The Count of Monte Cristo

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France, and your abbe is not probably disposed to make a journey
to Paris on my account, I must continue to use Monsieur Planche's
anti-spasmodics; and mint and Hoffman's drops are among my favorite
remedies. Here are some lozenges which I have made up on purpose; they
are compounded doubly strong." Monte Cristo opened the tortoise-shell
box, which the lady presented to him, and inhaled the odor of the
lozenges with the air of an amateur who thoroughly appreciated their
composition. "They are indeed exquisite," he said; "but as they are
necessarily submitted to the process of deglutition--a function which it
is frequently impossible for a fainting person to accomplish--I prefer
my own specific."

"Undoubtedly, and so should I prefer it, after the effects I have seen
produced; but of course it is a secret, and I am not so indiscreet as to
ask it of you."

"But I," said Monte Cristo, rising as he spoke--"I am gallant enough to