Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 3).djvu/234

214 "How so?"

"By making me apply to the servants, when I want to transact business with you alone."

"Well, be it so, then. Take it from me, then, and so long at least as I receive my income, you shall be paid yours."

"Come, come; I always said you were a fine fellow, and it is a blessing when good fortune happens to such as you. But tell me all about it?"

"Why do you wish to know?" asked Cavalcanti.

"What! do you again distrust me?"

"No; the fact is, I have found my father."

"What, a real father?"

"Yes, so long as he pays me"

"You'll honor and believe him that's right. What is his name?"

"Major Cavalcanti."

"Is he pleased with you?"

"So far I have appeared to answer his purpose."

"And who found this father for you?"

"The Count of Monte-Cristo."

"The man whose house you have just left?"

"Yes."

"I wish you would try and find me a situation with him as grandfather, since he holds the money-chest!"

"Well, I will mention you to him. Meanwhile, what are you going to do!"

"I?"

"Yes, you."

"It is very kind of you to trouble yourself about me," said Caderousse.

"Since you interest yourself in my affairs," replied Andrea, "I think it is now my turn to ask you some questions."

"Ah, true! Well I shall rent a room in some respectable house, wear a decent coat, shave every day, and go and read the papers in a cafe. Then, in the evening, I will go to the theater with the leader of the claque; I shall look like some retired baker. This is my wish."

"Well, if you will only put this scheme into execution, and be steady, nothing could be better."

"Do you think so, M. Bossuet? And you—what will you become? A peer of France?"

"Ah!" said Andrea, "who knows?"

"Major Cavalcanti is already one, perhaps; but then, hereditary rank is abolished."

"No politics, Caderousse! And now that you have all you want, and