to understand
the music of his country better than Prince Cavalcanti does. You said
prince, did you not? But he can easily become one, if he is not
already; it is no uncommon thing in Italy. But to return to the charming
musicians--you should give us a treat, Danglars, without telling them
there is a stranger. Ask them to sing one more song; it is so delightful
to hear music in the distance, when the musicians are unrestrained by
observation."

Danglars was quite annoyed by the young man's indifference. He took
Monte Cristo aside. "What do you think of our lover?" said he.

"He appears cool. But, then your word is given."

"Yes, doubtless I have promised to give my daughter to a man who loves
her, but not to one who does not. See him there, cold as marble and
proud like his father. If he were rich, if he had Cavalcanti's fortune,
that might be pardoned. Ma foi, I haven't consulted my daughter; but if
she has good taste"--

"Oh," said Monte Cristo, "my fondness may blind me, but I assure you
I consider Morcerf a charming young man who will render your daughter
happy and will sooner or later attain a certain amount of distinction,
and his father's position is good."

"Hem," said Danglars.

"Why do you doubt?"

"The past--that obscurity on the past."

"But that does not affect the son."

"Very true."

"Now, I beg of you, don't go off your head. It's a month now that you
have been thinking of this marriage, and you must see that it throws
some responsibility on me, for it was at my house you met this young
Cavalcanti, whom I do not really know at all."

"But I do."

"Have you made inquiry?"

"Is there any need of that! Does not his appearance speak for him? And
he is very rich."

"I am not so sure of that."

"And yet you said he had money."

"Fifty thousand livres--a mere trifle."

"He is well educated."

"Hem," said Monte Cristo in his turn.

"He is a musician."

"So are all Italians."

"Come, count, you do not do that young man justice."

"Well, I acknowledge it annoys me, knowing your connection with the
Morcerf family, to see him throw himself in the way." Danglars burst out
laughing. "What a Puritan you are!" said he; "that happens every day."

"But you cannot break it off in this way; the Morcerfs are depending on
this union."

"Indeed."

"Positively."

"Then let them explain themselves; you should give the father a hint,
you are so intimate with the family."

"I?--where the dev