The first words that Albert uttered to his friend, on thefollowing morning, contained a request that Franz wouldaccompany him on a visit to the count; true, the young manhad warmly and energetically thanked the count on theprevious evening; but services such as he had rendered couldnever be too often acknowledged. Franz, who seemed attractedby some invisible influence towards the count, in whichterror was strangely mingled, felt an extreme reluctance topermit his friend to be exposed alone to the singularfascination that this mysterious personage seemed toexercise over him, and therefore made no objection toAlbert's request, but at once accompanied him to the desiredspot, and, after a short delay, the count joined them in thesalon. "My dear count," said Albert, advancing to meet him,"permit me to repeat the poor thanks I offered last night,and to assure you that the remembrance of all I owe to youwill never be effaced from my memory; believe me, as long asI live, I shall never cease to dwell with gratefulrecollection on the prompt and important service yourendered me; and also to remember that to you I am indebtedeven for my life."

"My very good friend and excellent neighbor," replied thecount, with a smile, "you really exaggerate my triflingexertions. You owe me nothing but some trifle of 20,000francs, which you have been saved out of your travellingexpenses, so that there is not much of a score between us;- but you must really permit me to congratulate you on theease and unconcern with which you resigned yourself to yourfate, and the perfect indifference you manifested as to theturn events might take."

"Upon my word," said Albert, "I deserve no credit for what Icould not help, namely, a determination to take everythingas I found it, and to let those bandits see, that althoughmen get into troublesome scrapes all over the world, thereis no nation but the French that can smile even in the faceof grim Death himself. All that, however, has nothing to dowith my obligations to you, and I now come to ask youwhether, in my own person, my family, or connections, I canin any way serve you? My father, the Comte de Morcerf,although of Spanish origin, possesses considerableinfluence, both at the court of France and Madrid, and Iunhesitatingly place the best services of myself, and all towhom my life is dear, at your disposal."

"Monsieur de Morcerf," replied the count, "your offer, farfrom surprising me, is precisely what I expected from you,and I accept it in the same spirit of hearty sincerity withwhich it is made; - nay, I will go still further, and saythat I had previously made up my mind to ask a great favorat your hands."

"Oh, pray name it."

"I am wholly a stranger to Paris - it is a city I havenever yet seen."

"Is it possible," exclaimed Albert, "that you have reachedyour present age without visiting the finest capital in theworld? I can scarcely credit it."

"Nevertheless, it is quite true; still, I agree with you inthinking that my present ignorance of the first city inEurope is a reproach to me in every way, and calls forimmediate correction; but, in all probability, I should haveperformed so important, so necessary a duty, as that ofmaking myself acquainted with the wonders and beauties ofyour justly celebrated capital, had I known any person whowould have introduced me into the fashionable world, butunfortunately I possessed no acquaintance there, and, ofnecessity, was compelled to abandon the idea."

"So distinguished an individual as yourself," cried Albert,"could scarcely have required an introduction."

"You are most kind; but as regards myself, I can find nomerit I possess, save that, as a millionaire, I might havebecome a partner in the speculations of M. Aguado and M.Rothschild; but as my motive in travelling to your capitalwould not have been for the pleasure of dabbling in stocks,I stayed away till some favorable chance should presentitself of carrying my wish into execution. Your offer,however, smooths all difficulties, and I have only to askyou, my dear M. de Morcerf" (these words were accompanied bya most peculiar smile), "whether you undertake, upon myarrival in France, to open to me the doors of thatfashionable world of which I know no more than a Huron or anative of Cochin-China?"

"Oh, that I do, and with infinite pleasure," answeredAlbert; "and so much the more readily as a letter receivedthis morning from my father summons me to Paris, inconsequence of a treaty of marriage (my dear Franz, do notsmile, I beg of you) with a family of high standing, andconnected with the very cream of Parisian society."

"Connected by marriage, you mean," said Franz, laughingly.

"Well, never mind how it is," answered Albert, "it comes tothe same thing in the end. Perhaps by the time you return toParis, I shall be quite a sober, staid father of a family! Amost edifying representative I shall make of all thedomestic virtues - don't you think so? But as regards yourwish to visit our fine city, my dear count, I can only saythat you may command me and mine to any extent you please."

"Then it is settled," said the count, "and I give you mysolemn assurance that I only waited an opportunity like thepresent to realize plans that I have long meditated." Franzdid not doubt that these plans were the same concerningwhich the count had dropped a few words in the grotto ofMonte Cristo, and while the Count was speaking the young manwatched him closely, hoping to read something of his purposein his face, but his countenance was inscrutable especiallywhen, as in the present case, it was veiled in a sphinx-likesmile. "But tell me now, count," exclaimed Albert, delightedat the idea of having to chaperon so distinguished a personas Monte Cristo; "tell me truly whether you are in earnest,or if this project of visiting Paris is merely one of thechimerical and uncertain air castles of which we make somany in the course of our lives, but which, like a housebuilt on the sand, is liable to be blown over by the firstpuff of wind?"

"I pledge you my honor," returned the count, "that I mean todo as I have said; both inclination and positive necessitycompel me to visit Paris."

"When do you propose going thither?"

"Have you made up your mind when you shall be thereyourself?"

"Certainly I have; in a fortnight or three weeks' time, thatis to say, as fast as I can get there!"

"Nay," said the Count; "I will give you three months ere Ijoin you; you see I make an ample allowance for all delaysand difficulties.

"And in three months' time," said Albert, "you will be at myhouse?"

"Shall we make a positive appointment for a particular dayand hour?" inquired the count; "only let me warn you that Iam proverbial for my punctilious exactitude in keeping myengagements."

"Day for day, hour for hour," said Albert; "that will suitme to a dot."

"So be it, then," replied the count, and extending his handtowards a calendar, suspended near the chimney-piece, hesaid, "to-day is the 21st of February;" and drawing out hiswatch, added, "it is exactly half-past ten o'clock. Nowpromise me to remember this, and expect me the 21st of Mayat the same hour in the forenoon."

"Capital," exclaimed Albert; "your breakfast shall bewaiting."

"Where do you live?"

"No. 27, Rue du Helder."

"Have you bachelor's apartments there? I hope my coming willnot put you to any inconvenience."

"I reside in my father's house, but occupy a pavilion at thefarther side of the court-yard, entirely separated from themain building."

"Quite sufficient," replied the count, as, taking out histablets, he wrote down "No. 27, Rue du Helder, 21st May,half-past ten in the morning."

"Now then," said the count, returning his tablets to hispocket, "make yourself perfectly easy; the hand of yourtime-piece will not be more accurate in marking the timethan myself."

"Shall I see you again ere my departure?" asked Albert.

"That depends; when do you leave?"

"To-morrow evening, at five o'clock."

"In that case I must say adieu to you, as I am compelled togo to Naples, and shall not return hither before Saturdayevening or Sunday morning. And you, baron," pursued thecount, addressing Franz, "do you also depart to-morrow?"

"Yes."

"For France?"

"No, for Venice; I shall remain in Italy for another year ortwo."

"Then we shall not meet in Paris?"

"I fear I shall not have that honor."

"Well, since we must part," said the count, holding out ahand to each of the young men, "allow me to wish you both asafe and pleasant journey." It was the first time the handof Franz had come in contact with that of the mysteriousindividual before him, and unconsciously he shuddered at itstouch, for it felt cold and icy as that of a corpse. "Let usunderstand each other," said Albert; "it is agreed - is itnot? - that you are to be at No. 27, in the Rue du Helder,on the 21st of May, at half-past ten in the morning, andyour word of honor passed for your punctuality?"

"The 21st of May, at half-past ten in the morning, Rue duHelder, No. 27," replied the Count. The young men then rose,and bowing to the count, quitted the room. "What is thematter?" asked Albert of Franz, when they had returned totheir own apartments; "you seem more than commonlythoughtful."

"I will confess to you, Albert," replied Franz, "the countis a very singular person, and the appointment you have madeto meet him in Paris fills me with a thousandapprehensions."

"My dear fellow," exclaimed Albert, "what can there possiblybe in that to excite uneasiness? Why, you must have lostyour senses."

"Whether I am in my senses or not," answered Franz, "that isthe way I feel."

"Listen to me, Franz," said Albert; "I am glad that theoccasion has presented itself for saying this to you, for Ihave noticed how cold you are in your bearing towards thecount, while he, on the other hand, has always been courtesyitself to us. Have you anything particular against him?"

"Possibly."

"Did you ever meet him previously to coming hither?"

"I have."

"And where?"

"Will you promise me not to repeat a single word of what Iam about to tell you?"

"I promise."

"Upon your honor?"

"Upon my honor."

"Then listen to me." Franz then related to his friend thehistory of his excursion to the Island of Monte Cristo andof his finding a party of smugglers there, and the twoCorsican bandits with them. He dwelt with considerable forceand energy on the almost magical hospitality he had receivedfrom the count, and the magnificence of his entertainment inthe grotto of the "Thousand and One Nights." He recounted,with circumstantial exactitude, all the particulars of thesupper, the hashish, the statues, the dream, and how, at hisawakening, there remained no proof or trace of all theseevents, save the small yacht, seen in the distant horizondriving under full sail toward Porto-Vecchio. Then hedetailed the conversation overheard by him at the Colosseum,between the count and Vampa, in which the count had promisedto obtain the release of the bandit Peppino, - anengagement which, as our readers are aware, he mostfaithfully fulfilled. At last he arrived at the adventure ofthe preceding night, and the embarrassment in which he foundhimself placed by not having sufficient cash by six or sevenhundred piastres to make up the sum required, and finally ofhis application to the count and the picturesque andsatisfactory result that followed. Albert listened with themost profound attention. "Well," said he, when Franz hadconcluded, "what do you find to object to in all you haverelated? The count is fond of travelling, and, being rich,possesses a vessel of his own. Go but to Portsmouth orSouthampton, and you will find the harbors crowded with theyachts belonging to such of the English as can afford theexpense, and have the same liking for this amusement. Now,by way of having a resting-place during his excursions,avoiding the wretched cookery - which has been trying itsbest to poison me during the last four months, while youhave manfully resisted its effects for as many years, - andobtaining a bed on which it is possible to slumber, MonteCristo has furnished for himself a temporary abode where youfirst found him; but, to prevent the possibility of theTuscan government taking a fancy to his enchanted palace,and thereby depriving him of the advantages naturallyexpected from so large an outlay of capital, he has wiselyenough purchased the island, and taken its name. Just askyourself, my good fellow, whether there are not many personsof our acquaintance who assume the names of lands andproperties they never in their lives were masters of?"

"But," said Franz, "the Corsican bandits that were among thecrew of his vessel?"

"Why, really the thing seems to me simple enough. Nobodyknows better than yourself that the bandits of Corsica arenot rogues or thieves, but purely and simply fugitives,driven by some sinister motive from their native town orvillage, and that their fellowship involves no disgrace orstigma; for my own part, I protest that, should I ever go toCorsica, my first visit, ere even I presented myself to themayor or prefect, should be to the bandits of Colomba, if Icould only manage to find them; for, on my conscience, theyare a race of men I admire greatly."

"Still," persisted Franz, "I suppose you will allow thatsuch men as Vampa and his band are regular villains, whohave no other motive than plunder when they seize yourperson. How do you explain the influence the count evidentlypossessed over those ruffians?"

"My good friend, as in all probability I own my presentsafety to that influence, it would ill become me to searchtoo closely into its source; therefore, instead ofcondemning him for his intimacy with outlaws, you must giveme leave to excuse any little irregularity there may be insuch a connection; not altogether for preserving my life,for my own idea was that it never was in much danger, butcertainly for saving me 4,000 piastres, which, beingtranslated, means neither more nor less than 24,000 livresof our money - a sum at which, most assuredly, I shouldnever have been estimated in France, proving mostindisputably," added Albert with a laugh, "that no prophetis honored in his own country."

"Talking of countries," replied Franz, "of what country isthe count, what is his native tongue, whence does he derivehis immense fortune, and what were those events of his earlylife - a life as marvellous as unknown - that havetinctured his succeeding years with so dark and gloomy amisanthropy? Certainly these are questions that, in yourplace, I should like to have answered."

"My dear Franz," replied Albert, "when, upon receipt of myletter, you found the necessity of asking the count'sassistance, you promptly went to him, saying, `My friendAlbert de Morcerf is in danger; help me to deliver him.' Wasnot that nearly what you said?"

"It was."

"Well, then, did he ask you, `Who is M. Albert de Morcerf?how does he come by his name - his fortune? what are hismeans of existence? what is his birthplace! of what countryis he a native?' Tell me, did he put all these questions toyou?"

"I confess he asked me none."

"No; he merely came and freed me from the hands of SignorVampa, where, I can assure you, in spite of all my outwardappearance of ease and unconcern, I did not veryparticularly care to remain. Now, then, Franz, when, forservices so promptly and unhesitatingly rendered, he butasks me in return to do for him what is done daily for anyRussian prince or Italian nobleman who may pass throughParis - merely to introduce him into society - would youhave me refuse? My good fellow, you must have lost yoursenses to think it possible I could act with suchcold-blooded policy." And this time it must be confessedthat, contrary to the usual state of affairs in discussionsbetween the young men, the effective arguments were all onAlbert's side.

"Well," said Franz with a sigh, "do as you please my dearviscount, for your arguments are beyond my powers ofrefutation. Still, in spite of all, you must admit that thisCount of Monte Cristo is a most singular personage."

"He is a philanthropist," answered the other; "and no doubthis motive in visiting Paris is to compete for the Monthyonprize, given, as you are aware, to whoever shall be provedto have most materially advanced the interests of virtue andhumanity. If my vote and interest can obtain it for him, Iwill readily give him the one and promise the other. Andnow, my dear Franz, let us talk of something else. Come,shall we take our luncheon, and then pay a last visit to St.Peter's?" Franz silently assented; and the followingafternoon, at half-past five o'clock, the young men parted.Albert de Morcerf to return to Paris, and Franz d'Epinay topass a fortnight at Venice. But, ere he entered histravelling carriage, Albert, fearing that his expected guestmight forget the engagement he had entered into, placed inthe care of a waiter at the hotel a card to be delivered tothe Count of Monte Cristo, on which, beneath the name ofVicomte Albert de Morcerf, he had written in pencil - "27,Rue du Helder, on the 21st May, half-past ten A.M."