The Count of Monte Cristo

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inquire after my health; I will candidly acknowledge that I am not well.
You should install yourself here, and cheer my solitude. I do not wish
to be left alone."

"Mother," said the young man, "you know how gladly I would obey your
wish, but an urgent and important affair obliges me to leave you for the
whole evening."

"Well," replied Mercedes, sighing, "go, Albert; I will not make you a
slave to your filial piety." Albert pretended he did not hear, bowed
to his mother, and quitted her. Scarcely had he shut her door, when
Mercedes called a confidential servant, and ordered him to follow Albert
wherever he should go that evening, and to come and tell her immediately
what he observed. Then she rang for her lady's maid, and, weak as she
was, she dressed, in order to be ready for whatever might happen. The
footman's mission was an easy one. Albert went to his room, and dressed
with unusual care. At ten minutes to eight Beauchamp arrived; he had