Volume I Part 44 (1/2)
”Well then, I shall do my best”
”Hurrah!--is it not so, I'm allowed to call you commander?”
”But I have already told you--”
”Let e me, call me simply Coucou, and all will be well”
”I shall consider the o down and wait for me in the street, I shall be there almost immediately”
”At your service, co his hand to his cap, whereupon he left
”Well?” inquired Mercedes, when alone with the count
”Mercedes,” said Monte-Cristo, with sincerity, ”do not despair Allyour son, and perhaps God will be ive way to despair”
”Then farewell, Mercedes! We will soon ain Now I aain in Marseilles”
A knock interrupted the count--the door was quietly opened and a clear voice inquired:
”Are you alone, deara wink from the count, Mercedes said:
”Yes, Clary, you lish lady skipped over the threshold, but she stood still and blushed as soon as she saw the stranger
”My dear little friend,” said Mercedes, presenting the girl, ”keeps me company in my desolation, and thus helps me to pass away many a weary hour”
The count bowed respectfully, whereupon he extended his hand to Mercedes and went away
”Who is the gentleman?” asked Clary, as soon as the door closed behind Monte-Cristo
”The Count of Monte-Cristo,” said Mercedes
”Was he the person whoood cheer,” said Clary, putting her tiny hand upon her heaving breast; ”sohty! Hope, Mother Mercedes--hope!”
CHAPTER xxxVIII
”SEARCH FOR THE WIFE!”
The count found the Zouave outside the house in animated conversation with Madame Caraman Coucou had a special predilection for the ”feeant saw in every blue-coat a comrade of her ”blessed one”
”How do you do, madame? Surely you are the companion of the beautiful little one up-stairs?” and he pointed at the house