we are situated? At his mother's ball he danced
once with Eugenie, and M. Cavalcanti three times, and he took no notice
of it." The valet announced the Vicomte Albert de Morcerf. The baroness
rose hastily, and was going into the study, when Danglars stopped her.
"Let her alone," said he. She looked at him in amazement. Monte Cristo
appeared to be unconscious of what passed. Albert entered, looking
very handsome and in high spirits. He bowed politely to the baroness,
familiarly to Danglars, and affectionately to Monte Cristo. Then turning
to the baroness: "May I ask how Mademoiselle Danglars is?" said he.

"She is quite well," replied Danglars quickly; "she is at the piano
with M. Cavalcanti." Albert retained his calm and indifferent manner; he
might feel perhaps annoyed, but he knew Monte Cristo's eye was on him.
"M. Cavalcanti has a fine tenor voice," said he, "and Mademoiselle
Eugenie a splendid soprano, and then she plays the piano like Thalberg.
The concert must be a delightful one."

"They suit each other remarkably well," said Danglars. Albert appeared
not to notice this remark, which was, however, so rude that Madame
Danglars blushed.

"I, too," said the young man, "am a musician--at least, my masters used
to tell me so; but it is strange that my voice never would suit any
other, and a soprano less than any." Danglars smiled, and seemed to say,
"It is of no consequence." Then, hoping doubtless to effect his
purpose, he said,--"The prince and my daughter were universally admired
yesterday. You were not of the party, M. de Morcerf?"

"What prince?" asked Albert. "Prince Cavalcanti," said Danglars, who
persisted in giving the young man that title.

"Pardon me," said Albert, "I was not aware that he was a prince. And
Prince Cavalcanti sang with Mademoiselle Eugenie yesterday? It must have
been charming, indeed. I regret not having heard them. But I was unable
to accept your invitation, having promised to accompany my mother to
a German concert given by the Baroness of Chateau-Renaud." This was
followed by rather an awkward silence. "May I also be allowed," said
Morcerf, "to pay my respects to Mademoiselle Danglars?" "Wait a moment,"
said the banker, stopping the young man; "do you hear that delightful
cavatina? Ta, ta, ta, ti, ta, ti, ta, ta; it is charming, let them
finish--one moment. Bravo, bravi, brava!" The banker was enthusiastic in
his applause.

"Indeed," said Albert, "it is exquisite; it is impossible