Meanwhile M. Cavalcanti the elder had returned to hisservice, not in the army of his majesty the Emperor ofAustria, but at the gaming-table of the baths of Lucca, ofwhich he was one of the most assiduous courtiers. He hadspent every farthing that had been allowed for his journeyas a reward for the majestic and solemn manner in which hehad maintained his assumed character of father. M. Andrea athis departure inherited all the papers which proved that hehad indeed the honor of being the son of the MarquisBartolomeo and the Marchioness Oliva Corsinari. He was nowfairly launched in that Parisian society which gives suchready access to foreigners, and treats them, not as theyreally are, but as they wish to be considered. Besides, whatis required of a young man in Paris? To speak its languagetolerably, to make a good appearance, to be a good gamester,and to pay in cash. They are certainly less particular witha foreigner than with a Frenchman. Andrea had, then, in afortnight, attained a very fair position. He was calledcount, he was said to possess 50,000 livres per annum; andhis father's immense riches, buried in the quarries ofSaravezza, were a constant theme. A learned man, before whomthe last circumstance was mentioned as a fact, declared hehad seen the quarries in question, which gave great weightto assertions hitherto somewhat doubtful, but which nowassumed the garb of reality.

Such was the state of society in Paris at the period webring before our readers, when Monte Cristo went one eveningto pay M. Danglars a visit. M. Danglars was out, but thecount was asked to go and see the baroness, and he acceptedthe invitation. It was never without a nervous shudder,since the dinner at Auteuil, and the events which followedit, that Madame Danglars heard Monte Cristo's nameannounced. If he did not come, the painful sensation becamemost intense; if, on the contrary, he appeared, his noblecountenance, his brilliant eyes, his amiability, his politeattention even towards Madame Danglars, soon dispelled everyimpression of fear. It appeared impossible to the baronessthat a man of such delightfully pleasing manners shouldentertain evil designs against her; besides, the mostcorrupt minds only suspect evil when it would answer someinterested end - useless injury is repugnant to every mind.When Monte Cristo entered the boudoir, - to which we havealready once introduced our readers, and where the baronesswas examining some drawings, which her daughter passed toher after having looked at them with M. Cavalcanti, - hispresence soon produced its usual effect, and it was withsmiles that the baroness received the count, although shehad been a little disconcerted at the announcement of hisname. The latter took in the whole scene at a glance.

The baroness was partially reclining on a sofa, Eugenie satnear her, and Cavalcanti was standing. Cavalcanti, dressedin black, like one of Goethe's heroes, with varnished shoesand white silk open-worked stockings, passed a white andtolerably nice-looking hand through his light hair, and sodisplayed a sparkling diamond, that in spite of MonteCristo's advice the vain young man had been unable to resistputting on his little finger. This movement was accompaniedby killing glances at Mademoiselle Danglars, and by sighslaunched in the same direction. Mademoiselle Danglars wasstill the same - cold, beautiful, and satirical. Not one ofthese glances, nor one sigh, was lost on her; they mighthave been said to fall on the shield of Minerva, which somephilosophers assert protected sometimes the breast ofSappho. Eugenie bowed coldly to the count, and availedherself of the first moment when the conversation becameearnest to escape to her study, whence very soon twocheerful and noisy voices being heard in connection withoccasional notes of the piano assured Monte Cristo thatMademoiselle Danglars preferred to his society and to thatof M. Cavalcanti the company of Mademoiselle Louised'Armilly, her singing teacher.

It was then, especially while conversing with MadameDanglars, and apparently absorbed by the charm of theconversation, that the count noticed M. Andrea Cavalcanti'ssolicitude, his manner of listening to the music at the doorhe dared not pass, and of manifesting his admiration. Thebanker soon returned. His first look was certainly directedtowards Monte Cristo, but the second was for Andrea. As forhis wife, he bowed to her, as some husbands do to theirwives, but in a way that bachelors will never comprehend,until a very extensive code is published on conjugal life.

"Have not the ladies invited you to join them at the piano?"said Danglars to Andrea. "Alas, no, sir," replied Andreawith a sigh, still more remarkable than the former ones.Danglars immediately advanced towards the door and openedit.

The two young ladies were seen seated on the same chair, atthe piano, accompanying themselves, each with one hand, afancy to which they had accustomed themselves, and performedadmirably. Mademoiselle d'Armilly, whom they then perceivedthrough the open doorway, formed with Eugenie one of thetableaux vivants of which the Germans are so fond. She wassomewhat beautiful, and exquisitely formed - a littlefairy-like figure, with large curls falling on her neck,which was rather too long, as Perugino sometimes makes hisVirgins, and her eyes dull from fatigue. She was said tohave a weak chest, and like Antonia in the "Cremona Violin,"she would die one day while singing. Monte Cristo cast onerapid and curious glance round this sanctum; it was thefirst time he had ever seen Mademoiselle d'Armilly, of whomhe had heard much. "Well," said the banker to his daughter,"are we then all to be excluded?" He then led the young maninto the study, and either by chance or manoeuvre the doorwas partially closed after Andrea, so that from the placewhere they sat neither the Count nor the baroness could seeanything; but as the banker had accompanied Andrea, MadameDanglars appeared to take no notice of it.

The count soon heard Andrea's voice, singing a Corsicansong, accompanied by the piano. While the count smiled athearing this song, which made him lose sight of Andrea inthe recollection of Benedetto, Madame Danglars was boastingto Monte Cristo of her husband's strength of mind, who thatvery morning had lost three or four hundred thousand francsby a failure at Milan. The praise was well deserved, for hadnot the count heard it from the baroness, or by one of thosemeans by which he knew everything, the baron's countenancewould not have led him to suspect it. "Hem," thought MonteCristo, "he begins to conceal his losses; a month since heboasted of them." Then aloud, - "Oh, madame, M. Danglars isso skilful, he will soon regain at the Bourse what he loseselsewhere."

"I see that you participate in a prevalent error," saidMadame 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 become of him? I have seen nothing of him the lastthree or four days."

"Nor I," said Madame Danglars; "but you began a sentence,sir, and did not finish."

"Which?"

"M. Debray had told you" -

"Ah, yes; he told me it was you who sacrificed to the demonof speculation."

"I was once very fond of it, but I do not indulge now."

"Then you are wrong, madame. Fortune is precarious; and if Iwere a woman and fate had made me a banker's wife, whatevermight be my confidence in my husband's good fortune, stillin speculation you know there is great risk. Well, I wouldsecure for myself a fortune independent of him, even if Iacquired it by placing my interests in hands unknown tohim." Madame Danglars blushed, in spite of all her efforts."Stay," said Monte Cristo, as though he had not observed herconfusion, "I have heard of a lucky hit that was madeyesterday on the Neapolitan bonds."

"I have none - nor have I ever possessed any; but really wehave talked long enough of money, count, we are like twostockbrokers; have you heard how fate is persecuting thepoor Villeforts?"

"What has happened?" said the count, simulating totalignorance.

"You know the Marquis of Saint-Meran died a few days afterhe had set out on his journey to Paris, and the marchionessa few days after her arrival?"

"Yes," said Monte Cristo, "I have heard that; but, asClaudius said to Hamlet, `it is a law of nature; theirfathers died before them, and they mourned their loss; theywill die before their children, who will, in their 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 thismoment alone. "Well," said the baroness, "do you leave M.Cavalcanti with your daughter?"

"And Mademoiselle d'Armilly," said the banker; "do youconsider her no one?" Then, turning to Monte Cristo, hesaid, "Prince Cavalcanti is a charming young man, is he not?But is he really a prince?"

"I will not answer for it," said Monte Cristo. "His fatherwas introduced to me as a marquis, so he ought to be acount; but I do not think he has much claim to that title."

"Why?" said the banker. "If he is a prince, he is wrong notto maintain his rank; I do not like any one to deny hisorigin."

"Oh, you are a thorough democrat," said Monte Cristo,smiling.

"But do you see to what you are exposing yourself?" said thebaroness. "If, perchance, M. de Morcerf came, he would findM. Cavalcanti in that room, where he, the betrothed ofEugenie, has never been admitted."

"You may well say, perchance," replied the banker; "for hecomes so seldom, it would seem only chance that brings him."

"But should he come and find that young man with yourdaughter, he might be displeased."

"He? You are mistaken. M. Albert would not do us the honorto be jealous; he does not like Eugenie sufficiently.Besides, I care not for his displeasure."

"Still, situated as we are" -

"Yes, do you know how we are situated? At his mother's ballhe danced once with Eugenie, and M. Cavalcanti three times,and he took no notice of it." The valet announced theVicomte Albert de Morcerf. The baroness rose hastily, andwas going into the study, when Danglars stopped her. "Lether alone," said he. She looked at him in amazement. MonteCristo appeared to be unconscious of what passed. Albertentered, looking very handsome and in high spirits. He bowedpolitely to the baroness, familiarly to Danglars, andaffectionately to Monte Cristo. Then turning to thebaroness: "May I ask how Mademoiselle Danglars is?" said he.

"She is quite well," replied Danglars quickly; "she is atthe piano with M. Cavalcanti." Albert retained his calm andindifferent manner; he might feel perhaps annoyed, but heknew Monte Cristo's eye was on him. "M. Cavalcanti has afine tenor voice," said he, "and Mademoiselle Eugenie asplendid soprano, and then she plays the piano likeThalberg. The concert must be a delightful one."

"They suit each other remarkably well," said Danglars.Albert appeared not to notice this remark, which was,however, so rude that Madame Danglars blushed.

"I, too," said the young man, "am a musician - at least, mymasters used to tell me so; but it is strange that my voicenever would suit any other, and a soprano less than any."Danglars smiled, and seemed to say, "It is of noconsequence." Then, hoping doubtless to effect his purpose,he said, - "The prince and my daughter were universallyadmired yesterday. You were not of the party, M. deMorcerf?"

"What prince?" asked Albert. "Prince Cavalcanti," saidDanglars, who persisted in giving the young man that title.

"Pardon me," said Albert, "I was not aware that he was aprince. And Prince Cavalcanti sang with Mademoiselle Eugenieyesterday? It must have been charming, indeed. I regret nothaving heard them. But I was unable to accept yourinvitation, having promised to accompany my mother to aGerman concert given by the Baroness of Chateau-Renaud."This was followed by rather an awkward silence. "May I alsobe allowed," said Morcerf, "to pay my respects toMademoiselle 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 them finish - one moment. Bravo, bravi, brava!" Thebanker was enthusiastic in his applause.

"Indeed," said Albert, "it is exquisite; it is impossible tounderstand the music of his country better than PrinceCavalcanti does. You said prince, did you not? But he caneasily become one, if he is not already; it is no uncommonthing in Italy. But to return to the charming musicians - you should give us a treat, Danglars, without telling themthere is a stranger. Ask them to sing one more song; it isso delightful to hear music in the distance, when themusicians are unrestrained by observation."

Danglars was quite annoyed by the young man's indifference.He took Monte Cristo aside. "What do you think of ourlover?" said he.

"He appears cool. But, then your word is given."

"Yes, doubtless I have promised to give my daughter to a manwho loves her, but not to one who does not. See him there,cold as marble and proud like his father. If he were rich,if he had Cavalcanti's fortune, that might be pardoned. Mafoi, I haven't consulted my daughter; but if she has goodtaste" -

"Oh," said Monte Cristo, "my fondness may blind me, but Iassure you I consider Morcerf a charming young man who willrender your daughter happy and will sooner or later attain acertain amount of distinction, and his father's position isgood."

"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 nowthat you have been thinking of this marriage, and you mustsee that it throws some responsibility on me, for it was atmy house you met this young Cavalcanti, whom I do not reallyknow at all."

"But I do."

"Have you made inquiry?"

"Is there any need of that! Does not his appearance speakfor him? And he 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 connectionwith the Morcerf family, to see him throw himself in theway." Danglars burst out laughing. "What a Puritan you are!"said he; "that happens every day."

"But you cannot break it off in this way; the Morcerfs aredepending on this union."

"Indeed."

"Positively."

"Then let them explain themselves; you should give thefather 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 thecountess, the proud Mercedes, the disdainful Catalane, whowill scarcely open her lips to her oldest acquaintances,take your arm, lead you into the garden, into the privatewalks, and remain there for half an hour?"

"Ah, baron, baron," said Albert, "you are not listening - what barbarism in a melomaniac like you!"

"Oh, don't worry about me, Sir Mocker," said Danglars; thenturning to the count he said, "but will you undertake tospeak to the father?"

"Willingly, if you wish it."

"But let it be done explicitly and positively. If he demandsmy daughter let him fix the day - declare his conditions;in short, let us either understand 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 Ido await it. A banker must, you know, be a slave to hispromise." And Danglars sighed as M. Cavalcanti had done halfan hour before. "Bravi, bravo, brava!" cried Morcerf,parodying the banker, as the selection came to an end.Danglars began to look suspiciously at Morcerf, when someone came and whispered a few words to him. "I shall soonreturn," said the banker to Monte Cristo; "wait for me. Ishall, perhaps, have something to say to you." And he wentout.

The baroness took advantage of her husband's absence to pushopen the door of her daughter's study, and M. Andrea, whowas sitting before the piano with Mademoiselle Eugenie,started up like a jack-in-the-box. Albert bowed with a smileto Mademoiselle Danglars, who did not appear in the leastdisturbed, and returned his bow with her usual coolness.Cavalcanti was evidently embarrassed; he bowed to Morcerf,who replied with the most impertinent look possible. ThenAlbert launched out in praise of Mademoiselle Danglars'voice, and on his regret, after what he had just heard, thathe had been unable to be present the previous evening.Cavalcanti, being left alone, turned to Monte Cristo.

"Come," said Madame Danglars, "leave music and compliments,and let us go and take tea."

"Come, Louise," said Mademoiselle Danglars to her friend.They passed into the next drawing-room, where tea wasprepared. Just as they were beginning, in the Englishfashion, to leave the spoons in their cups, the door againopened and Danglars entered, visibly agitated. Monte Cristoobserved it particularly, and by a look asked the banker foran explanation. "I have just received my courier fromGreece," said Danglars.

"Ah, yes," said the count; "that was the reason of yourrunning away from us."

"Yes."

"How is King Otho getting on?" asked Albert in the mostsprightly tone. Danglars cast another suspicious looktowards him without answering, and Monte Cristo turned awayto conceal the expression of pity which passed over hisfeatures, 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 notunderstand the banker's look, and turning to Monte Cristo,who understood it perfectly, - "Did you see," said he, "howhe looked at me?"

"Yes," said the count; "but did you think there was anythingparticular in his look?"

"Indeed, I did; and what does he mean by his news fromGreece?"

"How can I tell you?"

"Because I imagine you have correspondents in that country."Monte Cristo smiled significantly.

"Stop," said Albert, "here he comes. I shall complimentMademoiselle Danglars on her cameo, while the father talksto you."

"If you compliment her at all, let it be on her voice, atleast," said Monte Cristo.

"No, every one would do that."

"My dear viscount, you are dreadfully impertinent." Albertadvanced towards Eugenie, smiling. Meanwhile, Danglars,stooping to Monte Cristo's ear, "Your advice was excellent,"said he; "there is a whole history connected with the namesFernand and Yanina."

"Indeed?" said Monte Cristo.

"Yes, I will tell you all; but take away the young man; Icannot endure his 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 bowedto the ladies, and took their leave, Albert perfectlyindifferent to Mademoiselle Danglars' contempt, Monte Cristoreiterating his advice to Madame Danglars on the prudence abanker's wife should exercise in providing for the future.M. Cavalcanti remained master of the field.