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An ironical smile passed over Albert's lips Mercedes saw it and with the double instinct of wo-minded she concealed both her sorrows and her fears Albert was silent; an instant after, the countess resumed: "You cae that I am not well You should install yourself here, and cheer my solitude I do not wish to be left alone"

"Mother," said the young ent and i"

"Well," replied Mercedes, sighing, "go, Albert; I will not make you a slave to your filial piety" Albert pretended he did not hear, bowed to his mother, and quitted her Scarcely had he shut her door, when Mercedes called a confidential servant, and ordered hi, and to co for her lady's maid, and, weak as she was, she dressed, in order to be ready for whatever ht happen The footman's mission was an easy one Albert went to his rooht Beauchamp arrived; he had seen Chateau-Renaud, who had promised to be in the orchestra before the curtain was raised Both got into Albert's coupe; and, as the young , he called aloud, "To the opera" In his i of the performance

Chateau-Renaud was at his post; apprised by Beauchamp of the circumstances, he required no explanation froe his father was so natural that Chateau-Renaud did not seek to dissuade hi his assurances of devotion Debray was not yet come, but Albert knew that he seldom lost a scene at the opera Albert wandered about the theatre until the curtain was drawn up He hoped to meet with M de Monte Cristo either in the lobby or on the stairs The bell summoned him to his seat, and he entered the orchestra with Chateau-Renaud and Beauchamp But his eyes scarcely quitted the box between the colu the whole of the first act At last, as Albert was looking at his watch for about the hundredth ti of the second act the door opened, and Monte Cristo entered, dressed in black, and, leaning over the front of the box, looked around the pit Morrel followed him, and looked also for his sister and brother in-law; he soon discovered them in another box, and kissed his hand to them