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Three days after the scene we have just described, namely towards five o'clock in the afternoon of the day fixed for the signature of the contract between Madelars and Andrea Cavalcanti,--who prince,--a fresh breeze was stirring the leaves in the little garden in front of the Count of Monte Cristo's house, and the count was preparing to go out While his horses were iround,--held in by the coachman, who had been seated a quarter of an hour on his box,--the elegant phaeton hich we are faate, and cast out on the doorsteps M Andrea Cavalcanti, as decked up and gay as if he were going to marry a princess He inquired after the count with his usual fahtly to the second storythe young man As for Andrea, he was launched, and when he was once launched nothing stopped hi, my dear count," said he "Ah, M Andrea," said the latter, with his half-jesting tone; "how do you do"

"Charly, as you see I as; but, first tellout, sir"

"Then, in order not to hinder you, I will get up with you if you please in your carriage, and Tom shall folloith my phaeton in tow"

"No," said the count, with an imperceptible sto you here, my dear M Andrea; we can chat better in-doors, and there is no coachman to overhear our conversation" The count returned to a s his legsayest manner "You know, my dear count," said he, "the cere At nine o'clock the contract is to be signed at my father-in-law's"

"Ah, indeed?" said Monte Cristo

"What; is it news to you? Has not M Danglars informed you of the ceremony?"

"Oh, yes," said the count; "I received a letter from him yesterday, but I do not think the hour was eneral notoriety"

"Well," said Monte Cristo, "you are fortunate, M Cavalcanti; it is a , and Madeirl"