005 - The Count of Monte Cristo - The Marriage Feast

Episode Transcript

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Chapter five of the Count of MonteCristo by Alexandre Duma. This LibriVox recording
is in the public domain. Chapterfive the marriage feast. The morning sun
rose clear and resplendent, touching thefoamy waves into a network of ruby tinted
light. The feast had been madeready on the second floor at Lerezere,

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with whose arbor the reader is alreadyfamiliar. The apartment destined for the purpose
was spacious and lighted by a numberof windows, over each of which was
written in golden letters, for someinexplicable reason, the name of one of
the principal cities of France. Beneaththese windows, a wooden balcony extended the
entire length of the house, andalthough the entertainment was fixed for twelve o'clock,

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an hour previous to that time,the balcony was filled with impatient and
expectant guests, consisting of the favoredpart of the crew of the pharaohen and
other personal threads of the bridegroom,the whole of whom had arrayed themselves in
their choicest costumes in order to dogreater honor to the occasion. Various rumors

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were afloat the effect that the ownersof the Pheraoon had promised to attend the
nuptial feast, but all seemed unanimousin doubting that an act of such rare
and exceeding condescension could possibly be intended. Donglars, however, who now made
his appearance accompanied by Caderousse, effectuallyconfirmed the report, stating that he had

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recently conversed with missieon Morrel, whohad himself assured him of his intention to
dine at Larrezevre. In fact,a moment later, Mischemoriel appeared and was
saluted with an enthusiastic burst of applausefrom the crew of the feroon, who
hailed the visit of the shipowner asa sure indication that the man whose wedding

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feast he thus delighted to honor wouldere long be first in command of the
ship, and as Dante was universallybeloved on board his vessel, the sailors
put no restraint on their tumultuous joyat finding that the opinion and choice of
their superiors so exactly coincided with theirown. With the entrance of Missiemrl,

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Danglars and Caderousse, were dispatched insearch of the bridegroom, to convey to
him the intelligence of the arrival ofthe important personage whose coming had created such
a lively sensation, and to beseechhim to make haste. Danglars and Caderousse
set off upon their errand at fullspeed. But ere they had gone many

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steps, they perceived a group advancingtowards them, composed of the betrothed pair,
a party of young girls in attendanceon the bride, by whose side
walked Dante's father, the hole broughtup by Fernand, whose lips wore their
usual sinister smile. Neither Mecedes norEdmund observed the strange expression of his countenance.

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They were so happy that they wereconscious only of the sunshine and the
presence of each other. Having acquittedthemselves of their errand and exchanged a hearty
shake of the hand with Edmond,Doglars and Caderousse took their places beside Fehnand
and Old Dante, the latter ofwhom attracted universal notice. The old man

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was attired in a suit of glisteningwatered silk, trimmed with steel buttons,
beautifully cut and polished. His thinbut wiry legs were arrayed in a pair
of richly embroidered clocked stockings, evidentlyof English manufacture, while from his three
cornered hat depended a long streaming knotof white and blue ribbons. Thus he

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came along, supporting himself on acuriously carved stick, His aged countenance lit
up with happiness, looking for allthe world like one of the aged dandies
of seventeen ninety six parading the newlyopened garden of the Tuirie and Luxembourg.
Beside him glided Carusse, whose desireto partake of the good things provided for

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the wedding party had induced him tobecome reconciled to the Dantes father and son,
although there still lingered in his minda faint and unperfect recollection of the
events of the preceding night, justas the brain retains on waking in the
morning, the dim and misty outlineof a dream. As Donglars approached the

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disappointed lover, he cast on hima look of deep meaning, while fernand
As he slowly paced behind the happypair, who seemed, in their own
unmixed content to have entirely forgotten thatsuch a being as himself existed, was
pale and abstracted. Occasionally, however, a deep flush would overspread his countenance

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and a nervous contraction distort his features, while with an agitated and restless gaze,
he would glance in the direction ofMarseilles, like one who either anticipated
or foresaw some great and important event. Dante himself was simply but becomingly clad
in the dress peculiar to the merchantservice, a costume somewhat between a military

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and a civil garb, and withhis fine countenance radiant with joy and happiness,
a more perfect specimen of manly beautycould scarcely be imagined lovely as the
Greek girls of Cyprus or Chios.Mercedes boasted the same bright, flashing eyes

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of jet and ripe round coral lips. She moved with the light freestep of
an Arlesienne or an Andalusian. Onemore practice in the arts of great cities
would have hid her blushes beneath aveil, or at least have cast down
her thickly fringed lashes so as toconceal the liquid luster of her animated eye.
But on the contrary, a delightedgirl looked around her with a smile

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that seemed to say, if youare my friends, rejoice with me,
for I am very happy. Assoon as the bridal party came in sight
of La razev Monsieur Meruel descended andcame forth to meet it, followed by
the soldiers and sailors there assembled,to whom he had repeated the promise already

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given that Dante should be the successorto the late Captain le Clare. Edmond,
at the approach of his patron,respectfully placed the arm of his affianced
bride within that of Monsieur Morrel,who, forthwith conducting her up the flight
of wooden steps leading to the chamberin which the feast was prepared, was

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gaily followed by the guests beneath whoseheavy tread the slight structure creaked and groaned
for the space of several minutes.Father said Mercedes, stopping when she had
reached the center of the table,sit, I pray you on my right
hand. On my left I willplace him has ever been as a brother

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to me, pointing with a softand gentle smile to Fernand. But her
words and look seemed to inflict thedirest torture on him, for his lips
became ghastly pale, and even beneaththe dark hue of his complexion, the
blood might be seen retreating, asthough some sudden pang drove it back to
the heart. During this time,Dante, at the opposite side of the

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table, had been occupied in similarlyplacing his most honored guests. Monsieur Morrel
was seated at his right hand,d'anglars at his left, while at a
sign from Edmond, the rest ofthe company ranged themselves as they found it
most agreeable when they began to passaround the dusky piquant Arlesian sausages and lobsters

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in their dazzling red cuiras prawns oflafe, large size and brilliant color.
The eschineux, with its prickly outsideand dainty morsel within the clovy, esteemed
by the epicure of the South,as more than rivaling the exquisite flavor of
the oyster. All the delicacies,in fact, that are cast up by
the wash of waters on the sandybeach, and styled by the grateful fishermen

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fruits of the sea. A prettishsilence, truly, said the old father
of the bridegroom, as he carriedto his lips a glass of wine of
the hue and brightness of the topaz, and which had just been placed before
Mercedes herself. Now, would anybodythink that it is room contained? Hapi

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mery party who desire nothing better thanto laugh and dance the hours away?
Ah, sighed Caderousse. A mancannot always feel happy because he is about
to be married. The truth isreplied Dante, that I am too happy
for noisy mirth. If that iswhat you meant by your observation, my

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worthy friend, you are right.Joy takes a strange effect. At times.
It seems to oppress us, almostthe same as sorrow. Danglars looked
towards Fernand, whose excitable nature receivedand betrayed each fresh impression. Why what
ails you, asked he of Edmond. Do you fear any approaching evil?

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I should say that you were thehappiest man alive at this instant, and
that is the very thing that alarmsme, returned Dante, man does not
appear to me to be intended toenjoy felicity. So unmixed happiness is like
the enchanted palaces we read in ourchildhood, where fierce, fiery dragons defend

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the entrance and approach, and monstersof all shapes and kinds require tiring to
be overcome. Ere victory is ours. I own that I am lost in
wonder to myself promoted to an honorof which I feel myself unworthy, that
of being the husband of Mercedes.Nay nay, cried Caderousse, smiling,

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You have not attained that honor yet. Mercedes is not your wife yet.
Just assume the tone and manner ofa husband, and see how she will
remind you that your hour is notyet come. The bride blushed, while
Fernand, restless and uneasy, seemedto start at every fresh sound, and

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from time to time wiped away thelarge drops of perspiration that gathered on his
brow. Well, never mind thatneighbor, Caderousse, It is not worthwhile
to contradict me for such a trifleas that it is true that Mercedes is
not actually my wife yet, Butadded he drawing out his watch. In
an hour and half she will beA general exclamation of surprise ran round the

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table, with the exception of theelder Dantes, whose laugh displayed the still
perfect beauty of his large white teeth. Mercedes looked pleased and gratified, while
Fernand grasped the handle of his knifewith a convulsive clutch. In an hour,
inquired Danglars turning pale, How isthat, my friend? Why?

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Thus it is, replied Dantes,thanks to the influence of missieon Morel,
to whom next to my father,I owe every blessing I enjoy. Every
difficulty has been removed. We havepurchased permission to waive the usual delay,
and at half past two o'clock theMayor of Marseilles will be waiting for us

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at the city hall. Now,as a quarter past one has already struck.
I do not consider I have assertedtoo much insane that in another hour
and thirty minutes, Mercedes, willthat be come, Madame Dantes. Fernand
closed his eyes, a burning sensationpassed across his brow, and he was

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compelled to support himself by the tableto prevent his falling from his chair.
But in spite of all his efforts, he could not refrain from uttering a
deep groan, which, however,was lost amid the noisy felicitations of the
company. Upon my word, criedthe old man, you make short work
of this kind of affair. Aidea only yesterday morning and married to day

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at three o'clock. Commend me toa sailor for going the quick way to
work, But asked Danglars, ina timid tone, how did you manage
about the other formality, the contract? The settlement the contract? Answered Dantes

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laughingly, He didn't take long tofix that. Mercedes has no fortune.
I have knowne to settle on her. So you see our papers were quickly
written out, and certainly do notcome very expensive. This joke elicited a
fresh burst of applause, so thatwe presumed to be merely the betrothal feast,

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turns out to be the actual weddingdinner, said Danglars. No,
no, answered Dante. Don't imagineI am going to put you off in
that shabby manner. Tomorrow morning Istart for Paris, four days to go,
and the same to return, withone day to discharge. The commission
entrusted to me is all the timeI shall be absent. I shall be

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back here by the first of March, and on the second I give my
real marriage feast. This prospect offresh festivity redoubled the hilarity of the guests
to such a degree that the elderDante, who at the commencement of the
repast, had commented upon the silencethat prevailed, now found it difficult amid

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the general dinner of voices to obtaina moment's tranquility in which to drink to
the health and prosperity of the brideand bridegroom. Dante, perceiving the affectionate
eagerness of his father, responded bya look of grateful pleasure, while Mercedes
glanced at the clock and made anexpressive gesture to Edmond. Around the table

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reigned that noisy hilarity which usually prevailsat such a time among people sufficiently free
from the demands of social position,not to feel the trammels of etiquette,
such as at the commencement of therepast, had not been able to seat
themselves according to their inclination, roseunceremoniously and sought out more agreeable companions.

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Everybody talked at once without waiting fora reply, and each one seemed to
be contented with expressing his or herown thoughts. Feerlin's pay ill appeared to
have communicated itself to Doanglars. Asfor Fernand himself, he seemed to be
enduring the tortures of the damned.Unable to rest, he was among the

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first to quit the table, andas though seeking to avoid the hilarious mirth
that rose in such deafening sounds,he continued in utter silence to pace the
farther end of the salon. Calerousseapproached him, just as Danglars, whom
Fernand seemed most anxious to avoid,had joined him in a corner of the
room. Upon the world, saidCaderousse, from whose mind the friendly treatment

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of Dante, united with the effectof the excellent wine he had partaken of,
had effaced every feeling of envy orjealousy at Dante's good fortune. Upon
my word, Dante is a daanardgood fellow. And when I see him
sitting there beside his pretty wife thatis so soon to be, I cannot

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help thinking it would have been agreat, great pity to have served them
that trick you were planning yesterday.Oh, there was no harm meant,
answered Danglars. At first, Icertainly did feel somewhat uneasy as to what
Fermand might be tempted to do.But when I saw how completely he had

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mastered his feelings, even so faras to become one of his rival's attendants,
I knew there was no further causefor apprehension. Caderousse looked full at
Fairmand. He was ghastly pale,certainly, continued Danglars. The sacrifice was

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no trifling one. When the beautyof the bride is concerned upon my soul.
That future captain of mine is alucky dog God. I only wish
he would let me take his place. Shall we not to set forth?
Asked the sweet, silvery voice ofMercedes two o' clore has just struck,

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And you know we are expected ina quarter of an hour to be sure.
To be sure, cried Dantes,eagerly quitting the table, Let us
go directly. His words were reechoed by the whole party with vociferous cheers.
At this moment, Danglars, whohad been incessantly observing every change in

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Fernand's look and manner, saw himstagger and fall back with an almost convulsive
spasm against a seat placed near oneof the open windows. At the same
instant, his ear caught a sortof indistinct sound on the stairs, followed
by the measured tread of soldiery,with a clanking of swords and military accouterments.

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Then came a hum and buzz asof many voices, so as to
deaden even the noisy mirth of thebridal party, among whom a vague feeling
of curiosity and apprehension quelled every dispositionto talk, and almost instantaneously the most
deathlike stillness prevailed. The sounds drewnearer, three blows were struck upon the

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panel of the door. The companylooked at each other in consternation. I
demand admittance, said a loud voiceoutside the room, in the name of
the law. As no attempt wasmade to prevent it. The door was
opened, and a magistrate, wearinghis official scarf, presented himself, followed

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by four soldiers and a corporal.Uneasiness now yielded to the most extreme dread
on the part of those present.May I venture to inquire the reason of
this unexpected visit, said Misseon Morrel, addressing the magistrate, whom he evidently
knew. There is doubtless some mistakeeasily explained if it be so, replied

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the magistrate, rely upon every reparationbeing made. Meanwhile, I am the
bearer of an order of arrest,and although I must reluctantly perform the task
assigned me, it must nevertheless befulfilled. Who among the persons here assembled
answers to the name of Edmond Dante. Every eye was turned towards the young

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man, whose, spite of theagitation, he could not but feel advanced
with dignity, and said, ina firm voice, I am he.
What is your pleasure with me?Edmond Dante replied the magistrate. I arrest
you in the name of the law, me, repeated Edmond, slightly changing

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color. And wherefore I pray Icannot inform you, but you will be
duly acquainted with the reasons that haverendered such a step necessary. At the
preliminary examination, Monsieur Morrel felt thatfurther resistance or remonstrance was useless. He

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saw before him an officer delegated toenforce the law, and perfectly well knew
that it would be as unavailing toseek pity from a magistrate decked with his
official scarf as to address a petitionto some cold marble effigy. Old Dante,
however, sprang forward. There aresituations which the heart of a father

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or a mother cannot be made tounderstand. He prayed and supplicated in terms
so moving that even the officer wastouched, And although firm in his duty,
he kindly said, my worthy friend, let me beg of you to
calm your apprehensions. Your son hasprobably neglected some prescribed form or attention in

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registering his cargo, and it ismore than probable he will be set at
liberty directly. He has given theinformation required, whether touching the health of
his crew or the value of hisfate. What is the meaning of all
this, inquired Caderousse, frowningly ofDanglars, who had assumed an air of

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utter surprise. How can I tellyou, replied he, I am like
yourself, utterly bewildered at all thatis going on, and cannot in the
least make out what it is about. Caderousse then looked around for fernand but
he had disappeared. The scene ofthe previous night now came back to his

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mind with startling clearness. The painfulcatastrophe he had just witnessed appeared effectually to
have rent away the veil which theintoxication of the evening before had raised between
himself and his memory. So sosaid he in a hoarse and choking voice.
Danglars, This, then, Isuppose, is a part of the

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thick you are concerting yesterday. AllI can say is that if it be
so, T is an ill turnand well deserves to bring double evil on
those who have projected it. Nonsense, returned Danglars. I tell you again,
I have nothing whatever to do withit. Besides, you know very

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well that I tore the paper topieces. No you did not, answered
Caderousse. You merely threw it.I saw it lying in a corner.
Hold your tongue, you fool.What should you know about it? Why
you were drunk? Where is Fernandinquired Caderouse. How do I know,

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replied Danglars, gone, as everyprudent man ought to be to look after
his own affairs. Most likely nevermind where he is. Let you and
I go and see what is tobe done for our poor friends. During
this conversation, Dantes, after havingexchanged a cheerful shake of the hand with

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all his sympathizing friends, had surrenderedhimself to the officer sent to arrest him,
merely saying, make yourselves quite easy, my good fellows. There is
some little mistake to clear up.That's all depend upon it, and very
likely I may not have to goso far as the prison to effect that.
Oh, to be sure, respondedDanglars, who had now approached the

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group. Nothing more than a mistake, I feel quite certain. Dantes descended
the staircase, preceded by the magistrateand followed by the soldiers. A carriage
awaited him at the door. Hegot in, followed by two soldiers and
the magistrate, and the vehicle droveoff towards Marseilles. Adieu, Adieu,

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dearest Edmond, cried Mercedes, stretchingout her arms to him from the balcony.
The prisoner the cry which sounded likethe sob of a broken heart,
and leaning from the coach, hecalled out, good bye, Mercedes.
We shall soon meet again. Thenthe vehicle disappeared round one of the turnings
of for Saint Nicholain. Wait forme here, all of you, cried

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mission morrel. I will dig thefirst conveiance I find, and hurry to
Marseilles. Oh, whence I willbring you word? How all is going
on? That's right, exclaimed amultitude of voices. A go and return
as quickly as you can. Thissecond departure was followed by a long and
fearful state of terrified silence on thepart of those who were left behind.

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The old Father and the Mercedes remainedfor some time apart, each absorbed in
grief. But at length the twopoor victims of the same blow raised their
eyes, and, with simultaneous burstof feeling, rushed into each other's arms.
Meanwhile, Fernand made his appearance,poured out for himself a glass of

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water with a trembling hand, thenhastily swallowing it, or went to sit
down at the first vacant place,and this was, by mere chance placed
next to the seat on which poorMercedes had fallen, half fainting. When
released from the warm and affectionate embraceof old Dante. Instinctively, Fernand drew

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back his chair. He is thecause of all this misery, I am
quite sure of it, whispered Caderousse, who had never taken his eyes of
Fernand to Danglars. I don't thinkso, answered the other. He is
too stupide to imagine such a scheme. I only hope the mischief will fall

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upon the head of whoever wrought it. You don't mention those who waited and
abetted the deed, said Caderousse,surely answered Danglars, one cannot be responsible
for every chance arrow shot into theair. You can, indeed, when
the arrow lights point downward on somebody'shead. Meantime, the subject of the

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arrest was being canvassed in every differentform. What think you, Danglars,
said one of the parties, turningtowards him of this event, Why,
replied he? I think it justpossible Dante may have been detected with some
trifling article on board ship, consideredhere as a contraband. But how could

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he have done so without your knowledge, Danglars, since you are the ships
super cargo. Why as for that? I could only know what I was
told respecting the merchandise with which thevessel was laden. I know she was
loaded with cotton, and that shetook in a freight at Alexandria from Pastre's
warehouse, and that Smyrna from Pascal. That is all I was obliged to

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know, and I beg I maynot be asked for any further particulars Now,
I recollect, said the afflicted oldfather. My poor boy told me
yesterday he had got a small caseof coffee and another of tobacco for me.
There you see, exclaimed Danglars.And now the mischief is out,

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depend upon it. The custom housepeople went rummaging about the ship in our
absence and discovered poor Dante's hidden treasures. Mercedes, however, paid no heed
to this explanation of her lover's arrest. Her grief, which she had hitherto
tried to restrain, now burst outin a violent fit of hysterical sobbing.

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Come, come, said the oldman. Be comforted, my poor child.
There is still hope, hope,repeat, Danglars, Hope, faintly
murmured Ferland, but the words seemedto die away on his pale, agitated
lips, and the convulsive spasm passedover his countenance. Good news are good

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news, shouted forth one of theparties stationed in the balcony on the lookout.
Here comes Misse morel back, nodoubt, Now we shall hear that
our friend is released. Mercedes.And the old man rushed to meet the
shipowner and greeted him at the door. He was very pale. What news
exclaimed A general burst of voices.Alas mey friends, replied Monsieur Morel,

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with a mournful shake of his head. The thing as assumed a more serious
aspect than I expected. Oh indeed, indeed, sir, he is innocent,
sobbed forth Mercedes. That I believe, answered Monsieur Morrel. But still
he is charged. Who is what? Inquired the elder Dantes, who is

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being an agent of the bonapartisfaction?And many of our readers may be able
to recollect how formidable such an accusationbecame in the period of which our story
is dated. A despairing cry escapedthe pale lips of Mercedes. The old
man sank into a chair. Ah, Danglars, whispered, Caderousse, you

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have deceived me. The trick youspoke of last night has been played.
But I cannot suffer a poor oldman or an innocent girl to die of
grief through your fault. I amdetermined to tell them all about it.
Be silent, you, simpleton,cried Danglars, grasping him by the arm,
Or I will not answer, evenfor your own safety. Who can

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tell whether Dantes be innocent or guilty? The vessel did touch at Elbas,
where he quitted it and passed awhole day in the island. Now,
should any letters or other documents ofa compromising character be found upon him,
will it not be taken for grantedthat all who apoldemar his accomplice. With

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a rapid instinct of selfishness, Caderoussereadily perceived the solidity of this mode of
reasoning. He gazed doubtfully wistfully onDanglars, and then caution supplanted generosity.
Suppose we wait awhile and see whatcomes of it, said he, casting
a bewildered look on his companion.To be sure, answered Danglars, Let

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us wait by all means. Ifhe be innocent, of course he will
be set at liberte. If guilty, why it is no use involving ourselves
in a conspiracy. Let us go. Then I cannot stay here any longer
with all my heart, replied Danglars, pleased to find the other so tractable.

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Let us take ourselves out of theway and leave things for the present
to take their course. After theirdeparture, fernand who had now again become
the friend and protector of Mercedes,led the girl to her home while the
friends of Dantes conducted the now halffainting man back to his abode. The

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rumor of Edmond's arrest as a bonapartistagent was not slow in circulating throughout the
city. Could you ever have creditedsuch a thing, my dear Danglars,
asked Monsieur Morrel, as on hisreturn to the Porte for the purpose of
gleaning fresh tidings of Dantes from Monsieurde Villefort, the assistant procureur, he

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overtook his supercargo and cadarousse. Couldyou believe such a thing possible? Why
you know I told you, repliedDanglars that I considered the circumstance of his
having anchored at the island of elbaAs a very suspicious circumstance. And did

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you mention these suspicions to any personbeside myself? Certainly not returned. Danglars
then added, in a low whisper, you understand that on account of your
uncle, Monsieur Palecard Morrel, whoserved under the other government, and who
does not altogether conceal what he thinkson the subject, you are strongly suspected

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of regretting the abdication of Napoleon.I should have feared to injure both Edmond
and yourself. Ad I have divulgedmy own apprehensions to a soul. I
am too well aware that though asubordinate like myself is bound to acquaint the
shipowner with everything that occurs, thereare many things he ought most carefully to

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conceal from all else. Tis WellDanglars tis Well replied, mischeme Moyle,
you are a worldy fellow, andI had already thought of your interests in
the event of poor Edmond having becomecaptain of the Faeroon. Is it possible
you were so kind? Yes?Indeed, I had previously inquired of Dante

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what was his opinion of you,and if he should have any reluctance to
continue you in your post. Forsomehow I have perceived a sort of coolness
between you and what was his reply? That he certainly did think he had
given you offense in an affair whichhe merely referred to without entering into a
particulars, but that whoever possessed thegood opinion and confidence of the ship's owner

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would have his preference. Also,the hypocrite murmured Danglars, Poor Dantes,
said carderusse no one can deny hisbeing a noble, added young fellow.
But meanwhile, continued miss Morrel,here is the Pharaohen without a captain,

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oh, replied Danglars. Since wecannot leave this pot for the next three
months, let us hope that erethe expiration of that period, Dantes will
be set at liberty, no doubt. But in the meantime, I am
entirely at your service, Monsieur morlanswered Danglars. You know that I am

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as capable of managing a ship asthe most experienced captain in the service,
and it will be so far advantageousto you to accept my service that,
upon Edmond's release from prison, nofurther change will be requisite on board the
Pharaohen than for Dantes and myself eachto resume our respective posts. Thanks Danglars,

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that will smooth over all difficulty.I fully authorize you at once to
assume the command of the Pharaoh andlook carefully to the unloading of her freight.
Private misfortune must never be allowed tointerfere with business. Be easy on
that score, Mischemil. But doyou think we shall be permitted to see

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our poor Edmond. I will letyou know that directly I have seen Monsieur
de Villefort, whom I shall endeavorto interest in Edmond's favor. I am
aware he is a furious royalist,But in spite of that, and of
his being a king's attorney, heis a man like yourselves, and I

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fancy not a bad soft of one. Perhaps not, replied Danglars. But
I hear that he is ambitious,and that's rather against him. Well,
well, returned missieon Morrel. Weshall see. But now ast on God,
I will join you there along,So, saying the worthy ship owner,

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quitted the two allies and proceeded inthe direction of the Palais de justice.
You see, said Danglars, addressingCaderousse. The turn things have taken.
Do you still feel any desire tostand up in his defense? Not
the slightest. But yet it seemsto me a shocking thing that a mere

(36:25):
joke should lead to such consequences.But who perpetrated that joke? Let me
ask, neither you nor myself,But fairmand you knew very well that I
threw the paper into a corner ofthe room. Indeed, I fancied I
had destroyed it. Oh no,replied Caderousse, that I can answer for

(36:51):
you. You did not. Ionly wish I could see it now as
plainly as I saw it, lyingall crushed and crampled in a corner of
the arbor. Well, then ifyou did depend upon it. Fernand picked
it up and either copied it orcaused it to be copied. Perhaps even
he did not take the trouble ofrecopying it. And now I think of

(37:15):
it by Evans, he may havesent the letter himself. Fortunately for me
the handwriting was disguised. Then youare aware of Dante being engaged in a
conspiracy. Not I, As Ibefore said, I thought the whole thing

(37:35):
was a joke, nothing more.It seems, however, that I have
unconsciously stumbled upon the truth, Stillargued Cadorous, I would give a great
deal if nothing of the kind hadhappened, or at least that I had
had no hand in it. Youwill see, danglars, that it will
turn out an unlucky job for bothof us. None sense if any harm

(38:01):
come of it, it should fallon the guilty person, and that you
know is Fernand. How can webe implicated in any way? All we
have to do is to keep ourown counsel and remain perfectly quiet, not
breathing a word to any living soul, and you will see that the storm

(38:24):
will pass away without in the leastaffecting us. Amen responded Calorous, waving
his hand in token of adieu toDanglars, and bending his steps towards the
alleys de Mayon, moving his headto and fro, and muttering as he
went, after the manner of onewhose mind was overcharged with one absorbing idea.

(38:49):
So far, then, said Danglars, mentally, all as gone as
I would have it. I amtemporarily commander of the Pharaohon, with the
certainty of being permanently so if thatfool of a Caddles can be persuaded to
hold his tongue, my only fearis the chance of Dante being released.

(39:12):
But there he is in the handsof justice, and added he with a
smile, she will take her ownso saying, he leaped into a boat,
desiring to be rowed on board thePheron, where Monsieur Morrel had agreed
to meet him. End of Chapterfive