The Count of Monte Cristo

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The library was divided into two parts on either side of the wall, and
contained upwards of two thousand volumes; one division was entirely
devoted to novels, and even the volume which had been published but the
day before was to be seen in its place in all the dignity of its red and
gold binding. On the other side of the house, to match with the library,
was the conservatory, ornamented with rare flowers, that bloomed in
china jars; and in the midst of the greenhouse, marvellous alike to
sight and smell, was a billiard-table which looked as if it had been
abandoned during the past hour by players who had left the balls on
the cloth. One chamber alone had been respected by the magnificent
Bertuccio. Before this room, to which you could ascend by the grand, and
go out by the back staircase, the servants passed with curiosity, and
Bertuccio with terror. At five o'clock precisely, the count arrived
before the house at Auteuil, followed by Ali. Bertuccio was awaiting
this arrival with impatience, mingled with uneasiness; he hoped for some
compliments, while, at the same time, he feared to have frowns. Monte
Cristo descended into the courtyard, walked all over the house, without