The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

It was really the Count of Monte Cristo who had just arrived at Madame
de Villefort's for the purpose of returning the procureur's visit,
and at his name, as may be easily imagined, the whole house was in
confusion. Madame de Villefort, who was alone in her drawing-room when
the count was announced, desired that her son might be brought thither
instantly to renew his thanks to the count; and Edward, who heard this
great personage talked of for two whole days, made all possible haste to
come to him, not from obedience to his mother, or out of any feeling of
gratitude to the count, but from sheer curiosity, and that some chance
remark might give him the opportunity for making one of the impertinent
speeches which made his mother say,--"Oh, that naughty child! But I
can't be severe with him, he is really so bright."

After the usual civilities, the count inquired after M. de Villefort.
"My husband dines with the chancellor," replied the young lady; "he has
just gone, and I am sure he'll be exceedingly sorry not to have had the
pleasure of seeing you before he went." Two visitors who were there