The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 35 (1/2)
Fernando wished to oppose this idea, which ne had by this tirily, ”I do not see any objection I for one should like to hear the girl sing up here before the adventure”
”The adventure?” repeated Montferrand
”A little surprise we have arranged for her--that is all”
Arthur looked bewildered, and then exclaimed:
”Ah! I see Bravo!--call the proprietor, and bid hientlemen!” said Fernando, ”be careful what you do No imprudences! Remember that you are not in the Palais Royal The people down stairs won't stand any nonsense!”
Frederic rang the bell furiously, and the waiter was sent for the proprietor Aube presently appeared He was very obsequious in his manner, for the party had ordered bottle after bottle of cha to the people in the cafe?” asked Frederic, abruptly
”She is called the Marquise, sir--a pretty little creature, and as good as she is pretty!”
”I dare say! Now send her up here, and tell the waiter to bring up three ne”
Aube stood still, twisting his cap in his hands
”Well?” said Frederic, ”why don't you go?”
”I wish to say, sir, that the girl is very respectable”
”We don't doubt it We will pay her for her song--three louis, five--is that enough?”
Aube felt that he had no right to deprive the girl of thisfelloere not as wild as they seemed Fernando's calree
”Are you going?” asked Frederic, somewhat rudely
Aube reluctantly left the room
The restaurant was filled with customers, all respectable people with the exception of those seated around a table in the further corner of the room--they were doubtful in appearance When Robeccal, in the discharge of his duties as ”extra,” calass of wine, first taking care that his ereatly disturbed by the orders he had received, returned to the dining-roo her rounds to collect the uitar Aube touched her shoulder
”I want to speak to you, petite,” he said, as he drew her into a corner
”You are not rich, I fancy?”
”I should say not!” And Francine laughed ”What a queer thing to say!”
”I have a proposal to make”
”And what may that be?”