THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO.
59
have always observed that they bandage people's eyes who penetrate enchanted palaces,—for instance, those of Raoul in the "Huguenots",—and really I have nothing to complain of, for what I see is a sequel to the wonders of the Arabian Nights."
"Alas! I may say with Lucullus, if I could have anticipated the
honor of your visit, I would have prepared for it. But such as is my hermitage, it is at your disposal; such as is my supper, it is yours to share, if you will. Ali, is the supper ready?" .
At this moment the tapestry moved aside, and a Nubian, black as