ateful to
the Count of Monte-Cristo and Maximilian Morrel for the suppression of
Luigi Vampa and his dangerous outlaws, who for years had been the terror
of rich and poor alike, paraded the streets in vast bodies in honor of
Zuleika's nuptials with the man whom the notorious brigand chief had so
nearly succeeded in overwhelming with irretrievable ruin and disgrace.

From a very early hour in the morning the Palazzo Massetti was
surrounded by cheering and enthusiastic throngs, and by eight o'clock
the vast gardens of the Massettis' were thrown open freely to all who
chose to enter. The preparations there were on a gigantic and princely
scale. Huge tables had been placed in various broad alleys and literally
groaned beneath the weight of the abundant and inviting refreshments,
while vast casks of excellent wines were on tap. An army of servants
waited upon the people, liberally supplying them with the appetizing
edibles and the exhilarating product of the vintage. The Papal and
French flags were everywhere displayed in company, and the beauty of the
decorations of the gardens was such as to excite universal wonder and
admiration. The health of the Viscount Massetti and his charming bride
was drunk thousands of times amid acclamations of delight, but
throughout the whole colossal assemblage perfect order was preserved,
the military police on duty finding their occupation a sinecure.

Immediately in front of the Palazzo Massetti a triumphal arch had been
erected. It was covered with the intertwined ensigns of Rome and France
and at its apex bore an appropriate motto formed of creamy white orange
blossoms and scarlet roses.

The interior of the palazzo rivaled in dazzling splendor the most superb
and gorgeous vision that ever entranced a devotee of hatchis while
dreaming under the potent influence of his favorite drug.

In the principal salon were gathered many personages with whom the
reader is familiar, all in festal attire--the Count of Monte-Cristo and
his beloved wife Mercedes, their friends Maximilian and Valentine
Morrel, Esperance, Mlle. Louise d' Armilly and M. and Madame Albert de
Morcerf. Many noble relatives of the groom were also present, to say
nothing of hosts of acquaintances. Old Count Massetti, who seemed
rejuvenated and whose venerable countenance was wreathed in smiles of
joy, moved about among his guests the happiest of the happy.

Presently a door was thrown open, a valet announced the bride and gro