re reply to Alceste [*] at the Theatre Francais.

"Is your love returned?"

* In Moliere's comedy, Le Misanthrope.

"I suppose so," said Andrea with a triumphant smile, "since I am
accepted. But I must not forget one grand point."

"Which?"

"That I have been singularly assisted."

"Nonsense."

"I have, indeed."

"By circumstances?"

"No; by you."

"By me? Not at all, prince," said Monte Cristo laying a marked stress
on the title, "what have I done for you? Are not your name, your social
position, and your merit sufficient?"

"No," said Andrea,--"no; it is useless for you to say so, count. I
maintain that the position of a man like you has done more than my name,
my social position, and my merit."

"You are completely mistaken, sir," said Monte Cristo coldly, who felt
the perfidious manoeuvre of the young man, and understood the bearing
of his words; "you only acquired my protection after the influence
and fortune of your father had been ascertained; for, after all, who
procured for me, who had never seen either you or your illustrious
father, the pleasure of your acquaintance?--two of my good friends,
Lord Wilmore and the Abbe Busoni. What encouraged me not to become your
surety, but to patronize you?--your father's name, so well known in
Italy and so highly honored. Personally, I do not know you." This calm
tone and perfect ease made Andrea feel that he was, for the moment,
restrained by a more muscular hand than his own, and that the restraint
could not be easily broken through.

"Oh, then my father has really a very large fortune, count?"

"It appears so, sir," replied Monte Cristo.

"Do you know if the marriage settlement he promised me has come?"

"I have been advised of it."

"But the three millions?"

"The three millions are probably on the road."

"Then I shall really have them?"

"Oh, well," said the count, "I do not think you have yet known the want
of money." Andrea was so surprised that he pondered the matter for a
moment. Then, arousing from his revery,--"Now, sir, I have one request
to make to you, which you will understand, even if it should be
disagreeable to you."

"Proceed," said Monte Cristo.

"I have formed an acquaintance, thanks to my good fortune, with many
noted persons, and have, at least for the moment, a crowd of friends.
But marrying, as I am about to do, before all Paris, I ought to be
supported by an illustrious name, and in the absence of the paternal
h