Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 2).djvu/142

124 "But what awkwardness!"

"Well, then, what do you say to La Spech? did you ever see any thing more dramatic?"

"Why, you know, my dear fellow, when one has been accustomed to

Malibran and Sontag"

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

"I do not like dark men who sing blonde."

"My good friend," said Franz, turning to him, while Albert continued to point his glass at every box in the theater, "you are really too difficult to please."

The curtain at length fell, to the infinite satisfaction of the Viscount de Morcerf, who seized his hat, rapidly passed his fingers through his hair, arranged his cravat and wristbands, and signified to Franz that he was waiting for him.

Franz, who had mutely interrogated the countess, and received from her a sign that he would be welcome, sought not to retard the gratification of Albert, but commenced at once the tour of the house, closely followed by Albert, who availed himself of a few minutes to settle his collar and the lapels of his coat; and knocked at the countess's box.

The door was immediately opened, and the young man who was seated beside the countess in the front of the loge instantly rose, in obedience to the Italian custom, and surrendered his place to the strangers, who, in turn, would be expected to retire upon the arrival of other visitors.

Franz presented Albert as one of the most distinguished young men, both as regarded his position and his talents; nor did he say more than the truth, for in Paris and the circle in which the viscount moved he was looked upon as a model. Franz added that his companion, deeply grieved at having been prevented the honor of being presented to the countess during her sojourn in Paris, had requested him to remedy the past misfortune by conducting him to her box, and concluded by ask ing pardon for his presumption in having taken upon himself to do so.

The countess, in reply, bowed gracefully to Albert, and extended her hand with cordial kindness to Franz.

Albert, at her invitation, took the vacant seat beside her; Franz the one behind her chair.

Albert was soon deeply discoursing upon Paris, and of the various persons they both knew there. Franz perceived how completely he was in his element; and, unwilling to interfere, took up Albert's lorgnette, and began in his turn to survey the audience.

Sitting alone, in the front of a box immediately opposite, on the third row, was a woman of exquisite beauty, dressed in a Greek cos-