to-morrow?--that will be a difficult matter to arrange, besides,
I shall just be in the way of all the preparations for departure."

"Well, you can do better. You were only a charming man before, but, if
you accede to my proposal, you will be adorable."

"What must I do to attain such sublimity?"

"You are to-day free as air--come and dine with me; we shall be a
small party--only yourself, my mother, and I. You have scarcely seen my
mother; you shall have an opportunity of observing her more closely.
She is a remarkable woman, and I only regret that there does not exist
another like her, about twenty years younger; in that case, I assure
you, there would very soon be a Countess and Viscountess of Morcerf. As
to my father, you will not see him; he is officially engaged, and dines
with the chief referendary. We will talk over our travels; and you, who
have seen the whole world, will relate your adventures--you shall tell
us the history of the beautiful Greek who was with you the other
night at the Opera, and whom you call your slave, and yet treat like a
princess. We will talk Italian and Spanish. Come, accept my invitation,
and my mother will thank you."

"A thousand thanks," said the count, "your invitation is most gracious,
and I regret exceedingly that it is not in my power to accept it. I am
not so much at liberty as you suppose; on the contrary, I have a most
important engagement."

"Ah, take care, you were teaching me just now how, in case of an
invitation to dinner, one might creditably make an excuse. I require the
proof of a pre-engagement. I am not a banker, like M. Danglars, but I am
quite as incredulous as he is."

"I am going to give you a proof," replied the count, and he rang the
bell.

"Humph," said Morcerf, "this is the second time you have refused to dine
with my mother; it is evident that you wish to avoid her." Monte Cristo
started. "Oh, you do not mean that," said he; "besides, here comes the
confirmation of my assertion." Baptistin entered, and remained standing
at the door. "I had no previous knowledge of your visit, had I?"

"Indeed, you are such an extraordinary person, that I would not answer
for it."

"At all events, I could not guess that you would invite me to dinner."

"Probably not."

"Well, listen, Baptistin, what did I tell you this morning when I called
you into my laboratory?"

"To close the door against visitors as soon as the clock struck five,"
replied the valet.

"W