The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

"If what you say be true," replied the count, smiling, "perhaps you will
be kind enough to give me some account of yourself and your family?"

"Certainly, I will do so," said the young man, with a quickness which
gave proof of his ready invention. "I am (as you have said) the Count
Andrea Cavalcanti, son of Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti, a descendant of
the Cavalcanti whose names are inscribed in the golden book at Florence.
Our family, although still rich (for my father's income amounts to half
a million), has experienced many misfortunes, and I myself was, at the
age of five years, taken away by the treachery of my tutor, so that for
fifteen years I have not seen the author of my existence. Since I have
arrived at years of discretion and become my own master, I have been
constantly seeking him, but all in vain. At length I received this
letter from your friend, which states that my father is in Paris, and
authorizes me to address myself to you for information respecting him."

"Really, all you have related to me is exceedingly interesting," said