The Count of Monte Cristo

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way to Brussels, and return to poor Andrea Cavalcanti, so inopportunely
interrupted in his rise to fortune. Notwithstanding his youth, Master
Andrea was a very skilful and intelligent boy. We have seen that on
the first rumor which reached the salon he had gradually approached the
door, and crossing two or three rooms at last disappeared. But we have
forgotten to mention one circumstance, which nevertheless ought not
to be omitted; in one of the rooms he crossed, the trousseau of the
bride-elect was on exhibition. There were caskets of diamonds, cashmere
shawls, Valenciennes lace, English veilings, and in fact all the
tempting things, the bare mention of which makes the hearts of young
girls bound with joy, and which is called the "corbeille." [*] Now, in
passing through this room, Andrea proved himself not only to be clever
and intelligent, but also provident, for he helped himself to the most
valuable of the ornaments before him.

     * Literally, "the basket," because wedding gifts were
     originally brought in such a receptacle.