Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 3).djvu/122

102 "Then the postscript is as favorably received by you as the rest of the letter?

"Certainly; the Abb6 Busoni and myself have a small account open between us. I do not remember if it is exactly forty-eight thousand francs, which I am still owing him; but I dare say we shall not dispute the difference. You attached great importance, then, to this postscript, my dear M. Cavalcanti?"

"I must explain to you," said the major, "that, fully confiding in the signature of the Abbe Busoni, I had not provided myself with any other funds; so that if this resource had failed me, I should have found myself very unpleasantly situated in Paris."

"Is it possible that a man of your standing should be embarrassed anywhere?" said Monte-Cristo.

"Why, really, I know no one," said the major.

"But then you yourself are known to others?"

"Yes, I am known, so that"

"Proceed, my dear M. Cavalcanti."

"So that you will remit to me these forty-eight thousand francs?"

"Certainly, at your first request." The major's eyes dilated with pleasant astonishment.

"But sit down," said Monte-Cristo; "really, I do not know what I have been thinking of I have positively kept you standing for the last quarter of an hour."

"Don't mention it." The major drew an arm-chair toward him, and proceeded to seat himself.

"Now," said the count, "what will you take a glass of port, sherry, or vin d'Alicante?"

"Vin d'Alicante, if you please; it is my favorite wine."

"I have some which is excellent. You will take a biscuit with it, will you not?"

"Yes, I will take a biscuit, as you are so obliging."

Monte-Cristo rang; Baptistin appeared. The count advanced to meet him.

"Well?" said he, in a low voice.

"The young man is here," said the valet-de-chambre, in the same tone.

"Into what room did you take him?"

"Into the blue drawing-room, according to your excellency's orders."

"That's right; now bring the vin d'Alicante and some biscuits." Baptistin left the room.

"Really," said the major, "I am quite ashamed of the trouble I am giving you."