Exactly so. Imagine a man who has transacted business with me for Idon't know how long, to the amount of 800, 000 or 900, 000 francs duringthe year. Never a mistake or delay--a fellow who paid like a prince. Well, I was a million in advance with him, and now my fine JacopoManfredi suspends payment!"

"Really?"

"It is an unheard-of fatality. I draw upon him for 600, 000. Francs, mybills are returned unpaid, and, more than that, I hold bills ofexchange signed by him to the value of 400, 000. Francs, payable at hiscorrespondent's in Paris at the end of this month. To-day is the 30th. I present them; but my correspondent has disappeared. This, with mySpanish affairs, made a pretty end to the month. "

"Then you really lost by that affair in Spain?"

"Yes; only 700, 000 francs out of my cash-box--nothing more!"

"Why, how could you make such a mistake--such an old stager?"

"Oh, it is all my wife's fault. She dreamed Don Carlos had returned toSpain; she believes in dreams. It is magnetism, she says, and when shedreams a thing it is sure to happen, she assures me. On this convictionI allow her to speculate, she having her bank and her stockbroker; shespeculated and lost. It is true she speculates with her own money, notmine; nevertheless, you can understand that when 700, 000. Francs leavethe wife's pocket, the husband always finds it out. But do you mean tosay you have not heard of this? Why, the thing has made a tremendousnoise. "

"Yes, I heard it spoken of, but I did not know the details, and then noone can be more ignorant than I am of the affairs in the Bourse. "

"Then you do not speculate?"

"I?--How could I speculate when I already have so much trouble inregulating my income? I should be obliged, besides my steward, to keepa clerk and a boy. But touching these Spanish affairs, I think that thebaroness did not dream the whole of the Don Carlos matter. The paperssaid something about it, did they not?"

"Then you believe the papers?"

"I?--not the least in the world; only I fancied that the honest Messagerwas an exception to the rule, and that it only announced telegraphicdespatches. "

"Well, that's what puzzles me, " replied Danglars; "the news of thereturn of Don Carlos was brought by telegraph. "

"So that, " said Monte Cristo, "you have lost nearly 1, 700, 000 francsthis month. "

"Not nearly, indeed; that is exactly my loss. "

"Diable, " said Monte Cristo compassionately, "it is a hard blow for athird-rate fortune. "

"Third-rate, " said Danglars, rather humble, "what do you mean by that?"

"Certainly, " continued Monte Cristo, "I make three assortments infortune--first-rate, second-rate, and third-rate fortunes. I call thosefirst-rate which are composed of treasures one possesses under one'shand, such as mines, lands, and funded property, in such states asFrance, Austria, and England, provided these treasures and property forma total of about a hundred millions; I call those second-rate fortunes, that are gained by manufacturing enterprises, joint-stock companies, viceroyalties, and principalities, not drawing more than 1, 500, 000francs, the whole forming a capital of about fifty millions; finally, I call those third-rate fortunes, which are composed of a fluctuatingcapital, dependent upon the will of others, or upon chances whicha bankruptcy involves or a false telegram shakes, such as banks, speculations of the day--in fact, all operations under the influence ofgreater or less mischances, the whole bringing in a real or fictitiouscapital of about fifteen millions. I think this is about your position, is it not?"

"Confound it, yes!" replied Danglars.

"The result, then, of six more such months as this would be to reducethe third-rate house to despair. "

"Oh, " said Danglars, becoming very pale, how you are running on!"

"Let us imagine seven such months, " continued Monte Cristo, in the sametone. "Tell me, have you ever thought that seven times 1, 700, 000 francsmake nearly twelve millions? No, you have not;--well, you are right, for if you indulged in such reflections, you would never risk yourprincipal, which is to the speculator what the skin is to civilizedman. We have our clothes, some more splendid than others, --this is ourcredit; but when a man dies he has only his skin; in the same way, onretiring from business, you have nothing but your real principal ofabout five or six millions, at the most; for third-rate fortunes arenever more than a fourth of what they appear to be, like the locomotiveon a railway, the size of which is magnified by the smoke and steamsurrounding it. Well, out of the five or six millions which form yourreal capital, you have just lost nearly two millions, which must, ofcourse, in the same degree diminish your credit and fictitious fortune;to follow out my simile, your skin has been opened by bleeding, and thisif repeated three or four times will cause death--so pay attention toit, my dear Monsieur Danglars. Do you want money? Do you wish me to lendyou some?"

"What a bad calculator you are!" exclaimed Danglars, calling to hisassistance all his philosophy and dissimulation. "I have made money atthe same time by speculations which have succeeded. I have made upthe loss of blood by nutrition. I lost a battle in Spain, I have beendefeated in Trieste, but my naval army in India will have taken somegalleons, and my Mexican pioneers will have discovered some mine. "

"Very good, very good! But the wound remains and will reopen at thefirst loss. "

"No, for I am only embarked in certainties, " replied Danglars, withthe air of a mountebank sounding his own praises; "to involve me, threegovernments must crumble to dust. "

"Well, such things have been. "

"That there should be a famine!"

"Recollect the seven fat and the seven lean kine. "

"Or, that the sea should become dry, as in the days of Pharaoh, and eventhen my vessels would become caravans. "

"So much the better. I congratulate you, my dear M. Danglars, " saidMonte Cristo; "I see I was deceived, and that you belong to the class ofsecond-rate fortunes. "

"I think I may aspire to that honor, " said Danglars with a smile, whichreminded Monte Cristo of the sickly moons which bad artists are so fondof daubing into their pictures of ruins. "But, while we are speaking ofbusiness, " Danglars added, pleased to find an opportunity of changingthe subject, "tell me what I am to do for M. Cavalcanti. "

"Give him money, if he is recommended to you, and the recommendationseems good. "

"Excellent; he presented himself this morning with a bond of 40, 000francs, payable at sight, on you, signed by Busoni, and returned by youto me, with your indorsement--of course, I immediately counted him overthe forty bank-notes. "

Monte Cristo nodded his head in token of assent. "But that is not all, "continued Danglars; "he has opened an account with my house for hisson. "

"May I ask how much he allows the young man?"

"Five thousand francs per month. "

"Sixty thousand francs per year. I thought I was right in believing thatCavalcanti to be a stingy fellow. How can a young man live upon 5, 000francs a month?"

"But you understand that if the young man should want a few thousandsmore"--

"Do not advance it; the father will never repay it. You do not knowthese ultramontane millionaires; they are regular misers. And by whomwere they recommended to you?"

"Oh, by the house of Fenzi, one of the best in Florence. "

"I do not mean to say you will lose, but, nevertheless, mind you hold tothe terms of the agreement. "

"Would you not trust the Cavalcanti?"

"I? oh, I would advance six millions on his signature. I was onlyspeaking in reference to the second-rate fortunes we were mentioningjust now. "

"And with all this, how unassuming he is! I should never have taken himfor anything more than a mere major. "

"And you would have flattered him, for certainly, as you say, he hasno manner. The first time I saw him he appeared to me like an oldlieutenant who had grown mouldy under his epaulets. But all the Italiansare the same; they are like old Jews when they are not glittering inOriental splendor. "

"The young man is better, " said Danglars.

"Yes; a little nervous, perhaps, but, upon the whole, he appearedtolerable. I was uneasy about him. "

"Why?"

"Because you met him at my house, just after his introduction into theworld, as they told me. He has been travelling with a very severe tutor, and had never been to Paris before. "

"Ah, I believe noblemen marry amongst themselves, do they not?" askedDanglars carelessly; "they like to unite their fortunes. "

"It is usual, certainly; but Cavalcanti is an original who does nothinglike other people. I cannot help thinking that he has brought his son toFrance to choose a wife. "

"Do you think so?"

"I am sure of it. "

"And you have heard his fortune mentioned?"

"Nothing else was talked of; only some said he was worth millions, andothers that he did not possess a farthing. "

"And what is your opinion?"

"I ought not to influence you, because it is only my own personalimpression. "

"Well, and it is that"--

"My opinion is, that all these old podestas, these ancientcondottieri, --for the Cavalcanti have commanded armies and governedprovinces, --my opinion, I say, is, that they have buried their millionsin corners, the secret of which they have transmitted only to theireldest sons, who have done the same from generation to generation; andthe proof of this is seen in their yellow and dry appearance, like theflorins of the republic, which, from being constantly gazed upon, havebecome reflected in them. "

"Certainly, " said Danglars, "and this is further supported by the factof their not possessing an inch of land. "

"Very little, at least; I know of none which Cavalcanti possesses, excepting his palace in Lucca. "

"Ah, he has a palace?" said Danglars, laughing; "come, that issomething. "

"Yes; and more than that, he lets it to the Minister of Finance whilehe lives in a simple house. Oh, as I told you before, I think the oldfellow is very close. "

"Come, you do not flatter him. "

"I scarcely know him; I think I have seen him three times in my life;all I know relating to him is through Busoni and himself. He was tellingme this morning that, tired of letting his property lie dormant inItaly, which is a dead nation, he wished to find a method, either inFrance or England, of multiplying his millions, but remember, thatthough I place great confidence in Busoni, I am not responsible forthis. "

"Never mind; accept my thanks for the client you have sent me. It is afine name to inscribe on my ledgers, and my cashier was quite proud ofit when I explained to him who the Cavalcanti were. By the way, this ismerely a simple question, when this sort of people marry their sons, dothey give them any fortune?"

"Oh, that depends upon circumstances. I know an Italian prince, rich asa gold mine, one of the noblest families in Tuscany, who, when his sonsmarried according to his wish, gave them millions; and when they marriedagainst his consent, merely allowed them thirty crowns a month. ShouldAndrea marry according to his father's views, he will, perhaps, give himone, two, or three millions. For example, supposing it were the daughterof a banker, he might take an interest in the house of the father-in-lawof his son; then again, if he disliked his choice, the major takes thekey, double-locks his coffer, and Master Andrea would be obliged to livelike the sons of a Parisian family, by shuffling cards or rattling thedice. "

"Ah, that boy will find out some Bavarian or Peruvian princess; he willwant a crown and an immense fortune. "

"No; these grand lords on the other side of the Alps frequently marryinto plain families; like Jupiter, they like to cross the race. But doyou wish to marry Andrea, my dear M. Danglars, that you are asking somany questions?"

"Ma foi, " said Danglars, "it would not be a bad speculation, I fancy, and you know I am a speculator. "

"You are not thinking of Mademoiselle Danglars, I hope; you would notlike poor Andrea to have his throat cut by Albert?"

"Albert, " repeated Danglars, shrugging his shoulders; "ah, well; hewould care very little about it, I think. "

"But he is betrothed to your daughter, I believe?"

"Well, M. De Morcerf and I have talked about this marriage, but Madamede Morcerf and Albert"--

"You do not mean to say that it would not be a good match?"

"Indeed, I imagine that Mademoiselle Danglars is as good as M. DeMorcerf. "

"Mademoiselle Danglars' fortune will be great, no doubt, especially ifthe telegraph should not make any more mistakes. "

"Oh, I do not mean her fortune only; but tell me"--

"What?"

"Why did you not invite M. And Madame de Morcerf to your dinner?"

"I did so, but he excused himself on account of Madame de Morcerf beingobliged to go to Dieppe for the benefit of sea air. "

"Yes, yes, " said Danglars, laughing, "it would do her a great deal ofgood. "

"Why so?"

"Because it is the air she always breathed in her youth. " Monte Cristotook no notice of this ill-natured remark.

"But still, if Albert be not so rich as Mademoiselle Danglars, " said thecount, "you must allow that he has a fine name?"

"So he has; but I like mine as well. "

"Certainly; your name is popular, and does honor to the title they haveadorned it with; but you are too intelligent not to know that accordingto a prejudice, too firmly rooted to be exterminated, a nobility whichdates back five centuries is worth more than one that can only reckontwenty years. "

"And for this very reason, " said Danglars with a smile, which hetried to make sardonic, "I prefer M. Andrea Cavalcanti to M. Albert deMorcerf. "

"Still, I should not think the Morcerfs would yield to the Cavalcanti?"

"The Morcerfs!--Stay, my dear count, " said Danglars; "you are a man ofthe world, are you not?"

"I think so. "

"And you understand heraldry?"

"A little. "

"Well, look at my coat-of-arms, it is worth more than Morcerf's. "

"Why so?"

"Because, though I am not a baron by birth, my real name is, at least, Danglars. "

"Well, what then?"

"While his name is not Morcerf. "

"How?--not Morcerf?"

"Not the least in the world. "

"Go on. "

"I have been made a baron, so that I actually am one; he made himself acount, so that he is not one at all. "

"Impossible!"

"Listen my dear count; M. De Morcerf has been my friend, or rather myacquaintance, during the last thirty years. You know I have made themost of my arms, though I never forgot my origin. "

"A proof of great humility or great pride, " said Monte Cristo.

"Well, when I was a clerk, Morcerf was a mere fisherman. "

"And then he was called"--

"Fernand. "

"Only Fernand?"

"Fernand Mondego. "

"You are sure?"

"Pardieu, I have bought enough fish of him to know his name. "

"Then, why did you think of giving your daughter to him?"

"Because Fernand and Danglars, being both parvenus, both having becomenoble, both rich, are about equal in worth, excepting that there havebeen certain things mentioned of him that were never said of me. "

"What?"

"Oh, nothing!"

"Ah, yes; what you tell me recalls to mind something about the name ofFernand Mondego. I have heard that name in Greece. "

"In conjunction with the affairs of Ali Pasha?"

"Exactly so. "

"This is the mystery, " said Danglars. "I acknowledge I would have givenanything to find it out. "

"It would be very easy if you much wished it?"

"How so?"

"Probably you have some correspondent in Greece?"

"I should think so. "

"At Yanina?"

"Everywhere. "

"Well, write to your correspondent in Yanina, and ask him what part wasplayed by a Frenchman named Fernand Mondego in the catastrophe of AliTepelini. "

"You are right, " exclaimed Danglars, rising quickly, "I will writeto-day. "

"Do so. "

"I will. "

"And if you should hear of anything very scandalous"--

"I will communicate it to you. "

"You will oblige me. " Danglars rushed out of the room, and made but oneleap into his coupe.

Chapter 67. At the Office of the King's Attorney.

Let us leave the banker driving his horses at their fullest speed, andfollow Madame Danglars in her morning excursion. We have said that athalf-past twelve o'clock Madame Danglars had ordered her horses, and hadleft home in the carriage. She directed her course towards the FaubourgSaint Germain, went down the Rue Mazarine, and stopped at the Passagedu Pont-Neuf. She descended, and went through the passage. She was veryplainly dressed, as would be the case with a woman of taste walking inthe morning. At the Rue Guenegaud she called a cab, and directed thedriver to go to the Rue de Harlay. As soon as she was seated in thevehicle, she drew from her pocket a very thick black veil, which shetied on to her straw bonnet. She then replaced the bonnet, and sawwith pleasure, in a little pocket-mirror, that her white complexion andbrilliant eyes were alone visible. The cab crossed the Pont-Neuf andentered the Rue de Harlay by the Place Dauphine; the driver was paid asthe door opened, and stepping lightly up the stairs Madame Danglars soonreached the Salle des Pas-Perdus.

There was a great deal going on that morning, and many business-likepersons at the Palais; business-like persons pay very little attentionto women, and Madame Danglars crossed the hall without exciting anymore attention than any other woman calling upon her lawyer. There wasa great press of people in M. De Villefort's ante-chamber, but MadameDanglars had no occasion even to pronounce her name. The instant sheappeared the door-keeper rose, came to her, and asked her whether shewas not the person with whom the procureur had made an appointment; andon her affirmative answer being given, he conducted her by a privatepassage to M. De Villefort's office. The magistrate was seated in anarm-chair, writing, with his back towards the door; he did not move ashe heard it open, and the door-keeper pronounce the words, "Walk in, madame, " and then reclose it; but no sooner had the man's footstepsceased, than he started up, drew the bolts, closed the curtains, andexamined every corner of the room. Then, when he had assured himselfthat he could neither be seen nor heard, and was consequently relievedof doubts, he said, --"Thanks, madame, --thanks for your punctuality;" andhe offered a chair to Madame Danglars, which she accepted, for her heartbeat so violently that she felt nearly suffocated.

"It is a long time, madame, " said the procureur, describing ahalf-circle with his chair, so as to place himself exactly oppositeto Madame Danglars, --"it is a long time since I had the pleasure ofspeaking alone with you, and I regret that we have only now met to enterupon a painful conversation. "

"Nevertheless, sir, you see I have answered your first appeal, althoughcertainly the conversation must be much more painful for me than foryou. " Villefort smiled bitterly.

"It is true, then, " he said, rather uttering his thoughts aloud thanaddressing his companion, --"it is true, then, that all our actions leavetheir traces--some sad, others bright--on our paths; it is truethat every step in our lives is like the course of an insect on thesands;--it leaves its track! Alas, to many the path is traced by tears. "

"Sir, " said Madame Danglars, "you can feel for my emotion, can you not?Spare me, then, I beseech you. When I look at this room, --whence so manyguilty creatures have departed, trembling and ashamed, when I lookat that chair before which I now sit trembling and ashamed, --oh, itrequires all my reason to convince me that I am not a very guilty womanand you a menacing judge. " Villefort dropped his head and sighed. "AndI, " he said, "I feel that my place is not in the judge's seat, but onthe prisoner's stool. "

"You?" said Madame Danglars.

"Yes, I. "

"I think, sir, you exaggerate your situation, " said Madame Danglars, whose beautiful eyes sparkled for a moment. "The paths of which you werejust speaking have been traced by all young men of ardent imaginations. Besides the pleasure, there is always remorse from the indulgence of ourpassions, and, after all, what have you men to fear from all this? theworld excuses, and notoriety ennobles you. "

"Madame, " replied Villefort, "you know that I am no hypocrite, or, atleast, that I never deceive without a reason. If my brow be severe, itis because many misfortunes have clouded it; if my heart be petrified, it is that it might sustain the blows it has received. I was not so inmy youth, I was not so on the night of the betrothal, when we were allseated around a table in the Rue du Cours at Marseilles. But sincethen everything has changed in and about me; I am accustomed to bravedifficulties, and, in the conflict to crush those who, by their own freewill, or by chance, voluntarily or involuntarily, interfere with me inmy career. It is generally the case that what we most ardently desireis as ardently withheld from us by those who wish to obtain it, or fromwhom we attempt to snatch it. Thus, the greater number of a man's errorscome before him disguised under the specious form of necessity; then, after error has been committed in a moment of excitement, of delirium, or of fear, we see that we might have avoided and escaped it. The meanswe might have used, which we in our blindness could not see, then seemsimple and easy, and we say, 'Why did I not do this, instead of that?'Women, on the contrary, are rarely tormented with remorse; for thedecision does not come from you, --your misfortunes are generally imposedupon you, and your faults the results of others' crimes. "

"In any case, sir, you will allow, " replied Madame Danglars, "that, evenif the fault were alone mine, I last night received a severe punishmentfor it. "

"Poor thing, " said Villefort, pressing her hand, "it was too severe foryour strength, for you were twice overwhelmed, and yet"--

"Well?"

"Well, I must tell you. Collect all your courage, for you have not yetheard all. "

"Ah, " exclaimed Madame Danglars, alarmed, "what is there more to hear?"

"You only look back to the past, and it is, indeed, bad enough. Well, picture to yourself a future more gloomy still--certainly frightful, perhaps sanguinary. " The baroness knew how calm Villefort naturally was, and his present excitement frightened her so much that she openedher mouth to scream, but the sound died in her throat. "How has thisterrible past been recalled?" cried Villefort; "how is it that it hasescaped from the depths of the tomb and the recesses of our hearts, where it was buried, to visit us now, like a phantom, whitening ourcheeks and flushing our brows with shame?"

"Alas, " said Hermine, "doubtless it is chance. "

"Chance?" replied Villefort; "No, no, madame, there is no such thing aschance. "

"Oh, yes; has not a fatal chance revealed all this? Was it not by chancethe Count of Monte Cristo bought that house? Was it not by chance hecaused the earth to be dug up? Is it not by chance that the unfortunatechild was disinterred under the trees?--that poor innocent offspring ofmine, which I never even kissed, but for whom I wept many, many tears. Ah, my heart clung to the count when he mentioned the dear spoil foundbeneath the flowers. "

"Well, no, madame, --this is the terrible news I have to tell you, " saidVillefort in a hollow voice--"no, nothing was found beneath the flowers;there was no child disinterred--no. You must not weep, no, you must notgroan, you must tremble!"

"What can you mean?" asked Madame Danglars, shuddering.

"I mean that M. De Monte Cristo, digging underneath these trees, foundneither skeleton nor chest, because neither of them was there!"

"Neither of them there?" repeated Madame Danglars, her staring, wide-open eyes expressing her alarm.

"Neither of them there!" she again said, as though striving to impressherself with the meaning of the words which escaped her.

"No, " said Villefort, burying his face in his hands, "no, a hundredtimes no!"

"Then you did not bury the poor child there, sir? Why did you deceiveme? Where did you place it? tell me--where?"

"There! But listen to me--listen--and you will pity me who has fortwenty years alone borne the heavy burden of grief I am about to reveal, without casting the least portion upon you. "

"Oh, you frighten me! But speak; I will listen. "

"You recollect that sad night, when you were half-expiring on thatbed in the red damask room, while I, scarcely less agitated than you, awaited your delivery. The child was born, was given to me--motionless, breathless, voiceless; we thought it dead. " Madame Danglars movedrapidly, as though she would spring from her chair, but Villefortstopped, and clasped his hands as if to implore her attention. "Wethought it dead, " he repeated; "I placed it in the chest, which was totake the place of a coffin; I descended to the garden, I dug a hole, andthen flung it down in haste. Scarcely had I covered it with earth, whenthe arm of the Corsican was stretched towards me; I saw a shadow rise, and, at the same time, a flash of light. I felt pain; I wished to cryout, but an icy shiver ran through my veins and stifled my voice; I felllifeless, and fancied myself killed. Never shall I forget your sublimecourage, when, having returned to consciousness, I dragged myself to thefoot of the stairs, and you, almost dying yourself, came to meet me. Wewere obliged to keep silent upon the dreadful catastrophe. You had thefortitude to regain the house, assisted by your nurse. A duel wasthe pretext for my wound. Though we scarcely expected it, our secretremained in our own keeping alone. I was taken to Versailles; for threemonths I struggled with death; at last, as I seemed to cling to life, I was ordered to the South. Four men carried me from Paris to Chalons, walking six leagues a day; Madame de Villefort followed the litter inher carriage. At Chalons I was put upon the Saone, thence I passed onto the Rhone, whence I descended, merely with the current, to Arles;at Arles I was again placed on my litter, and continued my journey toMarseilles. My recovery lasted six months. I never heard you mentioned, and I did not dare inquire for you. When I returned to Paris, I learnedthat you, the widow of M. De Nargonne, had married M. Danglars.

"What was the subject of my thoughts from the time consciousnessreturned to me? Always the same--always the child's corpse, coming everynight in my dreams, rising from the earth, and hovering over the gravewith menacing look and gesture. I inquired immediately on my return toParis; the house had not been inhabited since we left it, but it hadjust been let for nine years. I found the tenant. I pretended that Idisliked the idea that a house belonging to my wife's father and mothershould pass into the hands of strangers. I offered to pay them forcancelling the lease; they demanded 6, 000 francs. I would have given10, 000--I would have given 20, 000. I had the money with me; I made thetenant sign the deed of resilition, and when I had obtained what I somuch wanted, I galloped to Auteuil.

"No one had entered the house since I had left it. It was five o'clockin the afternoon; I ascended into the red room, and waited for night. There all the thoughts which had disturbed me during my year of constantagony came back with double force. The Corsican, who had declared thevendetta against me, who had followed me from Nimes to Paris, who hadhid himself in the garden, who had struck me, had seen me dig the grave, had seen me inter the child, --he might become acquainted with yourperson, --nay, he might even then have known it. Would he not one daymake you pay for keeping this terrible secret? Would it not be a sweetrevenge for him when he found that I had not died from the blow of hisdagger? It was therefore necessary, before everything else, and at allrisks, that I should cause all traces of the past to disappear--thatI should destroy every material vestige; too much reality would alwaysremain in my recollection. It was for this I had annulled the lease--itwas for this I had come--it was for this I was waiting. Night arrived;I allowed it to become quite dark. I was without a light in that room;when the wind shook all the doors, behind which I continually expectedto see some spy concealed, I trembled. I seemed everywhere to hear yourmoans behind me in the bed, and I dared not turn around. My heart beatso violently that I feared my wound would open. At length, one by one, all the noises in the neighborhood ceased. I understood that I hadnothing to fear, that I should neither be seen nor heard, so I decidedupon descending to the garden.

"Listen, Hermine; I consider myself as brave as most men, but when Idrew from my breast the little key of the staircase, which I had foundin my coat--that little key we both used to cherish so much, which youwished to have fastened to a golden ring--when I opened the door, andsaw the pale moon shedding a long stream of white light on the spiralstaircase like a spectre, I leaned against the wall, and nearlyshrieked. I seemed to be going mad. At last I mastered my agitation. Idescended the staircase step by step; the only thing I could not conquerwas a strange trembling in my knees. I grasped the railings; if I hadrelaxed my hold for a moment, I should have fallen. I reached the lowerdoor. Outside this door a spade was placed against the wall; I tookit, and advanced towards the thicket. I had provided myself with adark lantern. In the middle of the lawn I stopped to light it, then Icontinued my path.

"It was the end of November, all the verdure of the garden haddisappeared, the trees were nothing more than skeletons with their longbony arms, and the dead leaves sounded on the gravel under my feet. Myterror overcame me to such a degree as I approached the thicket, thatI took a pistol from my pocket and armed myself. I fancied continuallythat I saw the figure of the Corsican between the branches. I examinedthe thicket with my dark lantern; it was empty. I looked carefullyaround; I was indeed alone, --no noise disturbed the silence but the owl, whose piercing cry seemed to be calling up the phantoms of the night. I tied my lantern to a forked branch I had noticed a year before at theprecise spot where I stopped to dig the hole.

"The grass had grown very thickly there during the summer, and whenautumn arrived no one had been there to mow it. Still one place wherethe grass was thin attracted my attention; it evidently was there I hadturned up the ground. I went to work. The hour, then, for which I hadbeen waiting during the last year had at length arrived. How I worked, how I hoped, how I struck every piece of turf, thinking to find someresistance to my spade! But no, I found nothing, though I had made ahole twice as large as the first. I thought I had been deceived--hadmistaken the spot. I turned around, I looked at the trees, I tried torecall the details which had struck me at the time. A cold, sharp windwhistled through the leafless branches, and yet the drops fell from myforehead. I recollected that I was stabbed just as I was tramplingthe ground to fill up the hole; while doing so I had leaned against alaburnum; behind me was an artificial rockery, intended to serve as aresting-place for persons walking in the garden; in falling, my hand, relaxing its hold of the laburnum, felt the coldness of the stone. On myright I saw the tree, behind me the rock. I stood in the same attitude, and threw myself down. I rose, and again began digging and enlarging thehole; still I found nothing, nothing--the chest was no longer there!"

"The chest no longer there?" murmured Madame Danglars, choking withfear.

"Think not I contented myself with this one effort, " continuedVillefort. "No; I searched the whole thicket. I thought the assassin, having discovered the chest, and supposing it to be a treasure, hadintended carrying it off, but, perceiving his error, had dug anotherhole, and deposited it there; but I could find nothing. Then the ideastruck me that he had not taken these precautions, and had simply thrownit in a corner. In the last case I must wait for daylight to renew mysearch. I remained in the room and waited. "

"Oh, heavens!"

When daylight dawned I went down again. My first visit was to thethicket. I hoped to find some traces which had escaped me in thedarkness. I had turned up the earth over a surface of more than twentyfeet square, and a depth of two feet. A laborer would not have done ina day what occupied me an hour. But I could find nothing--absolutelynothing. Then I renewed the search. Supposing it had been thrown aside, it would probably be on the path which led to the little gate; but thisexamination was as useless as the first, and with a bursting heart Ireturned to the thicket, which now contained no hope for me. "

"Oh, " cried Madame Danglars, "it was enough to drive you mad!"

"I hoped for a moment that it might, " said Villefort; "but thathappiness was denied me. However, recovering my strength and my ideas, 'Why, ' said I, 'should that man have carried away the corpse?'"

"But you said, " replied Madame Danglars, "he would require it as aproof. "

"Ah, no, madame, that could not be. Dead bodies are not kept a year;they are shown to a magistrate, and the evidence is taken. Now, nothingof the kind has happened. "

"What then?" asked Hermine, trembling violently.

"Something more terrible, more fatal, more alarming for us--the childwas, perhaps, alive, and the assassin may have saved it!"

Madame Danglars uttered a piercing cry, and, seizing Villefort's hands, exclaimed, "My child was alive?" said she; "you buried my child alive?You were not certain my child was dead, and you buried it? Ah"--

Madame Danglars had risen, and stood before the procureur, whose handsshe wrung in her feeble grasp. "I know not; I merely suppose so, as Imight suppose anything else, " replied Villefort with a look so fixed, it indicated that his powerful mind was on the verge of despair andmadness. "Ah, my child, my poor child!" cried the baroness, fallingon her chair, and stifling her sobs in her handkerchief. Villefort, becoming somewhat reassured, perceived that to avert the maternal stormgathering over his head, he must inspire Madame Danglars with the terrorhe felt. "You understand, then, that if it were so, " said he, rising inhis turn, and approaching the baroness, to speak to her in a lower tone, "we are lost. This child lives, and some one knows it lives--some one isin possession of our secret; and since Monte Cristo speaks before us ofa child disinterred, when that child could not be found, it is he who isin possession of our secret. "

"Just God, avenging God!" murmured Madame Danglars.

Villefort's only answer was a stifled groan.

"But the child--the child, sir?" repeated the agitated mother.

"How I have searched for him, " replied Villefort, wringing his hands;"how I have called him in my long sleepless nights; how I have longedfor royal wealth to purchase a million of secrets from a million of men, and to find mine among them! At last, one day, when for the hundredthtime I took up my spade, I asked myself again and again what theCorsican could have done with the child. A child encumbers a fugitive;perhaps, on perceiving it was still alive, he had thrown it into theriver. "



"Impossible!" cried Madame Danglars: "a man may murder another out ofrevenge, but he would not deliberately drown a child. "

"Perhaps, " continued Villefort, "he had put it in the foundlinghospital. "

"Oh, yes, yes, " cried the baroness; "my child is there!"

"I ran to the hospital, and learned that the same night--the night ofthe 20th of September--a child had been brought there, wrapped in partof a fine linen napkin, purposely torn in half. This portion of thenapkin was marked with half a baron's crown, and the letter H. "

"Truly, truly, " said Madame Danglars, "all my linen is marked thus;Monsieur de Nargonne was a baronet, and my name is Hermine. Thank God, my child was not then dead!"

"No, it was not dead. "

"And you can tell me so without fearing to make me die of joy? Where isthe child?" Villefort shrugged his shoulders. "Do I know?" said he; "anddo you believe that if I knew I would relate to you all its trials andall its adventures as would a dramatist or a novel writer? Alas, no, I know not. A woman, about six months after, came to claim it with theother half of the napkin. This woman gave all the requisite particulars, and it was intrusted to her. "

"But you should have inquired for the woman; you should have tracedher. "

"And what do you think I did? I feigned a criminal process, and employedall the most acute bloodhounds and skilful agents in search of her. Theytraced her to Chalons, and there they lost her. "

"They lost her?"

"Yes, forever. " Madame Danglars had listened to this recital with asigh, a tear, or a shriek for every detail. "And this is all?" said she;"and you stopped there?"

"Oh, no, " said Villefort; "I never ceased to search and to inquire. However, the last two or three years I had allowed myself some respite. But now I will begin with more perseverance and fury than ever, sincefear urges me, not my conscience. "

"But, " replied Madame Danglars, "the Count of Monte Cristo can knownothing, or he would not seek our society as he does. "

"Oh, the wickedness of man is very great, " said Villefort, "since itsurpasses the goodness of God. Did you observe that man's eyes while hewas speaking to us?"

"No. "

"But have you ever watched him carefully?"

"Doubtless he is capricious, but that is all; one thing alone struckme, --of all the exquisite things he placed before us, he touchednothing. I might have suspected he was poisoning us. "

"And you see you would have been deceived. "

"Yes, doubtless. "

"But believe me, that man has other projects. For that reason Iwished to see you, to speak to you, to warn you against every one, butespecially against him. Tell me, " cried Villefort, fixing his eyes moresteadfastly on her than he had ever done before, "did you ever reveal toany one our connection?"

"Never, to any one. "

"You understand me, " replied Villefort, affectionately; "when I say anyone, --pardon my urgency, --to any one living I mean?"

"Yes, yes, I understand very well, " ejaculated the baroness; "never, Iswear to you. "

"Were you ever in the habit of writing in the evening what hadtranspired in the morning? Do you keep a journal?"

"No, my life has been passed in frivolity; I wish to forget it myself. "

"Do you talk in your sleep?"

"I sleep soundly, like a child; do you not remember?" The color mountedto the baroness's face, and Villefort turned awfully pale.

"It is true, " said he, in so low a tone that he could hardly be heard.

"Well?" said the baroness.

"Well, I understand what I now have to do, " replied Villefort. "Inless than one week from this time I will ascertain who this M. De MonteCristo is, whence he comes, where he goes, and why he speaks in ourpresence of children that have been disinterred in a garden. " Villefortpronounced these words with an accent which would have made thecount shudder had he heard him. Then he pressed the hand the baronessreluctantly gave him, and led her respectfully back to the door. MadameDanglars returned in another cab to the passage, on the other side ofwhich she found her carriage, and her coachman sleeping peacefully onhis box while waiting for her.

Chapter 68. A Summer Ball.

The same day during the interview between Madame Danglars and theprocureur, a travelling-carriage entered the Rue du Helder, passedthrough the gateway of No. 27, and stopped in the yard. In a moment thedoor was opened, and Madame de Morcerf alighted, leaning on her son'sarm. Albert soon left her, ordered his horses, and having arranged histoilet, drove to the Champs Elysees, to the house of Monte Cristo. Thecount received him with his habitual smile. It was a strange thing thatno one ever appeared to advance a step in that man's favor. Those whowould, as it were, force a passage to his heart, found an impassablebarrier. Morcerf, who ran towards him with open arms, was chilled as hedrew near, in spite of the friendly smile, and simply held out his hand. Monte Cristo shook it coldly, according to his invariable practice. "Here I am, dear count. "

"Welcome home again. "

"I arrived an hour since. "

"From Dieppe?"

"No, from Treport. "

"Indeed?"

"And I have come at once to see you. "

"That is extremely kind of you, " said Monte Cristo with a tone ofperfect indifference.

"And what is the news?"

"You should not ask a stranger, a foreigner, for news. "

"I know it, but in asking for news, I mean, have you done anything forme?"

"Had you commissioned me?" said Monte Cristo, feigning uneasiness.

"Come, come, " said Albert, "do not assume so much indifference. It issaid, sympathy travels rapidly, and when at Treport, I felt the electricshock; you have either been working for me or thinking of me. "

"Possibly, " said Monte Cristo, "I have indeed thought of you, but themagnetic wire I was guiding acted, indeed, without my knowledge. "

"Indeed? Pray tell me how it happened?"

"Willingly. M. Danglars dined with me. "

"I know it; to avoid meeting him, my mother and I left town. "

"But he met here M. Andrea Cavalcanti. "

"Your Italian prince?"

"Not so fast; M. Andrea only calls himself count. "

"Calls himself, do you say?"

"Yes, calls himself. "

"Is he not a count?"

"What can I know of him? He calls himself so. I, of course, give him thesame title, and every one else does likewise. "

"What a strange man you are! What next? You say M. Danglars dined here?"

"Yes, with Count Cavalcanti, the marquis his father, Madame Danglars, M. And Madame de Villefort, --charming people, --M. Debray, MaximilianMorrel, and M. De Chateau-Renaud. "

"Did they speak of me?"

"Not a word. "

"So much the worse. "

"Why so? I thought you wished them to forget you?"

"If they did not speak of me, I am sure they thought about me, and I amin despair. "

"How will that affect you, since Mademoiselle Danglars was not among thenumber here who thought of you? Truly, she might have thought of you athome. "

"I have no fear of that; or, if she did, it was only in the same way inwhich I think of her. "

"Touching sympathy! So you hate each other?" said the count.

"Listen, " said Morcerf--"if Mademoiselle Danglars were disposed to takepity on my supposed martyrdom on her account, and would dispense withall matrimonial formalities between our two families, I am ready toagree to the arrangement. In a word, Mademoiselle Danglars would make acharming mistress--but a wife--diable!"

"And this, " said Monte Cristo, "is your opinion of your intendedspouse?"

"Yes; it is rather unkind, I acknowledge, but it is true. But as thisdream cannot be realized, since Mademoiselle Danglars must become mylawful wife, live perpetually with me, sing to me, compose verses andmusic within ten paces of me, and that for my whole life, it frightensme. One may forsake a mistress, but a wife, --good heavens! There shemust always be; and to marry Mademoiselle Danglars would be awful. "

"You are difficult to please, viscount. "

"Yes, for I often wish for what is impossible. "

"What is that?"

"To find such a wife as my father found. " Monte Cristo turned pale, andlooked at Albert, while playing with some magnificent pistols.

"Your father was fortunate, then?" said he.

"You know my opinion of my mother, count; look at her, --still beautiful, witty, more charming than ever. For any other son to have stayed withhis mother for four days at Treport, it would have been a condescensionor a martyrdom, while I return, more contented, more peaceful--shallI say more poetic!--than if I had taken Queen Mab or Titania as mycompanion. "

"That is an overwhelming demonstration, and you would make every one vowto live a single life. "

"Such are my reasons for not liking to marry Mademoiselle Danglars. Haveyou ever noticed how much a thing is heightened in value when we obtainpossession of it? The diamond which glittered in the window at Marle'sor Fossin's shines with more splendor when it is our own; but if weare compelled to acknowledge the superiority of another, and stillmust retain the one that is inferior, do you not know what we have toendure?"

"Worldling, " murmured the count.

"Thus I shall rejoice when Mademoiselle Eugenie perceives I am but apitiful atom, with scarcely as many hundred thousand francs as she hasmillions. " Monte Cristo smiled. "One plan occurred to me, " continuedAlbert; "Franz likes all that is eccentric; I tried to make him fall inlove with Mademoiselle Danglars; but in spite of four letters, writtenin the most alluring style, he invariably answered: 'My eccentricity maybe great, but it will not make me break my promise. '"

"That is what I call devoted friendship, to recommend to another onewhom you would not marry yourself. " Albert smiled. --"Apropos, " continuedhe, "Franz is coming soon, but it will not interest you; you dislikehim, I think?"

"I?" said Monte Cristo; "my dear Viscount, how have you discovered thatI did not like M. Franz! I like every one. "

"And you include me in the expression every one--many thanks!"

"Let us not mistake, " said Monte Cristo; "I love every one as Godcommands us to love our neighbor, as Christians; but I thoroughlyhate but a few. Let us return to M. Franz d'Epinay. Did you say he wascoming?"

"Yes; summoned by M. De Villefort, who is apparently as anxious to getMademoiselle Valentine married as M. Danglars is to see MademoiselleEugenie settled. It must be a very irksome office to be the father ofa grown-up daughter; it seems to make one feverish, and to raise one'spulse to ninety beats a minute until the deed is done. "

"But M. D'Epinay, unlike you, bears his misfortune patiently. "

"Still more, he talks seriously about the matter, puts on a white tie, and speaks of his family. He entertains a very high opinion of M. AndMadame de Villefort. "

"Which they deserve, do they not?"

"I believe they do. M. De Villefort has always passed for a severe but ajust man. "

"There is, then, one, " said Monte Cristo, "whom you do not condemn likepoor Danglars?"

"Because I am not compelled to marry his daughter perhaps, " repliedAlbert, laughing.

"Indeed, my dear sir, " said Monte Cristo, "you are revoltingly foppish. "

"I foppish? how do you mean?"

"Yes; pray take a cigar, and cease to defend yourself, and to struggleto escape marrying Mademoiselle Danglars. Let things take their course;perhaps you may not have to retract. "

"Bah, " said Albert, staring.

"Doubtless, my dear viscount, you will not be taken by force; andseriously, do you wish to break off your engagement?"

"I would give a hundred thousand francs to be able to do so. "

"Then make yourself quite easy. M. Danglars would give double that sumto attain the same end. "

"Am I, indeed, so happy?" said Albert, who still could not prevent analmost imperceptible cloud passing across his brow. "But, my dear count, has M. Danglars any reason?"

"Ah, there is your proud and selfish nature. You would expose theself-love of another with a hatchet, but you shrink if your own isattacked with a needle. "

"But yet M. Danglars appeared"--

"Delighted with you, was he not? Well, he is a man of bad taste, and isstill more enchanted with another. I know not whom; look and judge foryourself. "

"Thank you, I understand. But my mother--no, not my mother; Imistake--my father intends giving a ball. "

"A ball at this season?"

"Summer balls are fashionable. "

"If they were not, the countess has only to wish it, and they wouldbecome so. "

"You are right; You know they are select affairs; those who remainin Paris in July must be true Parisians. Will you take charge of ourinvitation to Messieurs Cavalcanti?"

"When will it take place?"

"On Saturday. "

"M. Cavalcanti's father will be gone. "

"But the son will be here; will you invite young M. Cavalcanti?"

"I do not know him, viscount. "

"You do not know him?"

"No, I never saw him until a few days since, and am not responsible forhim. "

"But you receive him at your house?"

"That is another thing: he was recommended to me by a good abbe, who maybe deceived. Give him a direct invitation, but do not ask me to presenthim. If he were afterwards to marry Mademoiselle Danglars, you wouldaccuse me of intrigue, and would be challenging me, --besides, I may notbe there myself. "

"Where?"

"At your ball. "

"Why should you not be there?"

"Because you have not yet invited me. "

"But I come expressly for that purpose. "

"You are very kind, but I may be prevented. "

"If I tell you one thing, you will be so amiable as to set aside allimpediments. "

"Tell me what it is. "

"My mother begs you to come. "

"The Comtesse de Morcerf?" said Monte Cristo, starting.

"Ah, count, " said Albert, "I assure you Madame de Morcerf speaks freelyto me, and if you have not felt those sympathetic fibres of which Ispoke just now thrill within you, you must be entirely devoid of them, for during the last four days we have spoken of no one else. "

"You have talked of me?"

"Yes, that is the penalty of being a living puzzle!"

"Then I am also a puzzle to your mother? I should have thought her tooreasonable to be led by imagination. "

"A problem, my dear count, for every one--for my mother as well asothers; much studied, but not solved, you still remain an enigma, do notfear. My mother is only astonished that you remain so long unsolved. Ibelieve, while the Countess G---- takes you for Lord Ruthven, my motherimagines you to be Cagliostro or the Count Saint-Germain. The firstopportunity you have, confirm her in her opinion; it will be easy foryou, as you have the philosophy of the one and the wit of the other. "

"I thank you for the warning, " said the count; "I shall endeavor to beprepared for all suppositions. "

"You will, then, come on Saturday?"

"Yes, since Madame de Morcerf invites me. "

"You are very kind. "

"Will M. Danglars be there?"

"He has already been invited by my father. We shall try to persuade thegreat d'Aguesseau, [*] M. De Villefort, to come, but have not much hope ofseeing him. "

"'Never despair of anything, ' says the proverb. "

* Magistrate and orator of great eloquence--chancellor of France under Louis XV.

"Do you dance, count?"

"I dance?"

"Yes, you; it would not be astonishing. "

"That is very well before one is over forty. No, I do not dance, but Ilike to see others do so. Does Madame de Morcerf dance?"

"Never; you can talk to her, she so delights in your conversation. "

"Indeed?"

"Yes, truly; and I assure you. You are the only man of whom I haveheard her speak with interest. " Albert rose and took his hat; the countconducted him to the door. "I have one thing to reproach myself with, "said he, stopping Albert on the steps. "What is it?"

"I have spoken to you indiscreetly about Danglars. "

"On the contrary, speak to me always in the same strain about him. "

"I am glad to be reassured on that point. Apropos, when do you aspect M. D'Epinay?"

"Five or six days hence at the latest. "

"And when is he to be married?"

"Immediately on the arrival of M. And Madame de Saint-Meran. "

"Bring him to see me. Although you say I do not like him, I assure you Ishall be happy to see him. "

"I will obey your orders, my lord. "

"Good-by. "

"Until Saturday, when I may expect you, may I not?"

"Yes, I promised you. " The Count watched Albert, waving his hand tohim. When he had mounted his phaeton, Monte Cristo turned, and seeingBertuccio, "What news?" said he. "She went to the Palais, " replied thesteward.

"Did she stay long there?"

"An hour and a half. "

"Did she return home?"

"Directly. "

"Well, my dear Bertuccio, " said the count, "I now advise you to go inquest of the little estate I spoke to you of in Normandy. " Bertucciobowed, and as his wishes were in perfect harmony with the order he hadreceived, he started the same evening.

Chapter 69. The Inquiry.

M. De Villefort kept the promise he had made to Madame Danglars, toendeavor to find out how the Count of Monte Cristo had discovered thehistory of the house at Auteuil. He wrote the same day for the requiredinformation to M. De Boville, who, from having been an inspector ofprisons, was promoted to a high office in the police; and the latterbegged for two days time to ascertain exactly who would be most likelyto give him full particulars. At the end of the second day M. DeVillefort received the following note:--

"The person called the Count of Monte Cristo is an intimate acquaintanceof Lord Wilmore, a rich foreigner, who is sometimes seen in Paris andwho is there at this moment; he is also known to the Abbe Busoni, aSicilian priest, of high repute in the East, where he has done muchgood. "

M. De Villefort replied by ordering the strictest inquiries to bemade respecting these two persons; his orders were executed, and thefollowing evening he received these details:--

"The abbe, who was in Paris only for a month, inhabited a smalltwo-storied house behind Saint-Sulpice; there were two rooms on eachfloor and he was the only tenant. The two lower rooms consisted of adining-room, with a table, chairs, and side-board of walnut, --and awainscoted parlor, without ornaments, carpet, or timepiece. It wasevident that the abbe limited himself to objects of strict necessity. Hepreferred to use the sitting-room upstairs, which was more library thanparlor, and was furnished with theological books and parchments, inwhich he delighted to bury himself for months at a time, according tohis valet de chambre. His valet looked at the visitors through a sortof wicket; and if their faces were unknown to him or displeased him, hereplied that the abbe was not in Paris, an answer which satisfied mostpersons, because the abbe was known to be a great traveller. Besides, whether at home or not, whether in Paris or Cairo, the abbe always leftsomething to give away, which the valet distributed through this wicketin his master's name. The other room near the library was a bedroom. Abed without curtains, four arm-chairs, and a couch, covered with yellowUtrecht velvet, composed, with a prie-Dieu, all its furniture. LordWilmore resided in Rue Fontaine-Saint-George. He was one of thoseEnglish tourists who consume a large fortune in travelling. He hired theapartment in which he lived furnished, passed only a few hours in theday there, and rarely slept there. One of his peculiarities was never tospeak a word of French, which he however wrote with great facility. "

The day after this important information had been given to the king'sattorney, a man alighted from a carriage at the corner of the RueFerou, and rapping at an olive-green door, asked if the Abbe Busoni werewithin. "No, he went out early this morning, " replied the valet.

"I might not always be content with that answer, " replied the visitor, "for I come from one to whom everyone must be at home. But have thekindness to give the Abbe Busoni"--

"I told you he was not at home, " repeated the valet. "Then on his returngive him that card and this sealed paper. Will he be at home at eighto'clock this evening?"

"Doubtless, unless he is at work, which is the same as if he were out. "

"I will come again at that time, " replied the visitor, who then retired.

At the appointed hour the same man returned in the same carriage, which, instead of stopping this time at the end of the Rue Ferou, drove up tothe green door. He knocked, and it opened immediately to admit him. From the signs of respect the valet paid him, he saw that his note hadproduced a good effect. "Is the abbe at home?" asked he.

"Yes; he is at work in his library, but he expects you, sir, " repliedthe valet. The stranger ascended a rough staircase, and before a table, illumined by a lamp whose light was concentrated by a large shade whilethe rest of the apartment was in partial darkness, he perceived the abbein a monk's dress, with a cowl on his head such as was used by learnedmen of the Middle Ages. "Have I the honor of addressing the AbbeBusoni?" asked the visitor.

"Yes, sir, " replied the abbe; "and you are the person whom M. DeBoville, formerly an inspector of prisons, sends to me from the prefectof police?"

"Exactly, sir. "

"One of the agents appointed to secure the safety of Paris?"

"Yes, sir" replied the stranger with a slight hesitation, and blushing.

The abbe replaced the large spectacles, which covered not only his eyesbut his temples, and sitting down motioned to his visitor to do thesame. "I am at your service, sir, " said the abbe, with a marked Italianaccent.

"The mission with which I am charged, sir, " replied the visitor, speaking with hesitation, "is a confidential one on the part of himwho fulfils it, and him by whom he is employed. " The abbe bowed. "Yourprobity, " replied the stranger, "is so well known to the prefect that hewishes as a magistrate to ascertain from you some particulars connectedwith the public safety, to ascertain which I am deputed to see you. Itis hoped that no ties of friendship or humane consideration will induceyou to conceal the truth. "

"Provided, sir, the particulars you wish for do not interfere withmy scruples or my conscience. I am a priest, sir, and the secretsof confession, for instance, must remain between me and God, and notbetween me and human justice. "

"Do not alarm yourself, monsieur, we will duly respect your conscience. "

At this moment the abbe pressed down his side of the shade and so raisedit on the other, throwing a bright light on the stranger's face, whilehis own remained obscured. "Excuse me, abbe, " said the envoy of theprefect of the police, "but the light tries my eyes very much. " The abbelowered the shade. "Now, sir, I am listening--go on. "

"I will come at once to the point. Do you know the Count of MonteCristo?"

"You mean Monsieur Zaccone, I presume?"

"Zaccone?--is not his name Monte Cristo?"

"Monte Cristo is the name of an estate, or, rather, of a rock, and not afamily name. "

"Well, be it so--let us not dispute about words; and since M. De MonteCristo and M. Zaccone are the same"--

"Absolutely the same. "

"Let us speak of M. Zaccone. "

"Agreed. "

"I asked you if you knew him?"

"Extremely well. "

"Who is he?"

"The son of a rich shipbuilder in Malta. "

"I know that is the report; but, as you are aware, the police does notcontent itself with vague reports. "

"However, " replied the abbe, with an affable smile, "when that report isin accordance with the truth, everybody must believe it, the police aswell as all the rest. "

"Are you sure of what you assert?"

"What do you mean by that question?"

"Understand, sir, I do not in the least suspect your veracity; I ask ifyou are certain of it?"

"I knew his father, M. Zaccone. "

"Ah, indeed?"

"And when a child I often played with the son in the timber-yards. "

"But whence does he derive the title of count?"

"You are aware that may be bought. "

"In Italy?"

"Everywhere. "

"And his immense riches, whence does he procure them?"

"They may not be so very great. "

"How much do you suppose he possesses?"

"From one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand livres per annum. "

"That is reasonable, " said the visitor; "I have heard he had three orfour millions. "

"Two hundred thousand per annum would make four millions of capital. "

"But I was told he had four millions per annum. "

"That is not probable. "

"Do you know this Island of Monte Cristo?"

"Certainly, every one who has come from Palermo, Naples, or Rome toFrance by sea must know it, since he has passed close to it and musthave seen it. "

"I am told it is a delightful place?"

"It is a rock. "

"And why has the count bought a rock?"

"For the sake of being a count. In Italy one must have territorialpossessions to be a count. "

"You have, doubtless, heard the adventures of M. Zaccone's youth?"

"The father's?"

"No, the son's. "

"I know nothing certain; at that period of his life, I lost sight of myyoung comrade. "

"Was he in the wars?"

"I think he entered the service. "

"In what branch?"

"In the navy. "

"Are you not his confessor?"

"No, sir; I believe he is a Lutheran. "

"A Lutheran?"

"I say, I believe such is the case, I do not affirm it; besides, libertyof conscience is established in France. "

"Doubtless, and we are not now inquiring into his creed, but hisactions; in the name of the prefect of police, I ask you what you knowof him.

"He passes for a very charitable man. Our holy father, the pope, hasmade him a knight of Jesus Christ for the services he rendered to theChristians in the East; he has five or six rings as testimonials fromEastern monarchs of his services. "

"Does he wear them?"

"No, but he is proud of them; he is better pleased with rewards given tothe benefactors of man than to his destroyers. "

"He is a Quaker then?"

"Exactly, he is a Quaker, with the exception of the peculiar dress. "

"Has he any friends?"

"Yes, every one who knows him is his friend. "

"But has he any enemies?"

"One only. "

"What is his name?"

"Lord Wilmore. "

"Where is he?"

"He is in Paris just now. "

"Can he give me any particulars?"

"Important ones; he was in India with Zaccone. "

"Do you know his abode?"

"It's somewhere in the Chaussee d'Antin; but I know neither the streetnor the number. "

"Are you at variance with the Englishman?"

"I love Zaccone, and he hates him; we are consequently not friends. "

"Do you think the Count of Monte Cristo had ever been in France beforehe made this visit to Paris?"

"To that question I can answer positively; no, sir, he had not, becausehe applied to me six months ago for the particulars he required, andas I did not know when I might again come to Paris, I recommended M. Cavalcanti to him. "

"Andrea?"

"No, Bartolomeo, his father. "

"Now, sir, I have but one question more to ask, and I charge you, in thename of honor, of humanity, and of religion, to answer me candidly. "

"What is it, sir?"

"Do you know with what design M. De Monte Cristo purchased a house atAuteuil?"

"Certainly, for he told me. "

"What is it, sir?"

"To make a lunatic asylum of it, similar to that founded by the Count ofPisani at Palermo. Do you know about that institution?"

"I have heard of it. "

"It is a magnificent charity. " Having said this, the abbe bowed toimply he wished to pursue his studies. The visitor either understood theabbe's meaning, or had no more questions to ask; he arose, and theabbe accompanied him to the door. "You are a great almsgiver, " said thevisitor, "and although you are said to be rich, I will venture to offeryou something for your poor people; will you accept my offering?"

"I thank you, sir; I am only jealous in one thing, and that is that therelief I give should be entirely from my own resources. "

"However"--

"My resolution, sir, is unchangeable, but you have only to search foryourself and you will find, alas, but too many objects upon whom toexercise your benevolence. " The abbe once more bowed as he opened thedoor, the stranger bowed and took his leave, and the carriage conveyedhim straight to the house of M. De Villefort. An hour afterwardsthe carriage was again ordered, and this time it went to the RueFontaine-Saint-George, and stopped at No. 5, where Lord Wilmore lived. The stranger had written to Lord Wilmore, requesting an interview, whichthe latter had fixed for ten o'clock. As the envoy of the prefect ofpolice arrived ten minutes before ten, he was told that Lord Wilmore, who was precision and punctuality personified, was not yet come in, butthat he would be sure to return as the clock struck.

The visitor was introduced into the drawing-room, which was like allother furnished drawing-rooms. A mantle-piece, with two modern Sevresvases, a timepiece representing Cupid with his bent bow, a mirror withan engraving on each side--one representing Homer carrying hisguide, the other, Belisarius begging--a grayish paper; red and blacktapestry--such was the appearance of Lord Wilmore's drawing-room. It wasilluminated by lamps with ground-glass shades which gave only a feeblelight, as if out of consideration for the envoy's weak sight. After tenminutes' expectation the clock struck ten; at the fifth stroke the dooropened and Lord Wilmore appeared. He was rather above the middle height, with thin reddish whiskers, light complexion and light hair, turningrather gray. He was dressed with all the English peculiarity, namely, ina blue coat, with gilt buttons and high collar, in the fashion of 1811, a white kerseymere waistcoat, and nankeen pantaloons, three inches tooshort, but which were prevented by straps from slipping up to theknee. His first remark on entering was, --"You know, sir, I do not speakFrench?"

"I know you do not like to converse in our language, " replied the envoy. "But you may use it, " replied Lord Wilmore; "I understand it. "

"And I, " replied the visitor, changing his idiom, "know enough ofEnglish to keep up the conversation. Do not put yourself to theslightest inconvenience. "

"Aw?" said Lord Wilmore, with that tone which is only known to nativesof Great Britain.

The envoy presented his letter of introduction, which the latter readwith English coolness, and having finished, --"I understand, " said he, "perfectly. "

Then began the questions, which were similar to those which had beenaddressed to the Abbe Busoni. But as Lord Wilmore, in the character ofthe count's enemy, was less restrained in his answers, they were morenumerous; he described the youth of Monte Cristo, who he said, at tenyears of age, entered the service of one of the petty sovereigns ofIndia who make war on the English. It was there Wilmore had first methim and fought against him; and in that war Zaccone had been takenprisoner, sent to England, and consigned to the hulks, whence he hadescaped by swimming. Then began his travels, his duels, his caprices;then the insurrection in Greece broke out, and he had served in theGrecian ranks. While in that service he had discovered a silver mine inthe mountains of Thessaly, but he had been careful to conceal it fromevery one. After the battle of Navarino, when the Greek government wasconsolidated, he asked of King Otho a mining grant for that district, which was given him. Hence that immense fortune, which, in LordWilmore's opinion, possibly amounted to one or two millions perannum, --a precarious fortune, which might be momentarily lost by thefailure of the mine.

"But, " asked the visitor, "do you know why he came to France?"

"He is speculating in railways, " said Lord Wilmore, "and as he isan expert chemist and physicist, he has invented a new system oftelegraphy, which he is seeking to bring to perfection. "

"How much does he spend yearly?" asked the prefect.

"Not more than five or six hundred thousand francs, " said Lord Wilmore;"he is a miser. " Hatred evidently inspired the Englishman, who, knowingno other reproach to bring on the count, accused him of avarice. "Do youknow his house at Auteuil?"

"Certainly. "

"What do you know respecting it?"

"Do you wish to know why he bought it?"

"Yes. "

"The count is a speculator, who will certainly ruin himself inexperiments. He supposes there is in the neighborhood of the house hehas bought a mineral spring equal to those at Bagneres, Luchon, andCauterets. He is going to turn his house into a Badhaus, as the Germansterm it. He has already dug up all the garden two or three times to findthe famous spring, and, being unsuccessful, he will soon purchase allthe contiguous houses. Now, as I dislike him, and hope his railway, his electric telegraph, or his search for baths, will ruin him, I amwatching for his discomfiture, which must soon take place. "

"What was the cause of your quarrel?"

"When he was in England he seduced the wife of one of my friends. "

"Why do you not seek revenge?"

"I have already fought three duels with him, " said the Englishman, "thefirst with the pistol, the second with the sword, and the third with thesabre. "

"And what was the result of those duels?"

"The first time, he broke my arm; the second, he wounded me in thebreast; and the third time, made this large wound. " The Englishmanturned down his shirt-collar, and showed a scar, whose redness provedit to be a recent one. "So that, you see, there is a deadly feud betweenus. "

"But, " said the envoy, "you do not go about it in the right way to killhim, if I understand you correctly. "

"Aw?" said the Englishman, "I practice shooting every day, and everyother day Grisier comes to my house. "

This was all the visitor wished to ascertain, or, rather, all theEnglishman appeared to know. The agent arose, and having bowed to LordWilmore, who returned his salutation with the stiff politeness of theEnglish, he retired. Lord Wilmore, having heard the door close afterhim, returned to his bedroom, where with one hand he pulled off hislight hair, his red whiskers, his false jaw, and his wound, to resumethe black hair, dark complexion, and pearly teeth of the Count of MonteCristo. It was M. De Villefort, and not the prefect, who returned to thehouse of M. De Villefort. The procureur felt more at ease, although hehad learned nothing really satisfactory, and, for the first time sincethe dinner-party at Auteuil, he slept soundly.

Chapter 70. The Ball.

It was in the warmest days of July, when in due course of time theSaturday arrived upon which the ball was to take place at M. DeMorcerf's. It was ten o'clock at night; the branches of the great treesin the garden of the count's house stood out boldly against the azurecanopy of heaven, which was studded with golden stars, but wherethe last fleeting clouds of a vanishing storm yet lingered. From theapartments on the ground-floor might be heard the sound of music, withthe whirl of the waltz and galop, while brilliant streams of light shonethrough the openings of the Venetian blinds. At this moment the gardenwas only occupied by about ten servants, who had just received ordersfrom their mistress to prepare the supper, the serenity of the weathercontinuing to increase. Until now, it had been undecided whether thesupper should take place in the dining-room, or under a long tenterected on the lawn, but the beautiful blue sky, studded with stars, hadsettled the question in favor of the lawn. The gardens were illuminatedwith colored lanterns, according to the Italian custom, and, as is usualin countries where the luxuries of the table--the rarest of all luxuriesin their complete form--are well understood, the supper-table was loadedwith wax-lights and flowers.



At the time the Countess of Morcerf returned to the rooms, after givingher orders, many guests were arriving, more attracted by the charminghospitality of the countess than by the distinguished position of thecount; for, owing to the good taste of Mercedes, one was sure of findingsome devices at her entertainment worthy of describing, or even copyingin case of need. Madame Danglars, in whom the events we have related hadcaused deep anxiety, had hesitated about going to Madame de Morcerf's, when during the morning her carriage happened to meet that of Villefort. The latter made a sign, and when the carriages had drawn close together, said, --"You are going to Madame de Morcerf's, are you not?"

"No, " replied Madame Danglars, "I am too ill. "

"You are wrong, " replied Villefort, significantly; "it is important thatyou should be seen there. "

"Do you think so?" asked the baroness.

"I do. "

"In that case I will go. " And the two carriages passed on towardstheir different destinations. Madame Danglars therefore came, not onlybeautiful in person, but radiant with splendor; she entered by one doorat the time when Mercedes appeared at the door. The countess took Albertto meet Madame Danglars. He approached, paid her some well meritedcompliments on her toilet, and offered his arm to conduct her to a seat. Albert looked around him. "You are looking for my daughter?" said thebaroness, smiling.

"I confess it, " replied Albert. "Could you have been so cruel as not tobring her?"

"Calm yourself. She has met Mademoiselle de Villefort, and has takenher arm; see, they are following us, both in white dresses, one with abouquet of camellias, the other with one of myosotis. But tell me"--

"Well, what do you wish to know?"

"Will not the Count of Monte Cristo be here to-night?"

"Seventeen!" replied Albert.

"What do you mean?"

"I only mean that the count seems the rage, " replied the viscount, smiling, "and that you are the seventeenth person that has asked me thesame question. The count is in fashion; I congratulate him upon it. "

"And have you replied to every one as you have to me?"

"Ah, to be sure, I have not answered you; be satisfied, we shall havethis 'lion;' we are among the privileged ones. "

"Were you at the opera yesterday?"

"No. "

"He was there. "

"Ah, indeed? And did the eccentric person commit any new originality?"

"Can he be seen without doing so? Elssler was dancing in the 'DiableBoiteux;' the Greek princess was in ecstasies. After the cachucha heplaced a magnificent ring on the stem of a bouquet, and threw it tothe charming danseuse, who, in the third act, to do honor to the gift, reappeared with it on her finger. And the Greek princess, --will she behere?"

"No, you will be deprived of that pleasure; her position in the count'sestablishment is not sufficiently understood. "

"Wait; leave me here, and go and speak to Madame de Villefort, who istrying to attract your attention. "

Albert bowed to Madame Danglars, and advanced towards Madame deVillefort, whose lips opened as he approached. "I wager anything, " saidAlbert, interrupting her, "that I know what you were about to say. "

"Well, what is it?"

"If I guess rightly, will you confess it?"

"Yes. "

"On your honor?"

"On my honor. "

"You were going to ask me if the Count of Monte Cristo had arrived, orwas expected. "

"Not at all. It is not of him that I am now thinking. I was going to askyou if you had received any news of Monsieur Franz. "

"Yes, --yesterday. "

"What did he tell you?"

"That he was leaving at the same time as his letter. "

"Well, now then, the count?"

"The count will come, of that you may be satisfied. "

"You know that he has another name besides Monte Cristo?"

"No, I did not know it. "

"Monte Cristo is the name of an island, and he has a family name. "

"I never heard it. "

"Well, then, I am better informed than you; his name is Zaccone. "

"It is possible. "

"He is a Maltese. "

"That is also possible.

"The son of a shipowner. "

"Really, you should relate all this aloud, you would have the greatestsuccess. "

"He served in India, discovered a mine in Thessaly, and comes to Paristo establish a mineral water-cure at Auteuil. "

"Well, I'm sure, " said Morcerf, "this is indeed news! Am I allowed torepeat it?"

"Yes, but cautiously, tell one thing at a time, and do not say I toldyou. "

"Why so?"

"Because it is a secret just discovered. "

"By whom?"

"The police. "

"Then the news originated"--

"At the prefect's last night. Paris, you can understand, is astonishedat the sight of such unusual splendor, and the police have madeinquiries. "

"Well, well! Nothing more is wanting than to arrest the count as avagabond, on the pretext of his being too rich. "

"Indeed, that doubtless would have happened if his credentials had notbeen so favorable. "

"Poor count! And is he aware of the danger he has been in?"

"I think not. "

"Then it will be but charitable to inform him. When he arrives, I willnot fail to do so. "

Just then, a handsome young man, with bright eyes, black hair, andglossy mustache, respectfully bowed to Madame de Villefort. Albertextended his hand. "Madame, " said Albert, "allow me to present to you M. Maximilian Morrel, captain of Spahis, one of our best, and, above all, of our bravest officers. "

"I have already had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman at Auteuil, at the house of the Count of Monte Cristo, " replied Madame de Villefort, turning away with marked coldness of manner. This answer, and especiallythe tone in which it was uttered, chilled the heart of poor Morrel. Buta recompense was in store for him; turning around, he saw near the doora beautiful fair face, whose large blue eyes were, without any markedexpression, fixed upon him, while the bouquet of myosotis was gentlyraised to her lips.

The salutation was so well understood that Morrel, with the sameexpression in his eyes, placed his handkerchief to his mouth; and thesetwo living statues, whose hearts beat so violently under their marbleaspect, separated from each other by the whole length of the room, forgot themselves for a moment, or rather forgot the world in theirmutual contemplation. They might have remained much longer lost in oneanother, without any one noticing their abstraction. The Count of MonteCristo had just entered.

We have already said that there was something in the count whichattracted universal attention wherever he appeared. It was not the coat, unexceptional in its cut, though simple and unornamented; it was not theplain white waistcoat; it was not the trousers, that displayed the footso perfectly formed--it was none of these things that attracted theattention, --it was his pale complexion, his waving black hair, his calmand serene expression, his dark and melancholy eye, his mouth, chiselledwith such marvellous delicacy, which so easily expressed such highdisdain, --these were what fixed the attention of all upon him. Manymen might have been handsomer, but certainly there could be nonewhose appearance was more significant, if the expression may be used. Everything about the count seemed to have its meaning, for the constanthabit of thought which he had acquired had given an ease and vigorto the expression of his face, and even to the most trifling gesture, scarcely to be understood. Yet the Parisian world is so strange, thateven all this might not have won attention had there not been connectedwith it a mysterious story gilded by an immense fortune.

Meanwhile he advanced through the assemblage of guests under a batteryof curious glances towards Madame de Morcerf, who, standing beforea mantle-piece ornamented with flowers, had seen his entrance in alooking-glass placed opposite the door, and was prepared to receive him. She turned towards him with a serene smile just at the moment he wasbowing to her. No doubt she fancied the count would speak to her, whileon his side the count thought she was about to address him; but bothremained silent, and after a mere bow, Monte Cristo directed his stepsto Albert, who received him cordially. "Have you seen my mother?" askedAlbert.

"I have just had the pleasure, " replied the count; "but I have not seenyour father. "

"See, he is down there, talking politics with that little group of greatgeniuses. "

"Indeed?" said Monte Cristo; "and so those gentlemen down there aremen of great talent. I should not have guessed it. And for what kind oftalent are they celebrated? You know there are different sorts. "

"That tall, harsh-looking man is very learned, he discovered, in theneighborhood of Rome, a kind of lizard with a vertebra more thanlizards usually have, and he immediately laid his discovery before theInstitute. The thing was discussed for a long time, but finally decidedin his favor. I can assure you the vertebra made a great noise in thelearned world, and the gentleman, who was only a knight of the Legion ofHonor, was made an officer. "

"Come, " said Monte Cristo, "this cross seems to me to be wisely awarded. I suppose, had he found another additional vertebra, they would havemade him a commander. "

"Very likely, " said Albert.

"And who can that person be who has taken it into his head to wraphimself up in a blue coat embroidered with green?"

"Oh, that coat is not his own idea; it is the Republic's, which deputedDavid [*] to devise a uniform for the Academicians. "

* Louis David, a famous French painter.

"Indeed?" said Monte Cristo; "so this gentleman is an Academician?"

"Within the last week he has been made one of the learned assembly. "

"And what is his especial talent?"

"His talent? I believe he thrusts pins through the heads of rabbits, hemakes fowls eat madder, and punches the spinal marrow out of dogs withwhalebone. "

"And he is made a member of the Academy of Sciences for this?"

"No; of the French Academy. "

"But what has the French Academy to do with all this?"

"I was going to tell you. It seems"--

"That his experiments have very considerably advanced the cause ofscience, doubtless?"

"No; that his style of writing is very good. "

"This must be very flattering to the feelings of the rabbits into whoseheads he has thrust pins, to the fowls whose bones he has dyed red, andto the dogs whose spinal marrow he has punched out?"

Albert laughed.

"And the other one?" demanded the count.

"That one?"

"Yes, the third. "

"The one in the dark blue coat?"

"Yes. "

"He is a colleague of the count, and one of the most active opponents tothe idea of providing the Chamber of Peers with a uniform. He was verysuccessful upon that question. He stood badly with the Liberal papers, but his noble opposition to the wishes of the court is now getting himinto favor with the journalists. They talk of making him an ambassador. "

"And what are his claims to the peerage?"

"He has composed two or three comic operas, written four or fivearticles in the Siecle, and voted five or six years on the ministerialside. "

"Bravo, Viscount, " said Monte Cristo, smiling; "you are a delightfulcicerone. And now you will do me a favor, will you not?"

"What is it?"

"Do not introduce me to any of these gentlemen; and should they wish it, you will warn me. " Just then the count felt his arm pressed. He turnedround; it was Danglars.

"Ah, is it you, baron?" said he.

"Why do you call me baron?" said Danglars; "you know that I care nothingfor my title. I am not like you, viscount; you like your title, do younot?"

"Certainly, " replied Albert, "seeing that without my title I shouldbe nothing; while you, sacrificing the baron, would still remain themillionaire. "

"Which seems to me the finest title under the royalty of July, " repliedDanglars.

"Unfortunately, " said Monte Cristo, "one's title to a millionaire doesnot last for life, like that of baron, peer of France, or Academician;for example, the millionaires Franck & Poulmann, of Frankfort, who havejust become bankrupts. "

"Indeed?" said Danglars, becoming pale.

"Yes; I received the news this evening by a courier. I had about amillion in their hands, but, warned in time, I withdrew it a month ago. "

"Ah, mon Dieu, " exclaimed Danglars, "they have drawn on me for 200, 000francs!"

"Well, you can throw out the draft; their signature is worth five percent. "

"Yes, but it is too late, " said Danglars, "I have honored their bills. "

"Then, " said Monte Cristo, "here are 200, 000 francs gone after"--

"Hush, do not mention these things, " said Danglars; then, approachingMonte Cristo, he added, "especially before young M. Cavalcanti;" afterwhich he smiled, and turned towards the young man in question. Alberthad left the count to speak to his mother, Danglars to converse withyoung Cavalcanti; Monte Cristo was for an instant alone. Meanwhile theheat became excessive. The footmen were hastening through the rooms withwaiters loaded with ices. Monte Cristo wiped the perspiration from hisforehead, but drew back when the waiter was presented to him; he took norefreshment. Madame de Morcerf did not lose sight of Monte Cristo; shesaw that he took nothing, and even noticed his gesture of refusal.

"Albert, " she asked, "did you notice that?"

"What, mother?"

"That the count has never been willing to partake of food under the roofof M. De Morcerf. "

"Yes; but then he breakfasted with me--indeed, he made his firstappearance in the world on that occasion. "

"But your house is not M. De Morcerf's, " murmured Mercedes; "and sincehe has been here I have watched him. "

"Well?"

"Well, he has taken nothing yet. "

"The count is very temperate. " Mercedes smiled sadly. "Approach him, "said she, "and when the next waiter passes, insist upon his takingsomething. "

"But why, mother?"

"Just to please me, Albert, " said Mercedes. Albert kissed his mother'shand, and drew near the count. Another salver passed, loaded like thepreceding ones; she saw Albert attempt to persuade the count, but heobstinately refused. Albert rejoined his mother; she was very pale.

"Well, " said she, "you see he refuses?"

"Yes; but why need this annoy you?"

"You know, Albert, women are singular creatures. I should like to haveseen the count take something in my house, if only an ice. Perhaps hecannot reconcile himself to the French style of living, and might prefersomething else. "

"Oh, no; I have seen him eat of everything in Italy; no doubt he doesnot feel inclined this evening. "

"And besides, " said the countess, "accustomed as he is to burningclimates, possibly he does not feel the heat as we do. "

"I do not think that, for he has complained of feeling almostsuffocated, and asked why the Venetian blinds were not opened as well asthe windows. "

"In a word, " said Mercedes, "it was a way of assuring me that hisabstinence was intended. " And she left the room. A minute afterwardsthe blinds were thrown open, and through the jessamine and clematis thatoverhung the window one could see the garden ornamented with lanterns, and the supper laid under the tent. Dancers, players, talkers, alluttered an exclamation of joy--every one inhaled with delight thebreeze that floated in. At the same time Mercedes reappeared, paler thanbefore, but with that imperturbable expression of countenance whichshe sometimes wore. She went straight to the group of which her husbandformed the centre. "Do not detain those gentlemen here, count, " shesaid; "they would prefer, I should think, to breathe in the gardenrather than suffocate here, since they are not playing. "

"Ah, " said a gallant old general, who, in 1809, had sung "Partant pourla Syrie, "--"we will not go alone to the garden. "

"Then, " said Mercedes, "I will lead the way. " Turning towards MonteCristo, she added, "count, will you oblige me with your arm?" Thecount almost staggered at these simple words; then he fixed his eyes onMercedes. It was only a momentary glance, but it seemed to the countessto have lasted for a century, so much was expressed in that one look. Heoffered his arm to the countess; she took it, or rather just touched itwith her little hand, and they together descended the steps, lined withrhododendrons and camellias. Behind them, by another outlet, a group ofabout twenty persons rushed into the garden with loud exclamations ofdelight.

Chapter 71. Bread and Salt.

Madame de Morcerf entered an archway of trees with her companion. It ledthrough a grove of lindens to a conservatory.

"It was too warm in the room, was it not, count?" she asked.

"Yes, madame; and it was an excellent idea of yours to open the doorsand the blinds. " As he ceased speaking, the count felt the hand ofMercedes tremble. "But you, " he said, "with that light dress, andwithout anything to cover you but that gauze scarf, perhaps you feelcold?"

"Do you know where I am leading you?" said the countess, withoutreplying to the question.

"No, madame, " replied Monte Cristo; "but you see I make no resistance. "

"We are going to the greenhouse that you see at the other end of thegrove. "

The count looked at Mercedes as if to interrogate her, but she continuedto walk on in silence, and he refrained from speaking. They reachedthe building, ornamented with magnificent fruits, which ripen at thebeginning of July in the artificial temperature which takes the place ofthe sun, so frequently absent in our climate. The countess left the armof Monte Cristo, and gathered a bunch of Muscatel grapes. "See, count, "she said, with a smile so sad in its expression that one could almostdetect the tears on her eyelids--"see, our French grapes are not to becompared, I know, with yours of Sicily and Cyprus, but you will makeallowance for our northern sun. " The count bowed, but stepped back. "Do you refuse?" said Mercedes, in a tremulous voice. "Pray excuse me, madame, " replied Monte Cristo, "but I never eat Muscatel grapes. "

Mercedes let them fall, and sighed. A magnificent peach was hangingagainst an adjoining wall, ripened by the same artificial heat. Mercedesdrew near, and plucked the fruit. "Take this peach, then, " she said. Thecount again refused. "What, again?" she exclaimed, in so plaintive anaccent that it seemed to stifle a sob; "really, you pain me. "

A long silence followed; the peach, like the grapes, fell to theground. "Count, " added Mercedes with a supplicating glance, "there is abeautiful Arabian custom, which makes eternal friends of those who havetogether eaten bread and salt under the same roof. "

"I know it, madame, " replied the count; "but we are in France, and notin Arabia, and in France eternal friendships are as rare as the customof dividing bread and salt with one another. "

"But, " said the countess, breathlessly, with her eyes fixed on MonteCristo, whose arm she convulsively pressed with both hands, "we arefriends, are we not?"

The count became pale as death, the blood rushed to his heart, and thenagain rising, dyed his cheeks with crimson; his eyes swam like those ofa man suddenly dazzled. "Certainly, we are friends, " he replied; "whyshould we not be?" The answer was so little like the one Mercedesdesired, that she turned away to give vent to a sigh, which sounded morelike a groan. "Thank you, " she said. And they walked on again. They wentthe whole length of the garden without uttering a word. "Sir, " suddenlyexclaimed the countess, after their walk had continued ten minutes insilence, "is it true that you have seen so much, travelled so far, andsuffered so deeply?"

"I have suffered deeply, madame, " answered Monte Cristo.

"But now you are happy?"

"Doubtless, " replied the count, "since no one hears me complain. "

"And your present happiness, has it softened your heart?"

"My present happiness equals my past misery, " said the count.

"Are you not married?" asked the countess. "I, married?" exclaimed MonteCristo, shuddering; "who could have told you so?"

"No one told me you were, but you have frequently been seen at the operawith a young and lovely woman. "

"She is a slave whom I bought at Constantinople, madame, the daughter ofa prince. I have adopted her as my daughter, having no one else to lovein the world. "

"You live alone, then?"

"I do. "

"You have no sister--no son--no father?"

"I have no one. "

"How can you exist thus without any one to attach you to life?"

"It is not my fault, madame. At Malta, I loved a young girl, was on thepoint of marrying her, when war came and carried me away. I thought sheloved me well enough to wait for me, and even to remain faithful to mymemory. When I returned she was married. This is the history of most menwho have passed twenty years of age. Perhaps my heart was weaker thanthe hearts of most men, and I suffered more than they would have done inmy place; that is all. " The countess stopped for a moment, as if gaspingfor breath. "Yes, " she said, "and you have still preserved this love inyour heart--one can only love once--and did you ever see her again?"

"Never. "

"Never?"

"I never returned to the country where she lived. "

"To Malta?"

"Yes; Malta. "

"She is, then, now at Malta?"

"I think so. "

"And have you forgiven her for all she has made you suffer?"

"Her, --yes. "

"But only her; do you then still hate those who separated you?"

"I hate them? Not at all; why should I?" The countess placed herselfbefore Monte Cristo, still holding in her hand a portion of the perfumedgrapes. "Take some, " she said. "Madame, I never eat Muscatel grapes, "replied Monte Cristo, as if the subject had not been mentioned before. The countess dashed the grapes into the nearest thicket, with a gestureof despair. "Inflexible man!" she murmured. Monte Cristo remained asunmoved as if the reproach had not been addressed to him. Albert atthis moment ran in. "Oh, mother, " he exclaimed, "such a misfortune hashappened!"

"What? What has happened?" asked the countess, as though awakening froma sleep to the realities of life; "did you say a misfortune? Indeed, Ishould expect misfortunes. "

"M. De Villefort is here. "

"Well?"

"He comes to fetch his wife and daughter. "

"Why so?"

"Because Madame de Saint-Meran is just arrived in Paris, bringing thenews of M. De Saint-Meran's death, which took place on the first stageafter he left Marseilles. Madame de Villefort, who was in very goodspirits, would neither believe nor think of the misfortune, butMademoiselle Valentine, at the first words, guessed the whole truth, notwithstanding all the precautions of her father; the blow struck herlike a thunderbolt, and she fell senseless. "

"And how was M. De Saint-Meran related to Mademoiselle de Villefort?"said the count.

"He was her grandfather on the mother's side. He was coming here tohasten her marriage with Franz. "

"Ah, indeed?"

"So Franz must wait. Why was not M. De Saint-Meran also grandfather toMademoiselle Danglars?"

"Albert, Albert, " said Madame de Morcerf, in a tone of mild reproof, "what are you saying? Ah, count, he esteems you so highly, tell him thathe has spoken amiss. " And she took two or three steps forward. Monte Cristo watched her with an air so thoughtful, and so full ofaffectionate admiration, that she turned back and grasped his hand; atthe same time she seized that of her son, and joined them together.

"We are friends; are we not?" she asked.

"Oh, madame, I do not presume to call myself your friend, but at alltimes I am your most respectful servant. " The countess left with anindescribable pang in her heart, and before she had taken ten steps thecount saw her raise her handkerchief to her eyes. "Do not my mother andyou agree?" asked Albert, astonished.

"On the contrary, " replied the count, "did you not hear her declare thatwe were friends?" They re-entered the drawing-room, which Valentine andMadame de Villefort had just quitted. It is perhaps needless to add thatMorrel departed almost at the same time.

Chapter 72. Madame de Saint-Meran.

A gloomy scene had indeed just passed at the house of M. De Villefort. After the ladies had departed for the ball, whither all the entreatiesof Madame de Villefort had failed in persuading him to accompany them, the procureur had shut himself up in his study, according to his custom, with a heap of papers calculated to alarm any one else, but whichgenerally scarcely satisfied his inordinate desires. But this time thepapers were a mere matter of form. Villefort had secluded himself, notto study, but to reflect; and with the door locked and orders given thathe should not be disturbed excepting for important business, he sat downin his arm-chair and began to ponder over the events, the remembrance ofwhich had during the last eight days filled his mind with so many gloomythoughts and bitter recollections. Then, instead of plunging into themass of documents piled before him, he opened the drawer of his desk, touched a spring, and drew out a parcel of cherished memoranda, amongstwhich he had carefully arranged, in characters only known to himself, the names of all those who, either in his political career, in moneymatters, at the bar, or in his mysterious love affairs, had become hisenemies.

Their number was formidable, now that he had begun to fear, and yetthese names, powerful though they were, had often caused him to smilewith the same kind of satisfaction experienced by a traveller who fromthe summit of a mountain beholds at his feet the craggy eminences, thealmost impassable paths, and the fearful chasms, through which he has soperilously climbed. When he had run over all these names in his memory, again read and studied them, commenting meanwhile upon his lists, heshook his head.

"No, " he murmured, "none of my enemies would have waited so patientlyand laboriously for so long a space of time, that they might now comeand crush me with this secret. Sometimes, as Hamlet says--

'Foul deeds will rise, Tho' all the earth o'erwhelm them to men's eyes;'

but, like a phosphoric light, they rise but to mislead. The story hasbeen told by the Corsican to some priest, who in his turn has repeatedit. M. De Monte Cristo may have heard it, and to enlighten himself--butwhy should he wish to enlighten himself upon the subject?" askedVillefort, after a moment's reflection, "what interest can this M. DeMonte Cristo or M. Zaccone, --son of a shipowner of Malta, discovererof a mine in Thessaly, now visiting Paris for the first time, --whatinterest, I say, can he take in discovering a gloomy, mysterious, anduseless fact like this? However, among all the incoherent details givento me by the Abbe Busoni and by Lord Wilmore, by that friend and thatenemy, one thing appears certain and clear in my opinion--that inno period, in no case, in no circumstance, could there have been anycontact between him and me. "

But Villefort uttered words which even he himself did not believe. Hedreaded not so much the revelation, for he could reply to or deny itstruth;--he cared little for that mene, tekel, upharsin, which appearedsuddenly in letters of blood upon the wall;--but what he was reallyanxious for was to discover whose hand had traced them. While hewas endeavoring to calm his fears, --and instead of dwelling upon thepolitical future that had so often been the subject of his ambitiousdreams, was imagining a future limited to the enjoyments of home, infear of awakening the enemy that had so long slept, --the noise of acarriage sounded in the yard, then he heard the steps of an aged personascending the stairs, followed by tears and lamentations, such asservants always give vent to when they wish to appear interested intheir master's grief. He drew back the bolt of his door, and almostdirectly an old lady entered, unannounced, carrying her shawl on herarm, and her bonnet in her hand. The white hair was thrown back from heryellow forehead, and her eyes, already sunken by the furrows of age, nowalmost disappeared beneath the eyelids swollen with grief. "Oh, sir, "she said; "oh, sir, what a misfortune! I shall die of it; oh, yes, Ishall certainly die of it!"

And then, falling upon the chair nearest the door, she burst into aparoxysm of sobs. The servants, standing in the doorway, not daring toapproach nearer, were looking at Noirtier's old servant, who had heardthe noise from his master's room, and run there also, remaining behindthe others. Villefort rose, and ran towards his mother-in-law, for itwas she.

"Why, what can have happened?" he exclaimed, "what has thus disturbedyou? Is M. De Saint-Meran with you?"

"M. De Saint-Meran is dead, " answered the old marchioness, withoutpreface and without expression; she appeared to be stupefied. Villefortdrew back, and clasping his hands together, exclaimed--"Dead!--sosuddenly?"

"A week ago, " continued Madame de Saint-Meran, "we went out together inthe carriage after dinner. M. De Saint-Meran had been unwell for somedays; still, the idea of seeing our dear Valentine again inspired himwith courage, and notwithstanding his illness he would leave. At sixleagues from Marseilles, after having eaten some of the lozenges he isaccustomed to take, he fell into such a deep sleep, that it appeared tome unnatural; still I hesitated to wake him, although I fancied thathis face was flushed, and that the veins of his temples throbbed moreviolently than usual. However, as it became dark, and I could no longersee, I fell asleep; I was soon aroused by a piercing shriek, as froma person suffering in his dreams, and he suddenly threw his head backviolently. I called the valet, I stopped the postilion, I spoke to M. De Saint-Meran, I applied my smelling-salts; but all was over, and Iarrived at Aix by the side of a corpse. " Villefort stood with his mouthhalf open, quite stupefied.

"Of course you sent for a doctor?"

"Immediately; but, as I have told you, it was too late. "

"Yes; but then he could tell of what complaint the poor marquis haddied. "

"Oh, yes, sir, he told me; it appears to have been an apoplecticstroke. "

"And what did you do then?"

"M. De Saint-Meran had always expressed a desire, in case his deathhappened during his absence from Paris, that his body might be broughtto the family vault. I had him put into a leaden coffin, and I ampreceding him by a few days. "

"Oh, my poor mother, " said Villefort, "to have such duties to perform atyour age after such a blow!"

"God has supported me through all; and then, my dear marquis, he wouldcertainly have done everything for me that I performed for him. It istrue that since I left him, I seem to have lost my senses. I cannot cry;at my age they say that we have no more tears, --still I think thatwhen one is in trouble one should have the power of weeping. Whereis Valentine, sir? It is on her account I am here; I wish to seeValentine. " Villefort thought it would be terrible to reply thatValentine was at a ball; so he only said that she had gone out with herstep-mother, and that she should be fetched. "This instant, sir--thisinstant, I beseech you!" said the old lady. Villefort placed the armof Madame de Saint-Meran within his own, and conducted her to hisapartment. "Rest yourself, mother, " he said.

The marchioness raised her head at this word, and beholding the man whoso forcibly reminded her of her deeply-regretted child, who stilllived for her in Valentine, she felt touched at the name of mother, andbursting into tears, she fell on her knees before an arm-chair, whereshe buried her venerable head. Villefort left her to the care of thewomen, while old Barrois ran, half-scared, to his master; for nothingfrightens old people so much as when death relaxes its vigilance overthem for a moment in order to strike some other old person. Then, while Madame de Saint-Meran remained on her knees, praying fervently, Villefort sent for a cab, and went himself to fetch his wife anddaughter from Madame de Morcerf's. He was so pale when he appeared atthe door of the ball-room, that Valentine ran to him, saying--

"Oh, father, some misfortune has happened!"

"Your grandmamma has just arrived, Valentine, " said M. De Villefort.

"And grandpapa?" inquired the young girl, trembling with apprehension. M. De Villefort only replied by offering his arm to his daughter. It wasjust in time, for Valentine's head swam, and she staggered; Madame deVillefort instantly hastened to her assistance, and aided her husband indragging her to the carriage, saying--"What a singular event! Who couldhave thought it? Ah, yes, it is indeed strange!" And the wretchedfamily departed, leaving a cloud of sadness hanging over the rest ofthe evening. At the foot of the stairs, Valentine found Barrois awaitingher.

"M. Noirtier wishes to see you to-night, he said, in an undertone.

"Tell him I will come when I leave my dear grandmamma, " she replied, feeling, with true delicacy, that the person to whom she could be of themost service just then was Madame de Saint-Meran. Valentine found hergrandmother in bed; silent caresses, heartwrung sobs, broken sighs, burning tears, were all that passed in this sad interview, while Madamede Villefort, leaning on her husband's arm, maintained all outward formsof respect, at least towards the poor widow. She soon whispered toher husband, "I think it would be better for me to retire, withyour permission, for the sight of me appears still to afflict yourmother-in-law. " Madame de Saint-Meran heard her. "Yes, yes, " shesaid softly to Valentine, "let her leave; but do you stay. " Madame deVillefort left, and Valentine remained alone beside the bed, for theprocureur, overcome with astonishment at the unexpected death, hadfollowed his wife. Meanwhile, Barrois had returned for the first time toold Noirtier, who having heard the noise in the house, had, as we havesaid, sent his old servant to inquire the cause; on his return, hisquick intelligent eye interrogated the messenger. "Alas, sir, " exclaimedBarrois, "a great misfortune has happened. Madame de Saint-Meran hasarrived, and her husband is dead!"

M. De Saint-Meran and Noirtier had never been on strict terms offriendship; still, the death of one old man always considerablyaffects another. Noirtier let his head fall upon his chest, apparentlyoverwhelmed and thoughtful; then he closed one eye, in token of inquiry. "Mademoiselle Valentine?" Noirtier nodded his head. "She is at theball, as you know, since she came to say good-by to you in full dress. "Noirtier again closed his left eye. "Do you wish to see her?" Noirtieragain made an affirmative sign. "Well, they have gone to fetch her, nodoubt, from Madame de Morcerf's; I will await her return, and beg her tocome up here. Is that what you wish for?"

"Yes, " replied the invalid.

Barrois, therefore, as we have seen, watched for Valentine, and informedher of her grandfather's wish. Consequently, Valentine came up toNoirtier, on leaving Madame de Saint-Meran, who in the midst of hergrief had at last yielded to fatigue and fallen into a feverish sleep. Within reach of her hand they placed a small table upon which stood abottle of orangeade, her usual beverage, and a glass. Then, as we havesaid, the young girl left the bedside to see M. Noirtier. Valentinekissed the old man, who looked at her with such tenderness that her eyesagain filled with tears, whose sources he thought must be exhausted. The old gentleman continued to dwell upon her with the same expression. "Yes, yes, " said Valentine, "you mean that I have yet a kind grandfatherleft, do you not. " The old man intimated that such was his meaning. "Ah, yes, happily I have, " replied Valentine. "Without that, what wouldbecome of me?"



It was one o'clock in the morning. Barrois, who wished to go to bedhimself, observed that after such sad events every one stood in need ofrest. Noirtier would not say that the only rest he needed was to seehis child, but wished her good-night, for grief and fatigue had made herappear quite ill. The next morning she found her grandmother in bed;the fever had not abated, on the contrary her eyes glistened and sheappeared to be suffering from violent nervous irritability. "Oh, deargrandmamma, are you worse?" exclaimed Valentine, perceiving all thesesigns of agitation.

"No, my child, no, " said Madame de Saint-Meran; "but I was impatientlywaiting for your arrival, that I might send for your father. "

"My father?" inquired Valentine, uneasily.

"Yes, I wish to speak to him. " Valentine durst not oppose hergrandmother's wish, the cause of which she did not know, and an instantafterwards Villefort entered. "Sir, " said Madame de Saint-Meran, withoutusing any circumlocution, and as if fearing she had no time to lose, "you wrote to me concerning the marriage of this child?"

"Yes, madame, " replied Villefort, "it is not only projected butarranged. "

"Your intended son-in-law is named M. Franz d'Epinay?"

"Yes, madame. "

"Is he not the son of General d'Epinay who was on our side, and who wasassassinated some days before the usurper returned from the Island ofElba?"

"The same. "

"Does he not dislike the idea of marrying the granddaughter of aJacobin?"

"Our civil dissensions are now happily extinguished, mother, " saidVillefort; "M. D'Epinay was quite a child when his father died, he knowsvery little of M. Noirtier, and will meet him, if not with pleasure, atleast with indifference. "

"Is it a suitable match?"

"In every respect. "

"And the young man?"

"Is regarded with universal esteem. "

"You approve of him?"

"He is one of the most well-bred young men I know. " During the wholeof this conversation Valentine had remained silent. "Well, sir, " saidMadame de Saint-Meran, after a few minutes' reflection, "I must hastenthe marriage, for I have but a short time to live. "

"You, madame?" "You, dear mamma?" exclaimed M. De Villefort andValentine at the same time.

"I know what I am saying, " continued the marchioness; "I must hurry you, so that, as she has no mother, she may at least have a grandmother tobless her marriage. I am all that is left to her belonging to my poorRenee, whom you have so soon forgotten, sir. "

"Ah, madame, " said Villefort, "you forget that I was obliged to give amother to my child. "

"A stepmother is never a mother, sir. But this is not to thepurpose, --our business concerns Valentine, let us leave the dead inpeace. "

All this was said with such exceeding rapidity, that there was somethingin the conversation that seemed like the beginning of delirium.

"It shall be as you wish, madame, " said Villefort; "more especiallysince your wishes coincide with mine, and as soon as M. D'Epinay arrivesin Paris"--

"My dear grandmother, " interrupted Valentine, "consider decorum--therecent death. You would not have me marry under such sad auspices?"

"My child, " exclaimed the old lady sharply, "let us hear none of theconventional objections that deter weak minds from preparing for thefuture. I also was married at the death-bed of my mother, and certainlyI have not been less happy on that account. "

"Still that idea of death, madame, " said Villefort.

"Still?--Always! I tell you I am going to die--do you understand? Well, before dying, I wish to see my son-in-law. I wish to tell him to makemy child happy; I wish to read in his eyes whether he intends to obeyme;--in fact, I will know him--I will!" continued the old lady, with afearful expression, "that I may rise from the depths of my grave to findhim, if he should not fulfil his duty!"

"Madame, " said Villefort, "you must lay aside these exalted ideas, whichalmost assume the appearance of madness. The dead, once buried in theirgraves, rise no more. "

"And I tell you, sir, that you are mistaken. This night I have had afearful sleep. It seemed as though my soul were already hovering over mybody, my eyes, which I tried to open, closed against my will, and whatwill appear impossible above all to you, sir, I saw, with my eyes shut, in the spot where you are now standing, issuing from that corner wherethere is a door leading into Madame Villefort's dressing-room--I saw, Itell you, silently enter, a white figure. " Valentine screamed. "It wasthe fever that disturbed you, madame, " said Villefort.

"Doubt, if you please, but I am sure of what I say. I saw a whitefigure, and as if to prevent my discrediting the testimony of only oneof my senses, I heard my glass removed--the same which is there now onthe table. "

"Oh, dear mother, it was a dream. "

"So little was it a dream, that I stretched my hand towards the bell;but when I did so, the shade disappeared; my maid then entered with alight. "

"But she saw no one?"

"Phantoms are visible to those only who ought to see them. It was thesoul of my husband!--Well, if my husband's soul can come to me, whyshould not my soul reappear to guard my granddaughter? the tie is evenmore direct, it seems to me. "

"Oh, madame, " said Villefort, deeply affected, in spite of himself, "donot yield to those gloomy thoughts; you will long live with us, happy, loved, and honored, and we will make you forget"--

"Never, never, never, " said the marchioness. "When does M. D'Epinayreturn?"

"We expect him every moment. "

"It is well. As soon as he arrives inform me. We must be expeditious. And then I also wish to see a notary, that I may be assured that all ourproperty returns to Valentine. "

"Ah, grandmamma, " murmured Valentine, pressing her lips on the burningbrow, "do you wish to kill me? Oh, how feverish you are; we must notsend for a notary, but for a doctor. "

"A doctor?" said she, shrugging her shoulders, "I am not ill; I amthirsty--that is all. "

"What are you drinking, dear grandmamma?"

"The same as usual, my dear, my glass is there on the table--give it tome, Valentine. " Valentine poured the orangeade into a glass and gave itto her grandmother with a certain degree of dread, for it was the sameglass she fancied that had been touched by the spectre. The marchionessdrained the glass at a single draught, and then turned on her pillow, repeating, --"The notary, the notary!"

M. De Villefort left the room, and Valentine seated herself at thebedside of her grandmother. The poor child appeared herself to requirethe doctor she had recommended to her aged relative. A bright spotburned in either cheek, her respiration was short and difficult, and herpulse beat with feverish excitement. She was thinking of the despairof Maximilian, when he should be informed that Madame de Saint-Meran, instead of being an ally, was unconsciously acting as his enemy. Morethan once she thought of revealing all to her grandmother, and she wouldnot have hesitated a moment, if Maximilian Morrel had been named Albertde Morcerf or Raoul de Chateau-Renaud; but Morrel was of plebeianextraction, and Valentine knew how the haughty Marquise de Saint-Merandespised all who were not noble. Her secret had each time been repressedwhen she was about to reveal it, by the sad conviction that it would beuseless to do so; for, were it once discovered by her father and mother, all would be lost. Two hours passed thus; Madame de Saint-Meran was ina feverish sleep, and the notary had arrived. Though his coming wasannounced in a very low tone, Madame de Saint-Meran arose from herpillow. "The notary!" she exclaimed, "let him come in. "

The notary, who was at the door, immediately entered. "Go, Valentine, "said Madame de Saint-Meran, "and leave me with this gentleman. "

"But, grandmamma"--

"Leave me--go!" The young girl kissed her grandmother, and left with herhandkerchief to her eyes; at the door she found the valet de chambre, who told her that the doctor was waiting in the dining-room. Valentineinstantly ran down. The doctor was a friend of the family, and atthe same time one of the cleverest men of the day, and very fond ofValentine, whose birth he had witnessed. He had himself a daughter abouther age, but whose life was one continued source of anxiety and fear tohim from her mother having been consumptive.

"Oh, " said Valentine, "we have been waiting for you with suchimpatience, dear M. D'Avrigny. But, first of all, how are Madeleine andAntoinette?" Madeleine was the daughter of M. D'Avrigny, and Antoinettehis niece. M. D'Avrigny smiled sadly. "Antoinette is very well, " hesaid, "and Madeleine tolerably so. But you sent for me, my dear child. It is not your father or Madame de Villefort who is ill. As for you, although we doctors cannot divest our patients of nerves, I fancy youhave no further need of me than to recommend you not to allow yourimagination to take too wide a field. " Valentine colored. M. D'Avrignycarried the science of divination almost to a miraculous extent, forhe was one of the physicians who always work upon the body through themind. "No, " she replied, "it is for my poor grandmother. You know thecalamity that has happened to us, do you not?"

"I know nothing. " said M. D'Avrigny.

"Alas, " said Valentine, restraining her tears, "my grandfather is dead. "

"M. De Saint-Meran?"

"Yes. "

"Suddenly?"

"From an apoplectic stroke. "

"An apoplectic stroke?" repeated the doctor.

"Yes, and my poor grandmother fancies that her husband, whom shenever left, has called her, and that she must go and join him. Oh, M. D'Avrigny, I beseech you, do something for her!"

"Where is she?"

"In her room with the notary. "

"And M. Noirtier?"

"Just as he was, his mind perfectly clear, but the same incapability ofmoving or speaking. "

"And the same love for you--eh, my dear child?"

"Yes, " said Valentine, "he was very fond of me. "

"Who does not love you?" Valentine smiled sadly. "What are yourgrandmother's symptoms?"

"An extreme nervous excitement and a strangely agitated sleep; shefancied this morning in her sleep that her soul was hovering above herbody, which she at the same time watched. It must have been delirium;she fancies, too, that she saw a phantom enter her chamber and evenheard the noise it made on touching her glass. "

"It is singular, " said the doctor; "I was not aware that Madame deSaint-Meran was subject to such hallucinations. "

"It is the first time I ever saw her in this condition, " said Valentine;"and this morning she frightened me so that I thought her mad; and myfather, who you know is a strong-minded man, himself appeared deeplyimpressed. "

"We will go and see, " said the doctor; "what you tell me seems verystrange. " The notary here descended, and Valentine was informed that hergrandmother was alone. "Go upstairs, " she said to the doctor.

"And you?"

"Oh, I dare not--she forbade my sending for you; and, as you say, I ammyself agitated, feverish and out of sorts. I will go and take a turn inthe garden to recover myself. " The doctor pressed Valentine's hand, andwhile he visited her grandmother, she descended the steps. We need notsay which portion of the garden was her favorite walk. After remainingfor a short time in the parterre surrounding the house, and gatheringa rose to place in her waist or hair, she turned into the dark avenuewhich led to the bench; then from the bench she went to the gate. As usual, Valentine strolled for a short time among her flowers, butwithout gathering them. The mourning in her heart forbade her assumingthis simple ornament, though she had not yet had time to put on theoutward semblance of woe. She then turned towards the avenue. As sheadvanced she fancied she heard a voice speaking her name. She stoppedastonished, then the voice reached her ear more distinctly, and sherecognized it to be that of Maximilian.

Chapter 73. The Promise.

It was, indeed, Maximilian Morrel, who had passed a wretched existencesince the previous day. With the instinct peculiar to lovers he hadanticipated after the return of Madame de Saint-Meran and the deathof the marquis, that something would occur at M. De Villefort's inconnection with his attachment for Valentine. His presentiments wererealized, as we shall see, and his uneasy forebodings had goaded himpale and trembling to the gate under the chestnut-trees. Valentine wasignorant of the cause of this sorrow and anxiety, and as it was not hisaccustomed hour for visiting her, she had gone to the spot simply byaccident or perhaps through sympathy. Morrel called her, and she ranto the gate. "You here at this hour?" said she. "Yes, my poor girl, "replied Morrel; "I come to bring and to hear bad tidings. "

"This is, indeed, a house of mourning, " said Valentine; "speak, Maximilian, although the cup of sorrow seems already full. "

"Dear Valentine, " said Morrel, endeavoring to conceal his own emotion, "listen, I entreat you; what I am about to say is very serious. When areyou to be married?"

"I will tell you all, " said Valentine; "from you I have nothingto conceal. This morning the subject was introduced, and my deargrandmother, on whom I depended as my only support, not only declaredherself favorable to it, but is so anxious for it, that they only awaitthe arrival of M. D'Epinay, and the following day the contract willbe signed. " A deep sigh escaped the young man, who gazed long andmournfully at her he loved. "Alas, " replied he, "it is dreadful thus tohear my condemnation from your own lips. The sentence is passed, and, ina few hours, will be executed; it must be so, and I will not endeavorto prevent it. But, since you say nothing remains but for M. D'Epinay toarrive that the contract may be signed, and the following day you willbe his, to-morrow you will be engaged to M. D'Epinay, for he came thismorning to Paris. " Valentine uttered a cry.

"I was at the house of Monte Cristo an hour since, " said Morrel; "wewere speaking, he of the sorrow your family had experienced, and I ofyour grief, when a carriage rolled into the court-yard. Never, tillthen, had I placed any confidence in presentiments, but now I cannothelp believing them, Valentine. At the sound of that carriage Ishuddered; soon I heard steps on the staircase, which terrified me asmuch as the footsteps of the commander did Don Juan. The door at lastopened; Albert de Morcerf entered first, and I began to hope my fearswere vain, when, after him, another young man advanced, and the countexclaimed--'Ah, here is the Baron Franz d'Epinay!' I summoned all mystrength and courage to my support. Perhaps I turned pale and trembled, but certainly I smiled; and five minutes after I left, without havingheard one word that had passed. "

"Poor Maximilian!" murmured Valentine.

"Valentine, the time has arrived when you must answer me. And remembermy life depends on your answer. What do you intend doing?" Valentineheld down her head; she was overwhelmed.

"Listen, " said Morrel; "it is not the first time you have contemplatedour present position, which is a serious and urgent one; I do not thinkit is a moment to give way to useless sorrow; leave that for those wholike to suffer at their leisure and indulge their grief in secret. Thereare such in the world, and God will doubtless reward them in heaven fortheir resignation on earth, but those who mean to contend must not loseone precious moment, but must return immediately the blow which fortunestrikes. Do you intend to struggle against our ill-fortune? Tell me, Valentine for it is that I came to know. "

Valentine trembled, and looked at him with amazement. The idea ofresisting her father, her grandmother, and all the family, had neveroccurred to her. "What do you say, Maximilian?" asked Valentine. "Whatdo you mean by a struggle? Oh, it would be a sacrilege. What? I resistmy father's order, and my dying grandmother's wish? Impossible!" Morrelstarted. "You are too noble not to understand me, and you understand meso well that you already yield, dear Maximilian. No, no; I shall needall my strength to struggle with myself and support my grief in secret, as you say. But to grieve my father--to disturb my grandmother's lastmoments--never!"

"You are right, " said Morrel, calmly.

"In what a tone you speak!" cried Valentine.

"I speak as one who admires you, mademoiselle. "

"Mademoiselle, " cried Valentine; "mademoiselle! Oh, selfish man, --hesees me in despair, and pretends he cannot understand me!"

"You mistake--I understand you perfectly. You will not oppose M. Villefort, you will not displease the marchioness, and to-morrow youwill sign the contract which will bind you to your husband. "

"But, mon Dieu, tell me, how can I do otherwise?"

"Do not appeal to me, mademoiselle; I shall be a bad judge in such acase; my selfishness will blind me, " replied Morrel, whose low voice andclinched hands announced his growing desperation.

"What would you have proposed, Maximilian, had you found me willing toaccede?"

"It is not for me to say. "

"You are wrong; you must advise me what to do. "

"Do you seriously ask my advice, Valentine?"

"Certainly, dear Maximilian, for if it is good, I will follow it; youknow my devotion to you. "

"Valentine, " said Morrel pushing aside a loose plank, "give me your handin token of forgiveness of my anger; my senses are confused, and duringthe last hour the most extravagant thoughts have passed through mybrain. Oh, if you refuse my advice"--

"What do you advise?" said Valentine, raising her eyes to heaven andsighing. "I am free, " replied Maximilian, "and rich enough to supportyou. I swear to make you my lawful wife before my lips even shall haveapproached your forehead. "

"You make me tremble!" said the young girl.

"Follow me, " said Morrel; "I will take you to my sister, who is worthyalso to be yours. We will embark for Algiers, for England, for America, or, if you prefer it, retire to the country and only return to Pariswhen our friends have reconciled your family. " Valentine shook her head. "I feared it, Maximilian, " said she; "it is the counsel of a madman, andI should be more mad than you, did I not stop you at once with the word'Impossible, impossible!'"

"You will then submit to what fate decrees for you without evenattempting to contend with it?" said Morrel sorrowfully. "Yes, --if Idie!"

"Well, Valentine, " resumed Maximilian, "I can only say again that youare right. Truly, it is I who am mad, and you prove to me that passionblinds the most well-meaning. I appreciate your calm reasoning. It isthen understood that to-morrow you will be irrevocably promised toM. Franz d'Epinay, not only by that theatrical formality invented toheighten the effect of a comedy called the signature of the contract, but your own will?"

"Again you drive me to despair, Maximilian, " said Valentine, "again youplunge the dagger into the wound! What would you do, tell me, if yoursister listened to such a proposition?"

"Mademoiselle, " replied Morrel with a bitter smile, "I am selfish--youhave already said so--and as a selfish man I think not of what otherswould do in my situation, but of what I intend doing myself. I thinkonly that I have known you not a whole year. From the day I first sawyou, all my hopes of happiness have been in securing your affection. Oneday you acknowledged that you loved me, and since that day my hope offuture happiness has rested on obtaining you, for to gain you would belife to me. Now, I think no more; I say only that fortune has turnedagainst me--I had thought to gain heaven, and now I have lost it. It isan every-day occurrence for a gambler to lose not only what he possessesbut also what he has not. " Morrel pronounced these words with perfectcalmness; Valentine looked at him a moment with her large, scrutinizingeyes, endeavoring not to let Morrel discover the grief which struggledin her heart. "But, in a word, what are you going to do?" asked she.

"I am going to have the honor of taking my leave of you, mademoiselle, solemnly assuring you that I wish your life may be so calm, so happy, and so fully occupied, that there may be no place for me even in yourmemory. "

"Oh!" murmured Valentine.

"Adieu, Valentine, adieu!" said Morrel, bowing.

"Where are you going?" cried the young girl, extending her hand throughthe opening, and seizing Maximilian by his coat, for she understood fromher own agitated feelings that her lover's calmness could not be real;"where are you going?"

"I am going, that I may not bring fresh trouble into your family: and toset an example which every honest and devoted man, situated as I am, mayfollow. "

"Before you leave me, tell me what you are going to do, Maximilian. " Theyoung man smiled sorrowfully. "Speak, speak!" said Valentine; "I entreatyou. "

"Has your resolution changed, Valentine?"

"It cannot change, unhappy man; you know it must not!" cried the younggirl. "Then adieu, Valentine!" Valentine shook the gate with a strengthof which she could not have been supposed to be possessed, as Morrel wasgoing away, and passing both her hands through the opening, she claspedand wrung them. "I must know what you mean to do!" said she. "Where areyou going?"

"Oh, fear not, " said Maximilian, stopping at a short distance, "I do notintend to render another man responsible for the rigorous fate reservedfor me. Another might threaten to seek M. Franz, to provoke him, and tofight with him; all that would be folly. What has M. Franz to do withit? He saw me this morning for the first time, and has already forgottenhe has seen me. He did not even know I existed when it was arranged byyour two families that you should be united. I have no enmity against M. Franz, and promise you the punishment shall not fall on him. "

"On whom, then!--on me?"

"On you? Valentine! Oh, heaven forbid! Woman is sacred; the woman oneloves is holy. "

"On yourself, then, unhappy man; on yourself?"

"I am the only guilty person, am I not?" said Maximilian.

"Maximilian!" said Valentine, "Maximilian, come back, I entreat you!" Hedrew near with his sweet smile, and but for his paleness one mighthave thought him in his usual happy mood. "Listen, my dear, my adoredValentine, " said he in his melodious and grave tone; "those who, likeus, have never had a thought for which we need blush before the world, such may read each other's hearts. I never was romantic, and am nomelancholy hero. I imitate neither Manfred nor Anthony; but withoutwords, protestations, or vows, my life has entwined itself with yours;you leave me, and you are right in doing so, --I repeat it, you areright; but in losing you, I lose my life.

"The moment you leave me, Valentine, I am alone in the world. My sisteris happily married; her husband is only my brother-in-law, that is, aman whom the ties of social life alone attach to me; no one then longerneeds my useless life. This is what I shall do; I will wait until thevery moment you are married, for I will not lose the shadow of one ofthose unexpected chances which are sometimes reserved for us, since M. Franz may, after all, die before that time, a thunderbolt may fall evenon the altar as you approach it, --nothing appears impossible to onecondemned to die, and miracles appear quite reasonable when his escapefrom death is concerned. I will, then, wait until the last moment, and when my misery is certain, irremediable, hopeless, I will writea confidential letter to my brother-in-law, another to the prefect ofpolice, to acquaint them with my intention, and at the corner of somewood, on the brink of some abyss, on the bank of some river, I will putan end to my existence, as certainly as I am the son of the most honestman who ever lived in France. "

Valentine trembled convulsively; she loosened her hold of the gate, herarms fell by her side, and two large tears rolled down her cheeks. Theyoung man stood before her, sorrowful and resolute. "Oh, for pity'ssake, " said she, "you will live, will you not?"

"No, on my honor, " said Maximilian; "but that will not affect you. Youhave done your duty, and your conscience will be at rest. " Valentinefell on her knees, and pressed her almost bursting heart. "Maximilian, "said she, "Maximilian, my friend, my brother on earth, my true husbandin heaven, I entreat you, do as I do, live in suffering; perhaps we mayone day be united. "

"Adieu, Valentine, " repeated Morrel.

"My God, " said Valentine, raising both her hands to heaven with asublime expression, "I have done my utmost to remain a submissivedaughter; I have begged, entreated, implored; he has regarded neithermy prayers, my entreaties, nor my tears. It is done, " cried she, willingaway her tears, and resuming her firmness, "I am resolved not to die ofremorse, but rather of shame. Live, Maximilian, and I will be yours. Saywhen shall it be? Speak, command, I will obey. " Morrel, who had alreadygone some few steps away, again returned, and pale with joy extendedboth hands towards Valentine through the opening. "Valentine, " said he, "dear Valentine, you must not speak thus--rather let me die. Whyshould I obtain you by violence, if our love is mutual? Is it from merehumanity you bid me live? I would then rather die. "

"Truly, " murmured Valentine, "who on this earth cares for me, if he doesnot? Who has consoled me in my sorrow but he? On whom do my hopes rest?On whom does my bleeding heart repose? On him, on him, always on him!Yes, you are right, Maximilian, I will follow you. I will leave thepaternal home, I will give up all. Oh, ungrateful girl that I am, " criedValentine, sobbing, "I will give up all, even my dear old grandfather, whom I had nearly forgotten. "

"No, " said Maximilian, "you shall not leave him. M. Noirtier hasevinced, you say, a kind feeling towards me. Well, before you leave, tell him all; his consent would be your justification in God's sight. Assoon as we are married, he shall come and live with us, instead of onechild, he shall have two. You have told me how you talk to him andhow he answers you; I shall very soon learn that language by signs, Valentine, and I promise you solemnly, that instead of despair, it ishappiness that awaits us. "

"Oh, see, Maximilian, see the power you have over me, you almost makeme believe you; and yet, what you tell me is madness, for my father willcurse me--he is inflexible--he will never pardon me. Now listen to me, Maximilian; if by artifice, by entreaty, by accident--in short, if byany means I can delay this marriage, will you wait?"

"Yes, I promise you, as faithfully as you have promised me that thishorrible marriage shall not take place, and that if you are draggedbefore a magistrate or a priest, you will refuse. "

"I promise you by all that is most sacred to me in the world, namely, bymy mother. "

"We will wait, then, " said Morrel.

"Yes, we will wait, " replied Valentine, who revived at these words;"there are so many things which may save unhappy beings such as we are. "

"I rely on you, Valentine, " said Morrel; "all you do will be welldone; only if they disregard your prayers, if your father and Madame deSaint-Meran insist that M. D'Epinay should be called to-morrow to signthe contract"--

"Then you have my promise, Maximilian. "

"Instead of signing"--

"I will go to you, and we will fly; but from this moment until then, letus not tempt providence, let us not see each other. It is a miracle, itis a providence that we have not been discovered. If we were surprised, if it were known that we met thus, we should have no further resource. "

"You are right, Valentine; but how shall I ascertain?"

"From the notary, M. Deschamps. "

"I know him. "

"And for myself--I will write to you, depend on me. I dread thismarriage, Maximilian, as much as you. "

"Thank you, my adored Valentine, thank you; that is enough. When once Iknow the hour, I will hasten to this spot, you can easily get over thisfence with my assistance, a carriage will await us at the gate, in whichyou will accompany me to my sister's; there living, retired or minglingin society, as you wish, we shall be enabled to use our power to resistoppression, and not suffer ourselves to be put to death like sheep, which only defend themselves by sighs. "

"Yes, " said Valentine, "I will now acknowledge you are right, Maximilian; and now are you satisfied with your betrothal?" said theyoung girl sorrowfully.

"My adored Valentine, words cannot express one half of my satisfaction. "Valentine had approached, or rather, had placed her lips so near thefence, that they nearly touched those of Morrel, which were pressedagainst the other side of the cold and inexorable barrier. "Adieu, then, till we meet again, " said Valentine, tearing herself away. "I shall hearfrom you?"

"Yes. "

"Thanks, thanks, dear love, adieu!" The sound of a kiss was heard, andValentine fled through the avenue. Morrel listened to catch the lastsound of her dress brushing the branches, and of her footstep on thegravel, then raised his eyes with an ineffable smile of thankfulness toheaven for being permitted to be thus loved, and then also disappeared. The young man returned home and waited all the evening and all the nextday without getting any message. It was only on the following day, at about ten o'clock in the morning, as he was starting to call on M. Deschamps, the notary, that he received from the postman a small billet, which he knew to be from Valentine, although he had not before seen herwriting. It was to this effect:--

Tears, entreaties, prayers, have availed me nothing. Yesterday, fortwo hours, I was at the church of Saint-Phillippe du Roule, and for twohours I prayed most fervently. Heaven is as inflexible as man, and thesignature of the contract is fixed for this evening at nine o'clock. Ihave but one promise and but one heart to give; that promise is pledgedto you, that heart is also yours. This evening, then, at a quarter tonine at the gate.

Your betrothed, Valentine de Villefort.

P. S. --My poor grandmother gets worse and worse; yesterday her feveramounted to delirium; to-day her delirium is almost madness. You willbe very kind to me, will you not, Morrel, to make me forget my sorrow inleaving her thus? I think it is kept a secret from grandpapa Noirtier, that the contract is to be signed this evening.

Morrel went also to the notary, who confirmed the news that the contractwas to be signed that evening. Then he went to call on Monte Cristo andheard still more. Franz had been to announce the ceremony, and Madame deVillefort had also written to beg the count to excuse her not invitinghim; the death of M. De Saint-Meran and the dangerous illness of hiswidow would cast a gloom over the meeting which she would regret shouldbe shared by the count whom she wished every happiness. The day beforeFranz had been presented to Madame de Saint-Meran, who had left her bedto receive him, but had been obliged to return to it immediately after. It is easy to suppose that Morrel's agitation would not escape thecount's penetrating eye. Monte Cristo was more affectionate thanever, --indeed, his manner was so kind that several times Morrel was onthe point of telling him all. But he recalled the promise he had made toValentine, and kept his secret.

The young man read Valentine's letter twenty times in the course of theday. It was her first, and on what an occasion! Each time he read it herenewed his vow to make her happy. How great is the power of a woman whohas made so courageous a resolution! What devotion does she deserve fromhim for whom she has sacrificed everything! How ought she really tobe supremely loved! She becomes at once a queen and a wife, and it isimpossible to thank and love her sufficiently. Morrel longed intenselyfor the moment when he should hear Valentine say, "Here I am, Maximilian; come and help me. " He had arranged everything for herescape; two ladders were hidden in the clover-field; a cabriolet wasordered for Maximilian alone, without a servant, without lights; at theturning of the first street they would light the lamps, as it would befoolish to attract the notice of the police by too many precautions. Occasionally he shuddered; he thought of the moment when, from thetop of that wall, he should protect the descent of his dear Valentine, pressing in his arms for the first time her of whom he had yet onlykissed the delicate hand.

When the afternoon arrived and he felt that the hour was drawing near, he wished for solitude, his agitation was extreme; a simple questionfrom a friend would have irritated him. He shut himself in his room, andtried to read, but his eye glanced over the page without understandinga word, and he threw away the book, and for the second time sat downto sketch his plan, the ladders and the fence. At length the hourdrew near. Never did a man deeply in love allow the clocks to go onpeacefully. Morrel tormented his so effectually that they struck eightat half-past six. He then said, "It is time to start; the signature wasindeed fixed to take place at nine o'clock, but perhaps Valentine willnot wait for that. " Consequently, Morrel, having left the Rue Meslayat half-past eight by his timepiece, entered the clover-field whilethe clock of Saint-Phillippe du Roule was striking eight. The horse andcabriolet were concealed behind a small ruin, where Morrel had oftenwaited.

The night gradually drew on, and the foliage in the garden assumed adeeper hue. Then Morrel came out from his hiding-place with a beatingheart, and looked through the small opening in the gate; there was yetno one to be seen. The clock struck half-past eight, and still anotherhalf-hour was passed in waiting, while Morrel walked to and fro, andgazed more and more frequently through the opening. The garden becamedarker still, but in the darkness he looked in vain for the white dress, and in the silence he vainly listened for the sound of footsteps. Thehouse, which was discernible through the trees, remained in darkness, and gave no indication that so important an event as the signature of amarriage-contract was going on. Morrel looked at his watch, which wanteda quarter to ten; but soon the same clock he had already heard striketwo or three times rectified the error by striking half-past nine.

This was already half an hour past the time Valentine had fixed. Itwas a terrible moment for the young man. The slightest rustling of thefoliage, the least whistling of the wind, attracted his attention, anddrew the perspiration to his brow; then he tremblingly fixed his ladder, and, not to lose a moment, placed his foot on the first step. Amidstall these alternations of hope and fear, the clock struck ten. "It isimpossible, " said Maximilian, "that the signing of a contract shouldoccupy so long a time without unexpected interruptions. I have weighedall the chances, calculated the time required for all the forms;something must have happened. " And then he walked rapidly to and fro, and pressed his burning forehead against the fence. Had Valentinefainted? or had she been discovered and stopped in her flight? Thesewere the only obstacles which appeared possible to the young man.

The idea that her strength had failed her in attempting to escape, and that she had fainted in one of the paths, was the one that mostimpressed itself upon his mind. "In that case, " said he, "I should loseher, and by my own fault. " He dwelt on this idea for a moment, then itappeared reality. He even thought he could perceive something on theground at a distance; he ventured to call, and it seemed to him thatthe wind wafted back an almost inarticulate sigh. At last the half-hourstruck. It was impossible to wait longer, his temples throbbedviolently, his eyes were growing dim; he passed one leg over the wall, and in a moment leaped down on the other side. He was on Villefort'spremises--had arrived there by scaling the wall. What might be theconsequences? However, he had not ventured thus far to draw back. Hefollowed a short distance close under the wall, then crossed a path, hidentered a clump of trees. In a moment he had passed through them, andcould see the house distinctly. Then Morrel saw that he had been rightin believing that the house was not illuminated. Instead of lights atevery window, as is customary on days of ceremony, he saw only a graymass, which was veiled also by a cloud, which at that moment obscuredthe moon's feeble light. A light moved rapidly from time to time pastthree windows of the second floor. These three windows were in Madame deSaint-Meran's room. Another remained motionless behind some red curtainswhich were in Madame de Villefort's bedroom. Morrel guessed all this. Somany times, in order to follow Valentine in thought at every hour in theday, had he made her describe the whole house, that without having seenit he knew it all.



This darkness and silence alarmed Morrel still more than Valentine'sabsence had done. Almost mad with grief, and determined to ventureeverything in order to see Valentine once more, and be certain of themisfortune he feared, Morrel gained the edge of the clump of trees, andwas going to pass as quickly as possible through the flower-garden, whenthe sound of a voice, still at some distance, but which was borne uponthe wind, reached him.

At this sound, as he was already partially exposed to view, he steppedback and concealed himself completely, remaining perfectly motionless. He had formed his resolution. If it was Valentine alone, he would speakas she passed; if she was accompanied, and he could not speak, still heshould see her, and know that she was safe; if they were strangers, hewould listen to their conversation, and might understand something ofthis hitherto incomprehensible mystery. The moon had just then escapedfrom behind the cloud which had concealed it, and Morrel saw Villefortcome out upon the steps, followed by a gentleman in black. Theydescended, and advanced towards the clump of trees, and Morrel soonrecognized the other gentleman as Doctor d'Avrigny.

The young man, seeing them approach, drew back mechanically, until hefound himself stopped by a sycamore-tree in the centre of the clump;there he was compelled to remain. Soon the two gentlemen stopped also.

"Ah, my dear doctor, " said the procureur, "heaven declares itselfagainst my house! What a dreadful death--what a blow! Seek not toconsole me; alas, nothing can alleviate so great a sorrow--the wound istoo deep and too fresh! Dead, dead!" The cold sweat sprang to the youngman's brow, and his teeth chattered. Who could be dead in that house, which Villefort himself had called accursed? "My dear M. De Villefort, "replied the doctor, with a tone which redoubled the terror of the youngman, "I have not led you here to console you; on the contrary"--

"What can you mean?" asked the procureur, alarmed.

"I mean that behind the misfortune which has just happened to you, thereis another, perhaps, still greater. "

"Can it be possible?" murmured Villefort, clasping his hands. "What areyou going to tell me?"

"Are we quite alone, my friend?"

"Yes, quite; but why all these precautions?"

"Because I have a terrible secret to communicate to you, " said thedoctor. "Let us sit down. "

Villefort fell, rather than seated himself. The doctor stood before him, with one hand placed on his shoulder. Morrel, horrified, supportedhis head with one hand, and with the other pressed his heart, lest itsbeatings should be heard. "Dead, dead!" repeated he within himself; andhe felt as if he were also dying.

"Speak, doctor--I am listening, " said Villefort; "strike--I am preparedfor everything!"

"Madame de Saint-Meran was, doubtless, advancing in years, but sheenjoyed excellent health. " Morrel began again to breathe freely, whichhe had not done during the last ten minutes.

"Grief has consumed her, " said Villefort--"yes, grief, doctor! Afterliving forty years with the marquis"--

"It is not grief, my dear Villefort, " said the doctor; "grief may kill, although it rarely does, and never in a day, never in an hour, neverin ten minutes. " Villefort answered nothing, he simply raised hishead, which had been cast down before, and looked at the doctor withamazement.

"Were you present during the last struggle?" asked M. D'Avrigny.

"I was, " replied the procureur; "you begged me not to leave. "

"Did you notice the symptoms of the disease to which Madame deSaint-Meran has fallen a victim?"

"I did. Madame de Saint-Meran had three successive attacks, at intervalsof some minutes, each one more serious than the former. When youarrived, Madame de Saint-Meran had already been panting for breath someminutes; she then had a fit, which I took to be simply a nervous attack, and it was only when I saw her raise herself in the bed, and herlimbs and neck appear stiffened, that I became really alarmed. ThenI understood from your countenance there was more to fear than I hadthought. This crisis past, I endeavored to catch your eye, but couldnot. You held her hand--you were feeling her pulse--and the second fitcame on before you had turned towards me. This was more terrible thanthe first; the same nervous movements were repeated, and the mouthcontracted and turned purple. "

"And at the third she expired. "

"At the end of the first attack I discovered symptoms of tetanus; youconfirmed my opinion. "

"Yes, before others, " replied the doctor; "but now we are alone"--

"What are you going to say? Oh, spare me!"

"That the symptoms of tetanus and poisoning by vegetable substances arethe same. " M. De Villefort started from his seat, then in a moment felldown again, silent and motionless. Morrel knew not if he were dreamingor awake. "Listen, " said the doctor; "I know the full importance of thestatement I have just made, and the disposition of the man to whom Ihave made it. "

"Do you speak to me as a magistrate or as a friend?" asked Villefort.

"As a friend, and only as a friend, at this moment. The similarity inthe symptoms of tetanus and poisoning by vegetable substances is sogreat, that were I obliged to affirm by oath what I have now stated, Ishould hesitate; I therefore repeat to you, I speak not to a magistrate, but to a friend. And to that friend I say. 'During the three-quarters ofan hour that the struggle continued, I watched the convulsions and thedeath of Madame de Saint-Meran, and am thoroughly convinced that notonly did her death proceed from poison, but I could also specify thepoison. '"

"Can it be possible?"

"The symptoms are marked, do you see?--sleep broken by nervous spasms, excitation of the brain, torpor of the nerve centres. Madame deSaint-Meran succumbed to a powerful dose of brucine or of strychnine, which by some mistake, perhaps, has been given to her. " Villefort seizedthe doctor's hand. "Oh, it is impossible, " said he, "I must be dreaming!It is frightful to hear such things from such a man as you! Tell me, Ientreat you, my dear doctor, that you may be deceived. "

"Doubtless I may, but"--

"But?"

"But I do not think so. "

"Have pity on me doctor! So many dreadful things have happened to melately that I am on the verge of madness. "

"Has any one besides me seen Madame de Saint-Meran?"

"No. "

"Has anything been sent for from a chemist's that I have not examined?"

"Nothing. "

"Had Madame de Saint-Meran any enemies?"

"Not to my knowledge. "

"Would her death affect any one's interest?"

"It could not indeed, my daughter is her only heiress--Valentine alone. Oh, if such a thought could present itself, I would stab myself topunish my heart for having for one instant harbored it. "

"Indeed, my dear friend, " said M. D'Avrigny, "I would not accuse anyone; I speak only of an accident, you understand, --of a mistake, --butwhether accident or mistake, the fact is there; it is on my conscienceand compels me to speak aloud to you. Make inquiry. "

"Of whom?--how?--of what?"

"May not Barrois, the old servant, have made a mistake, and have givenMadame de Saint-Meran a dose prepared for his master?"

"For my father?"

"Yes. "

"But how could a dose prepared for M. Noirtier poison Madame deSaint-Meran?"

"Nothing is more simple. You know poisons become remedies in certaindiseases, of which paralysis is one. For instance, having tried everyother remedy to restore movement and speech to M. Noirtier, I resolvedto try one last means, and for three months I have been giving himbrucine; so that in the last dose I ordered for him there were sixgrains. This quantity, which is perfectly safe to administer to theparalyzed frame of M. Noirtier, which has become gradually accustomed toit, would be sufficient to kill another person. "

"My dear doctor, there is no communication between M. Noirtier'sapartment and that of Madame de Saint-Meran, and Barrois never enteredmy mother-in-law's room. In short, doctor although I know you to be themost conscientious man in the world, and although I place the utmostreliance in you, I want, notwithstanding my conviction, to believe thisaxiom, errare humanum est. "

"Is there one of my brethren in whom you have equal confidence withmyself?"

"Why do you ask me that?--what do you wish?"

"Send for him; I will tell him what I have seen, and we will consulttogether, and examine the body. "

"And you will find traces of poison?"

"No, I did not say of poison, but we can prove what was the state of thebody; we shall discover the cause of her sudden death, and we shall say, 'Dear Villefort, if this thing has been caused by negligence, watch overyour servants; if from hatred, watch your enemies. '"

"What do you propose to me, d'Avrigny?" said Villefort in despair; "sosoon as another is admitted into our secret, an inquest will becomenecessary; and an inquest in my house--impossible! Still, " continued theprocureur, looking at the doctor with uneasiness, "if you wish it--ifyou demand it, why then it shall be done. But, doctor, you see mealready so grieved--how can I introduce into my house so much scandal, after so much sorrow? My wife and my daughter would die of it! And I, doctor--you know a man does not arrive at the post I occupy--one hasnot been king's attorney twenty-five years without having amassed atolerable number of enemies; mine are numerous. Let this affair betalked of, it will be a triumph for them, which will make them rejoice, and cover me with shame. Pardon me, doctor, these worldly ideas; wereyou a priest I should not dare tell you that, but you are a man, andyou know mankind. Doctor, pray recall your words; you have said nothing, have you?"

"My dear M. De Villefort, " replied the doctor, "my first duty is tohumanity. I would have saved Madame de Saint-Meran, if science couldhave done it; but she is dead and my duty regards the living. Let usbury this terrible secret in the deepest recesses of our hearts; I amwilling, if any one should suspect this, that my silence on the subjectshould be imputed to my ignorance. Meanwhile, sir, watch always--watchcarefully, for perhaps the evil may not stop here. And when you havefound the culprit, if you find him, I will say to you, 'You are amagistrate, do as you will!'"

"I thank you, doctor, " said Villefort with indescribable joy; "I neverhad a better friend than you. " And, as if he feared Doctor d'Avrignywould recall his promise, he hurried him towards the house.

When they were gone, Morrel ventured out from under the trees, and themoon shone upon his face, which was so pale it might have been takenfor that of a ghost. "I am manifestly protected in a most wonderful, butmost terrible manner, " said he; "but Valentine, poor girl, how will shebear so much sorrow?"

As he thought thus, he looked alternately at the window with redcurtains and the three windows with white curtains. The light had almostdisappeared from the former; doubtless Madame de Villefort had just putout her lamp, and the nightlamp alone reflected its dull light on thewindow. At the extremity of the building, on the contrary, he saw oneof the three windows open. A wax-light placed on the mantle-piece threwsome of its pale rays without, and a shadow was seen for one moment onthe balcony. Morrel shuddered; he thought he heard a sob.

It cannot be wondered at that his mind, generally so courageous, butnow disturbed by the two strongest human passions, love and fear, wasweakened even to the indulgence of superstitious thoughts. Althoughit was impossible that Valentine should see him, hidden as he was, hethought he heard the shadow at the window call him; his disturbed mindtold him so. This double error became an irresistible reality, and byone of the incomprehensible transports of youth, he bounded from hishiding-place, and with two strides, at the risk of being seen, at therisk of alarming Valentine, at the risk of being discovered bysome exclamation which might escape the young girl, he crossed theflower-garden, which by the light of the moon resembled a large whitelake, and having passed the rows of orange-trees which extended in frontof the house, he reached the step, ran quickly up and pushed the door, which opened without offering any resistance. Valentine had not seenhim. Her eyes, raised towards heaven, were watching a silvery cloudgliding over the azure, its form that of a shadow mounting towardsheaven. Her poetic and excited mind pictured it as the soul of hergrandmother.

Meanwhile, Morrel had traversed the anteroom and found the staircase, which, being carpeted, prevented his approach being heard, and he hadregained that degree of confidence that the presence of M. De Villeforteven would not have alarmed him. He was quite prepared for any suchencounter. He would at once approach Valentine's father and acknowledgeall, begging Villefort to pardon and sanction the love which united twofond and loving hearts. Morrel was mad. Happily he did not meet any one. Now, especially, did he find the description Valentine had given of theinterior of the house useful to him; he arrived safely at the top ofthe staircase, and while he was feeling his way, a sob indicated thedirection he was to take. He turned back, a door partly open enabled himto see his road, and to hear the voice of one in sorrow. He pushed thedoor open and entered. At the other end of the room, under a white sheetwhich covered it, lay the corpse, still more alarming to Morrel sincethe account he had so unexpectedly overheard. By its side, on her knees, and with her head buried in the cushion of an easy-chair, was Valentine, trembling and sobbing, her hands extended above her head, clasped andstiff. She had turned from the window, which remained open, and waspraying in accents that would have affected the most unfeeling; herwords were rapid, incoherent, unintelligible, for the burning weight ofgrief almost stopped her utterance. The moon shining through the openblinds made the lamp appear to burn paler, and cast a sepulchral hueover the whole scene. Morrel could not resist this; he was not exemplaryfor piety, he was not easily impressed, but Valentine suffering, weeping, wringing her hands before him, was more than he could bear insilence. He sighed, and whispered a name, and the head bathed in tearsand pressed on the velvet cushion of the chair--a head like that ofa Magdalen by Correggio--was raised and turned towards him. Valentineperceived him without betraying the least surprise. A heart overwhelmedwith one great grief is insensible to minor emotions. Morrel held outhis hand to her. Valentine, as her only apology for not having met him, pointed to the corpse under the sheet, and began to sob again. Neitherdared for some time to speak in that room. They hesitated to break thesilence which death seemed to impose; at length Valentine ventured.

"My friend, " said she, "how came you here? Alas, I would say you arewelcome, had not death opened the way for you into this house. "

"Valentine, " said Morrel with a trembling voice, "I had waited sincehalf-past eight, and did not see you come; I became uneasy, leaped thewall, found my way through the garden, when voices conversing about thefatal event"--

"What voices?" asked Valentine. Morrel shuddered as he thought of theconversation of the doctor and M. De Villefort, and he thought he couldsee through the sheet the extended hands, the stiff neck, and the purplelips.

"Your servants, " said he, "who were repeating the whole of the sorrowfulstory; from them I learned it all. "

"But it was risking the failure of our plan to come up here, love. "

"Forgive me, " replied Morrel; "I will go away. "

"No, " said Valentine, "you might meet some one; stay. "

"But if any one should come here"--

The young girl shook her head. "No one will come, " said she; "do notfear, there is our safeguard, " pointing to the bed.

"But what has become of M. D'Epinay?" replied Morrel.

"M. Franz arrived to sign the contract just as my dear grandmother wasdying. "

"Alas, " said Morrel with a feeling of selfish joy; for he thought thisdeath would cause the wedding to be postponed indefinitely. "But whatredoubles my sorrow, " continued the young girl, as if this feeling wasto receive its immediate punishment, "is that the poor old lady, onher death-bed, requested that the marriage might take place as soon aspossible; she also, thinking to protect me, was acting against me. "

"Hark!" said Morrel. They both listened; steps were distinctly heard inthe corridor and on the stairs.

"It is my father, who has just left his study. "

"To accompany the doctor to the door, " added Morrel.

"How do you know it is the doctor?" asked Valentine, astonished.

"I imagined it must be, " said Morrel. Valentine looked at the young man;they heard the street door close, then M. De Villefort locked the gardendoor, and returned up-stairs. He stopped a moment in the anteroom, asif hesitating whether to turn to his own apartment or into Madamede Saint-Meran's; Morrel concealed himself behind a door; Valentineremained motionless, grief seeming to deprive her of all fear. M. DeVillefort passed on to his own room. "Now, " said Valentine, "you canneither go out by the front door nor by the garden. " Morrel looked ather with astonishment. "There is but one way left you that is safe, "said she; "it is through my grandfather's room. " She rose, "Come, " sheadded. --"Where?" asked Maximilian.

"To my grandfather's room. "

"I in M. Noirtier's apartment?"

"Yes. "

"Can you mean it, Valentine?"

"I have long wished it; he is my only remaining friend and we both needhis help, --come. "

"Be careful, Valentine, " said Morrel, hesitating to comply with theyoung girl's wishes; "I now see my error--I acted like a madman incoming in here. Are you sure you are more reasonable?"

"Yes, " said Valentine; "and I have but one scruple, --that of leaving mydear grandmother's remains, which I had undertaken to watch. "

"Valentine, " said Morrel, "death is in itself sacred. "

"Yes, " said Valentine; "besides, it will not be for long. " She thencrossed the corridor, and led the way down a narrow staircase to M. Noirtier's room; Morrel followed her on tiptoe; at the door they foundthe old servant. "Barrois, " said Valentine, "shut the door, and letno one come in. " She passed first. Noirtier, seated in his chair, andlistening to every sound, was watching the door; he saw Valentine, andhis eye brightened. There was something grave and solemn in the approachof the young girl which struck the old man, and immediately his brighteye began to interrogate. "Dear grandfather. " said she hurriedly, "youknow poor grandmamma died an hour since, and now I have no friend in theworld but you. " His expressive eyes evinced the greatest tenderness. "Toyou alone, then, may I confide my sorrows and my hopes?" The paralyticmotioned "Yes. " Valentine took Maximilian's hand. "Look attentively, then, at this gentleman. " The old man fixed his scrutinizing gaze withslight astonishment on Morrel. "It is M. Maximilian Morrel, " saidshe; "the son of that good merchant of Marseilles, whom you doubtlessrecollect. "

"Yes, " said the old man. "He brings an irreproachable name, whichMaximilian is likely to render glorious, since at thirty years of age heis a captain, an officer of the Legion of Honor. " The old man signifiedthat he recollected him. "Well, grandpapa, " said Valentine, kneelingbefore him, and pointing to Maximilian, "I love him, and will be onlyhis; were I compelled to marry another, I would destroy myself. "

The eyes of the paralytic expressed a multitude of tumultuous thoughts. "You like M. Maximilian Morrel, do you not, grandpapa?" asked Valentine.

"Yes. "

"And you will protect us, who are your children, against the will of myfather?"--Noirtier cast an intelligent glance at Morrel, as if to say, "perhaps I may. " Maximilian understood him.

"Mademoiselle, " said he, "you have a sacred duty to fulfil in yourdeceased grandmother's room, will you allow me the honor of a fewminutes' conversation with M. Noirtier?"

"That is it, " said the old man's eye. Then he looked anxiously atValentine.

"Do you fear he will not understand?"

"Yes. "

"Oh, we have so often spoken of you, that he knows exactly how I talkto you. " Then turning to Maximilian, with an adorable smile; althoughshaded by sorrow, --"He knows everything I know, " said she.

Valentine arose, placed a chair for Morrel, requested Barrois notto admit any one, and having tenderly embraced her grandfather, andsorrowfully taken leave of Morrel, she went away. To prove to Noirtierthat he was in Valentine's confidence and knew all their secrets, Morreltook the dictionary, a pen, and some paper, and placed them all on atable where there was a light.

"But first, " said Morrel, "allow me, sir, to tell you who I am, how muchI love Mademoiselle Valentine, and what are my designs respecting her. "Noirtier made a sign that he would listen.

It was an imposing sight to witness this old man, apparently a mereuseless burden, becoming the sole protector, support, and adviser of thelovers who were both young, beautiful, and strong. His remarkablynoble and austere expression struck Morrel, who began his story withtrembling. He related the manner in which he had become acquainted withValentine, and how he had loved her, and that Valentine, in her solitudeand her misfortune, had accepted the offer of his devotion. He toldhim his birth, his position, his fortune, and more than once, when heconsulted the look of the paralytic, that look answered, "That is good, proceed. "

"And now, " said Morrel, when he had finished the first part of hisrecital, "now I have told you of my love and my hopes, may I inform youof my intentions?"

"Yes, " signified the old man.

"This was our resolution; a cabriolet was in waiting at the gate, inwhich I intended to carry off Valentine to my sister's house, to marryher, and to wait respectfully M. De Villefort's pardon. "

"No, " said Noirtier.

"We must not do so?"

"No. "

"You do not sanction our project?"

"No. "

"There is another way, " said Morrel. The old man's interrogative eyesaid, "What?"

"I will go, " continued Maximilian, "I will seek M. Franz d'Epinay--Iam happy to be able to mention this in Mademoiselle de Villefort'sabsence--and will conduct myself toward him so as to compel him tochallenge me. " Noirtier's look continued to interrogate. "You wish toknow what I will do?"

"Yes. "

"I will find him, as I told you. I will tell him the ties which bind meto Mademoiselle Valentine; if he be a sensible man, he will prove it byrenouncing of his own accord the hand of his betrothed, and will securemy friendship, and love until death; if he refuse, either throughinterest or ridiculous pride, after I have proved to him that he wouldbe forcing my wife from me, that Valentine loves me, and will have noother, I will fight with him, give him every advantage, and I shallkill him, or he will kill me; if I am victorious, he will not marryValentine, and if I die, I am very sure Valentine will not marry him. "Noirtier watched, with indescribable pleasure, this noble and sincerecountenance, on which every sentiment his tongue uttered was depicted, adding by the expression of his fine features all that coloring adds toa sound and faithful drawing. Still, when Morrel had finished, he shuthis eyes several times, which was his manner of saying "No. "

"No?" said Morrel; "you disapprove of this second project, as you did ofthe first?"

"I do, " signified the old man.

"But what then must be done?" asked Morrel. "Madame de Saint-Meran'slast request was, that the marriage might not be delayed; must I letthings take their course?" Noirtier did not move. "I understand, " saidMorrel; "I am to wait. "

"Yes. "

"But delay may ruin our plan, sir, " replied the young man. "Alone, Valentine has no power; she will be compelled to submit. I am herealmost miraculously, and can scarcely hope for so good an opportunity tooccur again. Believe me, there are only the two plans I have proposed toyou; forgive my vanity, and tell me which you prefer. Do you authorizeMademoiselle Valentine to intrust herself to my honor?"

"No. "

"Do you prefer I should seek M. D'Epinay?"

"No. "

"Whence then will come the help we need--from chance?" resumed Morrel.

"No. "

"From you?"

"Yes. "

"You thoroughly understand me, sir? Pardon my eagerness, for my lifedepends on your answer. Will our help come from you?"

"Yes. "

"You are sure of it?"

"Yes. " There was so much firmness in the look which gave this answer, no one could, at any rate, doubt his will, if they did his power. "Oh, thank you a thousand times! But how, unless a miracle should restoreyour speech, your gesture, your movement, how can you, chained to thatarm-chair, dumb and motionless, oppose this marriage?" A smile lit upthe old man's face, a strange smile of the eyes in a paralyzed face. "Then I must wait?" asked the young man.

"Yes. "

"But the contract?" The same smile returned. "Will you assure me itshall not be signed?"

"Yes, " said Noirtier.

"The contract shall not be signed!" cried Morrel. "Oh, pardon me, sir; Ican scarcely realize so great a happiness. Will they not sign it?"

"No, " said the paralytic. Notwithstanding that assurance, Morrel stillhesitated. This promise of an impotent old man was so strange that, instead of being the result of the power of his will, it might emanatefrom enfeebled organs. Is it not natural that the madman, ignorant ofhis folly, should attempt things beyond his power? The weak man talks ofburdens he can raise, the timid of giants he can confront, the poorof treasures he spends, the most humble peasant, in the height of hispride, calls himself Jupiter. Whether Noirtier understood the youngman's indecision, or whether he had not full confidence in his docility, he looked uneasily at him. "What do you wish, sir?" asked Morrel;"that I should renew my promise of remaining tranquil?" Noirtier's eyeremained fixed and firm, as if to imply that a promise did not suffice;then it passed from his face to his hands.

"Shall I swear to you, sir?" asked Maximilian.

"Yes, " said the paralytic with the same solemnity. Morrel understoodthat the old man attached great importance to an oath. He extended hishand.

"I swear to you, on my honor, " said he, "to await your decisionrespecting the course I am to pursue with M. D'Epinay. "

"That is right, " said the old man.

"Now, " said Morrel, "do you wish me to retire?"

"Yes. "

"Without seeing Mademoiselle Valentine?"

"Yes. "

Morrel made a sign that he was ready to obey. "But, " said he, "firstallow me to embrace you as your daughter did just now. " Noirtier'sexpression could not be understood. The young man pressed his lips onthe same spot, on the old man's forehead, where Valentine's had been. Then he bowed a second time and retired. He found outside the doorthe old servant, to whom Valentine had given directions. Morrel wasconducted along a dark passage, which led to a little door openingon the garden, soon found the spot where he had entered, with theassistance of the shrubs gained the top of the wall, and by his ladderwas in an instant in the clover-field where his cabriolet was stillwaiting for him. He got in it, and thoroughly wearied by so manyemotions, arrived about midnight in the Rue Meslay, threw himself on hisbed and slept soundly.

Chapter 74. The Villefort Family Vault.

Two days after, a considerable crowd was assembled, towards ten o'clockin the morning, around the door of M. De Villefort's house, and along file of mourning-coaches and private carriages extended along theFaubourg Saint-Honore and the Rue de la Pepiniere. Among them was oneof a very singular form, which appeared to have come from a distance. Itwas a kind of covered wagon, painted black, and was one of the firstto arrive. Inquiry was made, and it was ascertained that, by a strangecoincidence, this carriage contained the corpse of the Marquis deSaint-Meran, and that those who had come thinking to attend one funeralwould follow two. Their number was great. The Marquis de Saint-Meran, one of the most zealous and faithful dignitaries of Louis XVIII. AndKing Charles X. , had preserved a great number of friends, and these, added to the personages whom the usages of society gave Villefort aclaim on, formed a considerable body.

Due information was given to the authorities, and permission obtainedthat the two funerals should take place at the same time. A secondhearse, decked with the same funereal pomp, was brought to M. DeVillefort's door, and the coffin removed into it from the post-wagon. The two bodies were to be interred in the cemetery of Pere-la-Chaise, where M. De Villefort had long since had a tomb prepared for thereception of his family. The remains of poor Renee were alreadydeposited there, and now, after ten years of separation, her fatherand mother were to be reunited with her. The Parisians, always curious, always affected by funereal display, looked on with religious silencewhile the splendid procession accompanied to their last abode two of thenumber of the old aristocracy--the greatest protectors of commerce andsincere devotees to their principles. In one of the mourning-coachesBeauchamp, Debray, and Chateau-Renaud were talking of the very suddendeath of the marchioness. "I saw Madame de Saint-Meran only last year atMarseilles, when I was coming back from Algiers, " said Chateau-Renaud;"she looked like a woman destined to live to be a hundred years old, from her apparent sound health and great activity of mind and body. Howold was she?"

"Franz assured me, " replied Albert, "that she was sixty-six years old. But she has not died of old age, but of grief; it appears that sincethe death of the marquis, which affected her very deeply, she has notcompletely recovered her reason. "

"But of what disease, then, did she die?" asked Debray.

"It is said to have been a congestion of the brain, or apoplexy, whichis the same thing, is it not?"

"Nearly. "

"It is difficult to believe that it was apoplexy, " said Beauchamp. "Madame de Saint-Meran, whom I once saw, was short, of slender form, and of a much more nervous than sanguine temperament; grief couldhardly produce apoplexy in such a constitution as that of Madame deSaint-Meran. "

"At any rate, " said Albert, "whatever disease or doctor may have killedher, M. De Villefort, or rather, Mademoiselle Valentine, --or, stillrather, our friend Franz, inherits a magnificent fortune, amounting, Ibelieve, to 80, 000 livres per annum. "

"And this fortune will be doubled at the death of the old Jacobin, Noirtier. "

"That is a tenacious old grandfather, " said Beauchamp. "Tenacempropositi virum. I think he must have made an agreement with death tooutlive all his heirs, and he appears likely to succeed. He resemblesthe old Conventionalist of '93, who said to Napoleon, in 1814, 'You bendbecause your empire is a young stem, weakened by rapid growth. Takethe Republic for a tutor; let us return with renewed strength to thebattle-field, and I promise you 500, 000 soldiers, another Marengo, anda second Austerlitz. Ideas do not become extinct, sire; they slumbersometimes, but only revive the stronger before they sleep entirely. 'Ideas and men appeared the same to him. One thing only puzzles me, namely, how Franz d'Epinay will like a grandfather who cannot beseparated from his wife. But where is Franz?"

"In the first carriage, with M. De Villefort, who considers him alreadyas one of the family. "

Such was the conversation in almost all the carriages; these two suddendeaths, so quickly following each other, astonished every one, but noone suspected the terrible secret which M. D'Avrigny had communicated, in his nocturnal walk to M. De Villefort. They arrived in about an hourat the cemetery; the weather was mild, but dull, and in harmony withthe funeral ceremony. Among the groups which flocked towards thefamily vault, Chateau-Renaud recognized Morrel, who had come alone in acabriolet, and walked silently along the path bordered with yew-trees. "You here?" said Chateau-Renaud, passing his arms through the youngcaptain's; "are you a friend of Villefort's? How is it that I have nevermet you at his house?"

"I am no acquaintance of M. De Villefort's. " answered Morrel, "but I wasof Madame de Saint-Meran. " Albert came up to them at this moment withFranz.

"The time and place are but ill-suited for an introduction. " saidAlbert; "but we are not superstitious. M. Morrel, allow me to presentto you M. Franz d'Epinay, a delightful travelling companion, with whomI made the tour of Italy. My dear Franz, M. Maximilian Morrel, anexcellent friend I have acquired in your absence, and whose name youwill hear me mention every time I make any allusion to affection, wit, or amiability. " Morrel hesitated for a moment; he feared it would behypocritical to accost in a friendly manner the man whom he was tacitlyopposing, but his oath and the gravity of the circumstances recurredto his memory; he struggled to conceal his emotion and bowed to Franz. "Mademoiselle de Villefort is in deep sorrow, is she not?" said Debrayto Franz.

"Extremely, " replied he; "she looked so pale this morning, I scarcelyknew her. " These apparently simple words pierced Morrel to theheart. This man had seen Valentine, and spoken to her! The young andhigh-spirited officer required all his strength of mind to resistbreaking his oath. He took the arm of Chateau-Renaud, and turned towardsthe vault, where the attendants had already placed the two coffins. "This is a magnificent habitation, " said Beauchamp, looking towards themausoleum; "a summer and winter palace. You will, in turn, enter it, mydear d'Epinay, for you will soon be numbered as one of the family. I, asa philosopher, should like a little country-house, a cottage down thereunder the trees, without so many free-stones over my poor body. Indying, I will say to those around me what Voltaire wrote to Piron: 'Eorus, and all will be over. ' But come, Franz, take courage, your wife isan heiress. "

"Indeed, Beauchamp, you are unbearable. Politics has made you laugh ateverything, and political men have made you disbelieve everything. But when you have the honor of associating with ordinary men, and thepleasure of leaving politics for a moment, try to find your affectionateheart, which you leave with your stick when you go to the Chamber. "

"But tell me, " said Beauchamp, "what is life? Is it not a hall inDeath's anteroom?"

"I am prejudiced against Beauchamp, " said Albert, drawing Franz away, and leaving the former to finish his philosophical dissertation withDebray. The Villefort vault formed a square of white stones, abouttwenty feet high; an interior partition separated the two families, andeach apartment had its entrance door. Here were not, as in other tombs, ignoble drawers, one above another, where thrift bestows its dead andlabels them like specimens in a museum; all that was visible within thebronze gates was a gloomy-looking room, separated by a wall from thevault itself. The two doors before mentioned were in the middle of thiswall, and enclosed the Villefort and Saint-Meran coffins. There griefmight freely expend itself without being disturbed by the triflingloungers who came from a picnic party to visit Pere-la-Chaise, or bylovers who make it their rendezvous.



The two coffins were placed on trestles previously prepared for theirreception in the right-hand crypt belonging to the Saint-Meran family. Villefort, Franz, and a few near relatives alone entered the sanctuary.

As the religious ceremonies had all been performed at the door, andthere was no address given, the party all separated; Chateau-Renaud, Albert, and Morrel, went one way, and Debray and Beauchamp the other. Franz remained with M. De Villefort; at the gate of the cemetery, Morrelmade an excuse to wait; he saw Franz and M. De Villefort get into thesame mourning coach, and thought this meeting forboded evil. He thenreturned to Paris, and although in the same carriage with Chateau-Renaudand Albert, he did not hear one word of their conversation. As Franz wasabout to take leave of M. De Villefort, "When shall I see you again?"said the latter.

"At what time you please, sir, " replied Franz.

"As soon as possible. "

"I am at your command, sir; shall we return together?"

"If not unpleasant to you. "

"On the contrary, I shall feel much pleasure. " Thus, the future fatherand son-in-law stepped into the same carriage, and Morrel, seeingthem pass, became uneasy. Villefort and Franz returned to the FaubourgSaint-Honore. The procureur, without going to see either his wife orhis daughter, went at once to his study, and, offering the young mana chair, --"M. D'Epinay, " said he, "allow me to remind you at thismoment, --which is perhaps not so ill-chosen as at first sight mayappear, for obedience to the wishes of the departed is the firstoffering which should be made at their tomb, --allow me then to remindyou of the wish expressed by Madame de Saint-Meran on her death-bed, that Valentine's wedding might not be deferred. You know the affairs ofthe deceased are in perfect order, and her will bequeaths to Valentinethe entire property of the Saint-Meran family; the notary showed methe documents yesterday, which will enable us to draw up the contractimmediately. You may call on the notary, M. Deschamps, Place Beauveau, Faubourg Saint-Honore, and you have my authority to inspect thosedeeds. "

"Sir, " replied M. D'Epinay, "it is not, perhaps, the moment forMademoiselle Valentine, who is in deep distress, to think of a husband;indeed, I fear"--

"Valentine will have no greater pleasure than that of fulfilling hergrandmother's last injunctions; there will be no obstacle from thatquarter, I assure you. "

"In that case, " replied Franz, "as I shall raise none, you may makearrangements when you please; I have pledged my word, and shall feelpleasure and happiness in adhering to it. "

"Then, " said Villefort, "nothing further is required. The contract wasto have been signed three days since; we shall find it all ready, andcan sign it to-day. "

"But the mourning?" said Franz, hesitating.

"Don't be uneasy on that score, " replied Villefort; "no ceremony will beneglected in my house. Mademoiselle de Villefort may retire during theprescribed three months to her estate of Saint-Meran; I say hers, forshe inherits it to-day. There, after a few days, if you like, thecivil marriage shall be celebrated without pomp or ceremony. Madame deSaint-Meran wished her daughter should be married there. When that isover, you, sir, can return to Paris, while your wife passes the time ofher mourning with her mother-in-law. "

"As you please, sir, " said Franz.

"Then, " replied M. De Villefort, "have the kindness to wait half anhour; Valentine shall come down into the drawing-room. I will send forM. Deschamps; we will read and sign the contract before we separate, and this evening Madame de Villefort shall accompany Valentine to herestate, where we will rejoin them in a week. "

"Sir, " said Franz, "I have one request to make. "

"What is it?"

"I wish Albert de Morcerf and Raoul de Chateau-Renaud to be present atthis signature; you know they are my witnesses. "

"Half an hour will suffice to apprise them; will you go for themyourself, or shall you send?"

"I prefer going, sir. "

"I shall expect you, then, in half an hour, baron, and Valentine willbe ready. " Franz bowed and left the room. Scarcely had the doorclosed, when M. De Villefort sent to tell Valentine to be ready in thedrawing-room in half an hour, as he expected the notary and M. D'Epinayand his witnesses. The news caused a great sensation throughout thehouse; Madame de Villefort would not believe it, and Valentine wasthunderstruck. She looked around for help, and would have gone down toher grandfather's room, but on the stairs she met M. De Villefort, who took her arm and led her into the drawing-room. In the anteroom, Valentine met Barrois, and looked despairingly at the old servant. Amoment later, Madame de Villefort entered the drawing-room with herlittle Edward. It was evident that she had shared the grief of thefamily, for she was pale and looked fatigued. She sat down, took Edwardon her knees, and from time to time pressed this child, on whom heraffections appeared centred, almost convulsively to her bosom. Twocarriages were soon heard to enter the court yard. One was the notary's;the other, that of Franz and his friends. In a moment the whole partywas assembled. Valentine was so pale one might trace the blue veinsfrom her temples, round her eyes and down her cheeks. Franz was deeplyaffected. Chateau-Renaud and Albert looked at each other with amazement;the ceremony which was just concluded had not appeared more sorrowfulthan did that which was about to begin. Madame de Villefort had placedherself in the shadow behind a velvet curtain, and as she constantlybent over her child, it was difficult to read the expression of herface. M. De Villefort was, as usual, unmoved.

The notary, after having according to the customary method arrangedthe papers on the table, taken his place in an armchair, and raised hisspectacles, turned towards Franz:

"Are you M. Franz de Quesnel, baron d'Epinay?" asked he, although heknew it perfectly.

"Yes, sir, " replied Franz. The notary bowed. "I have, then, to informyou, sir, at the request of M. De Villefort, that your projectedmarriage with Mademoiselle de Villefort has changed the feeling of M. Noirtier towards his grandchild, and that he disinherits her entirely ofthe fortune he would have left her. Let me hasten to add, " continuedhe, "that the testator, having only the right to alienate a part of hisfortune, and having alienated it all, the will will not bear scrutiny, and is declared null and void. "

"Yes. " said Villefort; "but I warn M. D'Epinay, that during my life-timemy father's will shall never be questioned, my position forbidding anydoubt to be entertained. "

"Sir, " said Franz, "I regret much that such a question has been raisedin the presence of Mademoiselle Valentine; I have never inquired theamount of her fortune, which, however limited it may be, exceedsmine. My family has sought consideration in this alliance with M. DeVillefort; all I seek is happiness. " Valentine imperceptibly thankedhim, while two silent tears rolled down her cheeks. "Besides, sir, " saidVillefort, addressing himself to his future son-in-law, "exceptingthe loss of a portion of your hopes, this unexpected will need notpersonally wound you; M. Noirtier's weakness of mind sufficientlyexplains it. It is not because Mademoiselle Valentine is going to marryyou that he is angry, but because she will marry, a union with any otherwould have caused him the same sorrow. Old age is selfish, sir, andMademoiselle de Villefort has been a faithful companion to M. Noirtier, which she cannot be when she becomes the Baroness d'Epinay. My father'smelancholy state prevents our speaking to him on any subjects, which theweakness of his mind would incapacitate him from understanding, and Iam perfectly convinced that at the present time, although, he knows thathis granddaughter is going to be married, M. Noirtier has even forgottenthe name of his intended grandson. " M. De Villefort had scarcely saidthis, when the door opened, and Barrois appeared.

"Gentlemen, " said he, in a tone strangely firm for a servant speaking tohis masters under such solemn circumstances, --"gentlemen, M. Noirtierde Villefort wishes to speak immediately to M. Franz de Quesnel, barond'Epinay;" he, as well as the notary, that there might be no mistake inthe person, gave all his titles to the bride-groom elect.

Villefort started, Madame de Villefort let her son slip from her knees, Valentine rose, pale and dumb as a statue. Albert and Chateau-Renaudexchanged a second look, more full of amazement than the first. Thenotary looked at Villefort. "It is impossible, " said the procureur. "M. D'Epinay cannot leave the drawing-room at present. "

"It is at this moment, " replied Barrois with the same firmness, "that M. Noirtier, my master, wishes to speak on important subjects to M. Franzd'Epinay. "

"Grandpapa Noirtier can speak now, then, " said Edward, with his habitualquickness. However, his remark did not make Madame de Villefort evensmile, so much was every mind engaged, and so solemn was the situation. Astonishment was at its height. Something like a smile was perceptibleon Madame de Villefort's countenance. Valentine instinctively raised hereyes, as if to thank heaven.

"Pray go, Valentine, " said; M. De Villefort, "and see what this newfancy of your grandfather's is. " Valentine rose quickly, and washastening joyfully towards the door, when M. De Villefort altered hisintention.

"Stop, " said he; "I will go with you. "

"Excuse me, sir, " said Franz, "since M. Noirtier sent for me, I am readyto attend to his wish; besides, I shall be happy to pay my respects tohim, not having yet had the honor of doing so. "

"Pray, sir, " said Villefort with marked uneasiness, "do not disturbyourself. "

"Forgive me, sir, " said Franz in a resolute tone. "I would not lose thisopportunity of proving to M. Noirtier how wrong it would be of him toencourage feelings of dislike to me, which I am determined to conquer, whatever they may be, by my devotion. " And without listening toVillefort he arose, and followed Valentine, who was running down-stairswith the joy of a shipwrecked mariner who finds a rock to cling to. M. De Villefort followed them. Chateau-Renaud and Morcerf exchanged a thirdlook of still increasing wonder.

Chapter 75. A Signed Statement.

Noirtier was prepared to receive them, dressed in black, and installedin his arm-chair. When the three persons he expected had entered, helooked at the door, which his valet immediately closed.

"Listen, " whispered Villefort to Valentine, who could not conceal herjoy; "if M. Noirtier wishes to communicate anything which would delayyour marriage, I forbid you to understand him. " Valentine blushed, but did not answer. Villefort, approaching Noirtier--"Here is M. Franzd'Epinay, " said he; "you requested to see him. We have all wished forthis interview, and I trust it will convince you how ill-formed are yourobjections to Valentine's marriage. "

Noirtier answered only by a look which made Villefort's blood run cold. He motioned to Valentine to approach. In a moment, thanks to her habitof conversing with her grandfather, she understood that he asked for akey. Then his eye was fixed on the drawer of a small chest between thewindows. She opened the drawer, and found a key; and, understanding thatwas what he wanted, again watched his eyes, which turned toward an oldsecretary which had been neglected for many years and was supposed tocontain nothing but useless documents. "Shall I open the secretary?"asked Valentine.

"Yes, " said the old man.

"And the drawers?"

"Yes. "

"Those at the side?"

"No. "

"The middle one?"

"Yes. " Valentine opened it and drew out a bundle of papers. "Is thatwhat you wish for?" asked she.

"No. "

She took successively all the other papers out till the drawer wasempty. "But there are no more, " said she. Noirtier's eye was fixed onthe dictionary. "Yes, I understand, grandfather, " said the young girl.

He pointed to each letter of the alphabet. At the letter S the old manstopped her. She opened, and found the word "secret. "

"Ah, is there a secret spring?" said Valentine.

"Yes, " said Noirtier.

"And who knows it?" Noirtier looked at the door where the servant hadgone out. "Barrois?" said she.

"Yes. "

"Shall I call him?"

"Yes. "

Valentine went to the door, and called Barrois. Villefort's impatienceduring this scene made the perspiration roll from his forehead, andFranz was stupefied. The old servant came. "Barrois, " said Valentine, "my grandfather has told me to open that drawer in the secretary, butthere is a secret spring in it, which you know--will you open it?"

Barrois looked at the old man. "Obey, " said Noirtier's intelligent eye. Barrois touched a spring, the false bottom came out, and they saw abundle of papers tied with a black string.

"Is that what you wish for?" said Barrois.

"Yes. "

"Shall I give these papers to M. De Villefort?"

"No. "

"To Mademoiselle Valentine?"

"No. "

"To M. Franz d'Epinay?"

"Yes. "

Franz, astonished, advanced a step. "To me, sir?" said he.

"Yes. " Franz took them from Barrois and casting a glance at the cover, read:--

"'To be given, after my death, to General Durand, who shall bequeath thepacket to his son, with an injunction to preserve it as containing animportant document. '

"Well, sir, " asked Franz, "what do you wish me to do with this paper?"

"To preserve it, sealed up as it is, doubtless, " said the procureur.

"No, " replied Noirtier eagerly.

"Do you wish him to read it?" said Valentine.

"Yes, " replied the old man. "You understand, baron, my grandfatherwishes you to read this paper, " said Valentine.

"Then let us sit down, " said Villefort impatiently, "for it will takesome time. "

"Sit down, " said the old man. Villefort took a chair, but Valentineremained standing by her father's side, and Franz before him, holdingthe mysterious paper in his hand. "Read, " said the old man. Franz untiedit, and in the midst of the most profound silence read:

"'Extract from the Report of a meeting of the Bonapartist Club in theRue Saint-Jacques, held February 5th, 1815. '"

Franz stopped. "February 5th, 1815!" said he; "it is the day my fatherwas murdered. " Valentine and Villefort were dumb; the eye of the old manalone seemed to say clearly, "Go on. "

"But it was on leaving this club, " said he, "my father disappeared. "Noirtier's eye continued to say, "Read. " He resumed:--

"'The undersigned Louis Jacques Beaurepaire, lieutenant-colonel ofartillery, Etienne Duchampy, general of brigade, and Claude Lecharpal, keeper of woods and forests, Declare, that on the 4th of February, aletter arrived from the Island of Elba, recommending to the kindness andthe confidence of the Bonapartist Club, General Flavien de Quesnel, whohaving served the emperor from 1804. To 1814 was supposed to be devotedto the interests of the Napoleon dynasty, notwithstanding the titleof baron which Louis XVIII. Had just granted to him with his estate ofEpinay.

"'A note was in consequence addressed to General de Quesnel, begginghim to be present at the meeting next day, the 5th. The note indicatedneither the street nor the number of the house where the meeting was tobe held; it bore no signature, but it announced to the general thatsome one would call for him if he would be ready at nine o'clock. Themeetings were always held from that time till midnight. At nine o'clockthe president of the club presented himself; the general was ready, thepresident informed him that one of the conditions of his introductionwas that he should be eternally ignorant of the place of meeting, andthat he would allow his eyes to be bandaged, swearing that he wouldnot endeavor to take off the bandage. General de Quesnel accepted thecondition, and promised on his honor not to seek to discover the roadthey took. The general's carriage was ready, but the president told himit was impossible for him to use it, since it was useless to blindfoldthe master if the coachman knew through what streets he went. "What mustbe done then?" asked the general. --"I have my carriage here, " said thepresident.

"'"Have you, then, so much confidence in your servant that you canintrust him with a secret you will not allow me to know?"

"'"Our coachman is a member of the club, " said the president; "we shallbe driven by a State-Councillor. "

"'"Then we run another risk, " said the general, laughing, "that of beingupset. " We insert this joke to prove that the general was not in theleast compelled to attend the meeting, but that he came willingly. Whenthey were seated in the carriage the president reminded the generalof his promise to allow his eyes to be bandaged, to which he made noopposition. On the road the president thought he saw the general make anattempt to remove the handkerchief, and reminded him of his oath. "Sureenough, " said the general. The carriage stopped at an alley leading outof the Rue Saint-Jacques. The general alighted, leaning on the arm ofthe president, of whose dignity he was not aware, considering him simplyas a member of the club; they went through the alley, mounted a flightof stairs, and entered the assembly-room.

"'The deliberations had already begun. The members, apprised of thesort of presentation which was to be made that evening, were all inattendance. When in the middle of the room the general was invited toremove his bandage, he did so immediately, and was surprised to see somany well-known faces in a society of whose existence he had tillthen been ignorant. They questioned him as to his sentiments, but hecontented himself with answering, that the letters from the Island ofElba ought to have informed them'"--

Franz interrupted himself by saying, "My father was a royalist; theyneed not have asked his sentiments, which were well known. "

"And hence, " said Villefort, "arose my affection for your father, mydear M. Franz. Opinions held in common are a ready bond of union. "

"Read again, " said the old man. Franz continued:--

"'The president then sought to make him speak more explicitly, but M. DeQuesnel replied that he wished first to know what they wanted with him. He was then informed of the contents of the letter from the Island ofElba, in which he was recommended to the club as a man who would belikely to advance the interests of their party. One paragraph spoke ofthe return of Bonaparte and promised another letter and further details, on the arrival of the Pharaon belonging to the shipbuilder Morrel, ofMarseilles, whose captain was entirely devoted to the emperor. Duringall this time, the general, on whom they thought to have relied as on abrother, manifested evidently signs of discontent and repugnance. Whenthe reading was finished, he remained silent, with knitted brows.

"'"Well, " asked the president, "what do you say to this letter, general?"

"'"I say that it is too soon after declaring myself for Louis XVIII. Tobreak my vow in behalf of the ex-emperor. " This answer was too clearto permit of any mistake as to his sentiments. "General, " said thepresident, "we acknowledge no King Louis XVIII. , or an ex-emperor, but his majesty the emperor and king, driven from France, which is hiskingdom, by violence and treason. "

"'"Excuse me, gentlemen, " said the general; "you may not acknowledgeLouis XVIII. , but I do, as he has made me a baron and a field-marshal, and I shall never forget that for these two titles I am indebted to hishappy return to France. "

"'"Sir, " said the president, rising with gravity, "be careful what yousay; your words clearly show us that they are deceived concerning youin the Island of Elba, and have deceived us! The communication has beenmade to you in consequence of the confidence placed in you, and whichdoes you honor. Now we discover our error; a title and promotion attachyou to the government we wish to overturn. We will not constrain you tohelp us; we enroll no one against his conscience, but we will compel youto act generously, even if you are not disposed to do so. "

"'"You would call acting generously, knowing your conspiracy andnot informing against you, that is what I should call becoming youraccomplice. You see I am more candid than you. "'"

"Ah, my father!" said Franz, interrupting himself. "I understand now whythey murdered him. " Valentine could not help casting one glance towardsthe young man, whose filial enthusiasm it was delightful to behold. Villefort walked to and fro behind them. Noirtier watched the expressionof each one, and preserved his dignified and commanding attitude. Franzreturned to the manuscript, and continued:--

"'"Sir, " said the president, "you have been invited to join thisassembly--you were not forced here; it was proposed to you to comeblindfolded--you accepted. When you complied with this twofold requestyou well knew we did not wish to secure the throne of Louis XVIII. , orwe should not take so much care to avoid the vigilance of the police. Itwould be conceding too much to allow you to put on a mask to aid youin the discovery of our secret, and then to remove it that you mayruin those who have confided in you. No, no, you must first say ifyou declare yourself for the king of a day who now reigns, or for hismajesty the emperor. "

"'"I am a royalist, " replied the general; "I have taken the oath ofallegiance to Louis XVIII. , and I will adhere to it. " These words werefollowed by a general murmur, and it was evident that several of themembers were discussing the propriety of making the general repent ofhis rashness.

"'The president again arose, and having imposed silence, said, --"Sir, you are too serious and too sensible a man not to understand theconsequences of our present situation, and your candor has alreadydictated to us the conditions which remain for us to offer you. " Thegeneral, putting his hand on his sword, exclaimed, --"If you talk ofhonor, do not begin by disavowing its laws, and impose nothing byviolence. "

"'"And you, sir, " continued the president, with a calmness still moreterrible than the general's anger, "I advise you not to touch yoursword. " The general looked around him with slight uneasiness; howeverhe did not yield, but calling up all his fortitude, said, --"I will notswear. "

"'"Then you must die, " replied the president calmly. M. D'Epinay becamevery pale; he looked round him a second time, several members of theclub were whispering, and getting their arms from under their cloaks. "General, " said the president, "do not alarm yourself; you are among menof honor who will use every means to convince you before resorting tothe last extremity, but as you have said, you are among conspirators, you are in possession of our secret, and you must restore it to us. "A significant silence followed these words, and as the general did notreply, --"Close the doors, " said the president to the door-keeper.

"'The same deadly silence succeeded these words. Then the generaladvanced, and making a violent effort to control his feelings, --"I havea son, " said he, "and I ought to think of him, finding myself amongassassins. "

"'"General, " said the chief of the assembly, "one man may insultfifty--it is the privilege of weakness. But he does wrong to use hisprivilege. Follow my advice, swear, and do not insult. " The general, again daunted by the superiority of the chief, hesitated a moment; thenadvancing to the president's desk, --"What is the form, said he.

"'"It is this:--'I swear by my honor not to reveal to any one what Ihave seen and heard on the 5th of February, 1815, between nine andten o'clock in the evening; and I plead guilty of death should I everviolate this oath. '" The general appeared to be affected by a nervoustremor, which prevented his answering for some moments; then, overcominghis manifest repugnance, he pronounced the required oath, but in so lowa tone as to be scarcely audible to the majority of the members, whoinsisted on his repeating it clearly and distinctly, which he did.

"'"Now am I at liberty to retire?" said the general. The president rose, appointed three members to accompany him, and got into the carriage withthe general after bandaging his eyes. One of those three members wasthe coachman who had driven them there. The other memberssilently dispersed. "Where do you wish to be taken?" asked thepresident. --"Anywhere out of your presence, " replied M. D'Epinay. "Beware, sir, " replied the president, "you are no longer in theassembly, and have only to do with individuals; do not insult themunless you wish to be held responsible. " But instead of listening, M. D'Epinay went on, --"You are still as brave in your carriage as in yourassembly because you are still four against one. " The president stoppedthe coach. They were at that part of the Quai des Ormes where the stepslead down to the river. "Why do you stop here?" asked d'Epinay.

"'"Because, sir, " said the president, "you have insulted a man, andthat man will not go one step farther without demanding honorablereparation. "

"'"Another method of assassination?" said the general, shrugging hisshoulders.

"'"Make no noise, sir, unless you wish me to consider you as one of themen of whom you spoke just now as cowards, who take their weakness fora shield. You are alone, one alone shall answer you; you have a swordby your side, I have one in my cane; you have no witness, one of thesegentlemen will serve you. Now, if you please, remove your bandage. "The general tore the handkerchief from his eyes. "At last, " said he, "Ishall know with whom I have to do. " They opened the door and the fourmen alighted. '"

Franz again interrupted himself, and wiped the cold drops from his brow;there was something awful in hearing the son read aloud in tremblingpallor these details of his father's death, which had hitherto been amystery. Valentine clasped her hands as if in prayer. Noirtier looked atVillefort with an almost sublime expression of contempt and pride. Franzcontinued:--

"'It was, as we said, the fifth of February. For three days the mercuryhad been five or six degrees below freezing and the steps were coveredwith ice. The general was stout and tall, the president offered him theside of the railing to assist him in getting down. The two witnessesfollowed. It was a dark night. The ground from the steps to the riverwas covered with snow and hoarfrost, the water of the river looked blackand deep. One of the seconds went for a lantern in a coal-barge near, and by its light they examined the weapons. The president's sword, whichwas simply, as he had said, one he carried in his cane, was five inchesshorter than the general's, and had no guard. The general proposed tocast lots for the swords, but the president said it was he who had giventhe provocation, and when he had given it he had supposed each would usehis own arms. The witnesses endeavored to insist, but the presidentbade them be silent. The lantern was placed on the ground, the twoadversaries took their stations, and the duel began. The light made thetwo swords appear like flashes of lightning; as for the men, they werescarcely perceptible, the darkness was so great.

"'General d'Epinay passed for one of the best swordsmen in the army, buthe was pressed so closely in the onset that he missed his aim and fell. The witnesses thought he was dead, but his adversary, who knew he hadnot struck him, offered him the assistance of his hand to rise. Thecircumstance irritated instead of calming the general, and he rushed onhis adversary. But his opponent did not allow his guard to be broken. He received him on his sword and three times the general drew back onfinding himself too closely engaged, and then returned to the charge. Atthe third he fell again. They thought he slipped, as at first, and thewitnesses, seeing he did not move, approached and endeavored to raisehim, but the one who passed his arm around the body found it wasmoistened with blood. The general, who had almost fainted, revived. "Ah, " said he, "they have sent some fencing-master to fight with me. "The president, without answering, approached the witness who held thelantern, and raising his sleeve, showed him two wounds he had receivedin his arm; then opening his coat, and unbuttoning his waistcoat, displayed his side, pierced with a third wound. Still he had not evenuttered a sigh. General d'Epinay died five minutes after. '"

Franz read these last words in a voice so choked that they were hardlyaudible, and then stopped, passing his hand over his eyes as if todispel a cloud; but after a moment's silence, he continued:--

"'The president went up the steps, after pushing his sword into hiscane; a track of blood on the snow marked his course. He had scarcelyarrived at the top when he heard a heavy splash in the water--it was thegeneral's body, which the witnesses had just thrown into the river afterascertaining that he was dead. The general fell, then, in a loyal duel, and not in ambush as it might have been reported. In proof of this wehave signed this paper to establish the truth of the facts, lest themoment should arrive when either of the actors in this terrible sceneshould be accused of premeditated murder or of infringement of the lawsof honor.

"'Signed, Beaurepaire, Deschamps, and Lecharpal. '"

When Franz had finished reading this account, so dreadful for ason; when Valentine, pale with emotion, had wiped away a tear; whenVillefort, trembling, and crouched in a corner, had endeavored to lessenthe storm by supplicating glances at the implacable old man, --"Sir, "said d'Epinay to Noirtier, "since you are well acquainted with all thesedetails, which are attested by honorable signatures, --since you appearto take some interest in me, although you have only manifestedit hitherto by causing me sorrow, refuse me not one finalsatisfaction--tell me the name of the president of the club, that I mayat least know who killed my father. " Villefort mechanically felt forthe handle of the door; Valentine, who understood sooner than anyone hergrandfather's answer, and who had often seen two scars upon his rightarm, drew back a few steps. "Mademoiselle, " said Franz, turning towardsValentine, "unite your efforts with mine to find out the name of the manwho made me an orphan at two years of age. " Valentine remained dumb andmotionless.

"Hold, sir, " said Villefort, "do not prolong this dreadful scene. Thenames have been purposely concealed; my father himself does not know whothis president was, and if he knows, he cannot tell you; proper namesare not in the dictionary. "

"Oh, misery, " cried Franz: "the only hope which sustained me and enabledme to read to the end was that of knowing, at least, the name of him whokilled my father! Sir, sir, " cried he, turning to Noirtier, "do what youcan--make me understand in some way!"

"Yes, " replied Noirtier.

"Oh, mademoiselle, --mademoiselle!" cried Franz, "your grandfather sayshe can indicate the person. Help me, --lend me your assistance!" Noirtierlooked at the dictionary. Franz took it with a nervous trembling, andrepeated the letters of the alphabet successively, until he came to M. At that letter the old man signified "Yes. "

"M, " repeated Franz. The young man's finger, glided over the words, butat each one Noirtier answered by a negative sign. Valentine hid her headbetween her hands. At length, Franz arrived at the word MYSELF.

"Yes!"

"You?" cried Franz, whose hair stood on end; "you, M. Noirtier--youkilled my father?"

"Yes!" replied Noirtier, fixing a majestic look on the young man. Franzfell powerless on a chair; Villefort opened the door and escaped, forthe idea had entered his mind to stifle the little remaining life in theheart of this terrible old man.

Chapter 76. Progress of Cavalcanti the Younger.

Meanwhile M. Cavalcanti the elder had returned to his service, not inthe army of his majesty the Emperor of Austria, but at the gaming-tableof the baths of Lucca, of which he was one of the most assiduouscourtiers. He had spent every farthing that had been allowed for hisjourney as a reward for the majestic and solemn manner in which he hadmaintained his assumed character of father. M. Andrea at his departureinherited all the papers which proved that he had indeed the honorof being the son of the Marquis Bartolomeo and the Marchioness OlivaCorsinari. He was now fairly launched in that Parisian society whichgives such ready access to foreigners, and treats them, not as theyreally are, but as they wish to be considered. Besides, what is requiredof a young man in Paris? To speak its language tolerably, to make agood appearance, to be a good gamester, and to pay in cash. They arecertainly less particular with a foreigner than with a Frenchman. Andreahad, then, in a fortnight, attained a very fair position. He was calledcount, he was said to possess 50, 000 livres per annum; and his father'simmense riches, buried in the quarries of Saravezza, were a constanttheme. A learned man, before whom the last circumstance was mentioned asa fact, declared he had seen the quarries in question, which gave greatweight to assertions hitherto somewhat doubtful, but which now assumedthe garb of reality.

Such was the state of society in Paris at the period we bring before ourreaders, when Monte Cristo went one evening to pay M. Danglars a visit. M. Danglars was out, but the count was asked to go and see the baroness, and he accepted the invitation. It was never without a nervous shudder, since the dinner at Auteuil, and the events which followed it, thatMadame Danglars heard Monte Cristo's name announced. If he did notcome, the painful sensation became most intense; if, on the contrary, heappeared, his noble countenance, his brilliant eyes, his amiability, his polite attention even towards Madame Danglars, soon dispelled everyimpression of fear. It appeared impossible to the baroness that a man ofsuch delightfully pleasing manners should entertain evil designs againsther; besides, the most corrupt minds only suspect evil when it wouldanswer some interested end--useless injury is repugnant to every mind. When Monte Cristo entered the boudoir, --to which we have already onceintroduced our readers, and where the baroness was examining somedrawings, which her daughter passed to her after having looked at themwith M. Cavalcanti, --his presence soon produced its usual effect, and itwas with smiles that the baroness received the count, although she hadbeen a little disconcerted at the announcement of his name. The lattertook in the whole scene at a glance.

The baroness was partially reclining on a sofa, Eugenie sat near her, and Cavalcanti was standing. Cavalcanti, dressed in black, like oneof Goethe's heroes, with varnished shoes and white silk open-workedstockings, passed a white and tolerably nice-looking hand through hislight hair, and so displayed a sparkling diamond, that in spite of MonteCristo's advice the vain young man had been unable to resist putting onhis little finger. This movement was accompanied by killing glancesat Mademoiselle Danglars, and by sighs launched in the same direction. Mademoiselle Danglars was still the same--cold, beautiful, andsatirical. Not one of these glances, nor one sigh, was lost on her;they might have been said to fall on the shield of Minerva, which somephilosophers assert protected sometimes the breast of Sappho. Eugeniebowed coldly to the count, and availed herself of the first moment whenthe conversation became earnest to escape to her study, whence very soontwo cheerful and noisy voices being heard in connection with occasionalnotes of the piano assured Monte Cristo that Mademoiselle Danglarspreferred to his society and to that of M. Cavalcanti the company ofMademoiselle Louise d'Armilly, her singing teacher.



It was then, especially while conversing with Madame Danglars, andapparently absorbed by the charm of the conversation, that the countnoticed M. Andrea Cavalcanti's solicitude, his manner of listeningto the music at the door he dared not pass, and of manifesting hisadmiration. The banker soon returned. His first look was certainlydirected towards Monte Cristo, but the second was for Andrea. As for hiswife, he bowed to her, as some husbands do to their wives, but in a waythat bachelors will never comprehend, until a very extensive code ispublished on conjugal life.

"Have not the ladies invited you to join them at the piano?" saidDanglars to Andrea. "Alas, no, sir, " replied Andrea with a sigh, stillmore remarkable than the former ones. Danglars immediately advancedtowards the door and opened it.

The two young ladies were seen seated on the same chair, at the piano, accompanying themselves, each with one hand, a fancy to which they hadaccustomed themselves, and performed admirably. Mademoiselle d'Armilly, whom they then perceived through the open doorway, formed with Eugenieone of the tableaux vivants of which the Germans are so fond. She wassomewhat beautiful, and exquisitely formed--a little fairy-like figure, with large curls falling on her neck, which was rather too long, asPerugino sometimes makes his Virgins, and her eyes dull from fatigue. She was said to have a weak chest, and like Antonia in the "CremonaViolin, " she would die one day while singing. Monte Cristo cast onerapid and curious glance round this sanctum; it was the first time hehad ever seen Mademoiselle d'Armilly, of whom he had heard much. "Well, "said the banker to his daughter, "are we then all to be excluded?" Hethen led the young man into the study, and either by chance or manoeuvrethe door was partially closed after Andrea, so that from the place wherethey sat neither the Count nor the baroness could see anything; but asthe banker had accompanied Andrea, Madame Danglars appeared to take nonotice of it.

The count soon heard Andrea's voice, singing a Corsican song, accompanied by the piano. While the count smiled at hearing this song, which made him lose sight of Andrea in the recollection of Benedetto, Madame Danglars was boasting to Monte Cristo of her husband's strengthof mind, who that very morning had lost three or four hundred thousandfrancs by a failure at Milan. The praise was well deserved, for had notthe count heard it from the baroness, or by one of those means by whichhe knew everything, the baron's countenance would not have led himto suspect it. "Hem, " thought Monte Cristo, "he begins to conceal hislosses; a month since he boasted of them. " Then aloud, --"Oh, madame, M. Danglars is so skilful, he will soon regain at the Bourse what he loseselsewhere. "

"I see that you participate in a prevalent error, " said Madame Danglars. "What is it?" said Monte Cristo.

"That M. Danglars speculates, whereas he never does. "

"Truly, madame, I recollect M. Debray told me--apropos, what is becomeof him? I have seen nothing of him the last three or four days. "

"Nor I, " said Madame Danglars; "but you began a sentence, sir, and didnot finish. "

"Which?"

"M. Debray had told you"--

"Ah, yes; he told me it was you who sacrificed to the demon ofspeculation. "

"I was once very fond of it, but I do not indulge now. "

"Then you are wrong, madame. Fortune is precarious; and if I werea woman and fate had made me a banker's wife, whatever might be myconfidence in my husband's good fortune, still in speculation youknow there is great risk. Well, I would secure for myself a fortuneindependent of him, even if I acquired it by placing my interests inhands unknown to him. " Madame Danglars blushed, in spite of all herefforts. "Stay, " said Monte Cristo, as though he had not observed herconfusion, "I have heard of a lucky hit that was made yesterday on theNeapolitan bonds. "

"I have none--nor have I ever possessed any; but really we have talkedlong enough of money, count, we are like two stockbrokers; have youheard how fate is persecuting the poor Villeforts?"

"What has happened?" said the count, simulating total ignorance.

"You know the Marquis of Saint-Meran died a few days after he had setout on his journey to Paris, and the marchioness a few days after herarrival?"

"Yes, " said Monte Cristo, "I have heard that; but, as Claudius said toHamlet, 'it is a law of nature; their fathers died before them, and theymourned their loss; they will die before their children, who will, intheir turn, grieve for them. '"

"But that is not all. "

"Not all!"

"No; they were going to marry their daughter"--

"To M. Franz d'Epinay. Is it broken off?"

"Yesterday morning, it appears, Franz declined the honor. "

"Indeed? And is the reason known?"

"No. "

"How extraordinary! And how does M. De Villefort bear it?"

"As usual. Like a philosopher. " Danglars returned at this momentalone. "Well, " said the baroness, "do you leave M. Cavalcanti with yourdaughter?"

"And Mademoiselle d'Armilly, " said the banker; "do you consider her noone?" Then, turning to Monte Cristo, he said, "Prince Cavalcanti is acharming young man, is he not? But is he really a prince?"

"I will not answer for it, " said Monte Cristo. "His father wasintroduced to me as a marquis, so he ought to be a count; but I do notthink he has much claim to that title. "

"Why?" said the banker. "If he is a prince, he is wrong not to maintainhis rank; I do not like any one to deny his origin. "

"Oh, you are a thorough democrat, " said Monte Cristo, smiling.

"But do you see to what you are exposing yourself?" said the baroness. "If, perchance, M. De Morcerf came, he would find M. Cavalcanti in thatroom, where he, the betrothed of Eugenie, has never been admitted. "

"You may well say, perchance, " replied the banker; "for he comes soseldom, it would seem only chance that brings him. "

"But should he come and find that young man with your daughter, he mightbe displeased. "

"He? You are mistaken. M. Albert would not do us the honor to bejealous; he does not like Eugenie sufficiently. Besides, I care not forhis displeasure. "

"Still, situated as we are"--

"Yes, do you know how we are situated? At his mother's ball he dancedonce with Eugenie, and M. Cavalcanti three times, and he took no noticeof it. " The valet announced the Vicomte Albert de Morcerf. The baronessrose hastily, and was going into the study, when Danglars stopped her. "Let her alone, " said he. She looked at him in amazement. Monte Cristoappeared to be unconscious of what passed. Albert entered, lookingvery handsome and in high spirits. He bowed politely to the baroness, familiarly to Danglars, and affectionately to Monte Cristo. Then turningto the baroness: "May I ask how Mademoiselle Danglars is?" said he.

"She is quite well, " replied Danglars quickly; "she is at the pianowith M. Cavalcanti. " Albert retained his calm and indifferent manner; hemight feel perhaps annoyed, but he knew Monte Cristo's eye was on him. "M. Cavalcanti has a fine tenor voice, " said he, "and MademoiselleEugenie a splendid soprano, and then she plays the piano like Thalberg. The concert must be a delightful one. "

"They suit each other remarkably well, " said Danglars. Albert appearednot to notice this remark, which was, however, so rude that MadameDanglars blushed.

"I, too, " said the young man, "am a musician--at least, my masters usedto tell me so; but it is strange that my voice never would suit anyother, and a soprano less than any. " Danglars smiled, and seemed to say, "It is of no consequence. " Then, hoping doubtless to effect hispurpose, he said, --"The prince and my daughter were universally admiredyesterday. You were not of the party, M. De Morcerf?"

"What prince?" asked Albert. "Prince Cavalcanti, " said Danglars, whopersisted in giving the young man that title.

"Pardon me, " said Albert, "I was not aware that he was a prince. AndPrince Cavalcanti sang with Mademoiselle Eugenie yesterday? It must havebeen charming, indeed. I regret not having heard them. But I was unableto accept your invitation, having promised to accompany my mother toa German concert given by the Baroness of Chateau-Renaud. " This wasfollowed by rather an awkward silence. "May I also be allowed, " saidMorcerf, "to pay my respects to Mademoiselle Danglars?" "Wait a moment, "said the banker, stopping the young man; "do you hear that delightfulcavatina? Ta, ta, ta, ti, ta, ti, ta, ta; it is charming, let themfinish--one moment. Bravo, bravi, brava!" The banker was enthusiastic inhis applause.

"Indeed, " said Albert, "it is exquisite; it is impossible to understandthe music of his country better than Prince Cavalcanti does. You saidprince, did you not? But he can easily become one, if he is notalready; it is no uncommon thing in Italy. But to return to the charmingmusicians--you should give us a treat, Danglars, without telling themthere is a stranger. Ask them to sing one more song; it is so delightfulto hear music in the distance, when the musicians are unrestrained byobservation. "

Danglars was quite annoyed by the young man's indifference. He tookMonte Cristo aside. "What do you think of our lover?" said he.

"He appears cool. But, then your word is given. "

"Yes, doubtless I have promised to give my daughter to a man who lovesher, but not to one who does not. See him there, cold as marble andproud like his father. If he were rich, if he had Cavalcanti's fortune, that might be pardoned. Ma foi, I haven't consulted my daughter; but ifshe has good taste"--

"Oh, " said Monte Cristo, "my fondness may blind me, but I assure youI consider Morcerf a charming young man who will render your daughterhappy and will sooner or later attain a certain amount of distinction, and his father's position is good. "

"Hem, " said Danglars.

"Why do you doubt?"

"The past--that obscurity on the past. "

"But that does not affect the son. "

"Very true. "

"Now, I beg of you, don't go off your head. It's a month now that youhave been thinking of this marriage, and you must see that it throwssome responsibility on me, for it was at my house you met this youngCavalcanti, whom I do not really know at all. "

"But I do. "

"Have you made inquiry?"

"Is there any need of that! Does not his appearance speak for him? Andhe is very rich. "

"I am not so sure of that. "

"And yet you said he had money. "

"Fifty thousand livres--a mere trifle. "

"He is well educated. "

"Hem, " said Monte Cristo in his turn.

"He is a musician. "

"So are all Italians. "

"Come, count, you do not do that young man justice. "

"Well, I acknowledge it annoys me, knowing your connection with theMorcerf family, to see him throw himself in the way. " Danglars burst outlaughing. "What a Puritan you are!" said he; "that happens every day. "

"But you cannot break it off in this way; the Morcerfs are depending onthis union. "

"Indeed. "

"Positively. "

"Then let them explain themselves; you should give the father a hint, you are so intimate with the family. "

"I?--where the devil did you find out that?"

"At their ball; it was apparent enough. Why, did not the countess, theproud Mercedes, the disdainful Catalane, who will scarcely open her lipsto her oldest acquaintances, take your arm, lead you into the garden, into the private walks, and remain there for half an hour?"

"Ah, baron, baron, " said Albert, "you are not listening--what barbarismin a megalomaniac like you!"

"Oh, don't worry about me, Sir Mocker, " said Danglars; then turning tothe count he said, "but will you undertake to speak to the father?"

"Willingly, if you wish it. "

"But let it be done explicitly and positively. If he demands my daughterlet him fix the day--declare his conditions; in short, let us eitherunderstand each other, or quarrel. You understand--no more delay. "

"Yes, sir, I will give my attention to the subject. "

"I do not say that I await with pleasure his decision, but I do awaitit. A banker must, you know, be a slave to his promise. " And Danglarssighed as M. Cavalcanti had done half an hour before. "Bravi, bravo, brava!" cried Morcerf, parodying the banker, as the selection came to anend. Danglars began to look suspiciously at Morcerf, when some one cameand whispered a few words to him. "I shall soon return, " said the bankerto Monte Cristo; "wait for me. I shall, perhaps, have something to sayto you. " And he went out.

The baroness took advantage of her husband's absence to push open thedoor of her daughter's study, and M. Andrea, who was sitting beforethe piano with Mademoiselle Eugenie, started up like a jack-in-the-box. Albert bowed with a smile to Mademoiselle Danglars, who did not appearin the least disturbed, and returned his bow with her usual coolness. Cavalcanti was evidently embarrassed; he bowed to Morcerf, who repliedwith the most impertinent look possible. Then Albert launched out inpraise of Mademoiselle Danglars' voice, and on his regret, after whathe had just heard, that he had been unable to be present the previousevening. Cavalcanti, being left alone, turned to Monte Cristo.

"Come, " said Madame Danglars, "leave music and compliments, and let usgo and take tea. "

"Come, Louise, " said Mademoiselle Danglars to her friend. They passedinto the next drawing-room, where tea was prepared. Just as they werebeginning, in the English fashion, to leave the spoons in their cups, the door again opened and Danglars entered, visibly agitated. MonteCristo observed it particularly, and by a look asked the banker foran explanation. "I have just received my courier from Greece, " saidDanglars.

"Ah, yes, " said the count; "that was the reason of your running awayfrom us. "

"Yes. "

"How is King Otho getting on?" asked Albert in the most sprightly tone. Danglars cast another suspicious look towards him without answering, andMonte Cristo turned away to conceal the expression of pity whichpassed over his features, but which was gone in a moment. "We shall gotogether, shall we not?" said Albert to the count.

"If you like, " replied the latter. Albert could not understandthe banker's look, and turning to Monte Cristo, who understood itperfectly, --"Did you see, " said he, "how he looked at me?"

"Yes, " said the count; "but did you think there was anything particularin his look?"

"Indeed, I did; and what does he mean by his news from Greece?"

"How can I tell you?"

"Because I imagine you have correspondents in that country. " MonteCristo smiled significantly.

"Stop, " said Albert, "here he comes. I shall compliment MademoiselleDanglars on her cameo, while the father talks to you. "

"If you compliment her at all, let it be on her voice, at least, " saidMonte Cristo.

"No, every one would do that. "

"My dear viscount, you are dreadfully impertinent. " Albert advancedtowards Eugenie, smiling. Meanwhile, Danglars, stooping to MonteCristo's ear, "Your advice was excellent, " said he; "there is a wholehistory connected with the names Fernand and Yanina. "

"Indeed?" said Monte Cristo.

"Yes, I will tell you all; but take away the young man; I cannot endurehis presence. "

"He is going with me. Shall I send the father to you?"

"Immediately. "

"Very well. " The count made a sign to Albert and they bowed tothe ladies, and took their leave, Albert perfectly indifferent toMademoiselle Danglars' contempt, Monte Cristo reiterating his adviceto Madame Danglars on the prudence a banker's wife should exercise inproviding for the future. M. Cavalcanti remained master of the field.

Chapter 77. Haidee.

Scarcely had the count's horses cleared the angle of the boulevard, than Albert, turning towards the count, burst into a loud fit oflaughter--much too loud in fact not to give the idea of its being ratherforced and unnatural. "Well, " said he, "I will ask you the same questionwhich Charles IX. Put to Catherine de Medicis, after the massacre ofSaint Bartholomew, 'How have I played my little part?'"

"To what do you allude?" asked Monte Cristo.

"To the installation of my rival at M. Danglars'. "

"What rival?"

"Ma foi, what rival? Why, your protege, M. Andrea Cavalcanti!"

"Ah, no joking, viscount, if you please; I do not patronize M. Andrea--at least, not as concerns M. Danglars. "

"And you would be to blame for not assisting him, if the young manreally needed your help in that quarter, but, happily for me, he candispense with it. "

"What, do you think he is paying his addresses?"

"I am certain of it; his languishing looks and modulated tones whenaddressing Mademoiselle Danglars fully proclaim his intentions. Heaspires to the hand of the proud Eugenie. "

"What does that signify, so long as they favor your suit?"

"But it is not the case, my dear count: on the contrary. I am repulsedon all sides. "

"What!"

"It is so indeed; Mademoiselle Eugenie scarcely answers me, andMademoiselle d'Armilly, her confidant, does not speak to me at all. "

"But the father has the greatest regard possible for you, " said MonteCristo.

"He? Oh, no, he has plunged a thousand daggers into my heart, tragedy-weapons, I own, which instead of wounding sheathe their pointsin their own handles, but daggers which he nevertheless believed to bereal and deadly. "

"Jealousy indicates affection. "

"True; but I am not jealous. "

"He is. "

"Of whom?--of Debray?"

"No, of you. "

"Of me? I will engage to say that before a week is past the door will beclosed against me. "

"You are mistaken, my dear viscount. "

"Prove it to me. "

"Do you wish me to do so?"

"Yes. "

"Well, I am charged with the commission of endeavoring to induce theComte de Morcerf to make some definite arrangement with the baron. "

"By whom are you charged?"

"By the baron himself. "

"Oh, " said Albert with all the cajolery of which he was capable. "Yousurely will not do that, my dear count?"

"Certainly I shall, Albert, as I have promised to do it. "

"Well, " said Albert, with a sigh, "it seems you are determined to marryme. "

"I am determined to try and be on good terms with everybody, at allevents, " said Monte Cristo. "But apropos of Debray, how is it that Ihave not seen him lately at the baron's house?"

"There has been a misunderstanding. "

"What, with the baroness?"

"No, with the baron. "

"Has he perceived anything?"

"Ah, that is a good joke!"

"Do you think he suspects?" said Monte Cristo with charming artlessness.

"Where have you come from, my dear count?" said Albert.

"From Congo, if you will. "

"It must be farther off than even that. "

"But what do I know of your Parisian husbands?"

"Oh, my dear count, husbands are pretty much the same everywhere; anindividual husband of any country is a pretty fair specimen of the wholerace. "

"But then, what can have led to the quarrel between Danglars and Debray?They seemed to understand each other so well, " said Monte Cristo withrenewed energy.

"Ah, now you are trying to penetrate into the mysteries of Isis, inwhich I am not initiated. When M. Andrea Cavalcanti has become one ofthe family, you can ask him that question. " The carriage stopped. "Herewe are, " said Monte Cristo; "it is only half-past ten o'clock, come in. "

"Certainly I will. "

"My carriage shall take you back. "

"No, thank you; I gave orders for my coupe to follow me. "

"There it is, then, " said Monte Cristo, as he stepped out of thecarriage. They both went into the house; the drawing-room was lightedup--they went in there. "You will make tea for us, Baptistin, " said thecount. Baptistin left the room without waiting to answer, and intwo seconds reappeared, bringing on a waiter all that his master hadordered, ready prepared, and appearing to have sprung from the ground, like the repasts which we read of in fairy tales. "Really, my dearcount, " said Morcerf, "what I admire in you is, not so much your riches, for perhaps there are people even wealthier than yourself, nor is itonly your wit, for Beaumarchais might have possessed as much, --but itis your manner of being served, without any questions, in a moment, ina second; it is as if they guessed what you wanted by your manner ofringing, and made a point of keeping everything you can possibly desirein constant readiness. "

"What you say is perhaps true; they know my habits. For instance, youshall see; how do you wish to occupy yourself during tea-time?"

"Ma foi, I should like to smoke. "

Monte Cristo took the gong and struck it once. In about the space of asecond a private door opened, and Ali appeared, bringing two chibouquesfilled with excellent latakia. "It is quite wonderful, " said Albert.

"Oh no, it is as simple as possible, " replied Monte Cristo. "Ali knows Igenerally smoke while I am taking my tea or coffee; he has heard that Iordered tea, and he also knows that I brought you home with me; when Isummoned him he naturally guessed the reason of my doing so, and as hecomes from a country where hospitality is especially manifested throughthe medium of smoking, he naturally concludes that we shall smoke incompany, and therefore brings two chibouques instead of one--and now themystery is solved. "

"Certainly you give a most commonplace air to your explanation, butit is not the less true that you--Ah, but what do I hear?" and Morcerfinclined his head towards the door, through which sounds seemed to issueresembling those of a guitar.

"Ma foi, my dear viscount, you are fated to hear music this evening; youhave only escaped from Mademoiselle Danglars' piano, to be attacked byHaidee's guzla. "

"Haidee--what an adorable name! Are there, then, really women who bearthe name of Haidee anywhere but in Byron's poems?"

"Certainly there are. Haidee is a very uncommon name in France, but iscommon enough in Albania and Epirus; it is as if you said, for example, Chastity, Modesty, Innocence, --it is a kind of baptismal name, as youParisians call it. "

"Oh, that is charming, " said Albert, "how I should like to hear mycountrywomen called Mademoiselle Goodness, Mademoiselle Silence, Mademoiselle Christian Charity! Only think, then, if MademoiselleDanglars, instead of being called Claire-Marie-Eugenie, had been namedMademoiselle Chastity-Modesty-Innocence Danglars; what a fine effectthat would have produced on the announcement of her marriage!"

"Hush, " said the count, "do not joke in so loud a tone; Haidee may hearyou, perhaps. "

"And you think she would be angry?"

"No, certainly not, " said the count with a haughty expression.

"She is very amiable, then, is she not?" said Albert.

"It is not to be called amiability, it is her duty; a slave does notdictate to a master. "

"Come; you are joking yourself now. Are there any more slaves to be hadwho bear this beautiful name?"

"Undoubtedly. "

"Really, count, you do nothing, and have nothing like other people. The slave of the Count of Monte Cristo! Why, it is a rank of itself inFrance, and from the way in which you lavish money, it is a place thatmust be worth a hundred thousand francs a year. "

"A hundred thousand francs! The poor girl originally possessed muchmore than that; she was born to treasures in comparison with which thoserecorded in the 'Thousand and One Nights' would seem but poverty. "

"She must be a princess then. "

"You are right; and she is one of the greatest in her country too. "

"I thought so. But how did it happen that such a great princess became aslave?"

"How was it that Dionysius the Tyrant became a schoolmaster? The fortuneof war, my dear viscount, --the caprice of fortune; that is the way inwhich these things are to be accounted for. "

"And is her name a secret?"

"As regards the generality of mankind it is; but not for you, my dearviscount, who are one of my most intimate friends, and on whose silenceI feel I may rely, if I consider it necessary to enjoin it--may I not doso?"

"Certainly; on my word of honor. "

"You know the history of the Pasha of Yanina, do you not?"

"Of Ali Tepelini? [*] Oh, yes; it was in his service that my father madehis fortune. "

"True, I had forgotten that. "

* Ali Pasha, "The Lion, " was born at Tepelini, an Albanian village at the foot of the Klissoura Mountains, in 1741. By diplomacy and success in arms he became almost supreme ruler of Albania, Epirus, and adjacent territory. Having aroused the enmity of the Sultan, he was proscribed and put to death by treachery in 1822, at the age of eighty. --Ed.

"Well, what is Haidee to Ali Tepelini?"

"Merely his daughter. "

"What? the daughter of Ali Pasha?"

"Of Ali Pasha and the beautiful Vasiliki. "

"And your slave?"

"Ma foi, yes. "

"But how did she become so?"

"Why, simply from the circumstance of my having bought her one day, as Iwas passing through the market at Constantinople. "

"Wonderful! Really, my dear count, you seem to throw a sort of magicinfluence over all in which you are concerned; when I listen to you, existence no longer seems reality, but a waking dream. Now, I am perhapsgoing to make an imprudent and thoughtless request, but"--

"Say on. "

"But, since you go out with Haidee, and sometimes even take her to theopera"--

"Well?"

"I think I may venture to ask you this favor. "

"You may venture to ask me anything. "

"Well then, my dear count, present me to your princess. "

"I will do so; but on two conditions. "

"I accept them at once. "

"The first is, that you will never tell any one that I have granted theinterview. "

"Very well, " said Albert, extending his hand; "I swear I will not. "

"The second is, that you will not tell her that your father ever servedhers. "

"I give you my oath that I will not. "

"Enough, viscount; you will remember those two vows, will you not? ButI know you to be a man of honor. " The count again struck the gong. Alireappeared. "Tell Haidee, " said he, "that I will take coffee with her, and give her to understand that I desire permission to present one of myfriends to her. " Ali bowed and left the room. "Now, understand me, " saidthe count, "no direct questions, my dear Morcerf; if you wish to knowanything, tell me, and I will ask her. "

"Agreed. " Ali reappeared for the third time, and drew back thetapestried hanging which concealed the door, to signify to his masterand Albert that they were at liberty to pass on. "Let us go in, " saidMonte Cristo.

Albert passed his hand through his hair, and curled his mustache, then, having satisfied himself as to his personal appearance, followed thecount into the room, the latter having previously resumed his hat andgloves. Ali was stationed as a kind of advanced guard, and the door waskept by the three French attendants, commanded by Myrtho. Haidee wasawaiting her visitors in the first room of her apartments, which was thedrawing-room. Her large eyes were dilated with surprise and expectation, for it was the first time that any man, except Monte Cristo, had beenaccorded an entrance into her presence. She was sitting on a sofa placedin an angle of the room, with her legs crossed under her in the Easternfashion, and seemed to have made for herself, as it were, a kind ofnest in the rich Indian silks which enveloped her. Near her wasthe instrument on which she had just been playing; it was elegantlyfashioned, and worthy of its mistress. On perceiving Monte Cristo, shearose and welcomed him with a smile peculiar to herself, expressive atonce of the most implicit obedience and also of the deepest love. MonteCristo advanced towards her and extended his hand, which she as usualraised to her lips.

Albert had proceeded no farther than the door, where he remained rootedto the spot, being completely fascinated by the sight of such surpassingbeauty, beheld as it was for the first time, and of which an inhabitantof more northern climes could form no adequate idea.

"Whom do you bring?" asked the young girl in Romaic, of Monte Cristo;"is it a friend, a brother, a simple acquaintance, or an enemy. "

"A friend, " said Monte Cristo in the same language.

"What is his name?"

"Count Albert; it is the same man whom I rescued from the hands of thebanditti at Rome. "

"In what language would you like me to converse with him?"

Monte Cristo turned to Albert. "Do you know modern Greek, " asked he.

"Alas, no, " said Albert; "nor even ancient Greek, my dear count; neverhad Homer or Plato a more unworthy scholar than myself. "

"Then, " said Haidee, proving by her remark that she had quite understoodMonte Cristo's question and Albert's answer, "then I will speak eitherin French or Italian, if my lord so wills it. "

Monte Cristo reflected one instant. "You will speak in Italian, " saidhe. Then, turning towards Albert, --"It is a pity you do not understandeither ancient or modern Greek, both of which Haidee speaks so fluently;the poor child will be obliged to talk to you in Italian, which willgive you but a very false idea of her powers of conversation. " Thecount made a sign to Haidee to address his visitor. "Sir, " she said toMorcerf, "you are most welcome as the friend of my lord and master. "This was said in excellent Tuscan, and with that soft Roman accent whichmakes the language of Dante as sonorous as that of Homer. Then, turningto Ali, she directed him to bring coffee and pipes, and when he had leftthe room to execute the orders of his young mistress she beckoned Albertto approach nearer to her. Monte Cristo and Morcerf drew their seatstowards a small table, on which were arranged music, drawings, and vasesof flowers. Ali then entered bringing coffee and chibouques; as to M. Baptistin, this portion of the building was interdicted to him. Albertrefused the pipe which the Nubian offered him. "Oh, take it--take it, "said the count; "Haidee is almost as civilized as a Parisian; the smellof an Havana is disagreeable to her, but the tobacco of the East is amost delicious perfume, you know. "

Ali left the room. The cups of coffee were all prepared, with theaddition of sugar, which had been brought for Albert. Monte Cristo andHaidee took the beverage in the original Arabian manner, that is tosay, without sugar. Haidee took the porcelain cup in her little slenderfingers and conveyed it to her mouth with all the innocent artlessnessof a child when eating or drinking something which it likes. At thismoment two women entered, bringing salvers filled with ices and sherbet, which they placed on two small tables appropriated to that purpose. "My dear host, and you, signora, " said Albert, in Italian, "excuse myapparent stupidity. I am quite bewildered, and it is natural that itshould be so. Here I am in the heart of Paris; but a moment ago I heardthe rumbling of the omnibuses and the tinkling of the bells of thelemonade-sellers, and now I feel as if I were suddenly transported tothe East; not such as I have seen it, but such as my dreams have paintedit. Oh, signora, if I could but speak Greek, your conversation, addedto the fairy-scene which surrounds me, would furnish an evening of suchdelight as it would be impossible for me ever to forget. "

"I speak sufficient Italian to enable me to converse with you, sir, "said Haidee quietly; "and if you like what is Eastern, I will do my bestto secure the gratification of your tastes while you are here. "

"On what subject shall I converse with her?" said Albert, in a low toneto Monte Cristo.

"Just what you please; you may speak of her country and of her youthfulreminiscences, or if you like it better you can talk of Rome, Naples, orFlorence. "

"Oh, " said Albert, "it is of no use to be in the company of a Greek ifone converses just in the same style as with a Parisian; let me speak toher of the East. "

"Do so then, for of all themes which you could choose that will be themost agreeable to her taste. " Albert turned towards Haidee. "At what agedid you leave Greece, signora?" asked he.

"I left it when I was but five years old, " replied Haidee.

"And have you any recollection of your country?"

"When I shut my eyes and think, I seem to see it all again. The mind cansee as well as the body. The body forgets sometimes--but the mind neverforgets. "

"And how far back into the past do your recollections extend?"

"I could scarcely walk when my mother, who was called Vasiliki, whichmeans royal, " said the young girl, tossing her head proudly, "took me bythe hand, and after putting in our purse all the money we possessed, wewent out, both covered with veils, to solicit alms for the prisoners, saying, 'He who giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord. ' Then when ourpurse was full we returned to the palace, and without saying a word tomy father, we sent it to the convent, where it was divided amongst theprisoners. "

"And how old were you at that time?"

"I was three years old, " said Haidee.

"Then you remember everything that went on about you from the time whenyou were three years old?" said Albert.

"Everything. "

"Count, " said Albert, in a low tone to Monte Cristo, "do allowthe signora to tell me something of her history. You prohibited mymentioning my father's name to her, but perhaps she will allude to himof her own accord in the course of the recital, and you have no ideahow delighted I should be to hear our name pronounced by such beautifullips. " Monte Cristo turned to Haidee, and with an expression ofcountenance which commanded her to pay the most implicit attention tohis words, he said in Greek, --"Tell us the fate of your father; butneither the name of the traitor nor the treason. " Haidee sighed deeply, and a shade of sadness clouded her beautiful brow.

"What are you saying to her?" said Morcerf in an undertone.

"I again reminded her that you were a friend, and that she need notconceal anything from you. "

"Then, " said Albert, "this pious pilgrimage in behalf of the prisonerswas your first remembrance; what is the next?"

"Oh, then I remember as if it were but yesterday sitting under the shadeof some sycamore-trees, on the borders of a lake, in the waters of whichthe trembling foliage was reflected as in a mirror. Under the oldest andthickest of these trees, reclining on cushions, sat my father; my motherwas at his feet, and I, childlike, amused myself by playing with hislong white beard which descended to his girdle, or with the diamond-hiltof the scimitar attached to his girdle. Then from time to time therecame to him an Albanian who said something to which I paid no attention, but which he always answered in the same tone of voice, either 'Kill, 'or 'Pardon. '"

"It is very strange, " said Albert, "to hear such words proceed from themouth of any one but an actress on the stage, and one needs constantlyto be saying to one's self, 'This is no fiction, it is all reality, ' inorder to believe it. And how does France appear in your eyes, accustomedas they have been to gaze on such enchanted scenes?"

"I think it is a fine country, " said Haidee, "but I see France as itreally is, because I look on it with the eyes of a woman; whereas my owncountry, which I can only judge of from the impression produced on mychildish mind, always seems enveloped in a vague atmosphere, which isluminous or otherwise, according as my remembrances of it are sad orjoyous. "



"So young, " said Albert, forgetting at the moment the Count's commandthat he should ask no questions of the slave herself, "is it possiblethat you can have known what suffering is except by name?"

Haidee turned her eyes towards Monte Cristo, who, making at the sametime some imperceptible sign, murmured, --"Go on. "

"Nothing is ever so firmly impressed on the mind as the memory of ourearly childhood, and with the exception of the two scenes I have justdescribed to you, all my earliest reminiscences are fraught with deepestsadness. "

"Speak, speak, signora, " said Albert, "I am listening with the mostintense delight and interest to all you say. "

Haidee answered his remark with a melancholy smile. "You wish me, then, to relate the history of my past sorrows?" said she.

"I beg you to do so, " replied Albert.

"Well, I was but four years old when one night I was suddenly awakenedby my mother. We were in the palace of Yanina; she snatched me fromthe cushions on which I was sleeping, and on opening my eyes I saw hersfilled with tears. She took me away without speaking. When I saw herweeping I began to cry too. 'Hush, child!' said she. At other times inspite of maternal endearments or threats, I had with a child's capricebeen accustomed to indulge my feelings of sorrow or anger by crying asmuch as I felt inclined; but on this occasion there was an intonationof such extreme terror in my mother's voice when she enjoined me tosilence, that I ceased crying as soon as her command was given. She boreme rapidly away.

"I saw then that we were descending a large staircase; around us wereall my mother's servants carrying trunks, bags, ornaments, jewels, purses of gold, with which they were hurrying away in the greatestdistraction.

"Behind the women came a guard of twenty men armed with long guns andpistols, and dressed in the costume which the Greeks have assumed sincethey have again become a nation. You may imagine there was somethingstartling and ominous, " said Haidee, shaking her head and turning paleat the mere remembrance of the scene, "in this long file of slaves andwomen only half-aroused from sleep, or at least so they appeared tome, who was myself scarcely awake. Here and there on the walls ofthe staircase, were reflected gigantic shadows, which trembled in theflickering light of the pine-torches till they seemed to reach to thevaulted roof above.

"'Quick!' said a voice at the end of the gallery. This voice made everyone bow before it, resembling in its effect the wind passing over afield of wheat, by its superior strength forcing every ear to yieldobeisance. As for me, it made me tremble. This voice was that of myfather. He came last, clothed in his splendid robes and holding in hishand the carbine which your emperor presented him. He was leaning onthe shoulder of his favorite Selim, and he drove us all before him, asa shepherd would his straggling flock. My father, " said Haidee, raisingher head, "was that illustrious man known in Europe under the name ofAli Tepelini, pasha of Yanina, and before whom Turkey trembled. "

Albert, without knowing why, started on hearing these words pronouncedwith such a haughty and dignified accent; it appeared to him as if therewas something supernaturally gloomy and terrible in the expression whichgleamed from the brilliant eyes of Haidee at this moment; she appearedlike a Pythoness evoking a spectre, as she recalled to his mind theremembrance of the fearful death of this man, to the news of which allEurope had listened with horror. "Soon, " said Haidee, "we halted on ourmarch, and found ourselves on the borders of a lake. My mother pressedme to her throbbing heart, and at the distance of a few paces I saw myfather, who was glancing anxiously around. Four marble steps led down tothe water's edge, and below them was a boat floating on the tide.

"From where we stood I could see in the middle of the lake a large blankmass; it was the kiosk to which we were going. This kiosk appeared to meto be at a considerable distance, perhaps on account of the darknessof the night, which prevented any object from being more than partiallydiscerned. We stepped into the boat. I remember well that the oarsmade no noise whatever in striking the water, and when I leaned over toascertain the cause I saw that they were muffled with the sashes of ourPalikares. [*] Besides the rowers, the boat contained only the women, myfather, mother, Selim, and myself. The Palikares had remained on theshore of the lake, ready to cover our retreat; they were kneeling on thelowest of the marble steps, and in that manner intended making a rampartof the three others, in case of pursuit. Our bark flew before the wind. 'Why does the boat go so fast?' asked I of my mother.

* Greek militiamen in the war for independence. --Ed.

"'Silence, child! Hush, we are flying!' I did not understand. Whyshould my father fly?--he, the all-powerful--he, before whom others wereaccustomed to fly--he, who had taken for his device, 'They hate me; thenthey fear me!' It was, indeed, a flight which my father was tryingto effect. I have been told since that the garrison of the castle ofYanina, fatigued with long service"--

Here Haidee cast a significant glance at Monte Cristo, whose eyeshad been riveted on her countenance during the whole course of hernarrative. The young girl then continued, speaking slowly, like a personwho is either inventing or suppressing some feature of the history whichhe is relating. "You were saying, signora, " said Albert, who was payingthe most implicit attention to the recital, "that the garrison ofYanina, fatigued with long service"--

"Had treated with the Serasker [*] Koorshid, who had been sent by thesultan to gain possession of the person of my father; it was then thatAli Tepelini--after having sent to the sultan a French officer in whomhe reposed great confidence--resolved to retire to the asylum which hehad long before prepared for himself, and which he called kataphygion, or the refuge. "

"And this officer, " asked Albert, "do you remember his name, signora?"Monte Cristo exchanged a rapid glance with the young girl, which wasquite unperceived by Albert. "No, " said she, "I do not remember it justat this moment; but if it should occur to me presently, I will tellyou. " Albert was on the point of pronouncing his father's name, whenMonte Cristo gently held up his finger in token of reproach; the youngman recollected his promise, and was silent.

* A Turkish pasha in command of the troops of a province. -- Ed.

"It was towards this kiosk that we were rowing. A ground-floor, ornamented with arabesques, bathing its terraces in the water, andanother floor, looking on the lake, was all which was visible to theeye. But beneath the ground-floor, stretching out into the island, wasa large subterranean cavern, to which my mother, myself, and the womenwere conducted. In this place were together 60, 000. Pouches and 200barrels; the pouches contained 25, 000, 000 of money in gold, and thebarrels were filled with 30, 000. Pounds of gunpowder.

"Near the barrels stood Selim, my father's favorite, whom I mentioned toyou just now. He stood watch day and night with a lance provided witha lighted slowmatch in his hand, and he had orders to blow upeverything--kiosk, guards, women, gold, and Ali Tepelini himself--atthe first signal given by my father. I remember well that the slaves, convinced of the precarious tenure on which they held their lives, passed whole days and nights in praying, crying, and groaning. As forme, I can never forget the pale complexion and black eyes of the youngsoldier, and whenever the angel of death summons me to another world, I am quite sure I shall recognize Selim. I cannot tell you how long weremained in this state; at that period I did not even know what timemeant. Sometimes, but very rarely, my father summoned me and my motherto the terrace of the palace; these were hours of recreation for me, asI never saw anything in the dismal cavern but the gloomy countenances ofthe slaves and Selim's fiery lance. My father was endeavoring to piercewith his eager looks the remotest verge of the horizon, examiningattentively every black speck which appeared on the lake, while mymother, reclining by his side, rested her head on his shoulder, and Iplayed at his feet, admiring everything I saw with that unsophisticatedinnocence of childhood which throws a charm round objects insignificantin themselves, but which in its eyes are invested with the greatestimportance. The heights of Pindus towered above us; the castle of Yaninarose white and angular from the blue waters of the lake, and the immensemasses of black vegetation which, viewed in the distance, gave the ideaof lichens clinging to the rocks, were in reality gigantic fir-trees andmyrtles.

"One morning my father sent for us; my mother had been crying all thenight, and was very wretched; we found the pasha calm, but paler thanusual. 'Take courage, Vasiliki, ' said he; 'to-day arrives the firman ofthe master, and my fate will be decided. If my pardon be complete, weshall return triumphant to Yanina; if the news be inauspicious, we mustfly this night. '--'But supposing our enemy should not allow us to doso?' said my mother. 'Oh, make yourself easy on that head, ' said Ali, smiling; 'Selim and his flaming lance will settle that matter. Theywould be glad to see me dead, but they would not like themselves to diewith me. '

"My mother only answered by sighs to consolations which she knew did notcome from my father's heart. She prepared the iced water which he was inthe habit of constantly drinking, --for since his sojourn at the kioskhe had been parched by the most violent fever, --after which she anointedhis white beard with perfumed oil, and lighted his chibouque, which hesometimes smoked for hours together, quietly watching the wreaths ofvapor that ascended in spiral clouds and gradually melted away in thesurrounding atmosphere. Presently he made such a sudden movement that Iwas paralyzed with fear. Then, without taking his eyes from the objectwhich had first attracted his attention, he asked for his telescope. My mother gave it him, and as she did so, looked whiter than themarble against which she leaned. I saw my father's hand tremble. 'Aboat!--two!--three!' murmured my, father;--'four!' He then arose, seizing his arms and priming his pistols. 'Vasiliki, ' said he to mymother, trembling perceptibly, 'the instant approaches which will decideeverything. In the space of half an hour we shall know the emperor'sanswer. Go into the cavern with Haidee. '--'I will not quit you, ' saidVasiliki; 'if you die, my lord, I will die with you. '--'Go to Selim!'cried my father. 'Adieu, my lord, ' murmured my mother, determiningquietly to await the approach of death. 'Take away Vasiliki!' said myfather to his Palikares.

"As for me, I had been forgotten in the general confusion; I ran towardAli Tepelini; he saw me hold out my arms to him, and he stooped down andpressed my forehead with his lips. Oh, how distinctly I remember thatkiss!--it was the last he ever gave me, and I feel as if it were stillwarm on my forehead. On descending, we saw through the lattice-workseveral boats which were gradually becoming more distinct to our view. At first they appeared like black specks, and now they looked like birdsskimming the surface of the waves. During this time, in the kiosk at myfather's feet, were seated twenty Palikares, concealed from view by anangle of the wall and watching with eager eyes the arrival of the boats. They were armed with their long guns inlaid with mother-of-pearl andsilver, and cartridges in great numbers were lying scattered on thefloor. My father looked at his watch, and paced up and down with acountenance expressive of the greatest anguish. This was the scene whichpresented itself to my view as I quitted my father after that last kiss. My mother and I traversed the gloomy passage leading to the cavern. Selim was still at his post, and smiled sadly on us as we entered. Wefetched our cushions from the other end of the cavern, and sat down bySelim. In great dangers the devoted ones cling to each other; and, youngas I was, I quite understood that some imminent danger was hanging overour heads. "

Albert had often heard--not from his father, for he never spoke on thesubject, but from strangers--the description of the last moments of thevizier of Yanina; he had read different accounts of his death, but thestory seemed to acquire fresh meaning from the voice and expression ofthe young girl, and her sympathetic accent and the melancholy expressionof her countenance at once charmed and horrified him. As to Haidee, these terrible reminiscences seemed to have overpowered her for amoment, for she ceased speaking, her head leaning on her hand like abeautiful flower bowing beneath the violence of the storm; and her eyesgazing on vacancy indicated that she was mentally contemplating thegreen summit of the Pindus and the blue waters of the lake of Yanina, which, like a magic mirror, seemed to reflect the sombre picturewhich she sketched. Monte Cristo looked at her with an indescribableexpression of interest and pity.

"Go on, " said the count in the Romaic language.

Haidee looked up abruptly, as if the sonorous tones of Monte Cristo'svoice had awakened her from a dream; and she resumed her narrative. "It was about four o'clock in the afternoon, and although the day wasbrilliant out-of-doors, we were enveloped in the gloomy darkness of thecavern. One single, solitary light was burning there, and it appearedlike a star set in a heaven of blackness; it was Selim's flaming lance. My mother was a Christian, and she prayed. Selim repeated from time totime the sacred words: 'God is great!' However, my mother had stillsome hope. As she was coming down, she thought she recognized the Frenchofficer who had been sent to Constantinople, and in whom my fatherplaced so much confidence; for he knew that all the soldiers of theFrench emperor were naturally noble and generous. She advanced somesteps towards the staircase, and listened. 'They are approaching, ' saidshe; 'perhaps they bring us peace and liberty!'--'What do you fear, Vasiliki?' said Selim, in a voice at once so gentle and yet so proud. 'If they do not bring us peace, we will give them war; if they do notbring life, we will give them death. ' And he renewed the flame of hislance with a gesture which made one think of Dionysus of Crete. [*] ButI, being only a little child, was terrified by this undaunted courage, which appeared to me both ferocious and senseless, and I recoiled withhorror from the idea of the frightful death amidst fire and flames whichprobably awaited us.

* The god of fruitfulness in Grecian mythology. In Crete he was supposed to be slain in winter with the decay of vegetation and to revive in the spring. Haidee's learned reference is to the behavior of an actor in the Dionysian festivals. --Ed.

"My mother experienced the same sensations, for I felt her tremble. 'Mamma, mamma, ' said I, 'are we really to be killed?' And at thesound of my voice the slaves redoubled their cries and prayers andlamentations. 'My child, ' said Vasiliki, 'may God preserve you from everwishing for that death which to-day you so much dread!' Then, whisperingto Selim, she asked what were her master's orders. 'If he send mehis poniard, it will signify that the emperor's intentions are notfavorable, and I am to set fire to the powder; if, on the contrary, hesend me his ring, it will be a sign that the emperor pardons him, andI am to extinguish the match and leave the magazine untouched. '--'Myfriend, ' said my mother, 'when your master's orders arrive, if it is theponiard which he sends, instead of despatching us by that horrible deathwhich we both so much dread, you will mercifully kill us with this sameponiard, will you not?'--'Yes, Vasiliki, ' replied Selim tranquilly.

"Suddenly we heard loud cries; and, listening, discerned that theywere cries of joy. The name of the French officer who had been sentto Constantinople resounded on all sides amongst our Palikares; itwas evident that he brought the answer of the emperor, and that it wasfavorable. "

"And do you not remember the Frenchman's name?" said Morcerf, quiteready to aid the memory of the narrator. Monte Cristo made a sign to himto be silent.

"I do not recollect it, " said Haidee.

"The noise increased; steps were heard approaching nearer and nearer:they were descending the steps leading to the cavern. Selim made readyhis lance. Soon a figure appeared in the gray twilight at the entranceof the cave, formed by the reflection of the few rays of daylight whichhad found their way into this gloomy retreat. 'Who are you?' criedSelim. 'But whoever you may be, I charge you not to advance anotherstep. '--'Long live the emperor!' said the figure. 'He grants a fullpardon to the Vizier Ali, and not only gives him his life, but restoresto him his fortune and his possessions. ' My mother uttered a cry of joy, and clasped me to her bosom. 'Stop, ' said Selim, seeing that she wasabout to go out; 'you see I have not yet received the ring, '--'True, 'said my mother. And she fell on her knees, at the same time holding meup towards heaven, as if she desired, while praying to God in my behalf, to raise me actually to his presence. "

And for the second time Haidee stopped, overcome by such violent emotionthat the perspiration stood upon her pale brow, and her stifled voiceseemed hardly able to find utterance, so parched and dry were her throatand lips. Monte Cristo poured a little iced water into a glass, andpresented it to her, saying with a mildness in which was also a shade ofcommand, --"Courage. "

Haidee dried her eyes, and continued: "By this time our eyes, habituatedto the darkness, had recognized the messenger of the pasha, --it wasa friend. Selim had also recognized him, but the brave young man onlyacknowledged one duty, which was to obey. 'In whose name do you come?'said he to him. 'I come in the name of our master, Ali Tepelini. '--'Ifyou come from Ali himself, ' said Selim, 'you know what you were chargedto remit to me?'--'Yes, ' said the messenger, 'and I bring you his ring. 'At these words he raised his hand above his head, to show the token;but it was too far off, and there was not light enough to enable Selim, where he was standing, to distinguish and recognize the object presentedto his view. 'I do not see what you have in your hand, ' said Selim. 'Approach then, ' said the messenger, 'or I will come nearer to you, ifyou prefer it. '--'I will agree to neither one nor the other, ' repliedthe young soldier; 'place the object which I desire to see in the ray oflight which shines there, and retire while I examine it. '--'Be it so, 'said the envoy; and he retired, after having first deposited the tokenagreed on in the place pointed out to him by Selim.

"Oh, how our hearts palpitated; for it did, indeed, seem to be a ringwhich was placed there. But was it my father's ring? that was thequestion. Selim, still holding in his hand the lighted match, walkedtowards the opening in the cavern, and, aided by the faint light whichstreamed in through the mouth of the cave, picked up the token.

"'It is well, ' said he, kissing it; 'it is my master's ring!' Andthrowing the match on the ground, he trampled on it and extinguished it. The messenger uttered a cry of joy and clapped his hands. At this signalfour soldiers of the Serasker Koorshid suddenly appeared, and Selimfell, pierced by five blows. Each man had stabbed him separately, and, intoxicated by their crime, though still pale with fear, they sought allover the cavern to discover if there was any fear of fire, after whichthey amused themselves by rolling on the bags of gold. At this momentmy mother seized me in her arms, and hurrying noiselessly along numerousturnings and windings known only to ourselves, she arrived at a privatestaircase of the kiosk, where was a scene of frightful tumult andconfusion. The lower rooms were entirely filled with Koorshid's troops;that is to say, with our enemies. Just as my mother was on the point ofpushing open a small door, we heard the voice of the pasha sounding ina loud and threatening tone. My mother applied her eye to the crackbetween the boards; I luckily found a small opening which afforded me aview of the apartment and what was passing within. 'What do you want?'said my father to some people who were holding a paper inscribed withcharacters of gold. 'What we want, ' replied one, 'is to communicate toyou the will of his highness. Do you see this firman?'--'I do, ' said myfather. 'Well, read it; he demands your head. '

"My father answered with a loud laugh, which was more frightful thaneven threats would have been, and he had not ceased when two reports ofa pistol were heard; he had fired them himself, and had killed two men. The Palikares, who were prostrated at my father's feet, now sprang upand fired, and the room was filled with fire and smoke. At the sameinstant the firing began on the other side, and the balls penetrated theboards all round us. Oh, how noble did the grand vizier my father lookat that moment, in the midst of the flying bullets, his scimitar in hishand, and his face blackened with the powder of his enemies! and how heterrified them, even then, and made them fly before him! 'Selim, Selim!'cried he, 'guardian of the fire, do your duty!'--'Selim is dead, 'replied a voice which seemed to come from the depths of the earth, 'andyou are lost, Ali!' At the same moment an explosion was heard, and theflooring of the room in which my father was sitting was suddenly torn upand shivered to atoms--the troops were firing from underneath. Three orfour Palikares fell with their bodies literally ploughed with wounds.

"My father howled aloud, plunged his fingers into the holes which theballs had made, and tore up one of the planks entire. But immediatelythrough this opening twenty more shots were fired, and the flame, rushing up like fire from the crater of a volcano, soon reached thetapestry, which it quickly devoured. In the midst of all this frightfultumult and these terrific cries, two reports, fearfully distinct, followed by two shrieks more heartrending than all, froze me withterror. These two shots had mortally wounded my father, and it was hewho had given utterance to these frightful cries. However, he remainedstanding, clinging to a window. My mother tried to force the door, thatshe might go and die with him, but it was fastened on the inside. Allaround him were lying the Palikares, writhing in convulsive agonies, while two or three who were only slightly wounded were trying toescape by springing from the windows. At this crisis the whole flooringsuddenly gave way, my father fell on one knee, and at the same momenttwenty hands were thrust forth, armed with sabres, pistols, andponiards--twenty blows were instantaneously directed against one man, and my father disappeared in a whirlwind of fire and smoke kindled bythese demons, and which seemed like hell itself opening beneath hisfeet. I felt myself fall to the ground, my mother had fainted. "

Haidee's arms fell by her side, and she uttered a deep groan, at thesame time looking towards the count as if to ask if he were satisfiedwith her obedience to his commands. Monte Cristo arose and approachedher, took her hand, and said to her in Romaic, "Calm yourself, my dearchild, and take courage in remembering that there is a God who willpunish traitors. "

"It is a frightful story, count, " said Albert, terrified at the palenessof Haidee's countenance, "and I reproach myself now for having been socruel and thoughtless in my request. "

"Oh, it is nothing, " said Monte Cristo. Then, patting the young girl onthe head, he continued, "Haidee is very courageous, and she sometimeseven finds consolation in the recital of her misfortunes. "

"Because, my lord, " said Haidee eagerly, "my miseries recall to me theremembrance of your goodness. "

Albert looked at her with curiosity, for she had not yet related what hemost desired to know, --how she had become the slave of the count. Haideesaw at a glance the same expression pervading the countenances of hertwo auditors; she exclaimed, 'When my mother recovered her senses wewere before the serasker. 'Kill, ' said she, 'but spare the honor of thewidow of Ali. '--'It is not to me to whom you must address yourself, 'said Koorshid.

"'To whom, then?'--'To your new master. '

"'Who and where is he?'--'He is here. '

"And Koorshid pointed out one who had more than any contributed to thedeath of my father, " said Haidee, in a tone of chastened anger. "Then, "said Albert, "you became the property of this man?"

"No, " replied Haidee, "he did not dare to keep us, so we were sold tosome slave-merchants who were going to Constantinople. We traversedGreece, and arrived half dead at the imperial gates. They weresurrounded by a crowd of people, who opened a way for us to pass, when suddenly my mother, having looked closely at an object which wasattracting their attention, uttered a piercing cry and fell to theground, pointing as she did so to a head which was placed over thegates, and beneath which were inscribed these words:

"'This is the head of Ali Tepelini Pasha of Yanina. ' I cried bitterly, and tried to raise my mother from the earth, but she was dead! I wastaken to the slave-market, and was purchased by a rich Armenian. Hecaused me to be instructed, gave me masters, and when I was thirteenyears of age he sold me to the Sultan Mahmood. "

"Of whom I bought her, " said Monte Cristo, "as I told you, Albert, withthe emerald which formed a match to the one I had made into a box forthe purpose of holding my hashish pills. "

"Oh, you are good, you are great, my lord!" said Haidee, kissing thecount's hand, "and I am very fortunate in belonging to such a master!"Albert remained quite bewildered with all that he had seen and heard. "Come, finish your cup of coffee, " said Monte Cristo; "the history isended. "

Chapter 78. We hear From Yanina.

If Valentine could have seen the trembling step and agitated countenanceof Franz when he quitted the chamber of M. Noirtier, even she would havebeen constrained to pity him. Villefort had only just given utteranceto a few incoherent sentences, and then retired to his study, where hereceived about two hours afterwards the following letter:--

"After all the disclosures which were made this morning, M. Noirtier deVillefort must see the utter impossibility of any alliance being formedbetween his family and that of M. Franz d'Epinay. M. D'Epinay must saythat he is shocked and astonished that M. De Villefort, who appeared tobe aware of all the circumstances detailed this morning, should not haveanticipated him in this announcement. "

No one who had seen the magistrate at this moment, so thoroughlyunnerved by the recent inauspicious combination of circumstances, wouldhave supposed for an instant that he had anticipated the annoyance;although it certainly never had occurred to him that his father wouldcarry candor, or rather rudeness, so far as to relate such a history. And in justice to Villefort, it must be understood that M. Noirtier, who never cared for the opinion of his son on any subject, had alwaysomitted to explain the affair to Villefort, so that he had all his lifeentertained the belief that General de Quesnel, or the Baron d'Epinay, as he was alternately styled, according as the speaker wished toidentify him by his own family name, or by the title which had beenconferred on him, fell the victim of assassination, and not that he waskilled fairly in a duel. This harsh letter, coming as it did from a mangenerally so polite and respectful, struck a mortal blow at the prideof Villefort. Hardly had he read the letter, when his wife entered. Thesudden departure of Franz, after being summoned by M. Noirtier, had somuch astonished every one, that the position of Madame de Villefort, left alone with the notary and the witnesses, became every moment moreembarrassing. Determined to bear it no longer, she arose and left theroom; saying she would go and make some inquiries into the cause of hissudden disappearance.

M. De Villefort's communications on the subject were very limited andconcise; he told her, in fact, that an explanation had taken placebetween M. Noirtier, M. D'Epinay, and himself, and that the marriageof Valentine and Franz would consequently be broken off. This wasan awkward and unpleasant thing to have to report to those who wereawaiting her return in the chamber of her father-in-law. Shetherefore contented herself with saying that M. Noirtier having at thecommencement of the discussion been attacked by a sort of apoplecticfit, the affair would necessarily be deferred for some days longer. Thisnews, false as it was following so singularly in the train of the twosimilar misfortunes which had so recently occurred, evidently astonishedthe auditors, and they retired without a word. During this timeValentine, at once terrified and happy, after having embraced andthanked the feeble old man for thus breaking with a single blow thechain which she had been accustomed to consider as irrefragable, askedleave to retire to her own room, in order to recover her composure. Noirtier looked the permission which she solicited. But instead of goingto her own room, Valentine, having once gained her liberty, entered thegallery, and, opening a small door at the end of it, found herself atonce in the garden.

In the midst of all the strange events which had crowded one on theother, an indefinable sentiment of dread had taken possession ofValentine's mind. She expected every moment that she should see Morrelappear, pale and trembling, to forbid the signing of the contract, likethe Laird of Ravenswood in "The Bride of Lammermoor. " It was high timefor her to make her appearance at the gate, for Maximilian had longawaited her coming. He had half guessed what was going on when he sawFranz quit the cemetery with M. De Villefort. He followed M. D'Epinay, saw him enter, afterwards go out, and then re-enter with Albert andChateau-Renaud. He had no longer any doubts as to the nature of theconference; he therefore quickly went to the gate in the clover-patch, prepared to hear the result of the proceedings, and very certain thatValentine would hasten to him the first moment she should be set atliberty. He was not mistaken; peering through the crevices of the woodenpartition, he soon discovered the young girl, who cast aside all herusual precautions and walked at once to the barrier. The first glancewhich Maximilian directed towards her entirely reassured him, and thefirst words she spoke made his heart bound with delight.

"We are saved!" said Valentine. "Saved?" repeated Morrel, not being ableto conceive such intense happiness; "by whom?"

"By my grandfather. Oh, Morrel, pray love him for all his goodness tous!" Morrel swore to love him with all his soul; and at that moment hecould safely promise to do so, for he felt as though it were not enoughto love him merely as a friend or even as a father. "But tell me, Valentine, how has it all been effected? What strange means has he usedto compass this blessed end?"

Valentine was on the point of relating all that had passed, but shesuddenly remembered that in doing so she must reveal a terrible secretwhich concerned others as well as her grandfather, and she said, "Atsome future time I will tell you all about it. "

"But when will that be?"

"When I am your wife. "

The conversation had now turned upon a topic so pleasing to Morrel, that he was ready to accede to anything that Valentine thought fit topropose, and he likewise felt that a piece of intelligence such as hejust heard ought to be more than sufficient to content him for one day. However, he would not leave without the promise of seeing Valentineagain the next night. Valentine promised all that Morrel required ofher, and certainly it was less difficult now for her to believe that sheshould marry Maximilian than it was an hour ago to assure herself thatshe should not marry Franz.

During the time occupied by the interview we have just detailed, Madamede Villefort had gone to visit M. Noirtier. The old man looked at herwith that stern and forbidding expression with which he was accustomedto receive her.

"Sir, " said she, "it is superfluous for me to tell you that Valentine'smarriage is broken off, since it was here that the affair wasconcluded. " Noirtier's countenance remained immovable. "But one thingI can tell you, of which I do not think you are aware; that is, thatI have always been opposed to this marriage, and that the contractwas entered into entirely without my consent or approbation. " Noirtierregarded his daughter-in-law with the look of a man desiring anexplanation. "Now that this marriage, which I know you so much disliked, is done away with, I come to you on an errand which neither M. DeVillefort nor Valentine could consistently undertake. " Noirtier'seyes demanded the nature of her mission. "I come to entreat you, sir, "continued Madame de Villefort, "as the only one who has the right ofdoing so, inasmuch as I am the only one who will receive no personalbenefit from the transaction, --I come to entreat you to restore, notyour love, for that she has always possessed, but to restore yourfortune to your granddaughter. "

There was a doubtful expression in Noirtier's eyes; he was evidentlytrying to discover the motive of this proceeding, and he could notsucceed in doing so. "May I hope, sir, " said Madame de Villefort, "thatyour intentions accord with my request?" Noirtier made a sign that theydid. "In that case, sir, " rejoined Madame de Villefort, "I will leaveyou overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness at your prompt acquiescenceto my wishes. " She then bowed to M. Noirtier and retired.

The next day M. Noirtier sent for the notary; the first will was tornup and a second made, in which he left the whole of his fortune toValentine, on condition that she should never be separated from him. Itwas then generally reported that Mademoiselle de Villefort, the heiressof the marquis and marchioness of Saint-Meran, had regained thegood graces of her grandfather, and that she would ultimately be inpossession of an income of 300, 000 livres.

While all the proceedings relative to the dissolution of themarriage-contract were being carried on at the house of M. De Villefort, Monte Cristo had paid his visit to the Count of Morcerf, who, in orderto lose no time in responding to M. Danglars' wishes, and at the sametime to pay all due deference to his position in society, donned hisuniform of lieutenant-general, which he ornamented with all his crosses, and thus attired, ordered his finest horses and drove to the Rue de laChausse d'Antin.

Danglars was balancing his monthly accounts, and it was perhaps not themost favorable moment for finding him in his best humor. At the firstsight of his old friend, Danglars assumed his majestic air, and settledhimself in his easy-chair. Morcerf, usually so stiff and formal, accosted the banker in an affable and smiling manner, and, feeling surethat the overture he was about make would be well received, he did notconsider it necessary to adopt any manoeuvres in order to gain his end, but went at once straight to the point.

"Well, baron, " said he, "here I am at last; some time has elapsed sinceour plans were formed, and they are not yet executed. " Morcerf paused atthese words, quietly waiting till the cloud should have dispersed whichhad gathered on the brow of Danglars, and which he attributed to hissilence; but, on the contrary, to his great surprise, it grew darker anddarker. "To what do you allude, monsieur?" said Danglars; as if he weretrying in vain to guess at the possible meaning of the general's words.

"Ah, " said Morcerf, "I see you are a stickler for forms, my dear sir, and you would remind me that the ceremonial rites should not be omitted. Ma foi, I beg your pardon, but as I have but one son, and it is thefirst time I have ever thought of marrying him, I am still servingmy apprenticeship, you know; come, I will reform. " And Morcerf with aforced smile arose, and, making a low bow to M. Danglars, said: "Baron, I have the honor of asking of you the hand of Mademoiselle EugenieDanglars for my son, the Vicomte Albert de Morcerf. "



But Danglars, instead of receiving this address in the favorable mannerwhich Morcerf had expected, knit his brow, and without inviting thecount, who was still standing, to take a seat, he said: "Monsieur, itwill be necessary to reflect before I give you an answer. "

"To reflect?" said Morcerf, more and more astonished; "have you not hadenough time for reflection during the eight years which have elapsedsince this marriage was first discussed between us?"

"Count, " said the banker, "things are constantly occurring in the worldto induce us to lay aside our most established opinions, or atall events to cause us to remodel them according to the change ofcircumstances, which may have placed affairs in a totally differentlight to that in which we at first viewed them. "

"I do not understand you, baron, " said Morcerf.

"What I mean to say is this, sir, --that during the last fortnightunforeseen circumstances have occurred"--

"Excuse me, " said Morcerf, "but is it a play we are acting?"

"A play?"

"Yes, for it is like one; pray let us come more to the point, andendeavor thoroughly to understand each other. "

"That is quite my desire. "

"You have seen M. De Monte Cristo have you not?"

"I see him very often, " said Danglars, drawing himself up; "he is aparticular friend of mine. "

"Well, in one of your late conversations with him, you said that Iappeared to be forgetful and irresolute concerning this marriage, didyou not?"

"I did say so. "

"Well, here I am, proving at once that I am really neither the one northe other, by entreating you to keep your promise on that score. "

Danglars did not answer. "Have you so soon changed your mind, " addedMorcerf, "or have you only provoked my request that you may have thepleasure of seeing me humbled?" Danglars, seeing that if he continuedthe conversation in the same tone in which he had begun it, the wholething might turn out to his own disadvantage, turned to Morcerf, andsaid: "Count, you must doubtless be surprised at my reserve, and Iassure you it costs me much to act in such a manner towards you; but, believe me when I say that imperative necessity has imposed the painfultask upon me. "

"These are all so many empty words, my dear sir, " said Morcerf: "theymight satisfy a new acquaintance, but the Comte de Morcerf does not rankin that list; and when a man like him comes to another, recalls to himhis plighted word, and this man fails to redeem the pledge, he has atleast a right to exact from him a good reason for so doing. " Danglarswas a coward, but did not wish to appear so; he was piqued at the tonewhich Morcerf had just assumed. "I am not without a good reason for myconduct, " replied the banker.

"What do you mean to say?"

"I mean to say that I have a good reason, but that it is difficult toexplain. "

"You must be aware, at all events, that it is impossible for me tounderstand motives before they are explained to me; but one thing atleast is clear, which is, that you decline allying yourself with myfamily. "

"No, sir, " said Danglars; "I merely suspend my decision, that is all. "

"And do you really flatter yourself that I shall yield to all yourcaprices, and quietly and humbly await the time of again being receivedinto your good graces?"

"Then, count, if you will not wait, we must look upon these projectsas if they had never been entertained. " The count bit his lips till theblood almost started, to prevent the ebullition of anger which his proudand irritable temper scarcely allowed him to restrain; understanding, however, that in the present state of things the laugh would decidedlybe against him, he turned from the door, towards which he had beendirecting his steps, and again confronted the banker. A cloud settledon his brow, evincing decided anxiety and uneasiness, instead of theexpression of offended pride which had lately reigned there. "My dearDanglars, " said Morcerf, "we have been acquainted for many years, andconsequently we ought to make some allowance for each other's failings. You owe me an explanation, and really it is but fair that I should knowwhat circumstance has occurred to deprive my son of your favor. "

"It is from no personal ill-feeling towards the viscount, that is all Ican say, sir, " replied Danglars, who resumed his insolent manner as soonas he perceived that Morcerf was a little softened and calmed down. "Andtowards whom do you bear this personal ill-feeling, then?" said Morcerf, turning pale with anger. The expression of the count's face had notremained unperceived by the banker; he fixed on him a look of greaterassurance than before, and said: "You may, perhaps, be better satisfiedthat I should not go farther into particulars. "

A tremor of suppressed rage shook the whole frame of the count, andmaking a violent effort over himself, he said: "I have a right toinsist on your giving me an explanation. Is it Madame de Morcerf whohas displeased you? Is it my fortune which you find insufficient? Is itbecause my opinions differ from yours?"

"Nothing of the kind, sir, " replied Danglars: "if such had been thecase, I only should have been to blame, inasmuch as I was aware of allthese things when I made the engagement. No, do not seek any longer todiscover the reason. I really am quite ashamed to have been the cause ofyour undergoing such severe self-examination; let us drop the subject, and adopt the middle course of delay, which implies neither a rupturenor an engagement. Ma foi, there is no hurry. My daughter is onlyseventeen years old, and your son twenty-one. While we wait, time willbe progressing, events will succeed each other; things which in theevening look dark and obscure, appear but too clearly in the light ofmorning, and sometimes the utterance of one word, or the lapse of asingle day, will reveal the most cruel calumnies. "

"Calumnies, did you say, sir?" cried Morcerf, turning livid with rage. "Does any one dare to slander me?"

"Monsieur, I told you that I considered it best to avoid allexplanation. "

"Then, sir, I am patiently to submit to your refusal?"

"Yes, sir, although I assure you the refusal is as painful for me togive as it is for you to receive, for I had reckoned on the honorof your alliance, and the breaking off of a marriage contract alwaysinjures the lady more than the gentleman. "

"Enough, sir, " said Morcerf, "we will speak no more on the subject. " Andclutching his gloves in anger, he left the apartment. Danglars observedthat during the whole conversation Morcerf had never once dared toask if it was on his own account that Danglars recalled his word. That evening he had a long conference with several friends; and M. Cavalcanti, who had remained in the drawing-room with the ladies, wasthe last to leave the banker's house.

The next morning, as soon as he awoke, Danglars asked for thenewspapers; they were brought to him; he laid aside three or four, andat last fixed on the Impartial, the paper of which Beauchamp was thechief editor. He hastily tore off the cover, opened the journal withnervous precipitation, passed contemptuously over the Paris jottings, and arriving at the miscellaneous intelligence, stopped with a malicioussmile, at a paragraph headed "We hear from Yanina. " "Very good, "observed Danglars, after having read the paragraph; "here is a littlearticle on Colonel Fernand, which, if I am not mistaken, would renderthe explanation which the Comte de Morcerf required of me perfectlyunnecessary. "

At the same moment, that is, at nine o'clock in the morning, Albert deMorcerf, dressed in a black coat buttoned up to his chin, might havebeen seen walking with a quick and agitated step in the direction ofMonte Cristo's house in the Champs Elysees. When he presented himself atthe gate the porter informed him that the Count had gone out about halfan hour previously. "Did he take Baptistin with him?"

"No, my lord. "

"Call him, then; I wish to speak to him. " The concierge went to seek thevalet de chambre, and returned with him in an instant.

"My good friend, " said Albert, "I beg pardon for my intrusion, but Iwas anxious to know from your own mouth if your master was really out ornot. "

"He is really out, sir, " replied Baptistin.

"Out, even to me?"

"I know how happy my master always is to receive the vicomte, " saidBaptistin; "and I should therefore never think of including him in anygeneral order. "

"You are right; and now I wish to see him on an affair of greatimportance. Do you think it will be long before he comes in?"

"No, I think not, for he ordered his breakfast at ten o'clock. "

"Well, I will go and take a turn in the Champs Elysees, and at teno'clock I will return here; meanwhile, if the count should come in, willyou beg him not to go out again without seeing me?"

"You may depend on my doing so, sir, " said Baptistin.

Albert left the cab in which he had come at the count's door, intendingto take a turn on foot. As he was passing the Allee des Veuves, hethought he saw the count's horses standing at Gosset's shooting-gallery;he approached, and soon recognized the coachman. "Is the count shootingin the gallery?" said Morcerf.

"Yes, sir, " replied the coachman. While he was speaking, Albert hadheard the report of two or three pistol-shots. He entered, and on hisway met the waiter. "Excuse me, my lord, " said the lad; "but will youhave the kindness to wait a moment?"

"What for, Philip?" asked Albert, who, being a constant visitor there, did not understand this opposition to his entrance.

"Because the person who is now in the gallery prefers being alone, andnever practices in the presence of any one. "

"Not even before you, Philip? Then who loads his pistol?"

"His servant. "

"A Nubian?"

"A negro. "

"It is he, then. "

"Do you know this gentleman?"

"Yes, and I am come to look for him; he is a friend of mine. "

"Oh, that is quite another thing, then. I will go immediately and informhim of your arrival. " And Philip, urged by his own curiosity, enteredthe gallery; a second afterwards, Monte Cristo appeared on thethreshold. "I ask your pardon, my dear count, " said Albert, "forfollowing you here, and I must first tell you that it was not thefault of your servants that I did so; I alone am to blame for theindiscretion. I went to your house, and they told me you were out, butthat they expected you home at ten o'clock to breakfast. I was walkingabout in order to pass away the time till ten o'clock, when I caughtsight of your carriage and horses. "

"What you have just said induces me to hope that you intend breakfastingwith me. "

"No, thank you, I am thinking of other things besides breakfastjust now; perhaps we may take that meal at a later hour and in worsecompany. "

"What on earth are you talking of?"

"I am to fight to-day. "

"For what?"

"I am going to fight"--

"Yes, I understand that, but what is the quarrel? People fight for allsorts of reasons, you know. "

"I fight in the cause of honor. "

"Ah, that is something serious. "

"So serious, that I come to beg you to render me a service. "

"What is it?"

"To be my second. "

"That is a serious matter, and we will not discuss it here; let us speakof nothing till we get home. Ali, bring me some water. " The count turnedup his sleeves, and passed into the little vestibule where the gentlemenwere accustomed to wash their hands after shooting. "Come in, my lord, "said Philip in a low tone, "and I will show you something droll. "Morcerf entered, and in place of the usual target, he saw someplaying-cards fixed against the wall. At a distance Albert thought itwas a complete suit, for he counted from the ace to the ten. "Ah, ha, "said Albert, "I see you were preparing for a game of cards. "

"No, " said the count, "I was making a suit. "

"How?" said Albert.

"Those are really aces and twos which you see, but my shots have turnedthem into threes, fives, sevens, eights, nines, and tens. " Albertapproached. In fact, the bullets had actually pierced the cards in theexact places which the painted signs would otherwise have occupied, thelines and distances being as regularly kept as if they had been ruledwith pencil. "Diable, " said Morcerf.

"What would you have, my dear viscount?" said Monte Cristo, wiping hishands on the towel which Ali had brought him; "I must occupy my leisuremoments in some way or other. But come, I am waiting for you. " Both menentered Monte Cristo's carriage, which in the course of a few minutesdeposited them safely at No. 30. Monte Cristo took Albert into hisstudy, and pointing to a seat, placed another for himself. "Now let ustalk the matter over quietly, " said the count.

"You see I am perfectly composed, " said Albert.

"With whom are you going to fight?"

"With Beauchamp. "

"One of your friends!"

"Of course; it is always with friends that one fights. "

"I suppose you have some cause of quarrel?"

"I have. "

"What has he done to you?"

"There appeared in his journal last night--but wait, and read foryourself. " And Albert handed over the paper to the count, who read asfollows:--

"A correspondent at Yanina informs us of a fact of which until now wehad remained in ignorance. The castle which formed the protection ofthe town was given up to the Turks by a French officer named Fernand, in whom the grand vizier, Ali Tepelini, had reposed the greatestconfidence. "

"Well, " said Monte Cristo, "what do you see in that to annoy you?"

"What do I see in it?"

"Yes; what does it signify to you if the castle of Yanina was given upby a French officer?"

"It signifies to my father, the Count of Morcerf, whose Christian nameis Fernand!"

"Did your father serve under Ali Pasha?"

"Yes; that is to say, he fought for the independence of the Greeks, andhence arises the calumny. "

"Oh, my dear viscount, do talk reason!"

"I do not desire to do otherwise. "

"Now, just tell me who the devil should know in France that the officerFernand and the Count of Morcerf are one and the same person? and whocares now about Yanina, which was taken as long ago as the year 1822 or1823?"

"That just shows the meanness of this slander. They have allowed allthis time to elapse, and then all of a sudden rake up events which havebeen forgotten to furnish materials for scandal, in order to tarnish thelustre of our high position. I inherit my father's name, and I do notchoose that the shadow of disgrace should darken it. I am going toBeauchamp, in whose journal this paragraph appears, and I shall insiston his retracting the assertion before two witnesses. "

"Beauchamp will never retract. "

"Then he must fight. "

"No he will not, for he will tell you, what is very true, that perhapsthere were fifty officers in the Greek army bearing the same name. "

"We will fight, nevertheless. I will efface that blot on my father'scharacter. My father, who was such a brave soldier, whose career was sobrilliant"--

"Oh, well, he will add, 'We are warranted in believing that thisFernand is not the illustrious Count of Morcerf, who also bears the sameChristian name. '"

"I am determined not to be content with anything short of an entireretractation. "

"And you intend to make him do it in the presence of two witnesses, doyou?"

"Yes. "

"You do wrong. "

"Which means, I suppose, that you refuse the service which I asked ofyou?"

"You know my theory regarding duels; I told you my opinion on thatsubject, if you remember, when we were at Rome. "

"Nevertheless, my dear count, I found you this morning engaged inan occupation but little consistent with the notions you profess toentertain. "

"Because, my dear fellow, you understand one must never be eccentric. Ifone's lot is cast among fools, it is necessary to study folly. I shallperhaps find myself one day called out by some harebrained scamp, whohas no more real cause of quarrel with me than you have with Beauchamp;he may take me to task for some foolish trifle or other, he will bringhis witnesses, or will insult me in some public place, and I am expectedto kill him for all that. "

"You admit that you would fight, then? Well, if so, why do you object tomy doing so?"

"I do not say that you ought not to fight, I only say that a duel is aserious thing, and ought not to be undertaken without due reflection. "

"Did he reflect before he insulted my father?"

"If he spoke hastily, and owns that he did so, you ought to besatisfied. "

"Ah, my dear count, you are far too indulgent. "

"And you are far too exacting. Supposing, for instance, and do not beangry at what I am going to say"--

"Well. "

"Supposing the assertion to be really true?"

"A son ought not to submit to such a stain on his father's honor. "

"Ma foi, we live in times when there is much to which we must submit. "

"That is precisely the fault of the age. "

"And do you undertake to reform it?"

"Yes, as far as I am personally concerned. "

"Well, you are indeed exacting, my dear fellow!"

"Yes, I own it. "

"Are you quite impervious to good advice?"

"Not when it comes from a friend. "

"And do you account me that title?"

"Certainly I do. "

"Well, then, before going to Beauchamp with your witnesses, seek furtherinformation on the subject. "

"From whom?"

"From Haidee. "

"Why, what can be the use of mixing a woman up in the affair?--what canshe do in it?"

"She can declare to you, for example, that your father had no handwhatever in the defeat and death of the vizier; or if by chance he had, indeed, the misfortune to"--

"I have told you, my dear count, that I would not for one moment admitof such a proposition. "

"You reject this means of information, then?"

"I do--most decidedly. "

"Then let me offer one more word of advice. "

"Do so, then, but let it be the last. "

"You do not wish to hear it, perhaps?"

"On the contrary, I request it. "

"Do not take any witnesses with you when you go to Beauchamp--visit himalone. "

"That would be contrary to all custom. "

"Your case is not an ordinary one. "

"And what is your reason for advising me to go alone?"

"Because then the affair will rest between you and Beauchamp. "

"Explain yourself. "

"I will do so. If Beauchamp be disposed to retract, you ought at leastto give him the opportunity of doing it of his own free will, --thesatisfaction to you will be the same. If, on the contrary, he refusesto do so, it will then be quite time enough to admit two strangers intoyour secret. "

"They will not be strangers, they will be friends. "

"Ah, but the friends of to-day are the enemies of to-morrow; Beauchamp, for instance. "

"So you recommend"--

"I recommend you to be prudent. "

"Then you advise me to go alone to Beauchamp?"

"I do, and I will tell you why. When you wish to obtain some concessionfrom a man's self-love, you must avoid even the appearance of wishing towound it. "

"I believe you are right. "

"I am glad of it. "

"Then I will go alone. "

"Go; but you would do better still by not going at all. "

"That is impossible. "

"Do so, then; it will be a wiser plan than the first which youproposed. "

"But if, in spite of all my precautions, I am at last obliged to fight, will you not be my second?"

"My dear viscount, " said Monte Cristo gravely, "you must have seenbefore to-day that at all times and in all places I have been at yourdisposal, but the service which you have just demanded of me is onewhich it is out of my power to render you. "

"Why?"

"Perhaps you may know at some future period, and in the mean timeI request you to excuse my declining to put you in possession of myreasons. "

"Well, I will have Franz and Chateau-Renaud; they will be the very menfor it. "

"Do so, then. "

"But if I do fight, you will surely not object to giving me a lesson ortwo in shooting and fencing?"

"That, too, is impossible. "

"What a singular being you are!--you will not interfere in anything. "

"You are right--that is the principle on which I wish to act. "

"We will say no more about it, then. Good-by, count. " Morcerf took hishat, and left the room. He found his carriage at the door, and doing hisutmost to restrain his anger he went at once to find Beauchamp, whowas in his office. It was a gloomy, dusty-looking apartment, such asjournalists' offices have always been from time immemorial. The servantannounced M. Albert de Morcerf. Beauchamp repeated the name to himself, as though he could scarcely believe that he had heard aright, and thengave orders for him to be admitted. Albert entered. Beauchamp uttered anexclamation of surprise on seeing his friend leap over and trample underfoot all the newspapers which were strewed about the room. "This way, this way, my dear Albert!" said he, holding out his hand to the youngman. "Are you out of your senses, or do you come peaceably to takebreakfast with me? Try and find a seat--there is one by that geranium, which is the only thing in the room to remind me that there are otherleaves in the world besides leaves of paper. "

"Beauchamp, " said Albert, "it is of your journal that I come to speak. "

"Indeed? What do you wish to say about it?"

"I desire that a statement contained in it should be rectified. "

"To what do you refer? But pray sit down. "

"Thank you, " said Albert, with a cold and formal bow.

"Will you now have the kindness to explain the nature of the statementwhich has displeased you?"

"An announcement has been made which implicates the honor of a member ofmy family. "

"What is it?" said Beauchamp, much surprised; "surely you must bemistaken. "

"The story sent you from Yanina. "

"Yanina?"

"Yes; really you appear to be totally ignorant of the cause which bringsme here. "

"Such is really the case, I assure you, upon my honor! Baptiste, give meyesterday's paper, " cried Beauchamp.

"Here, I have brought mine with me, " replied Albert.

Beauchamp took the paper, and read the article to which Albert pointedin an undertone. "You see it is a serious annoyance, " said Morcerf, whenBeauchamp had finished the perusal of the paragraph. "Is the officerreferred to a relation of yours, then?" demanded the journalist.

"Yes, " said Albert, blushing.

"Well, what do you wish me to do for you?" said Beauchamp mildly.

"My dear Beauchamp, I wish you to contradict this statement. " Beauchamplooked at Albert with a benevolent expression.

"Come, " said he, "this matter will want a good deal of talking over; aretractation is always a serious thing, you know. Sit down, and I willread it again. " Albert resumed his seat, and Beauchamp read, with moreattention than at first, the lines denounced by his friend. "Well, " saidAlbert in a determined tone, "you see that your paper his insulted amember of my family, and I insist on a retractation being made. "

"You insist?"

"Yes, I insist. "

"Permit me to remind you that you are not in the Chamber, my dearViscount. "

"Nor do I wish to be there, " replied the young man, rising. "I repeatthat I am determined to have the announcement of yesterday contradicted. You have known me long enough, " continued Albert, biting his lipsconvulsively, for he saw that Beauchamp's anger was beginning torise, --"you have been my friend, and therefore sufficiently intimatewith me to be aware that I am likely to maintain my resolution on thispoint. "

"If I have been your friend, Morcerf, your present manner of speakingwould almost lead me to forget that I ever bore that title. But wait amoment, do not let us get angry, or at least not yet. You are irritatedand vexed--tell me how this Fernand is related to you?"

"He is merely my father, " said Albert--"M. Fernand Mondego, Count ofMorcerf, an old soldier who has fought in twenty battles and whosehonorable scars they would denounce as badges of disgrace. "

"Is it your father?" said Beauchamp; "that is quite another thing. Thencan well understand your indignation, my dear Albert. I will look at itagain;" and he read the paragraph for the third time, laying a stresson each word as he proceeded. "But the paper nowhere identifies thisFernand with your father. "

"No; but the connection will be seen by others, and therefore I willhave the article contradicted. " At the words "I will, " Beauchampsteadily raised his eyes to Albert's countenance, and then as graduallylowering them, he remained thoughtful for a few moments. "You willretract this assertion, will you not, Beauchamp?" said Albert withincreased though stifled anger.

"Yes, " replied Beauchamp.

"Immediately?" said Albert.

"When I am convinced that the statement is false. "

"What?"

"The thing is worth looking into, and I will take pains to investigatethe matter thoroughly. "

"But what is there to investigate, sir?" said Albert, enraged beyondmeasure at Beauchamp's last remark. "If you do not believe that it is myfather, say so immediately; and if, on the contrary, you believe it tobe him, state your reasons for doing so. " Beauchamp looked at Albertwith the smile which was so peculiar to him, and which in its numerousmodifications served to express every varied emotion of his mind. "Sir, "replied he, "if you came to me with the idea of demanding satisfaction, you should have gone at once to the point, and not have entertained mewith the idle conversation to which I have been patiently listening forthe last half hour. Am I to put this construction on your visit?"

"Yes, if you will not consent to retract that infamous calumny. "

"Wait a moment--no threats, if you please, M. Fernand Mondego, Vicomtede Morcerf; I never allow them from my enemies, and therefore shall notput up with them from my friends. You insist on my contradicting thearticle relating to General Fernand, an article with which, I assure youon my word of honor, I had nothing whatever to do?"

"Yes, I insist on it, " said Albert, whose mind was beginning to getbewildered with the excitement of his feelings.

"And if I refuse to retract, you wish to fight, do you?" said Beauchampin a calm tone.

"Yes, " replied Albert, raising his voice.

"Well, " said Beauchamp, "here is my answer, my dear sir. The articlewas not inserted by me--I was not even aware of it; but you have, by thestep you have taken, called my attention to the paragraph in question, and it will remain until it shall be either contradicted or confirmed bysome one who has a right to do so. "

"Sir, " said Albert, rising, "I will do myself the honor of sending myseconds to you, and you will be kind enough to arrange with them theplace of meeting and the weapons. "

"Certainly, my dear sir. "

"And this evening, if you please, or to-morrow at the latest, we willmeet. "

"No, no, I will be on the ground at the proper time; but in my opinion(and I have a right to dictate the preliminaries, as it is I who havereceived the provocation)--in my opinion the time ought not to be yet. I know you to be well skilled in the management of the sword, while I amonly moderately so; I know, too, that you are a good marksman--there weare about equal. I know that a duel between us two would be a seriousaffair, because you are brave, and I am brave also. I do not thereforewish either to kill you, or to be killed myself without a cause. Now, Iam going to put a question to you, and one very much to the purpose too. Do you insist on this retractation so far as to kill me if I do not makeit, although I have repeated more than once, and affirmed on my honor, that I was ignorant of the thing with which you charge me, and althoughI still declare that it is impossible for any one but you to recognizethe Count of Morcerf under the name of Fernand?"

"I maintain my original resolution. "

"Very well, my dear sir; then I consent to cut throats with you. But Irequire three weeks' preparation; at the end of that time I shall comeand say to you, 'The assertion is false, and I retract it, ' or 'Theassertion is true, ' when I shall immediately draw the sword from itssheath, or the pistols from the case, whichever you please. "

"Three weeks!" cried Albert; "they will pass as slowly as threecenturies when I am all the time suffering dishonor. "

"Had you continued to remain on amicable terms with me, I should havesaid, 'Patience, my friend;' but you have constituted yourself my enemy, therefore I say, 'What does that signify to me, sir?'"

"Well, let it be three weeks then, " said Morcerf; "but remember, at theexpiration of that time no delay or subterfuge will justify you in"--

"M. Albert de Morcerf, " said Beauchamp, rising in his turn, "I cannotthrow you out of window for three weeks--that is to say, for twenty-fourdays to come--nor have you any right to split my skull open till thattime has elapsed. To-day is the 29th of August; the 21st of Septemberwill, therefore, be the conclusion of the term agreed on, and till thattime arrives--and it is the advice of a gentleman which I am about togive you--till then we will refrain from growling and barking like twodogs chained within sight of each other. " When he had concluded hisspeech, Beauchamp bowed coldly to Albert, turned his back upon him, andwent to the press-room.

Albert vented his anger on a pile of newspapers, which he sent flyingall over the office by switching them violently with his stick; afterwhich ebullition he departed--not, however, without walking severaltimes to the door of the press-room, as if he had half a mind to enter. While Albert was lashing the front of his carriage in the same mannerthat he had the newspapers which were the innocent agents of hisdiscomfiture, as he was crossing the barrier he perceived Morrel, whowas walking with a quick step and a bright eye. He was passing theChinese Baths, and appeared to have come from the direction of the PorteSaint-Martin, and to be going towards the Madeleine. "Ah, " said Morcerf, "there goes a happy man!" And it so happened Albert was not mistaken inhis opinion.