Edmond. 

 “Yes—yes,” said Caderousse; “but you were right to return as soon as possible, my boy.” 

 “And why?” 

 “Because Mercédès is a very fine girl, and fine girls never lack followers; she particularly has them by dozens.” 

 “Really?” answered Edmond, with a smile which had in it traces of slight uneasiness. 

 “Ah, yes,” continued Caderousse, “and capital offers, too; but you know, you will be captain, and who could refuse you then?” 

 “Meaning to say,” replied Dantès, with a smile which but ill-concealed his trouble, “that if I were not a captain——” 

 “Eh—eh!” said Caderousse, shaking his head. 

 “Come, come,” said the sailor, “I have a better opinion than you of women in general, and of Mercédès in particular; and I am certain that, captain or not, she will remain ever faithful to me.” 

 “So much the better—so much the better,” said Caderousse. “When one is going to be married, there is nothing like implicit confidence; but never mind that, my boy,—go and announce your arrival, and let her know all your hopes and prospects.” 

 “I will go directly,” was Edmond’s reply; and, embracing his father, and nodding to Caderousse, he left the apartment. 

 Caderousse lingered for a moment, then taking leave of old Dantès, he went downstairs to rejoin Danglars, who awaited him at the corner of the Rue Senac. 

 “Well,” said Danglars, “did you see him?” 

 “I have just left him,” answered Caderousse. 

 “Did he allude to his hope of being captain?” 

 “He spoke of it as a thing already decided.” 

 “Indeed!” said Danglars, “he is in too much hurry, it appears to me.” 

 “Why, it seems M. Morrel has promised him the thing.” 

 Prev. P 15/1241 next