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"What for, Philip?" asked Albert, who, being a constant visitor there, did not understand this opposition to his entrance

"Because the person who is now in the gallery prefers being alone, and never practices in the presence of any one"

"Not even before you, Philip? Then who loads his pistol?"

"His servant"

"A Nubian?"

"A negro"

"It is he, then"

"Do you know this gentleman?"

"Yes, and I am come to look for hi, then I will go ied by his own curiosity, entered the gallery; a second afterwards, Monte Cristo appeared on the threshold "I ask your pardon,you here, and I must first tell you that it was not the fault of your servants that I did so; I alone am to blame for the indiscretion I went to your house, and they told me you were out, but that they expected you ho about in order to pass away the tie and horses"

"What you have just said induceswith s besides breakfast just now; perhaps we may take that meal at a later hour and in worse coht to-day"

"For what?"

"I aht"-"Yes, I understand that, but what is the quarrel? People fight for all sorts of reasons, you know"

"I fight in the cause of honor"

"Ah, that is so you to render me a service"

"What is it?"

"To be my second"

"That is a serious matter, and ill not discuss it here; let us speak of nothing till we get ho me some water" The count turned up his sleeves, and passed into the little vestibule where the gentle "Come in, my lord," said Philip in a low tone, "and I will show you so droll" Morcerf entered, and in place of the usual target, he saw soainst the wall At a distance Albert thought it was a complete suit, for he counted from the ace to the ten "Ah, ha," said Albert, "I see you were preparing for a ga a suit"