 |
 Section Header
Well, beneath this uniform beats one of the bravest and
noblest hearts in the whole army.
Oh, M. de Morcerf, interrupted Morrel.
Let me go on, captain. And we have just heard, continued
Albert, of a new deed of his, and so heroic a one, that,
although I have seen him to-day for the first time, I
request you to allow me to introduce him as my friend. At
these words it was still possible to observe in Monte Cristo
the concentrated look, changing color, and slight trembling
of the eyelid that show emotion. Ah, you have a noble
heart, said the count; so much the better. This
exclamation, which corresponded to the counts own thought
rather than to what Albert was saying, surprised everybody,
and especially Morrel, who looked at Monte Cristo with
wonder. But, at the same time, the intonation was so soft
that, however strange the speech might seem, it was
impossible to be offended at it. Why should he doubt it?
said Beauchamp to Chateau-Renaud.
In reality, replied the latter, who, with his aristocratic
glance and his knowledge of the world, had penetrated at
once all that was penetrable in Monte Cristo, Albert has
not deceived us, for the count is a most singular being.
What say you, Morrel!
Ma foi, he has an open look about him that pleases me, in
spite of the singular remark he has made about me.
Gentlemen, said Albert, Germain informs me that breakfast
is ready. My dear count, allow me to show you the way. They
passed silently into the breakfast-room, and every one took
his place. Gentleman, said the count, seating himself,
permit me to make a confession which must form my excuse
for any improprieties I may commit. I am a stranger, and a
stranger to such a degree, that this is the first time I
have ever been at Paris. The French way of living is utterly
unknown to me, and up to the present time I have followed
the Eastern customs, which are entirely in contrast to the
Parisian. I beg you, therefore, to excuse if you find
anything in me too Turkish, too Italian, or too Arabian.
Now, then, let us breakfast.
With what an air he says all this, muttered Beauchamp;
decidedly he is a great man.
A great man in his own country, added Debray.
A great man in every country, M. Debray, said
Chateau-Renaud. The count was, it may be remembered, a most
temperate guest. Albert remarked this, expressing his fears
lest, at the outset, the Parisian mode of life should
displease the traveller in the most essential point. My
dear count, said he, I fear one thing, and that is, that
the fare of the Rue du Helder is not so much to your taste
as that of the Piazza di Spagni. I ought to have consulted
you on the point, and have had some dishes prepared
expressly.
Did you know me better, returned the count, smiling, you
would not give one thought of such a thing for a traveller
like myself, who has successively lived on maccaroni at
Naples, polenta at Milan, olla podrida at Valencia, pilau at
Constantinople, karrick in India, and swallows nests in
China. I eat everywhere, and of everything, only I eat but
little; and to-day, that you reproach me with my want of
appetite, is my day of appetite, for I have not eaten since
yesterday morning.
What, cried all the guests, you have not eaten for four
and twenty hours?
No, replied the count; I was forced to go out of my road
to obtain some information near Nimes, so that I was
somewhat late, and therefore I did not choose to stop.
And you ate in your carriage? asked Morcerf.
No, I slept, as I generally do when I am weary without
having the courage to amuse myself, or when I am hungry
without feeling inclined to eat.
But you can sleep when you please, monsieur? said Morrel.
Yes.
You have a recipe for it?
An infallible one.
That would be invaluable to us in Africa, who have not
always any food to eat, and rarely anything to drink.
Yes, said Monte Cristo; but, unfortunately, a recipe
excellent for a man like myself would be very dangerous
applied to an army, which might not awake when it was
needed.
  Section Header
Then it is settled, said the count, and I give you my
solemn assurance that I only waited an opportunity like the
Buy Electronics Online
present to realize plans that electronics I have long meditated. Franz
did not doubt that these plans were the same concerning
Buy Sports Online
which the count had dropped a few words in sports the grotto of
Monte Cristo, and while the Count was speaking the young man
Lady Buy Online
watched him closely, lady hoping to read something of his purpose
in his face, but his countenance was inscrutable especially
Buy Art Online
when, as in the present art case, it was veiled in a sphinx-like
smile. But tell me now, count home, exclaimed Albert, delighted
Buy Home Online
at the idea of having to chaperon so distinguished a person
as Monte Cristo; tell me toy truly whether you are in earnest,
Buy Toys Online
or if this project of visiting Paris is merely one of the
chimerical and uncertain air jewelry castles of which we make so
Buy Jewelry Online
many in the course of our lives, but which, like a house
built on the sand, is liable to be blown over by the first
puff of wind?
Buy Card Online
I pledge you my honor, cards returned the count, that I mean to
do as I have said; both inclination and positive necessity
compel me to visit Paris.
Buy Gifts Online
When do you propose going gifts thither?
Buy New Online
Have you made up your new mind when you shall be there
yourself?
Certainly I have; in a fortnight or three weeks time, that
is to say, as fast as cheap I can get there!
Buy Cheap Online
Nay, said the Count; I will give you three months ere I
join you; you see I make an grocery ample allowance for all delays
and difficulties.
Buy Grocery Online
And in three months time, said Albert, you will be at my
house?
Buy Computer Online
Shall we make a positive appointment computer for a particular day
and hour? inquired the count; only let me warn you that I
am proverbial for my punctilious exactitude in keeping my
engagements.
Buy Software Online
Day for day, hour for software hour, said Albert; that will suit
me to a dot.
Buy Discount Online
So be it, then, replied the discount count, and extending his hand
towards a calendar, suspended near the chimney-piece, he
said, to-day is the 21st of February; hp and drawing out his
Buy HP Online
watch, added, it is exactly half-past ten oclock. Now
promise me to remember this, and expect sell me the 21st of May
at the same hour in the forenoon.
Buy Sell Online
Capital, exclaimed Albert; your breakfast shall be
waiting.
Buy Online Search
Where do you search live?
No. 27, Rue du Helder.
Buy Sony Online
Have you bachelors sony apartments there? I hope my coming will
not put you to any inconvenience.
Buy Kodak Online
I reside in my fathers kodak house, but occupy a pavilion at the
farther side of the court-yard, entirely separated from the
main building.
|
According to the economic statistic from United States Department of Commerce,
the retail of E-Commerce sales (B-to-C) in the United States increased to $16,548 million ($17 billion)
in the third quarter of 2004, up from $13,651 million ($14 billion) in the third quarter of 2003,
an increase of 21.2 percent of online shopping.
