Franz had so managed his route, that during the ride to theColosseum they passed not a single ancient ruin, so that nopreliminary impression interfered to mitigate the colossalproportions of the gigantic building they came to admire.The road selected was a continuation of the Via Sistina;then by cutting off the right angle of the street in whichstands Santa Maria Maggiore and proceeding by the Via Urbanaand San Pietro in Vincoli, the travellers would findthemselves directly opposite the Colosseum. This itinerarypossessed another great advantage, - that of leaving Franzat full liberty to indulge his deep reverie upon the subjectof Signor Pastrini's story, in which his mysterious host ofMonte Cristo was so strangely mixed up. Seated with foldedarms in a corner of the carriage, he continued to ponderover the singular history he had so lately listened to, andto ask himself an interminable number of questions touchingits various circumstances without, however, arriving at asatisfactory reply to any of them. One fact more than therest brought his friend "Sinbad the Sailor" back to hisrecollection, and that was the mysterious sort of intimacythat seemed to exist between the brigands and the sailors;and Pastrini's account of Vampa's having found refuge onboard the vessels of smugglers and fishermen, reminded Franzof the two Corsican bandits he had found supping so amicablywith the crew of the little yacht, which had even deviatedfrom its course and touched at Porto-Vecchio for the solepurpose of landing them. The very name assumed by his hostof Monte Cristo and again repeated by the landlord of theHotel de Londres, abundantly proved to him that his islandfriend was playing his philanthropic part on the shores ofPiombino, Civita-Vecchio, Ostia, and Gaeta, as on those ofCorsica, Tuscany, and Spain; and further, Franz bethoughthim of having heard his singular entertainer speak both ofTunis and Palermo, proving thereby how largely his circle ofacquaintances extended.

But however the mind of the young man might be absorbed inthese reflections, they were at once dispersed at the sightof the dark frowning ruins of the stupendous Colosseum,through the various openings of which the pale moonlightplayed and flickered like the unearthly gleam from the eyesof the wandering dead. The carriage stopped near the MetaSudans; the door was opened, and the young men, eagerlyalighting, found themselves opposite a cicerone, whoappeared to have sprung up from the ground, so unexpectedwas his appearance.

The usual guide from the hotel having followed them, theyhad paid two conductors, nor is it possible, at Rome, toavoid this abundant supply of guides; besides the ordinarycicerone, who seizes upon you directly you set foot in yourhotel, and never quits you while you remain in the city,there is also a special cicerone belonging to each monument- nay, almost to each part of a monument. It may,therefore, be easily imagined there is no scarcity of guidesat the Colosseum, that wonder of all ages, which Martialthus eulogizes: "Let Memphis cease to boast the barbarousmiracles of her pyramids, and the wonders of Babylon betalked of no more among us; all must bow to the superiorityof the gigantic labor of the Caesars, and the many voices ofFame spread far and wide the surpassing merits of thisincomparable monument."

As for Albert and Franz, they essayed not to escape fromtheir ciceronian tyrants; and, indeed, it would have been somuch the more difficult to break their bondage, as theguides alone are permitted to visit these monuments withtorches in their hands. Thus, then, the young men made noattempt at resistance, but blindly and confidinglysurrendered themselves into the care and custody of theirconductors. Albert had already made seven or eight similarexcursions to the Colosseum, while his less favoredcompanion trod for the first time in his life the classicground forming the monument of Flavius Vespasian; and, tohis credit be it spoken, his mind, even amid the glibloquacity of the guides, was duly and deeply touched withawe and enthusiastic admiration of all he saw; and certainlyno adequate notion of these stupendous ruins can be formedsave by such as have visited them, and more especially bymoonlight, at which time the vast proportions of thebuilding appear twice as large when viewed by the mysteriousbeams of a southern moonlit sky, whose rays are sufficientlyclear and vivid to light the horizon with a glow equal tothe soft twilight of an eastern clime. Scarcely, therefore,had the reflective Franz walked a hundred steps beneath theinterior porticoes of the ruin, than, abandoning Albert tothe guides (who would by no means yield their prescriptiveright of carrying their victims through the routineregularly laid down, and as regularly followed by them, butdragged the unconscious visitor to the various objects witha pertinacity that admitted of no appeal, beginning, as amatter of course, with the Lions' Den, and finishing withCaesar's "Podium,"), to escape a jargon and mechanicalsurvey of the wonders by which he was surrounded, Franzascended a half-dilapidated staircase, and, leaving them tofollow their monotonous round, seated himself at the foot ofa column, and immediately opposite a large aperture, whichpermitted him to enjoy a full and undisturbed view of thegigantic dimensions of the majestic ruin.

Franz had remained for nearly a quarter of an hour perfectlyhidden by the shadow of the vast column at whose base he hadfound a resting-place, and from whence his eyes followed themotions of Albert and his guides, who, holding torches intheir hands, had emerged from a vomitarium at the oppositeextremity of the Colosseum, and then again disappeared downthe steps conducting to the seats reserved for the Vestalvirgins, resembling, as they glided along, some restlessshades following the flickering glare of so manyignes-fatui. All at once his ear caught a sound resemblingthat of a stone rolling down the staircase opposite the oneby which he had himself ascended. There was nothingremarkable in the circumstance of a fragment of granitegiving way and falling heavily below; but it seemed to himthat the substance that fell gave way beneath the pressureof a foot, and also that some one, who endeavored as much aspossible to prevent his footsteps from being heard, wasapproaching the spot where he sat. Conjecture soon becamecertainty, for the figure of a man was distinctly visible toFranz, gradually emerging from the staircase opposite, uponwhich the moon was at that moment pouring a full tide ofsilvery brightness.

The stranger thus presenting himself was probably a personwho, like Franz, preferred the enjoyment of solitude and hisown thoughts to the frivolous gabble of the guides. And hisappearance had nothing extraordinary in it; but thehesitation with which he proceeded, stopping and listeningwith anxious attention at every step he took, convincedFranz that he expected the arrival of some person. By a sortof instinctive impulse, Franz withdrew as much as possiblebehind his pillar. About ten feet from the spot where he andthe stranger were, the roof had given way, leaving a largeround opening, through which might be seen the blue vault ofheaven, thickly studded with stars. Around this opening,which had, possibly, for ages permitted a free entrance tothe brilliant moonbeams that now illumined the vast pile,grew a quantity of creeping plants, whose delicate greenbranches stood out in bold relief against the clear azure ofthe firmament, while large masses of thick, strong fibrousshoots forced their way through the chasm, and hung floatingto and fro, like so many waving strings. The person whosemysterious arrival had attracted the attention of Franzstood in a kind of half-light, that rendered it impossibleto distinguish his features, although his dress was easilymade out. He wore a large brown mantle, one fold of which,thrown over his left shoulder, served likewise to mask thelower part of his countenance, while the upper part wascompletely hidden by his broad-brimmed hat. The lower partof his dress was more distinctly visible by the bright raysof the moon, which, entering through the broken ceiling,shed their refulgent beams on feet cased in elegantly madeboots of polished leather, over which descended fashionablycut trousers of black cloth.

From the imperfect means Franz had of judging, he could onlycome to one conclusion, - that the person whom he was thuswatching certainly belonged to no inferior station of life.Some few minutes had elapsed, and the stranger began to showmanifest signs of impatience, when a slight noise was heardoutside the aperture in the roof, and almost immediately adark shadow seemed to obstruct the flood of light that hadentered it, and the figure of a man was clearly seen gazingwith eager scrutiny on the immense space beneath him; then,as his eye caught sight of him in the mantle, he grasped afloating mass of thickly matted boughs, and glided down bytheir help to within three or four feet of the ground, andthen leaped lightly on his feet. The man who had performedthis daring act with so much indifference wore theTranstevere costume. "I beg your excellency's pardon forkeeping you waiting," said the man, in the Roman dialect,"but I don't think I'm many minutes after my time, teno'clock has just struck on the Lateran."

"Say not a word about being late," replied the stranger inpurest Tuscan; "'tis I who am too soon. But even if you hadcaused me to wait a little while, I should have felt quitesure that the delay was not occasioned by any fault ofyours."

"Your excellency is perfectly right in so thinking," saidthe man; "I came here direct from the Castle of St. Angelo,and I had an immense deal of trouble before I could get achance to speak to Beppo."

"And who is Beppo?"

"Oh, Beppo is employed in the prison, and I give him so mucha year to let me know what is going on within his holiness'scastle."

"Indeed! You are a provident person, I see."

"Why, you see, no one knows what may happen. Perhaps some ofthese days I may be entrapped, like poor Peppino and may bevery glad to have some little nibbling mouse to gnaw themeshes of my net, and so help me out of prison."

"Briefly, what did you glean?"

"That two executions of considerable interest will takeplace the day after to-morrow at two o'clock, as iscustomary at Rome at the commencement of all greatfestivals. One of the culprits will be mazzolato;* he is anatrocious villain, who murdered the priest who brought himup, and deserves not the smallest pity. The other suffereris sentenced to be decapitato;** and he, your excellency, ispoor Peppino."

Knocked on the head.** Beheaded.

"The fact is, that you have inspired not only the pontificalgovernment, but also the neighboring states, with suchextreme fear, that they are glad of all opportunity ofmaking an example."

"But Peppino did not even belong to my band: he was merely apoor shepherd, whose only crime consisted in furnishing uswith provisions."

"Which makes him your accomplice to all intents andpurposes. But mark the distinction with which he is treated;instead of being knocked on the head as you would be if oncethey caught hold of you, he is simply sentenced to beguillotined, by which means, too, the amusements of the dayare diversified, and there is a spectacle to please everyspectator."

"Without reckoning the wholly unexpected one I am preparingto surprise them with."

"My good friend," said the man in the cloak, "excuse me forsaying that you seem to me precisely in the mood to commitsome wild or extravagant act."

"Perhaps I am; but one thing I have resolved on, and thatis, to stop at nothing to restore a poor devil to liberty,who has got into this scrape solely from having served me. Ishould hate and despise myself as a coward did I desert thebrave fellow in his present extremity."

"And what do you mean to do?"

"To surround the scaffold with twenty of my best men, who,at a signal from me, will rush forward directly Peppino isbrought for execution, and, by the assistance of theirstilettos, drive back the guard, and carry off theprisoner."

"That seems to me as hazardous as uncertain, and convincesme that my scheme is far better than yours."

"And what is your excellency's project?"

"Just this. I will so advantageously bestow 2,000 piastres,that the person receiving them shall obtain a respite tillnext year for Peppino; and during that year, anotherskilfully placed 1,000 piastres will afford him the means ofescaping from his prison."

"And do you feel sure of succeeding?"

"Pardieu!" exclaimed the man in the cloak, suddenlyexpressing himself in French.

"What did your excellency say?" inquired the other.

"I said, my good fellow, that I would do more single-handedby the means of gold than you and all your troop couldeffect with stilettos, pistols, carbines, and blunderbussesincluded. Leave me, then, to act, and have no fears for theresult."

"At least, there can be no harm in myself and party being inreadiness, in case your excellency should fail."

"None whatever. Take what precautions you please, if it isany satisfaction to you to do so; but rely upon my obtainingthe reprieve I seek."

"Remember, the execution is fixed for the day aftertomorrow, and that you have but one day to work in."

"And what of that? Is not a day divided into twenty-fourhours, each hour into sixty minutes, and every minutesub-divided into sixty seconds? Now in 86,400 seconds verymany things can be done."

"And how shall I know whether your excellency has succeededor not."

"Oh, that is very easily arranged. I have engaged the threelower windows at the Cafe Rospoli; should I have obtainedthe requisite pardon for Peppino, the two outside windowswill be hung with yellow damasks, and the centre with white,having a large cross in red marked on it."

"And whom will you employ to carry the reprieve to theofficer directing the execution?"

"Send one of your men, disguised as a penitent friar, and Iwill give it to him. His dress will procure him the means ofapproaching the scaffold itself, and he will deliver theofficial order to the officer, who, in his turn, will handit to the executioner; in the meantime, it will be as wellto acquaint Peppino with what we have determined on, if itbe only to prevent his dying of fear or losing his senses,because in either case a very useless expense will have beenincurred."

"Your excellency," said the man, "you are fully persuaded ofmy entire devotion to you, are you not?"

"Nay, I flatter myself that there can be no doubt of it,"replied the cavalier in the cloak.

"Well, then, only fulfil your promise of rescuing Peppino,and henceforward you shall receive not only devotion, butthe most absolute obedience from myself and those under methat one human being can render to another."

"Have a care how far you pledge yourself, my good friend,for I may remind you of your promise at some, perhaps, notvery distant period, when I, in my turn, may require youraid and influence."

"Let that day come sooner or later, your excellency willfind me what I have found you in this my heavy trouble; andif from the other end of the world you but write me word todo such or such a thing, you may regard it as done, for doneit shall be, on the word and faith of" -

"Hush!" interrupted the stranger; "I hear a noise."

"'Tis some travellers, who are visiting the Colosseum bytorchlight."

"'Twere better we should not be seen together; those guidesare nothing but spies, and might possibly recognize you;and, however I may be honored by your friendship, my worthyfriend, if once the extent of our intimacy were known, I amsadly afraid both my reputation and credit would sufferthereby."

"Well, then, if you obtain the reprieve?"

"The middle window at the Cafe Rospoli will be hung withwhite damask, bearing a red cross."

"And if you fail?"

"Then all three windows will have yellow draperies."

"And then?"

"And then, my good fellow, use your daggers in any way youplease, and I further promise you to be there as a spectatorof your prowess."

"We understand each other perfectly, then. Adieu, yourexcellency; depend upon me as firmly as I do upon you."

Saying these words, the Transteverin disappeared down thestaircase, while his companion, muffling his features moreclosely than before in the folds of his mantle, passedalmost close to Franz, and descended to the arena by anoutward flight of steps. The next minute Franz heard himselfcalled by Albert, who made the lofty building re-echo withthe sound of his friend's name. Franz, however, did not obeythe summons till he had satisfied himself that the two menwhose conversation he had overheard were at a sufficientdistance to prevent his encountering them in his descent. Inten minutes after the strangers had departed, Franz was onthe road to the Piazza de Spagni, listening with studiedindifference to the learned dissertation delivered byAlbert, after the manner of Pliny and Calpurnius, touchingthe iron-pointed nets used to prevent the ferocious beastsfrom springing on the spectators. Franz let him proceedwithout interruption, and, in fact, did not hear what wassaid; he longed to be alone, and free to ponder over allthat had occurred. One of the two men, whose mysteriousmeeting in the Colosseum he had so unintentionallywitnessed, was an entire stranger to him, but not so theother; and though Franz had been unable to distinguish hisfeatures, from his being either wrapped in his mantle orobscured by the shadow, the tones of his voice had made toopowerful an impression on him the first time he had heardthem for him ever again to forget them, hear them when orwhere he might. It was more especially when this man wasspeaking in a manner half jesting, half bitter, that Franz'sear recalled most vividly the deep sonorous, yetwell-pitched voice that had addressed him in the grotto ofMonte Cristo, and which he heard for the second time amidthe darkness and ruined grandeur of the Colosseum. And themore he thought, the more entire was his conviction, thatthe person who wore the mantle was no other than his formerhost and entertainer, "Sinbad the Sailor."

Under any other circumstances, Franz would have found itimpossible to resist his extreme curiosity to know more ofso singular a personage, and with that intent have sought torenew their short acquaintance; but in the present instance,the confidential nature of the conversation he had overheardmade him, with propriety, judge that his appearance at sucha time would be anything but agreeable. As we have seen,therefore, he permitted his former host to retire withoutattempting a recognition, but fully promising himself a richindemnity for his present forbearance should chance affordhim another opportunity. In vain did Franz endeavor toforget the many perplexing thoughts which assailed him; invain did he court the refreshment of sleep. Slumber refusedto visit his eyelids and the night was passed in feverishcontemplation of the chain of circumstances tending to provethe identity of the mysterious visitant to the Colosseumwith the inhabitant of the grotto of Monte Cristo; and themore he thought, the firmer grew his opinion on the subject.Worn out at length, he fell asleep at daybreak, and did notawake till late. Like a genuine Frenchman, Albert hademployed his time in arranging for the evening's diversion;he had sent to engage a box at the Teatro Argentino; andFranz, having a number of letters to write, relinquished thecarriage to Albert for the whole of the day. At five o'clockAlbert returned, delighted with his day's work; he had beenoccupied in leaving his letters of introduction, and hadreceived in return more invitations to balls and routs thanit would be possible for him to accept; besides this, he hadseen (as he called it) all the remarkable sights at Rome.Yes, in a single day he had accomplished what his moreserious-minded companion would have taken weeks to effect.Neither had he neglected to ascertain the name of the pieceto be played that night at the Teatro Argentino, and alsowhat performers appeared in it.

The opera of "Parisina" was announced for representation,and the principal actors were Coselli, Moriani, and LaSpecchia. The young men, therefore, had reason to considerthemselves fortunate in having the opportunity of hearingone of the best works by the composer of "Lucia diLammermoor," supported by three of the most renownedvocalists of Italy. Albert had never been able to endure theItalian theatres, with their orchestras from which it isimpossible to see, and the absence of balconies, or openboxes; all these defects pressed hard on a man who had hadhis stall at the Bouffes, and had shared a lower box at theOpera. Still, in spite of this, Albert displayed his mostdazzling and effective costumes each time he visited thetheatres; but, alas, his elegant toilet was wholly thrownaway, and one of the most worthy representatives of Parisianfashion had to carry with him the mortifying reflection thathe had nearly overrun Italy without meeting with a singleadventure.

Sometimes Albert would affect to make a joke of his want ofsuccess; but internally he was deeply wounded, and hisself-love immensely piqued, to think that Albert de Morcerf,the most admired and most sought after of any young personof his day, should thus be passed over, and merely have hislabor for his pains. And the thing was so much the moreannoying, as, according to the characteristic modesty of aFrenchman, Albert had quitted Paris with the full convictionthat he had only to show himself in Italy to carry allbefore him, and that upon his return he should astonish theParisian world with the recital of his numerouslove-affairs. Alas, poor Albert! none of those interestingadventures fell in his way; the lovely Genoese, Florentines,and Neapolitans were all faithful, if not to their husbands,at least to their lovers, and thought not of changing evenfor the splendid appearance of Albert de Morcerf; and all hegained was the painful conviction that the ladies of Italyhave this advantage over those of France, that they arefaithful even in their infidelity. Yet he could not restraina hope that in Italy, as elsewhere, there might be anexception to the general rule. Albert, besides being anelegant, well-looking young man, was also possessed ofconsiderable talent and ability; moreover, he was a viscount- a recently created one, certainly, but in the present dayit is not necessary to go as far back as Noah in tracing adescent, and a genealogical tree is equally estimated,whether dated from 1399 or merely 1815; but to crown allthese advantages, Albert de Morcerf commanded an income of50,000 livres, a more than sufficient sum to render him apersonage of considerable importance in Paris. It wastherefore no small mortification to him to have visited mostof the principal cities in Italy without having excited themost trifling observation. Albert, however, hoped toindemnify himself for all these slights and indifferencesduring the Carnival, knowing full well that among thedifferent states and kingdoms in which this festivity iscelebrated, Rome is the spot where even the wisest andgravest throw off the usual rigidity of their lives, anddeign to mingle in the follies of this time of liberty andrelaxation.

The Carnival was to commence on the morrow; therefore Alberthad not an instant to lose in setting forth the programme ofhis hopes, expectations, and claims to notice. With thisdesign he had engaged a box in the most conspicuous part ofthe theatre, and exerted himself to set off his personalattractions by the aid of the most rich and elaboratetoilet. The box taken by Albert was in the first circle;although each of the three tiers of boxes is deemed equallyaristocratic, and is, for this reason, generally styled the"nobility's boxes," and although the box engaged for the twofriends was sufficiently capacious to contain at least adozen persons, it had cost less than would be paid at someof the French theatres for one admitting merely fouroccupants. Another motive had influenced Albert's selectionof his seat, - who knew but that, thus advantageouslyplaced, he might not in truth attract the notice of somefair Roman, and an introduction might ensue that wouldprocure him the offer of a seat in a carriage, or a place ina princely balcony, from which he might behold the gayetiesof the Carnival? These united considerations made Albertmore lively and anxious to please than he had hitherto been.Totally disregarding the business of the stage, he leanedfrom his box and began attentively scrutinizing the beautyof each pretty woman, aided by a powerful opera-glass; but,alas, this attempt to attract notice wholly failed; not evencuriosity had been excited, and it was but too apparent thatthe lovely creatures, into whose good graces he was desirousof stealing, were all so much engrossed with themselves,their lovers, or their own thoughts, that they had not somuch as noticed him or the manipulation of his glass.

The truth was, that the anticipated pleasures of theCarnival, with the "holy week" that was to succeed it, sofilled every fair breast, as to prevent the least attentionbeing bestowed even on the business of the stage. The actorsmade their entries and exits unobserved or unthought of; atcertain conventional moments, the spectators would suddenlycease their conversation, or rouse themselves from theirmusings, to listen to some brilliant effort of Moriani's, awell-executed recitative by Coselli, or to join in loudapplause at the wonderful powers of La Specchia; but thatmomentary excitement over, they quickly relapsed into theirformer state of preoccupation or interesting conversation.Towards the close of the first act, the door of a box whichhad been hitherto vacant was opened; a lady entered to whomFranz had been introduced in Paris, where indeed, he hadimagined she still was. The quick eye of Albert caught theinvoluntary start with which his friend beheld the newarrival, and, turning to him, he said hastily, "Do you knowthe woman who has just entered that box?"

"Yes; what do you think of her?"

"Oh, she is perfectly lovely - what a complexion! And suchmagnificent hair! Is she French?"

"No; a Venetian."

"And her name is - "

"Countess G - - ."

"Ah, I know her by name!" exclaimed Albert; "she is said topossess as much wit and cleverness as beauty. I was to havebeen presented to her when I met her at Madame Villefort'sball."

"Shall I assist you in repairing your negligence?" askedFranz.

"My dear fellow, are you really on such good terms with heras to venture to take me to her box?"

"Why, I have only had the honor of being in her society andconversing with her three or four times in my life; but youknow that even such an acquaintance as that might warrant mydoing what you ask." At that instant, the countess perceivedFranz, and graciously waved her hand to him, to which hereplied by a respectful inclination of the head. "Upon myword," said Albert, "you seem to be on excellent terms withthe beautiful countess."

"You are mistaken in thinking so," returned Franz calmly;"but you merely fall into the same error which leads so manyof our countrymen to commit the most egregious blunders, - I mean that of judging the habits and customs of Italy andSpain by our Parisian notions; believe me, nothing is morefallacious than to form any estimate of the degree ofintimacy you may suppose existing among persons by thefamiliar terms they seem upon; there is a similarity offeeling at this instant between ourselves and the countess- nothing more."

"Is there, indeed, my good fellow? Pray tell me, is itsympathy of heart?"

"No; of taste," continued Franz gravely.

"And in what manner has this congeniality of mind beenevinced?"

"By the countess's visiting the Colosseum, as we did lastnight, by moonlight, and nearly alone."

"You were with her, then?"

"I was."

"And what did you say to her?"

"Oh, we talked of the illustrious dead of whom thatmagnificent ruin is a glorious monument!"

"Upon my word," cried Albert, "you must have been a veryentertaining companion alone, or all but alone, with abeautiful woman in such a place of sentiment as theColosseum, and yet to find nothing better to talk about thanthe dead! All I can say is, if ever I should get such achance, the living should be my theme."

"And you will probably find your theme ill-chosen."

"But," said Albert, breaking in upon his discourse, "nevermind the past; let us only remember the present. Are you notgoing to keep your promise of introducing me to the fairsubject of our remarks?"

"Certainly, directly the curtain falls on the stage."

"What a confounded time this first act takes. I believe, onmy soul, that they never mean to finish it."

"Oh, yes, they will; only listen to that charming finale.How exquisitely Coselli sings his part."

"But what an awkward, inelegant fellow he is."

"Well, then, what do you say to La Specchia? Did you eversee anything more perfect than her acting?"

"Why, you know, my dear fellow, when one has been accustomedto Malibran and Sontag, such singers as these don't make thesame impression on you they perhaps do on others."

"At least, you must admire Moriani's style and execution."

"I never fancied men of his dark, ponderous appearancesinging with a voice like a woman's."

"My good friend," said Franz, turning to him, while Albertcontinued to point his glass at every box in the theatre,"you seem determined not to approve; you are really toodifficult to please." The curtain at length fell on theperformances, to the infinite satisfaction of the Viscountof Morcerf, who seized his hat, rapidly passed his fingersthrough his hair, arranged his cravat and wristbands, andsignified to Franz that he was waiting for him to lead theway. Franz, who had mutely interrogated the countess, andreceived from her a gracious smile in token that he would bewelcome, sought not to retard the gratification of Albert'seager impatience, but began at once the tour of the house,closely followed by Albert, who availed himself of the fewminutes required to reach the opposite side of the theatreto settle the height and smoothness of his collar, and toarrange the lappets of his coat. This important task wasjust completed as they arrived at the countess's box. At theknock, the door was immediately opened, and the young manwho was seated beside the countess, in obedience to theItalian custom, instantly rose and surrendered his place tothe strangers, who, in turn, would be expected to retireupon the arrival of other visitors.

Franz presented Albert as one of the most distinguishedyoung men of the day, both as regarded his position insociety and extraordinary talents; nor did he say more thanthe truth, for in Paris and the circle in which the viscountmoved, he was looked upon and cited as a model ofperfection. Franz added that his companion, deeply grievedat having been prevented the honor of being presented to thecountess during her sojourn in Paris, was most anxious tomake up for it, and had requested him (Franz) to remedy thepast misfortune by conducting him to her box, and concludedby asking pardon for his presumption in having taken it uponhimself to do so. The countess, in reply, bowed gracefullyto Albert, and extended her hand with cordial kindness toFranz; then, inviting Albert to take the vacant seat besideher, she recommended Franz to take the next best, if hewished to view the ballet, and pointed to the one behind herown chair. Albert was soon deeply engrossed in discoursingupon Paris and Parisian matters, speaking to the countess ofthe various persons they both knew there. Franz perceivedhow completely he was in his element; and, unwilling tointerfere with the pleasure he so evidently felt, took upAlbert's glass, and began in his turn to survey theaudience. Sitting alone, in the front of a box immediatelyopposite, but situated on the third row, was a woman ofexquisite beauty, dressed in a Greek costume, whichevidently, from the ease and grace with which she wore it,was her national attire. Behind her, but in deep shadow, wasthe outline of a masculine figure; but the features of thislatter personage it was not possible to distinguish. Franzcould not forbear breaking in upon the apparentlyinteresting conversation passing between the countess andAlbert, to inquire of the former if she knew who was thefair Albanian opposite, since beauty such as hers was wellworthy of being observed by either sex. "All I can tellabout her," replied the countess, "is, that she has been atRome since the beginning of the season; for I saw her whereshe now sits the very first night of the season, and sincethen she has never missed a performance. Sometimes she isaccompanied by the person who is now with her, and at othersshe is merely attended by a black servant."

"And what do you think of her personal appearance?"

"Oh, I consider her perfectly lovely - she is just my ideaof what Medora must have been."

Franz and the countess exchanged a smile, and then thelatter resumed her conversation with Albert, while Franzreturned to his previous survey of the house and company.The curtain rose on the ballet, which was one of thoseexcellent specimens of the Italian school, admirablyarranged and put on the stage by Henri, who has establishedfor himself a great reputation throughout Italy for histaste and skill in the choregraphic art - one of thosemasterly productions of grace, method, and elegance in whichthe whole corps de ballet, from the principal dancers to thehumblest supernumerary, are all engaged on the stage at thesame time; and a hundred and fifty persons may be seenexhibiting the same attitude, or elevating the same arm orleg with a simultaneous movement, that would lead you tosuppose that but one mind, one act of volition, influencedthe moving mass - the ballet was called "Poliska." Howevermuch the ballet might have claimed his attention, Franz wastoo deeply occupied with the beautiful Greek to take anynote of it; while she seemed to experience an almostchildlike delight in watching it, her eager, animated lookscontrasting strongly with the utter indifference of hercompanion, who, during the whole time the piece lasted,never even moved, not even when the furious, crashing dinproduced by the trumpets, cymbals, and Chinese bells soundedtheir loudest from the orchestra. Of this he took no heed,but was, as far as appearances might be trusted, enjoyingsoft repose and bright celestial dreams. The ballet atlength came to a close, and the curtain fell amid the loud,unanimous plaudits of an enthusiastic and delightedaudience.

Owing to the very judicious plan of dividing the two acts ofthe opera with a ballet, the pauses between the performancesare very short, the singers in the opera having time torepose themselves and change their costume, when necessary,while the dancers are executing their pirouettes andexhibiting their graceful steps. The overture to the secondact began; and, at the first sound of the leader's bowacross his violin, Franz observed the sleeper slowly ariseand approach the Greek girl, who turned around to say a fewwords to him, and then, leaning forward again on the railingof her box, she became as absorbed as before in what wasgoing on. The countenance of the person who had addressedher remained so completely in the shade, that, though Franztried his utmost, he could not distinguish a single feature.The curtain rose, and the attention of Franz was attractedby the actors; and his eyes turned from the box containingthe Greek girl and her strange companion to watch thebusiness of the stage.

Most of my readers are aware that the second act of"Parisina" opens with the celebrated and effective duet inwhich Parisina, while sleeping, betrays to Azzo the secretof her love for Ugo. The injured husband goes through allthe emotions of jealousy, until conviction seizes on hismind, and then, in a frenzy of rage and indignation, heawakens his guilty wife to tell her that he knows her guiltand to threaten her with his vengeance. This duet is one ofthe most beautiful, expressive and terrible conceptions thathas ever emanated from the fruitful pen of Donizetti. Franznow listened to it for the third time; yet it's notes, sotenderly expressive and fearfully grand as the wretchedhusband and wife give vent to their different griefs andpassions, thrilled through the soul of Franz with an effectequal to his first emotions upon hearing it. Excited beyondhis usual calm demeanor, Franz rose with the audience, andwas about to join the loud, enthusiastic applause thatfollowed; but suddenly his purpose was arrested, his handsfell by his sides, and the half-uttered "bravos" expired onhis lips. The occupant of the box in which the Greek girlsat appeared to share the universal admiration thatprevailed; for he left his seat to stand up in front, sothat, his countenance being fully revealed, Franz had nodifficulty in recognizing him as the mysterious inhabitantof Monte Cristo, and the very same person he had encounteredthe preceding evening in the ruins of the Colosseum, andwhose voice and figure had seemed so familiar to him. Alldoubt of his identity was now at an end; his singular hostevidently resided at Rome. The surprise and agitationoccasioned by this full confirmation of Franz's formersuspicion had no doubt imparted a corresponding expressionto his features; for the countess, after gazing with apuzzled look at his face, burst into a fit of laughter, andbegged to know what had happened. "Countess," returnedFranz, totally unheeding her raillery, "I asked you a shorttime since if you knew any particulars respecting theAlbanian lady opposite; I must now beseech you to inform mewho and what is her husband?"

"Nay," answered the countess, "I know no more of him thanyourself."

"Perhaps you never before noticed him?"

"What a question - so truly French! Do you not know that weItalians have eyes only for the man we love?"

"True," replied Franz.

"All I call say is," continued the countess, taking up thelorgnette, and directing it toward the box in question,"that the gentleman, whose history I am unable to furnish,seems to me as though he had just been dug up; he looks morelike a corpse permitted by some friendly grave-digger toquit his tomb for a while, and revisit this earth of ours,than anything human. How ghastly pale he is!"

"Oh, he is always as colorless as you now see him," saidFranz.

"Then you know him?" almost screamed the countess. "Oh, praydo, for heaven's sake, tell us all about - is he a vampire,or a resuscitated corpse, or what?"

"I fancy I have seen him before; and I even think herecognizes me."

"And I can well understand," said the countess, shrugging upher beautiful shoulders, as though an involuntary shudderpassed through her veins, "that those who have once seenthat man will never be likely to forget him." The sensationexperienced by Franz was evidently not peculiar to himself;another, and wholly uninterested person, felt the sameunaccountable awe and misgiving. "Well." inquired Franz,after the countess had a second time directed her lorgnetteat the box, "what do you think of our opposite neighbor?"

"Why, that he is no other than Lord Ruthven himself in aliving form." This fresh allusion to Byron* drew a smile toFranz's countenance; although he could but allow that ifanything was likely to induce belief in the existence ofvampires, it would be the presence of such a man as themysterious personage before him.

"I must positively find out who and what he is," said Franz,rising from his seat.

"No, no," cried the countess; "you must not leave me. Idepend upon you to escort me home. Oh, indeed, I cannotpermit you to go."

Scott, of course: "The son of an ill-fated sire, and thefather of a yet more unfortunate family, bore in his looksthat cast of inauspicious melancholy by which thephysiognomists of that time pretended to distinguish thosewho were predestined to a violent and unhappy death." - TheAbbot, ch. xxii.

"Is it possible," whispered Franz, "that you entertain anyfear?"

"I'll tell you," answered the countess. "Byron had the mostperfect belief in the existence of vampires, and evenassured me that he had seen them. The description he gave meperfectly corresponds with the features and character of theman before us. Oh, he is the exact personification of what Ihave been led to expect! The coal-black hair, large bright,glittering eyes, in which a wild, unearthly fire seemsburning, - the same ghastly paleness. Then observe, too,that the woman with him is altogether unlike all others ofher sex. She is a foreigner - a stranger. Nobody knows whoshe is, or where she comes from. No doubt she belongs to thesame horrible race he does, and is, like himself, a dealerin magical arts. I entreat of you not to go near him - atleast to-night; and if to-morrow your curiosity stillcontinues as great, pursue your researches if you will; butto-night you neither can nor shall. For that purpose I meanto keep you all to myself." Franz protested he could notdefer his pursuit till the following day, for many reasons."Listen to me," said the countess, "and do not be so veryheadstrong. I am going home. I have a party at my houseto-night, and therefore cannot possibly remain till the endof the opera. Now, I cannot for one instant believe you sodevoid of gallantry as to refuse a lady your escort when sheeven condescends to ask you for it."

There was nothing else left for Franz to do but to take uphis hat, open the door of the box, and offer the countesshis arm. It was quite evident, by her manner, that heruneasiness was not feigned; and Franz himself could notresist a feeling of superstitious dread - so much thestronger in him, as it arose from a variety of corroborativerecollections, while the terror of the countess sprang froman instinctive belief, originally created in her mind by thewild tales she had listened to till she believed themtruths. Franz could even feel her arm tremble as he assistedher into the carriage. Upon arriving at her hotel, Franzperceived that she had deceived him when she spoke ofexpecting company; on the contrary, her own return beforethe appointed hour seemed greatly to astonish the servants."Excuse my little subterfuge," said the countess, in replyto her companion's half-reproachful observation on thesubject; "but that horrid man had made me feel quiteuncomfortable, and I longed to be alone, that I mightcompose my startled mind." Franz essayed to smile. "Nay,"said she, "do not smile; it ill accords with the expressionof your countenance, and I am sure it does not spring fromyour heart. however, promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"Promise me, I say."

"I will do anything you desire, except relinquish mydetermination of finding out who this man is. I have morereasons than you can imagine for desiring to know who he is,from whence he came, and whither he is going."

"Where he comes from I am ignorant; but I can readily tellyou where he is going to, and that is down below, withoutthe least doubt."

"Let us only speak of the promise you wished me to make,"said Franz.

"Well, then, you must give me your word to returnimmediately to your hotel, and make no attempt to followthis man to-night. There are certain affinities between thepersons we quit and those we meet afterwards. For heaven'ssake, do not serve as a conductor between that man and me.Pursue your chase after him to-morrow as eagerly as youplease; but never bring him near me, if you would not see medie of terror. And now, good-night; go to your rooms, andtry to sleep away all recollections of this evening. For myown part, I am quite sure I shall not be able to close myeyes." So saying, the countess quitted Franz, leaving himunable to decide whether she were merely amusing herself athis expense, or whether her fears and agitations weregenuine.

Upon his return to the hotel, Franz found Albert in hisdressing-gown and slippers, listlessly extended on a sofa,smoking a cigar. "My dear fellow." cried he, springing up,"is it really you? Why, I did not expect to see you beforeto-morrow."

"My dear Albert," replied Franz, "I am glad of thisopportunity to tell you, once and forever, that youentertain a most erroneous notion concerning Italian women.I should have thought the continual failures you have metwith in all your own love affairs might have taught youbetter by this time."

"Upon my soul, these women would puzzle the very Devil toread them aright. Why, here - they give you their hand - they press yours in return - they keep up a whisperingconversation - permit you to accompany them home. Why, if aParisian were to indulge in a quarter of these marks offlattering attention, her reputation would be gone forever."

"And the very reason why the women of this fine country putso little restraint on their words and actions, is becausethey live so much in public, and have really nothing toconceal. Besides, you must have perceived that the countesswas really alarmed."

"At what? At the sight of that respectable gentleman sittingopposite to us in the same box with the lovely Greek girl?Now, for my part, I met them in the lobby after theconclusion of the piece; and hang me, if I can guess whereyou took your notions of the other world from. I can assureyou that this hobgoblin of yours is a deuced fine-lookingfellow - admirably dressed. Indeed, I feel quite sure, fromthe cut of his clothes, they are made by a first-rate Paristailor - probably Blin or Humann. He was rather too pale,certainly; but then, you know, paleness is always lookedupon as a strong proof of aristocratic descent anddistinguished breeding." Franz smiled; for he wellremembered that Albert particularly prided himself on theentire absence of color in his own complexion.

"Well, that tends to confirm my own ideas," said Franz,"that the countess's suspicions were destitute alike ofsense and reason. Did he speak in your hearing? and did youcatch any of his words?"

"I did; but they were uttered in the Romaic dialect. I knewthat from the mixture of Greek words. I don't know whether Iever told you that when I was at college I was rather - rather strong in Greek."

"He spoke the Romaic language, did he?"

"I think so."

"That settles it," murmured Franz. "'Tis he, past alldoubt."

"What do you say?"

"Nothing, nothing. But tell me, what were you thinking aboutwhen I came in?"

"Oh, I was arranging a little surprise for you."

"Indeed. Of what nature?"

"Why, you know it is quite impossible to procure acarriage."

"Certainly; and I also know that we have done all that humanmeans afforded to endeavor to get one."

"Now, then, in this difficulty a bright idea has flashedacross my brain." Franz looked at Albert as though he hadnot much confidence in the suggestions of his imagination."I tell you what, Sir Franz," cried Albert, "you deserve tobe called out for such a misgiving and incredulous glance asthat you were pleased to bestow on me just now."

"And I promise to give you the satisfaction of a gentlemanif your scheme turns out as ingenious as you assert."

"Well, then, hearken to me."

"I listen."

"You agree, do you not, that obtaining a carriage is out ofthe question?"

"I do."

"Neither can we procure horses?"

"True; we have offered any sum, but have failed."

"Well, now, what do you say to a cart? I dare say such athing might be had."

"Very possibly."

"And a pair of oxen?"

"As easily found as the cart."

"Then you see, my good fellow, with a cart and a couple ofoxen our business can be managed. The cart must betastefully ornamented; and if you and I dress ourselves asNeapolitan reapers, we may get up a striking tableau, afterthe manner of that splendid picture by Leopold Robert. Itwould add greatly to the effect if the countess would joinus in the costume of a peasant from Puzzoli or Sorrento. Ourgroup would then be quite complete, more especially as thecountess is quite beautiful enough to represent a madonna."

"Well," said Franz, "this time, Albert, I am bound to giveyou credit for having hit upon a most capital idea."

"And quite a national one, too," replied Albert withgratified pride. "A mere masque borrowed from our ownfestivities. Ha, ha, ye Romans! you thought to make us,unhappy strangers, trot at the heels of your processions,like so many lazzaroni, because no carriages or horses areto be had in your beggarly city. But you don't know us; whenwe can't have one thing we invent another."

"And have you communicated your triumphant idea to anybody?"

"Only to our host. Upon my return home I sent for him, and Ithen explained to him what I wished to procure. He assuredme that nothing would be easier than to furnish all Idesired. One thing I was sorry for; when I bade him have thehorns of the oxen gilded, he told me there would not betime, as it would require three days to do that; so you seewe must do without this little superfluity."

"And where is he now?"

"Who?"

"Our host."

"Gone out in search of our equipage, by to-morrow it mightbe too late."

"Then he will be able to give us an answer to-night."

"Oh, I expect him every minute." At this instant the dooropened, and the head of Signor Pastrini appeared."Permesso?" inquired he.

"Certainly - certainly," cried Franz. "Come in, mine host."

"Now, then," asked Albert eagerly, "have you found thedesired cart and oxen?"

"Better than that!" replied Signor Pastrini, with the air ofa man perfectly well satisfied with himself.

"Take care, my worthy host," said Albert, "better is a sureenemy to well."

"Let your excellencies only leave the matter to me,"returned Signor Pastrini in a tone indicative of unboundedself-confidence.

"But what have you done?" asked Franz. "Speak out, there's aworthy fellow."

"Your excellencies are aware," responded the landlord,swelling with importance, "that the Count of Monte Cristo isliving on the same floor with yourselves!"

"I should think we did know it," exclaimed Albert, "since itis owing to that circumstance that we are packed into thesesmall rooms, like two poor students in the back streets ofParis."

"When, then, the Count of Monte Cristo, hearing of thedilemma in which you are placed, has sent to offer you seatsin his carriage and two places at his windows in the PalazzoRospoli." The friends looked at each other with unutterablesurprise.

"But do you think," asked Albert, "that we ought to acceptsuch offers from a perfect stranger?"

"What sort of person is this Count of Monte Cristo?" askedFranz of his host. "A very great nobleman, but whetherMaltese or Sicilian I cannot exactly say; but this I know,that he is noble as a Borghese and rich as a gold-mine."

"It seems to me," said Franz, speaking in an undertone toAlbert, "that if this person merited the high panegyrics ofour landlord, he would have conveyed his invitation throughanother channel, and not permitted it to be brought to us inthis unceremonious way. He would have written - or" -

At this instant some one knocked at the door. "Come in,"said Franz. A servant, wearing a livery of considerablestyle and richness, appeared at the threshold, and, placingtwo cards in the landlord's hands, who forthwith presentedthem to the two young men, he said, "Please to deliverthese, from the Count of Monte Cristo to Viscomte Albert deMorcerf and M. Franz d'Epinay. The Count of Monte Cristo,"continued the servant, "begs these gentlemen's permission towait upon them as their neighbor, and he will be honored byan intimation of what time they will please to receive him."

"Faith, Franz," whispered Albert, "there is not much to findfault with here."

"Tell the count," replied Franz, "that we will do ourselvesthe pleasure of calling on him." The servant bowed andretired.

"That is what I call an elegant mode of attack," saidAlbert, "You were quite correct in what you said, SignorPastrini. The Count of Monte Cristo is unquestionably a manof first-rate breeding and knowledge of the world."

"Then you accept his offer?" said the host.

"Of course we do," replied Albert. "Still, I must own I amsorry to be obliged to give up the cart and the group ofreapers - it would have produced such an effect! And wereit not for the windows at the Palazzo Rospoli, by way ofrecompense for the loss of our beautiful scheme, I don'tknow but what I should have held on by my original plan.What say you, Franz?"

"Oh, I agree with you; the windows in the Palazzo Rospolialone decided me." The truth was, that the mention of twoplaces in the Palazzo Rospoli had recalled to Franz theconversation he had overheard the preceding evening in theruins of the Colosseum between the mysterious unknown andthe Transteverin, in which the stranger in the cloak hadundertaken to obtain the freedom of a condemned criminal;and if this muffled-up individual proved (as Franz felt surehe would) the same as the person he had just seen in theTeatro Argentino, then he should be able to establish hisidentity, and also to prosecute his researches respectinghim with perfect facility and freedom. Franz passed thenight in confused dreams respecting the two meetings he hadalready had with his mysterious tormentor, and in wakingspeculations as to what the morrow would produce. The nextday must clear up every doubt; and unless his near neighborand would-be friend, the Count of Monte Cristo, possessedthe ring of Gyges, and by its power was able to renderhimself invisible, it was very certain he could not escapethis time. Eight o'clock found Franz up and dressed, whileAlbert, who had not the same motives for early rising, wasstill soundly asleep. The first act of Franz was to summonhis landlord, who presented himself with his accustomedobsequiousness.

"Pray, Signor Pastrini," asked Franz, "is not some executionappointed to take place to-day?"

"Yes, your excellency; but if your reason for inquiry isthat you may procure a window to view it from, you are muchtoo late."

"Oh, no," answered Franz, "I had no such intention; and evenif I had felt a wish to witness the spectacle, I might havedone so from Monte Pincio - could I not?"

"Ah!" exclaimed mine host, "I did not think it likely yourexcellency would have chosen to mingle with such a rabble asare always collected on that hill, which, indeed, theyconsider as exclusively belonging to themselves."

"Very possibly I may not go," answered Franz; "but in case Ifeel disposed, give me some particulars of to-day'sexecutions."

"What particulars would your excellency like to hear?"

"Why, the number of persons condemned to suffer, theirnames, and description of the death they are to die."

"That happens just lucky, your excellency! Only a fewminutes ago they brought me the tavolettas."

"What are they?"

"Sort of wooden tablets hung up at the corners of streetsthe evening before an execution, on which is pasted up apaper containing the names of the condemned persons, theircrimes, and mode of punishment. The reason for so publiclyannouncing all this is, that all good and faithful Catholicsmay offer up their prayers for the unfortunate culprits,and, above all, beseech of heaven to grant them a sincererepentance."

"And these tablets are brought to you that you may add yourprayers to those of the faithful, are they?" asked Franzsomewhat incredulously.

"Oh, dear, no, your excellency! I have not time foranybody's affairs but my own and those of my honorableguests; but I make an agreement with the man who pastes upthe papers, and he brings them to me as he would theplaybills, that in case any person staying at my hotelshould like to witness an execution, he may obtain everyrequisite information concerning the time and place etc."

"Upon my word, that is a most delicate attention on yourpart, Signor Pastrini," cried Franz.

"Why, your excellency," returned the landlord, chuckling andrubbing his hands with infinite complacency, "I think I maytake upon myself to say I neglect nothing to deserve thesupport and patronage of the noble visitors to this poorhotel."

"I see that plainly enough, my most excellent host, and youmay rely upon me to proclaim so striking a proof of yourattention to your guests wherever I go. Meanwhile, oblige meby a sight of one of these tavolettas."

"Nothing can be easier than to comply with your excellency'swish," said the landlord, opening the door of the chamber;"I have caused one to be placed on the landing, close byyour apartment." Then, taking the tablet from the wall, hehanded it to Franz, who read as follows: -

"`The public is informed that on Wednesday, February 23d,being the first day of the Carnival, executions will takeplace in the Piazza del Popolo, by order of the Tribunal ofthe Rota, of two persons, named Andrea Rondola, and Peppino,otherwise called Rocca Priori; the former found guilty ofthe murder of a venerable and exemplary priest, named DonCesare Torlini, canon of the church of St. John Lateran; andthe latter convicted of being an accomplice of the atrociousand sanguinary bandit, Luigi Vampa, and his band. Thefirst-named malefactor will be subjected to the mazzuola,the second culprit beheaded. The prayers of all goodChristians are entreated for these unfortunate men, that itmay please God to awaken them to a sense of their guilt, andto grant them a hearty and sincere repentance for theircrimes.'"

This was precisely what Franz had heard the evening beforein the ruins of the Colosseum. No part of the programmediffered, - the names of the condemned persons, theircrimes, and mode of punishment, all agreed with his previousinformation. In all probability, therefore, the Transteverinwas no other than the bandit Luigi Vampa himself, and theman shrouded in the mantle the same he had known as "Sinbadthe Sailor," but who, no doubt, was still pursuing hisphilanthropic expedition in Rome, as he had already done atPorto-Vecchio and Tunis. Time was getting on, however, andFranz deemed it advisable to awaken Albert; but at themoment he prepared to proceed to his chamber, his friendentered the room in perfect costume for the day. Theanticipated delights of the Carnival had so run in his headas to make him leave his pillow long before his usual hour."Now, my excellent Signor Pastrini," said Franz, addressinghis landlord, "since we are both ready, do you think we mayproceed at once to visit the Count of Monte Cristo?"

"Most assuredly," replied he. "The Count of Monte Cristo isalways an early riser; and I can answer for his having beenup these two hours."

"Then you really consider we shall not be intruding if wepay our respects to him directly?"

"Oh, I am quite sure. I will take all the blame on myself ifyou find I have led you into an error."

"Well, then, if it be so, are you ready, Albert?"

"Perfectly."

"Let us go and return our best thanks for his courtesy."

"Yes, let us do so." The landlord preceded the friendsacross the landing, which was all that separated them fromthe apartments of the count, rang at the bell, and, upon thedoor being opened by a servant, said, "I signori Francesi."

The domestic bowed respectfully, and invited them to enter.They passed through two rooms, furnished in a luxuriousmanner they had not expected to see under the roof of SignorPastrini, and were shown into an elegantly fitted-updrawing-room. The richest Turkey carpets covered the floor,and the softest and most inviting couches, easy-chairs, andsofas, offered their high-piled and yielding cushions tosuch as desired repose or refreshment. Splendid paintings bythe first masters were ranged against the walls,intermingled with magnificent trophies of war, while heavycurtains of costly tapestry were suspended before thedifferent doors of the room. "If your excellencies willplease to be seated," said the man, "I will let the countknow that you are here."

And with these words he disappeared behind one of thetapestried portieres. As the door opened, the sound of aguzla reached the ears of the young men, but was almostimmediately lost, for the rapid closing of the door merelyallowed one rich swell of harmony to enter. Franz and Albertlooked inquiringly at each other, then at the gorgeousfurnishings of the apartment. Everything seemed moremagnificent at a second view than it had done at their firstrapid survey.

"Well," said Franz to his friend, "what think you of allthis?"

"Why, upon my soul, my dear fellow, it strikes me that ourelegant and attentive neighbor must either be somesuccessful stock-jobber who has speculated in the fall ofthe Spanish funds, or some prince travelling incog."

"Hush, hush!" replied Franz; "we shall ascertain who andwhat he is - he comes!" As Franz spoke, he heard the soundof a door turning on its hinges, and almost immediatelyafterwards the tapestry was drawn aside, and the owner ofall these riches stood before the two young men. Albertinstantly rose to meet him, but Franz remained, in a manner,spellbound on his chair; for in the person of him who hadjust entered he recognized not only the mysterious visitantto the Colosseum, and the occupant of the box at the TeatroArgentino, but also his extraordinary host of Monte Cristo.