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No one could deny that the rooht streas; and all the bad taste of decorations, which had only their richness to boast of, shone in its splendor Madeured white silk dress, and a white rose half concealed in her jet black hair was her only ornale jewel Her eyes, however, betrayed that perfect confidence which contradicted the girlish si at a short distance with Debray, Beauchamp, and Chateau-Renaud

Debray was adrand ceremony, but on the same plane with every one else, and without any particular privilege M Danglars, surrounded by deputies anda new theory of taxation which he intended to adopt when the course of events had coovern one of theto hied to be bold to appear at ease, his future projects, and the new luxuries he meant to introduce to Parisian fashions with his hundred and seventy-five thousand livres per annum

The crowd moved to and fro in the rooms like an ebb and flow of turquoises, rubies, emeralds, opals, and diamonds As usual, the oldest woliest the most conspicuous If there was a beautiful lily, or a sweet rose, you had to search for it, concealed in some corner behind a mother with a turban, or an aunt with a bird of paradise

At each hter, the door-keeper's voice was heard announcing some name well known in the financial department, respected in the army, or illustrious in the literary world, and which was acknowledged by a slight e it was to agitate that ocean of human waves, how many were received with a look of indifference or a sneer of disdain! At theEndyolden face, and the haht, struck nine times, the name of the Count of Monte Cristo resounded in its turn, and as if by an electric shock all the assembly turned towards the door

The count was dressed in black and with his habitual simplicity; his white waistcoat displayed his expansive noble chest and his black stock was singularly noticeable because of its contrast with the deadly paleness of his face His only jewellery was a chain, so fine that the slender gold thread was scarcely perceptible on his white waistcoat A circle was imlance Madalars at the other, and Eugenie in front of hi with Mada still an invalid; and without turning aside, so clear was the road left for hienie, whom he complimented in such rapid and measured terms, that the proud artist was quite struck Near her was Mademoiselle Louise d'Armilly, who thanked the count for the letters of introduction he had so kindly given her for Italy, which she intended i these ladies he found hilars, who had advanced to meet him