Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 3).djvu/34

 

T will be recollected that the new, or rather old, acquaintances of the Count of Monte-Cristo, residing in the Rue Meslay, were no other than Maximilian, Jules, and Emmanuel.

The very anticipations of delight to be enjoyed in his forthcoming visits—the bright, pure gleam of heavenly happiness it diffused over the almost deadly warfare in which he had voluntarily engaged—illumined his whole countenance with a look of ineffable joy and calmness, as, immediately after the departure of Villefort, his thoughts flew back to the cheering prospect before him, of tasting, at least, a brief respite from the fierce and stormy passions of his mind. Even Ali, who had hastened to obey the count's summons, went forth from his master's presence in charmed amazement at the unusual animation and pleasure depicted on features ordinarily so stern and cold; while, as though dreading to put to flight the agreeable ideas hovering over his patron's meditations, whatever they were, the faithful Nubian walked on tiptoe toward the door, holding his breath, lest its faintest sound should dissipate his master's happy reverie.

It was the hour of noon, and Monte-Cristo had set apart one hour to be devoted to Haydée; as though his so-long-crushed spirit could not all at once admit the feeling of pure and unmixed joy, but required to be prepared to receive full and perfect happiness, in the same manner as ordinary natures demand to be inured by degrees to strong sensations.

The young Greek, as we have already stated, occupied apartments wholly unconnected with those of the count. The rooms had been fitted up in strict accordance with the Eastern style; that is to say, the floors were covered with the richest carpets Turkey could produce; the walls hung with brocaded silk of the most magnificent designs and texture; while, around each chamber, luxurious divans were placed, with piles of