"I smile because there appears to me to be about as much inclination for the engagement in question as there is for my own. But, really, my dear count, we are talking as much of women as they do of us; it is unpardonable!"
Albert rose.
"Are you going?"
"Really, that is a good idea of yours! two hours have I been boring you to death with my company, and then you, with the greatest politeness, ask me if I am going. Indeed, count, you are the most polished man in the world! And your servants, too, how very well trained they are; M. Baptistin especially. I could never get such a man as that. My servants seem to imitate those you sometimes see in a play, who, because they have only a word or two to say, always come down to the front to say it. Therefore, if you part with M. Baptistin, give me the refusal of him."
"Agreed, viscount."
"That is not all; give my compliments to your illustrious visitor, Cavaleante of the Cavalcanti; and if by any chance he should be wishing to establish his son, find him a wife very rich, very noble on her mother's side at least, and a baroness in right of her father, I will help you in the search."
"Oh! oh! you will do as much as that, will you!"
."Yes."
"Well, really, nothing is certain in this world."
"Oh! count, what a service you might render me! I should like you a hundred times better if, by your intervention, I could manage to remain a bachelor, even were it only for ten years."
"Nothing is impossible," gravely replied Monte-Cristo; and taking leave of Albert, he returned into the house, and struck the gong three times. Bertuccio appeared.
"M. Bertuccio, you understand that I intend entertaining company on Saturday at Auteuil." Bertuccio slightly started.
"I shall require your services to see that all be properly arranged. It is a beautiful house, or at all events may be made so."
"There must be a good deal done before it can deserve that title, M. le Comte, for the tapestried hangings are very old."
"Let them all be changed, then, with the exception of the sleeping-chamber which is hung with red damask; you will leave that exactly as it is." Bertuccio bowed.
"You will not touch the garden either; as to the yard, you may do what you please with it; I should prefer that being altered beyond all recognition."
