FRANZ HAD so managed his route, that during the ride to the Colosseum they passed not a single ancient ruin, so that no preliminary impression interfered2 to mitigate3 the colossal4 proportions of the gigantic building they came to admire. The road selected was a continuation of the Via Sistina; then by cutting off the right angle of the street in which stands Santa Maria Maggiore and proceeding6 by the Via Urbana and San Pietro in Vincoli, the travellers would find themselves directly opposite the Colosseum. This itinerary7 possessed8 another great advantage,--that of leaving Franz at full liberty to indulge his deep reverie upon the subject of Signor Pastrini's story, in which his mysterious host of Monte Cristo was so strangely mixed up. Seated with folded arms in a corner of the carriage, he continued to ponder over the singular history he had so lately listened to, and to ask himself an interminable number of questions touching9 its various circumstances without, however, arriving at a satisfactory reply to any of them. One fact more than the rest brought his friend "Sinbad the Sailor" back to his recollection, and that was the mysterious sort of intimacy10 that seemed to exist between the brigands11 and the sailors; and Pastrini's account of Vampa's having found refuge on board the vessels12 of smugglers and fishermen, reminded Franz of the two Corsican bandits he had found supping so amicably13 with the crew of the little yacht, which had even deviated14 from its course and touched at Porto-Vecchio for the sole purpose of landing them. The very name assumed by his host of Monte Cristo and again repeated by the landlord of the H?tel de Londres, abundantly proved to him that his island friend was playing his philanthropic part on the shores of Piombino, Civita-Vecchio, Ostia, and Gaeta, as on those of Corsica, Tuscany, and Spain; and further, Franz bethought him of having heard his singular entertainer speak both of Tunis and Palermo, proving thereby15 how largely his circle of acquaintances extended.
But however the mind of the young man might he absorbed in these reflections, they were at once dispersed16 at the sight of the dark frowning ruins of the stupendous Colosseum, through the various openings of which the pale moonlight played and flickered17 like the unearthly gleam from the eyes of the wandering dead. The carriage stopped near the Meta Sudans; the door was opened, and the young men, eagerly alighting, found themselves opposite a cicerone, who appeared to have sprung up from the ground, so unexpected was his appearance.
The usual guide from the hotel having followed them, they had paid two conductors, nor is it possible, at Rome, to avoid this abundant supply of guides; besides the ordinary cicerone, who seizes upon you directly you set foot in your hotel, and never quits you while you remain in the city, there is also a special cicerone belonging to each monument--nay18, almost to each part of a monument. It may, therefore, be easily imagined there is no scarcity19 of guides at the Colosseum, that wonder of all ages, which Martial20 thus eulogizes: "Let Memphis cease to boast the barbarous miracles of her pyramids, and the wonders of Babylon be talked of no more among us; all must bow to the superiority of the gigantic labor21 of the C?sars, and the many voices of Fame spread far and wide the surpassing merits of this incomparable monument."
As for Albert and Franz, they essayed not to escape from their ciceronian tyrants22; and, indeed, it would have been so much the more difficult to break their bondage23, as the guides alone are permitted to visit these monuments with torches in their hands. Thus, then, the young men made no attempt at resistance, but blindly and confidingly24 surrendered themselves into the care and custody25 of their conductors. Albert had already made seven or eight similar excursions to the Colosseum, while his less favored companion trod for the first time in his life the classic ground forming the monument of Flavius Vespasian; and, to his credit be it spoken, his mind, even amid the glib27 loquacity28 of the guides, was duly and deeply touched with awe29 and enthusiastic admiration30 of all he saw; and certainly no adequate notion of these stupendous ruins can be formed save by such as have visited them, and more especially by moonlight, at which time the vast proportions of the building appear twice as large when viewed by the mysterious beams of a southern moonlit sky, whose rays are sufficiently31 clear and vivid to light the horizon with a glow equal to the soft twilight32 of an eastern clime. Scarcely, therefore, had the reflective Franz walked a hundred steps beneath the interior porticoes33 of the ruin, than, abandoning Albert to the guides (who would by no means yield their prescriptive right of carrying their victims through the routine regularly laid down, and as regularly followed by them, but dragged the unconscious visitor to the various objects with a pertinacity34 that admitted of no appeal, beginning, as a matter of course, with the Lions' Den35, and finishing with C?sar's "Podium,"), to escape a jargon36 and mechanical survey of the wonders by which he was surrounded, Franz ascended37 a half-dilapidated staircase, and, leaving them to follow their monotonous38 round, seated himself at the foot of a column, and immediately opposite a large aperture39, which permitted him to enjoy a full and undisturbed view of the gigantic dimensions of the majestic40 ruin.
Franz had remained for nearly a quarter of an hour perfectly41 hidden by the shadow of the vast column at whose base he had found a resting-place, and from whence his eyes followed the motions of Albert and his guides, who, holding torches in their hands, had emerged from a vomitarium at the opposite extremity42 of the Colosseum, and then again disappeared down the steps conducting to the seats reserved for the Vestal virgins43, resembling, as they glided44 along, some restless shades following the flickering45 glare of so many ignes-fatui. All at once his ear caught a sound resembling that of a stone rolling down the staircase opposite the one by which he had himself ascended. There was nothing remarkable46 in the circumstance of a fragment of granite47 giving way and falling heavily below; but it seemed to him that the substance that fell gave way beneath the pressure of a foot, and also that some one, who endeavored as much as possible to prevent his footsteps from being heard, was approaching the spot where he sat. Conjecture49 soon became certainty, for the figure of a man was distinctly visible to Franz, gradually emerging from the staircase opposite, upon which the moon was at that moment pouring a full tide of silvery brightness.
The stranger thus presenting himself was probably a person who, like Franz, preferred the enjoyment50 of solitude51 and his own thoughts to the frivolous52 gabble of the guides. And his appearance had nothing extraordinary in it; but the hesitation53 with which he proceeded, stopping and listening with anxious attention at every step he took, convinced Franz that he expected the arrival of some person. By a sort of instinctive54 impulse, Franz withdrew as much as possible behind his pillar. About ten feet from the spot where he and the stranger were, the roof had given way, leaving a large round opening, through which might be seen the blue vault55 of heaven, thickly studded with stars. Around this opening, which had, possibly, for ages permitted a free entrance to the brilliant moonbeams that now illumined the vast pile, grew a quantity of creeping plants, whose delicate green branches stood out in bold relief against the clear azure56 of the firmament57, while large masses of thick, strong fibrous shoots forced their way through the chasm58, and hung floating to and fro, like so many waving strings59. The person whose mysterious arrival had attracted the attention of Franz stood in a kind of half-light, that rendered it impossible to distinguish his features, although his dress was easily made out. He wore a large brown mantle60, one fold of which, thrown over his left shoulder, served likewise to mask the lower part of his countenance61, while the upper part was completely hidden by his broad-brimmed hat. The lower part of his dress was more distinctly visible by the bright rays of the moon, which, entering through the broken ceiling, shed their refulgent62 beams on feet cased in elegantly made boots of polished leather, over which descended63 fashionably cut trousers of black cloth.
From the imperfect means Franz had of judging, he could only come to one conclusion,--that the person whom he was thus watching certainly belonged to no inferior station of life. Some few minutes had elapsed, and the stranger began to show manifest signs of impatience64, when a slight noise was heard outside the aperture in the roof, and almost immediately a dark shadow seemed to obstruct65 the flood of light that had entered it, and the figure of a man was clearly seen gazing with eager scrutiny66 on the immense space beneath him; then, as his eye caught sight of him in the mantle, he grasped a floating mass of thickly matted boughs67, and glided down by their help to within three or four feet of the ground, and then leaped lightly on his feet. The man who had performed this daring act with so much indifference68 wore the Transtevere costume. "I beg your excellency's pardon for keeping you waiting," said the man, in the Roman dialect, "but I don't think I'm many minutes after my time, ten o'clock his just struck on the Lateran."
"Say not a word about being late," replied the stranger in purest Tuscan; "'tis I who am too soon. But even if you had caused me to wait a little while, I should have felt quite sure that the delay was not occasioned by any fault of yours."
"Your excellency is perfectly right in so thinking," said the man; "I came here direct from the Castle of St. Angelo, and I had an immense deal of trouble before I could get a chance to speak to Beppo."
"And who is Beppo?"
"Oh, Beppo is employed in the prison, and I give him so much a year to let me know what is going on within his holiness's castle."
"Indeed! You are a provident69 person, I see."
"Why, you see, no one knows what may happen. Perhaps some of these days I may be entrapped70, like poor Peppino and may be very glad to have some little nibbling71 mouse to gnaw72 the meshes73 of my net, and so help me out of prison."
"Briefly74, what did you glean75?"
"That two executions of considerable interest will take place the day after to-morrow at two o'clock, as is customary at Rome at the commencement of all great festivals. One of the culprits will be mazzolato; [1] he is an atrocious villain76, who murdered the priest who brought him up, and deserves not the smallest pity. The other sufferer is sentenced to be decapitato; [2] and he, your excellency, is poor Peppino."
"The fact is, that you have inspired not only the pontifical77 government, but also the neighboring states, with such extreme fear, that they are glad of all opportunity of making an example."
"But Peppino did not even belong to my band: he was merely a poor shepherd, whose only crime consisted in furnishing us with provisions."
"Which makes him your accomplice79 to all intents and purposes. But mark the distinction with which he is treated; instead of being knocked on the head as you would be if once they caught hold of you, he is simply sentenced to be guillotined, by which means, too, the amusements of the day are diversified80, and there is a spectacle to please every spectator."
"Without reckoning the wholly unexpected one I am preparing to surprise them with."
"My good friend," said the man in the cloak, "excuse me for saying that you seem to me precisely81 in the mood to commit some wild or extravagant82 act."
"Perhaps I am; but one thing I have resolved on, and that is, to stop at nothing to restore a poor devil to liberty, who has got into this scrape solely83 from having served me. I should hate and despise myself as a coward did I desert the brave fellow in his present extremity."
"And what do you mean to do?"
"To surround the scaffold with twenty of my best men, who, at a signal from me, will rush forward directly Peppino is brought for execution, and, by the assistance of their stilettos, drive back the guard, and carry off the prisoner."
"That seems to me as hazardous84 as uncertain, and convinces me that my scheme is far better than yours."
"And what is your excellency's project?"
"Just this. I will so advantageously bestow85 2,000 piastres, that the person receiving them shall obtain a respite86 till next year for Peppino; and during that year, another skilfully87 placed 1,000 piastres will afford him the means of escaping from his prison."
"And do you feel sure of succeeding?"
"" exclaimed the man in the cloak, suddenly expressing himself in French.
"What did your excellency say?" inquired the other.
"I said, my good fellow, that I would do more single-handed by the means of gold than you and all your troop could effect with stilettos, pistols, carbines, and blunderbusses included. Leave me, then, to act, and have no fears for the result."
"At least, there can be no harm in myself and party being in readiness, in case your excellency should fail."
"None whatever. Take what precautions you please, if it is any satisfaction to you to do so; but rely upon my obtaining the reprieve89 I seek."
"Remember, the execution is fixed90 for the day after tomorrow, and that you have but one day to work in."
"And what of that? Is not a day divided into twenty-four hours, each hour into sixty minutes, and every minute sub-divided into sixty seconds? Now in 86,400 seconds very many things can be done."
"And how shall I know whether your excellency has succeeded or not."
"Oh, that is very easily arranged. I have engaged the three lower windows at the Café Rospoli; should I have obtained the requisite91 pardon for Peppino, the two outside windows will be hung with yellow damasks, and the centre with white, having a large cross in red marked on it."
"And whom will you employ to carry the reprieve to the officer directing the execution?"
"Send one of your men, disguised as a penitent92 friar, and I will give it to him. His dress will procure93 him the means of approaching the scaffold itself, and he will deliver the official order to the officer, who, in his turn, will hand it to the executioner; in the meantime, it will be as well to acquaint Peppino with what we have determined94 on, if it be only to prevent his dying of fear or losing his senses, because in either case a very useless expense will have been incurred95."
"Your excellency," said the man, "you are fully88 persuaded of my entire devotion to you, are you not?"
"Nay, I flatter myself that there can be no doubt of it," replied the cavalier in the cloak.
"Well, then, only fulfil your promise of rescuing Peppino, and henceforward you shall receive not only devotion, but the most absolute obedience96 from myself and those under me that one human being can render to another."
"Have a care how far you pledge yourself, my good friend, for I may remind you of your promise at some, perhaps, not very distant period, when I, in my turn, may require your aid and influence."
"Let that day come sooner or later, your excellency will find me what I have found you in this my heavy trouble; and if from the other end of the world you but write me word to do such or such a thing, you may regard it as done, for done it shall be, on the word and faith of"--
"Hush97!" interrupted the stranger; "I hear a noise."
"'Tis some travellers, who are visiting the Colosseum by torchlight."
"'Twere better we should not be seen together; those guides are nothing but spies, and might possibly recognize you; and, however I may be honored by your friendship, my worthy98 friend, if once the extent of our intimacy were known, I am sadly afraid both my reputation and credit would suffer thereby."
"Well, then, if you obtain the reprieve?"
"The middle window at the Café Rospoli will be hung with white damask, bearing a red cross."
"And if you fail?"
"Then all three windows will have yellow draperies."
"And then?"
"And then, my good fellow, use your daggers99 in any way you please, and I further promise you to be there as a spectator of your prowess."
"We understand each other perfectly, then. Adieu, your excellency; depend upon me as firmly as I do upon you."
Saying these words, the Transteverin disappeared down the staircase, while his companion, muffling100 his features more closely than before in the folds of his mantle, passed almost close to Franz, and descended to the arena101 by an outward flight of steps. The next minute Franz heard himself called by Albert, who made the lofty building re-echo with the sound of his friend's name. Franz, however, did not obey the summons till he had satisfied himself that the two men whose conversation he had overheard were at a sufficient distance to prevent his encountering them in his descent. In ten minutes after the strangers had departed, Franz was on the road to the Piazza102 de Spagni, listening with studied indifference to the learned dissertation103 delivered by Albert, after the manner of Pliny and Calpurnius, touching the iron-pointed104 nets used to prevent the ferocious105 beasts from springing on the spectators. Franz let him proceed without interruption, and, in fact, did not hear what was said; he longed to be alone, and free to ponder over all that had occurred. One of the two men, whose mysterious meeting in the Colosseum he had so unintentionally witnessed, was an entire stranger to him, but not so the other; and though Franz had been unable to distinguish his features, from his being either wrapped in his mantle or obscured by the shadow, the tones of his voice had made too powerful an impression on him the first time he had heard them for him ever again to forget them, hear them when or where he might. It was more especially when this man was speaking in a manner half jesting, half bitter, that Franz's ear recalled most vividly106 the deep sonorous107, yet well-pitched voice that had addressed him in the grotto108 of Monte Cristo, and which he heard for the second time amid the darkness and ruined grandeur109 of the Colosseum. And the more he thought, the more entire was his conviction, that the person who wore the mantle was no other than his former host and entertainer, "Sinbad the Sailor."
Under any other circumstances, Franz would have found it impossible to resist his extreme curiosity to know more of so singular a personage, and with that intent have sought to renew their short acquaintance; but in the present instance, the confidential110 nature of the conversation he had overheard made him, with propriety111, judge that his appearance at such a time would be anything but agreeable. As we have seen, therefore, he permitted his former host to retire without attempting a recognition, but fully promising112 himself a rich indemnity113 for his present forbearance should chance afford him another opportunity. In vain did Franz endeavor to forget the many perplexing thoughts which assailed114 him; in vain did he court the refreshment115 of sleep. Slumber116 refused to visit his eyelids117 and the night was passed in feverish118 contemplation of the chain of circumstances tending to prove the identity of the mysterious visitant to the Colosseum with the inhabitant of the grotto of Monte Cristo; and the more he thought, the firmer grew his opinion on the subject. Worn out at length, he fell asleep at daybreak, and did not awake till late. Like a genuine Frenchman, Albert had employed his time in arranging for the evening's diversion; he had sent to engage a box at the Teatro Argentino; and Franz, having a number of letters to write, relinquished119 the carriage to Albert for the whole of the day. At five o'clock Albert returned, delighted with his day's work; he had been occupied in leaving his letters of introduction, and had received in return more invitations to balls and routs121 than it would be possible for him to accept; besides this, he had seen (as he called it) all the remarkable sights at Rome. Yes, in a single day he had accomplished122 what his more serious-minded companion would have taken weeks to effect. Neither had he neglected to ascertain123 the name of the piece to be played that night at the Teatro Argentino, and also what performers appeared in it.
The opera of Parisina was announced for representation, and the principal actors were Coselli, Moriani, and La Specchia. The young men, therefore, had reason to consider themselves fortunate in having the opportunity of hearing one of the best works by the composer of Lucia di Lammermoor, supported by three of the most renowned124 vocalists of Italy. Albert had never been able to endure the Italian theatres, with their orchestras from which it is impossible to see, and the absence of balconies, or open boxes; all these defects pressed hard on a man who had had his stall at the Bouffes, and had shared a lower box at the Opera. Still, in spite of this, Albert displayed his most dazzling and effective costumes each time he visited the theatres; but, alas125, his elegant toilet was wholly thrown away, and one of the most worthy representatives of Parisian fashion had to carry with him the mortifying126 reflection that he had nearly overrun Italy without meeting with a single adventure.
Sometimes Albert would affect to make a joke of his want of success; but internally he was deeply wounded, and his self-love immensely piqued127, to think that Albert de Morcerf, the most admired and most sought after of any young person of his day, should thus be passed over, and merely have his labor for his pains. And the thing was so much the more annoying, as, according to the characteristic modesty128 of a Frenchman, Albert had quitted Paris with the full conviction that he had only to show himself in Italy to carry all before him, and that upon his return he should astonish the Parisian world with the recital129 of his numerous love-affairs. Alas, poor Albert! none of those interesting adventures fell in his way; the lovely Genoese, Florentines, and Neapolitans were all faithful, if not to their husbands, at least to their lovers, and thought not of changing even for the splendid appearance of Albert de Morcerf; and all he gained was the painful conviction that the ladies of Italy have this advantage over those of France, that they are faithful even in their infidelity. Yet he could not restrain a hope that in Italy, as elsewhere, there might be an exception to the general rule. Albert, besides being an elegant, well-looking young man, was also possessed of considerable talent and ability; moreover, he was a viscount--a recently created one, certainly, but in the present day it is not necessary to go as far back as Noah in tracing a descent, and a genealogical tree is equally estimated, whether dated from 1399 or merely 1815; but to crown all these advantages, Albert de Morcerf commanded an income of 50,000 livres, a more than sufficient sum to render him a personage of considerable importance in Paris. It was therefore no small mortification130 to him to have visited most of the principal cities in Italy without having excited the most trifling131 observation. Albert, however, hoped to indemnify himself for all these slights and indifferences during the Carnival132, knowing full well that among the different states and kingdoms in which this festivity is celebrated133, Rome is the spot where even the wisest and gravest throw off the usual rigidity134 of their lives, and deign135 to mingle136 in the follies137 of this time of liberty and relaxation138.
The Carnival was to commence on the morrow; therefore Albert had not an instant to lose in setting forth139 the programme of his hopes, expectations, and claims to notice. With this design he had engaged a box in the most conspicuous140 part of the theatre, and exerted himself to set off his personal attractions by the aid of the most rich and elaborate toilet. The box taken by Albert was in the first circle; although each of the three tiers of boxes is deemed equally aristocratic, and is, for this reason, generally styled the "nobility's boxes," and although the box engaged for the two friends was sufficiently capacious to contain at least a dozen persons, it had cost less than would be paid at some of the French theatres for one admitting merely four occupants. Another motive141 had influenced Albert's selection of his seat,--who knew but that, thus advantageously placed, he might not in truth attract the notice of some fair Roman, and an introduction might ensue that would procure him the offer of a seat in a carriage, or a place in a princely balcony, from which he might behold142 the gayeties of the Carnival? These united considerations made Albert more lively and anxious to please than he had hitherto been. Totally disregarding the business of the stage, he leaned from his box and began attentively143 scrutinizing145 the beauty of each pretty woman, aided by a powerful opera-glass; but, alas, this attempt to attract notice wholly failed; not even curiosity had been excited, and it was but too apparent that the lovely creatures, into whose good graces he was desirous of stealing, were all so much engrossed146 with themselves, their lovers, or their own thoughts, that they had not so much as noticed him or the manipulation of his glass.
The truth was, that the anticipated pleasures of the Carnival, with the "holy week" that was to succeed it, so filled every fair breast, as to prevent the least attention being bestowed147 even on the business of the stage. The actors made their entries and exits unobserved or unthought of; at certain conventional moments, the spectators would suddenly cease their conversation, or rouse themselves from their musings, to listen to some brilliant effort of Moriani's, a well-executed recitative by Coselli, or to join in loud applause at the wonderful powers of La Specchia; but that momentary148 excitement over, they quickly relapsed into their former state of preoccupation or interesting conversation. Towards the close of the first act, the door of a box which had been hitherto vacant was opened; a lady entered to whom Franz had been introduced in Paris, where indeed, he had imagined she still was. The quick eye of Albert caught the involuntary start with which his friend beheld149 the new arrival, and, turning to him, he said hastily, "Do you know the woman who has just entered that box?"
"Yes; what do you think of her?"
"Oh, she is perfectly lovely--what a complexion150! And such magnificent hair! Is she French?"
"No; a Venetian."
"And her name is--"
"Countess G----."
"Ah, I know her by name!" exclaimed Albert; "she is said to possess as much wit and cleverness as beauty. I was to have been presented to her when I met her at Madame Villefort's ball."
"Shall I assist you in repairing your negligence151?" asked Franz.
"My dear fellow, are you really on such good terms with her as to venture to take me to her box?"
"Why, I have only had the honor of being in her society and conversing152 with her three or four times in my life; but you know that even such an acquaintance as that might warrant my doing what you ask." At that instant, the countess perceived Franz, and graciously waved her hand to him, to which he replied by a respectful inclination153 of the head. "Upon my word," said Albert, "you seem to be on excellent terms with the beautiful countess."
"You are mistaken in thinking so," returned Franz calmly; "but you merely fall into the same error which leads so many of our countrymen to commit the most egregious154 blunders,--I mean that of judging the habits and customs of Italy and Spain by our Parisian notions; believe me, nothing is more fallacious than to form any estimate of the degree of intimacy you may suppose existing among persons by the familiar terms they seem upon; there is a similarity of feeling at this instant between ourselves and the countess--nothing more."
"Is there, indeed, my good fellow? Pray tell me, is it sympathy of heart?"
"No; of taste," continued Franz gravely.
"And in what manner has this congeniality of mind been evinced?"
"By the countess's visiting the Colosseum, as we did last night, by moonlight, and nearly alone."
"You were with her, then?"
"I was."
"And what did you say to her?"
"Oh, we talked of the illustrious dead of whom that magnificent ruin is a glorious monument!"
"Upon my word," cried Albert, "you must have been a very entertaining companion alone, or all but alone, with a beautiful woman in such a place of sentiment as the Colosseum, and yet to find nothing better a talk about than the dead! All I can say is, if ever I should get such a chance, the living should be my theme."
"And you will probably find your theme ill-chosen."
"But," said Albert, breaking in upon his discourse155, "never mind the past; let us only remember the present. Are you not going to keep your promise of introducing me to the fair subject of our remarks?"
"Certainly, directly the curtain falls on the stage."
"What a confounded time this first act takes. I believe, on my soul, that they never mean to finish it."
"Oh, yes, they will; only listen to that charming finale. How exquisitely156 Coselli sings his part."
"But what an awkward, inelegant fellow he is."
"Well, then, what do you say to La Specchia? Did you ever see anything more perfect than her acting158?"
"Why, you know, my dear fellow, when one has been accustomed to Malibran and Sontag, such singers as these don't make the same impression on you they perhaps do on others."
"At least, you must admire Moriani's style and execution."
"I never fancied men of his dark, ponderous159 appearance singing with a voice like a woman's."
"My good friend," said Franz, turning to him, while Albert continued to point his glass at every box in the theatre, "you seem determined not to approve; you are really too difficult to please." The curtain at length fell on the performances, to the infinite satisfaction of the Viscount of Morcerf, who seized his hat, rapidly passed his fingers through his hair, arranged his cravat160 and wristbands, and signified to Franz that he was waiting for him to lead the way. Franz, who had mutely interrogated161 the countess, and received from her a gracious smile in token that he would be welcome, sought not to retard162 the gratification of Albert's eager impatience, but began at once the tour of the house, closely followed by Albert, who availed himself of the few minutes required to reach the opposite side of the theatre to settle the height and smoothness of his collar, and to arrange the lappets of his coat. This important task was just completed as they arrived at the countess's box. At the knock, the door was immediately opened, and the young man who was seated beside the countess, in obedience to the Italian custom, instantly rose and surrendered his place to the strangers, who, in turn, would be expected to retire upon the arrival of other visitors.
Franz presented Albert as one of the most distinguished163 young men of the day, both as regarded his position in society and extraordinary talents; nor did he say more than the truth, for in Paris and the circle in which the viscount moved, he was looked upon and cited as a model of perfection. Franz added that his companion, deeply grieved at having been prevented the honor of being presented to the countess during her sojourn164 in Paris, was most anxious to make up for it, and had requested him (Franz) to remedy the past misfortune by conducting him to her box, and concluded by asking pardon for his presumption165 in having taken it upon himself to do so. The countess, in reply, bowed gracefully166 to Albert, and extended her hand with cordial kindness to Franz; then, inviting168 Albert to take the vacant seat beside her, she recommended Franz to take the next best, if he wished to view the ballet, and pointed to the one behind her own chair. Albert was soon deeply engrossed in discoursing169 upon Paris and Parisian matters, speaking to the countess of the various persons they both knew there. Franz perceived how completely he was in his element; and, unwilling170 to interfere1 with the pleasure he so evidently felt, took up Albert's glass, and began in his turn to survey the audience. Sitting alone, in the front of a box immediately opposite, but situated171 on the third row, was a woman of exquisite157 beauty, dressed in a Greek costume, which evidently, from the ease and grace with which she wore it, was her national attire172. Behind her, but in deep shadow, was the outline of a masculine figure; but the features of this latter personage it was not possible to distinguish. Franz could not forbear breaking in upon the apparently173 interesting conversation passing between the countess and Albert, to inquire of the former if she knew who was the fair Albanian opposite, since beauty such as hers was well worthy of being observed by either sex. "All I can tell about her," replied the countess, "is, that she has been at Rome since the beginning of the season; for I saw her where she now sits the very first night of the season, and since then she has never missed a performance. Sometimes she is accompanied by the person who is now with her, and at others she is merely attended by a black servant."
"And what do you think of her personal appearance?"
"Oh, I consider her perfectly lovely--she is just my idea of what Medora must have been."
Franz and the countess exchanged a smile, and then the latter resumed her conversation with Albert, while Franz returned to his previous survey of the house and company. The curtain rose on the ballet, which was one of those excellent specimens174 of the Italian school, admirably arranged and put on the stage by Henri, who has established for himself a great reputation throughout Italy for his taste and skill in the choregraphic art--one of those masterly productions of grace, method, and elegance175 in which the whole corps176 de ballet, from the principal dancers to the humblest supernumerary, are all engaged on the stage at the same time; and a hundred and fifty persons may be seen exhibiting the same attitude, or elevating the same arm or leg with a simultaneous movement, that would lead you to suppose that but one mind, one act of volition177, influenced the moving mass--the ballet was called "Poliska." However much the ballet might have claimed his attention, Franz was too deeply occupied with the beautiful Greek to take any note of it; while she seemed to experience an almost childlike delight in watching it, her eager, animated178 looks contrasting strongly with the utter indifference of her companion, who, during the whole time the piece lasted, never even moved, not even when the furious, crashing din5 produced by the trumpets179, cymbals180, and Chinese bells sounded their loudest from the orchestra. Of this he took no heed181, but was, as far as appearances might be trusted, enjoying soft repose182 and bright celestial183 dreams. The ballet at length came to a close, and the curtain fell amid the loud, unanimous plaudits of an enthusiastic and delighted audience.
Owing to the very judicious184 plan of dividing the two acts of the opera with a ballet, the pauses between the performances are very short, the singers in the opera having time to repose themselves and change their costume, when necessary, while the dancers are executing their pirouettes and exhibiting their graceful167 steps. The overture185 to the second act began; and, at the first sound of the leader's bow across his violin, Franz observed the sleeper186 slowly arise and approach the Greek girl, who turned around to say a few words to him, and then, leaning forward again on the railing of her box, she became as absorbed as before in what was going on. The countenance of the person who had addressed her remained so completely in the shade, that, though Franz tried his utmost, he could not distinguish a single feature. The curtain rose, and the attention of Franz was attracted by the actors; and his eyes turned from the box containing the Greek girl and her strange companion to watch the business of the stage.
Most of my readers are aware that the second act of Parisina opens with the celebrated and effective duet in which Parisina, while sleeping, betrays to Azzo the secret of her love for Ugo. The injured husband goes through all the emotions of jealousy187, until conviction seizes on his mind, and then, in a frenzy188 of rage and indignation, he awakens190 his guilty wife to tell her that he knows her guilt191 and to threaten her with his vengeance192. This duet is one of the most beautiful, expressive193 and terrible conceptions that has ever emanated194 from the fruitful pen of Donizetti. Franz now listened to it for the third time; yet it's notes, so tenderly expressive and fearfully grand as the wretched husband and wife give vent48 to their different griefs and passions, thrilled through the soul of Franz with an effect equal to his first emotions upon hearing it. Excited beyond his usual calm demeanor195, Franz rose with the audience, and was about to join the loud, enthusiastic applause that followed; but suddenly his purpose was arrested, his hands fell by his sides, and the half-uttered "bravos" expired on his lips. The occupant of the box in which the Greek girl sat appeared to share the universal admiration that prevailed; for he left his seat to stand up in front, so that, his countenance being fully revealed, Franz had no difficulty in recognizing him as the mysterious inhabitant of Monte Cristo, and the very same person he had encountered the preceding evening in the ruins of the Colosseum, and whose voice and figure had seemed so familiar to him. All doubt of his identity was now at an end; his singular host evidently resided at Rome. The surprise and agitation196 occasioned by this full confirmation197 of Franz's former suspicion had no doubt imparted a corresponding expression to his features; for the countess, after gazing with a puzzled look at his face, burst into a fit of laughter, and begged to know what had happened. "Countess," returned Franz, totally unheeding her raillery, "I asked you a short time since if you knew any particulars respecting the Albanian lady opposite; I must now beseech198 you to inform me who and what is her husband?"
"Nay," answered the countess, "I know no more of him than yourself."
"Perhaps you never before noticed him?"
"What a question--so truly French! Do you not know that we Italians have eyes only for the man we love?"
"True," replied Franz.
"All I call say is," continued the countess, taking up the lorgnette, and directing it toward the box in question, "that the gentleman, whose history I am unable to furnish, seems to me as though he had just been dug up; he looks more like a corpse199 permitted by some friendly grave-digger to quit his tomb for a while, and revisit this earth of ours, than anything human. How ghastly pale he is!"
"Oh, he is always as colorless as you now see him," said Franz.
"Then you know him?" almost screamed the countess. "Oh, pray do, for heaven's sake, tell us all about--is he a vampire200, or a resuscitated201 corpse, or what?"
"I fancy I have seen him before; and I even think he recognizes me."
"And I can well understand," said the countess, shrugging up her beautiful shoulders, as though an involuntary shudder202 passed through her veins203, "that those who have once seen that man will never be likely to forget him." The sensation experienced by Franz was evidently not peculiar204 to himself; another, and wholly uninterested person, felt the same unaccountable awe and misgiving205. "Well." inquired Franz, after the countess had a second time directed her lorgnette at the box, "what do you think of our opposite neighbor?"
"Why, that he is no other than Lord Ruthven himself in a living form." This fresh allusion206 to Byron drew a smile to Franz's countenance; although he could but allow that if anything was likely to induce belief in the existence of vampires207, it would be the presence of such a man as the mysterious personage before him.
"I must positively208 find out who and what he is," said Franz, rising from his seat.
"No, no," cried the countess; "you must not leave me. I depend upon you to escort me home. Oh, indeed, I cannot permit you to go."
"Is it possible," whispered Franz, "that you entertain any fear?"
"I'll tell you," answered the countess. "Byron had the most perfect belief in the existence of vampires, and even assured me that he had seen them. The description he gave me perfectly corresponds with the features and character of the man before us. Oh, he is the exact personification of what I have been led to expect! The coal-black hair, large bright, glittering eyes, in which a wild, unearthly fire seems burning,--the same ghastly paleness. Then observe, too, that the woman with him is altogether unlike all others of her sex. She is a foreigner--a stranger. Nobody knows who she is, or where she comes from. No doubt she belongs to the same horrible race he does, and is, like himself, a dealer209 in magical arts. I entreat210 of you not to go near him--at least to-night; and if to-morrow your curiosity still continues as great, pursue your researches if you will; but to-night you neither can nor shall. For that purpose I mean to keep you all to myself." Franz protested he could not defer211 his pursuit till the following day, for many reasons. "Listen to me," said the countess, "and do not be so very headstrong. I am going home. I have a party at my house to-night, and therefore cannot possibly remain till the end of the opera. Now, I cannot for one instant believe you so devoid212 of gallantry as to refuse a lady your escort when she even condescends213 to ask you for it."
There was nothing else left for Franz to do but to take up his hat, open the door of the box, and offer the countess his arm. It was quite evident, by her manner, that her uneasiness was not feigned214; and Franz himself could not resist a feeling of superstitious215 dread--so much the stronger in him, as it arose from a variety of corroborative216 recollections, while the terror of the countess sprang from an instinctive belief, originally created in her mind by the wild tales she had listened to till she believed them truths. Franz could even feel her arm tremble as he assisted her into the carriage. Upon arriving at her hotel, Franz perceived that she had deceived him when she spoke26 of expecting company; on the contrary, her own return before the appointed hour seemed greatly to astonish the servants. "Excuse my little subterfuge," said the countess, in reply to her companion's half-reproachful observation on the subject; "but that horrid217 man had made me feel quite uncomfortable, and I longed to be alone, that I might compose my startled mind." Franz essayed to smile. "Nay," said she, "do not smile; it ill accords with the expression of your countenance, and I am sure it does not spring from your heart. however, promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Promise me, I say."
"I will do anything you desire, except relinquish120 my determination of finding out who this man is. I have more reasons than you can imagine for desiring to know who he is, from whence he came, and whither he is going."
"Where he comes from I am ignorant; but I can readily tell you where he is going to, and that is down below, without the least doubt."
"Let us only speak of the promise you wished me to make," said Franz.
"Well, then, you must give me your word to return immediately to your hotel, and make no attempt to follow this man to-night. There are certain affinities218 between the persons we quit and those we meet afterwards. For heaven's sake, do not serve as a conductor between that man and me. Pursue your chase after him to-morrow as eagerly as you please; but never bring him near me, if you would not see me die of terror. And now, good-night; go to your rooms, and try to sleep away all recollections of this evening. For my own part, I am quite sure I shall not be able to close my eyes." So saying, the countess quitted Franz, leaving him unable to decide whether she were merely amusing herself at his expense, or whether her fears and agitations219 were genuine.
Upon his return to the hotel, Franz found Albert in his dressing-gown and slippers220, listlessly extended on a sofa, smoking a cigar. "My dear fellow." cried he, springing up, "is it really you? Why, I did not expect to see you before to-morrow."
"My dear Albert," replied Franz, "I am glad of this opportunity to tell you, once and forever, that you entertain a most erroneous notion concerning Italian women. I should have thought the continual failures you have met with in all your own love affairs might have taught you better by this time."
"Upon my soul, these women would puzzle the very Devil to read them aright. Why, here--they give you their hand--they press yours in return--they keep up a whispering conversation--permit you to accompany them home. Why, if a Parisian were to indulge in a quarter of these marks of flattering attention, her reputation would be gone forever."
"And the very reason why the women of this fine country put so little restraint on their words and actions, is because they live so much in public, and have really nothing to conceal221. Besides, you must have perceived that the countess was really alarmed."
"At what? At the sight of that respectable gentleman sitting opposite to us in the same box with the lovely Greek girl? Now, for my part, I met them in the lobby after the conclusion of the piece; and hang me, if I can guess where you took your notions of the other world from. I can assure you that this hobgoblin of yours is a deuced fine-looking fellow--admirably dressed. Indeed, I feel quite sure, from the cut of his clothes, they are made by a first-rate Paris tailor--probably Blin or Humann. He was rather too pale, certainly; but then, you know, paleness is always looked upon as a strong proof of aristocratic descent and distinguished breeding." Franz smiled; for he well remembered that Albert particularly prided himself on the entire absence of color in his own complexion.
"Well, that tends to confirm my own ideas," said Franz, "that the countess's suspicions were destitute222 alike of sense and reason. Did he speak in your hearing? and did you catch any of his words?"
"I did; but they were uttered in the Romaic dialect. I knew that from the mixture of Greek words. I don't know whether I ever told you that when I was at college I was rather--rather strong in Greek."
"He spoke the Romaic language, did he?"
"I think so."
"That settles it," murmured Franz. "'Tis he, past all doubt."
"What do you say?"
"Nothing, nothing. But tell me, what were you thinking about when I came in?"
"Oh, I was arranging a little surprise for you."
"Indeed. Of what nature?"
"Why, you know it is quite impossible to procure a carriage."
"Certainly; and I also know that we have done all that human means afforded to endeavor to get one."
"Now, then, in this difficulty a bright idea has flashed across my brain." Franz looked at Albert as though he had not much confidence in the suggestions of his imagination. "I tell you what, Sir Franz," cried Albert, "you deserve to be called out for such a misgiving and incredulous glance as that you were pleased to bestow on me just now."
"And I promise to give you the satisfaction of a gentleman if your scheme turns out as ingenious as you assert."
"Well, then, hearken to me."
"I listen."
"You agree, do you not, that obtaining a carriage is out of the question?"
"I do."
"Neither can we procure horses?"
"True; we have offered any sum, but have failed."
"Well, now, what do you say to a cart? I dare say such a thing might be had."
"Very possibly."
"And a pair of oxen?"
"As easily found as the cart."
"Then you see, my good fellow, with a cart and a couple of oxen our business can be managed. The cart must be tastefully ornamented223; and if you and I dress ourselves as Neapolitan reapers224, we may get up a striking tableau225, after the manner of that splendid picture by Leopold Robert. It would add greatly to the effect if the countess would join us in the costume of a peasant from Puzzoli or Sorrento. Our group would then be quite complete, more especially as the countess is quite beautiful enough to represent a madonna."
"Well," said Franz, "this time, Albert, I am bound to give you credit for having hit upon a most capital idea."
"And quite a national one, too," replied Albert with gratified pride. "A mere78 masque borrowed from our own festivities. Ha, ha, ye Romans! you thought to make us, unhappy strangers, trot226 at the heels of your processions, like so many lazzaroni, because no carriages or horses are to be had in your beggarly city. But you don't know us; when we can't have one thing we invent another."
"And have you communicated your triumphant227 idea to anybody?"
"Only to our host. Upon my return home I sent for him, and I then explained to him what I wished to procure. He assured me that nothing would be easier than to furnish all I desired. One thing I was sorry for; when I bade him have the horns of the oxen gilded228, he told me there would not be time, as it would require three days to do that; so you see we must do without this little superfluity."
"And where is he now?"
"Who?"
"Our host."
"Gone out in search of our equipage, by to-morrow it might be too late."
"Then he will be able to give us an answer to-night."
"Oh, I expect him every minute."
At this instant the door opened, and the head of Signor Pastrini appeared.
"Permesso?" inquired he.
"Certainly--certainly," cried Franz. "Come in, mine host."
"Now, then," asked Albert eagerly, "have you found the desired cart and oxen?"
"Better than that!" replied Signor Pastrini, with the air of a man perfectly well satisfied with himself.
"Take care, my worthy host," said Albert, "better is a sure enemy to well."
"Let your excellencies only leave the matter to me," returned Signor Pastrini in a tone indicative of unbounded self-confidence.
"But what have you done?" asked Franz. "Speak out, there's a worthy fellow."
"Your excellencies are aware," responded the landlord, swelling229 with importance, "that the Count of Monte Cristo is living on the same floor with yourselves!"
"I should think we did know it," exclaimed Albert, "since it is owing to that circumstance that we are packed into these small rooms, like two poor students in the back streets of Paris."
"When, then, the Count of Monte Cristo, hearing of the dilemma231 in which you are placed, has sent to offer you seats in his carriage and two places at his windows in the Palazzo Rospoli." The friends looked at each other with unutterable surprise.
"But do you think," asked Albert, "that we ought to accept such offers from a perfect stranger?"
"What sort of person is this Count of Monte Cristo?" asked Franz of his host. "A very great nobleman, but whether Maltese or Sicilian I cannot exactly say; but this I know, that he is noble as a Borghese and rich as a gold-mine."
"It seems to me," said Franz, speaking in an undertone to Albert, "that if this person merited the high panegyrics232 of our landlord, he would have conveyed his invitation through another channel, and not permitted it to be brought to us in this unceremonious way. He would have written--or"--
At this instant some one knocked at the door. "Come in," said Franz. A servant, wearing a livery of considerable style and richness, appeared at the threshold, and, placing two cards in the landlord's hands, who forthwith presented them to the two young men, he said, "Please to deliver these, from the Count of Monte Cristo to Viscomte Albert de Morcerf and M. Franz d'Epinay. The Count of Monte Cristo," continued the servant, "begs these gentlemen's permission to wait upon them as their neighbor, and he will be honored by an intimation of what time they will please to receive him."
"Faith, Franz," whispered Albert, "there is not much to find fault with here."
"Tell the count," replied Franz, "that we will do ourselves the pleasure of calling on him." The servant bowed and retired233.
"That is what I call an elegant mode of attack," said Albert, "You were quite correct in what you said, Signor Pastrini. The Count of Monte Cristo is unquestionably a man of first-rate breeding and knowledge of the world."
"Then you accept his offer?" said the host.
"Of course we do," replied Albert. "Still, I must own I am sorry to be obliged to give up the cart and the group of reapers--it would have produced such an effect! And were it not for the windows at the Palazzo Rospoli, by way of recompense for the loss of our beautiful scheme, I don't know but what I should have held on by my original plan. What say you, Franz?"
"Oh, I agree with you; the windows in the Palazzo Rospoli alone decided234 me." The truth was, that the mention of two places in the Palazzo Rospoli had recalled to Franz the conversation he had overheard the preceding evening in the ruins of the Colosseum between the mysterious unknown and the Transteverin, in which the stranger in the cloak had undertaken to obtain the freedom of a condemned235 criminal; and if this muffled-up individual proved (as Franz felt sure he would) the same as the person he had just seen in the Teatro Argentino, then he should be able to establish his identity, and also to prosecute236 his researches respecting him with perfect facility and freedom. Franz passed the night in confused dreams respecting the two meetings he had already had with his mysterious tormentor237, and in waking speculations238 as to what the morrow would produce. The next day must clear up every doubt; and unless his near neighbor and would-be friend, the Count of Monte Cristo, possessed the ring of Gyges, and by its power was able to render himself invisible, it was very certain he could not escape this time. Eight o'clock found Franz up and dressed, while Albert, who had not the same motives239 for early rising, was still soundly asleep. The first act of Franz was to summon his landlord, who presented himself with his accustomed obsequiousness240.
"Pray, Signor Pastrini," asked Franz, "is not some execution appointed to take place to-day?"
"Yes, your excellency; but if your reason for inquiry241 is that you may procure a window to view it from, you are much too late."
"Oh, no," answered Franz, "I had no such intention; and even if I had felt a wish to witness the spectacle, I might have done so from Monte Pincio--could I not?"
"Ah!" exclaimed mine host, "I did not think it likely your excellency would have chosen to mingle with such a rabble242 as are always collected on that hill, which, indeed, they consider as exclusively belonging to themselves."
"Very possibly I may not go," answered Franz; "but in case I feel disposed, give me some particulars of to-day's executions."
"What particulars would your excellency like to hear?"
"Why, the number of persons condemned to suffer, their names, and description of the death they are to die."
"That happens just lucky, your excellency! Only a few minutes ago they brought me the tavolettas."
"What are they?"
"Sort of wooden tablets hung up at the corners of streets the evening before an execution, on which is pasted up a paper containing the names of the condemned persons, their crimes, and mode of punishment. The reason for so publicly announcing all this is, that all good and faithful Catholics may offer up their prayers for the unfortunate culprits, and, above all, beseech of heaven to grant them a sincere repentance243."
"And these tablets are brought to you that you may add your prayers to those of the faithful, are they?" asked Franz somewhat incredulously.
"Oh, dear, no, your excellency! I have not time for anybody's affairs but my own and those of my honorable guests; but I make an agreement with the man who pastes up the papers, and he brings them to me as he would the playbills, that in case any person staying at my hotel should like to witness an execution, he may obtain every requisite information concerning the time and place etc."
"Upon my word, that is a most delicate attention on your part, Signor Pastrini," cried Franz.
"Why, your excellency," returned the landlord, chuckling244 and rubbing his hands with infinite complacency, "I think I may take upon myself to say I neglect nothing to deserve the support and patronage245 of the noble visitors to this poor hotel."
"I see that plainly enough, my most excellent host, and you may rely upon me to proclaim so striking a proof of your attention to your guests wherever I go. Meanwhile, oblige me by a sight of one of these tavolettas."
"Nothing can be easier than to comply with your excellency's wish," said the landlord, opening the door of the chamber246; "I have caused one to be placed on the landing, close by your apartment." Then, taking the tablet from the wall, he handed it to Franz, who read as follows:--
"'The public is informed that on Wednesday, February 23d, being the first day of the Carnival, executions will take place in the Piazza del Popolo, by order of the Tribunal of the Rota, of two persons, named Andrea Rondola, and Peppino, otherwise called Rocca Priori; the former found guilty of the murder of a venerable and exemplary priest, named Don Cesare Torlini, canon of the church of St. John Lateran; and the latter convicted of being an accomplice of the atrocious and sanguinary bandit, Luigi Vampa, and his band. The first-named malefactor247 will be mazzolato, the second culprit, decapitato. The prayers of all good Christians248 are entreated249 for these unfortunate men, that it may please God to awaken189 them to a sense of their guilt, and to grant them a hearty250 and sincere repentance for their crimes.'"
This was precisely what Franz had heard the evening before in the ruins of the Colosseum. No part of the programme differed,--the names of the condemned persons, their crimes, and mode of punishment, all agreed with his previous information. In all probability, therefore, the Transteverin was no other than the bandit Luigi Vampa himself, and the man shrouded251 in the mantle the same he had known as "Sinbad the Sailor," but who, no doubt, was still pursuing his philanthropic expedition in Rome, as he had already done at Porto-Vecchio and Tunis. Time was getting on, however, and Franz deemed it advisable to awaken Albert; but at the moment he prepared to proceed to his chamber, his friend entered the room in perfect costume for the day. The anticipated delights of the Carnival had so run in his head as to make him leave his pillow long before his usual hour. "Now, my excellent Signor Pastrini," said Franz, addressing his landlord, "since we are both ready, do you think we may proceed at once to visit the Count of Monte Cristo?"
"Most assuredly," replied he. "The Count of Monte Cristo is always an early riser; and I can answer for his having been up these two hours."
"Then you really consider we shall not be intruding252 if we pay our respects to him directly?"
"Oh, I am quite sure. I will take all the blame on myself if you find I have led you into an error."
"Well, then, if it be so, are you ready, Albert?"
"Perfectly."
"Let us go and return our best thanks for his courtesy."
"Yes, let us do so." The landlord preceded the friends across the landing, which was all that separated them from the apartments of the count, rang at the bell, and, upon the door being opened by a servant, said, "I signori Francesi."
The domestic bowed respectfully, and invited them to enter. They passed through two rooms, furnished in a luxurious253 manner they had not expected to see under the roof of Signor Pastrini, and were shown into an elegantly fitted-up drawing-room. The richest Turkey carpets covered the floor, and the softest and most inviting couches, easy-chairs, and sofas, offered their high-piled and yielding cushions to such as desired repose or refreshment. Splendid paintings by the first masters were ranged against the walls, intermingled with magnificent trophies254 of war, while heavy curtains of costly255 tapestry256 were suspended before the different doors of the room. "If your excellencies will please to be seated," said the man, "I will let the count know that you are here."
And with these words he disappeared behind one of the tapestried257 portières. As the door opened, the sound of a guzla reached the ears of the young men, but was almost immediately lost, for the rapid closing of the door merely allowed one rich swell230 of harmony to enter. Franz and Albert looked inquiringly at each other, then at the gorgeous furnishings of the apartment. Everything seemed more magnificent at a second view than it had done at their first rapid survey.
"Well," said Franz to his friend, "what think you of all this?"
"Why, upon my soul, my dear fellow, it strikes me that our elegant and attentive144 neighbor must either be some successful stock-jobber who has speculated in the fall of the Spanish funds, or some prince travelling incog."
"Hush, hush!" replied Franz; "we shall ascertain who and what he is--he comes!" As Franz spoke, he heard the sound of a door turning on its hinges, and almost immediately afterwards the tapestry was drawn258 aside, and the owner of all these riches stood before the two young men. Albert instantly rose to meet him, but Franz remained, in a manner, spellbound on his chair; for in the person of him who had just entered he recognized not only the mysterious visitant to the Colosseum, and the occupant of the box at the Teatro Argentino, but also his extraordinary host of Monte Cristo.
弗兰兹所指定的路线很巧妙，使他们到斗兽场去的路上一座古迹也不经过，这样，头脑里便不会因为看多了这些古迹，而影响了他们去欣赏那座庞大建筑物的兴致。他所选定的路线是先沿着西斯蒂纳街走，到圣·玛丽亚教堂向右转，顺着乌巴那街和圣·彼得街折入文卡利街，到了文卡利街，游客们就会发现他们已正对着斗兽场了。走这条路线另外还有一大优点，就是可以让弗兰兹自由自在地去深思冥想，把派里尼老板讲述给他听的那个故事思索一番，因为，他那位住在基督山岛的神秘的东道主竟也出现在那个故事里。他交叉着两臂靠在马车的一个角落里，揣摩着刚才所听到的那一篇奇闻，他想出了无数有关的问题来自问，但没有一个问题能得到满意的答复。在一个事实最能使他联想起他的朋友“水手辛巴德”来，就是，在土匪和水手之间，似乎存在着一种密切的神秘关系。
派里尼说万帕常常躲避到走私贩子和渔夫的船上去，这使弗兰兹想起他自己也曾看到那两个科西嘉强盗和那艘小游艇的船员们一起融洽地用餐，那艘小游艇甚至还改变了它的航程，到韦基奥港去靠了一靠，专程送他们上岸。伦敦旅馆的老板也曾提到基督山他那位东道主的化名，他觉得单是这一个名字就足以证明他那位岛上的朋友的博爱行为不但遍及科西嘉，托斯卡纳和西班牙沿岸，而且还同样的遍及皮昂比诺，契维塔·韦基亚，奥斯尼斯和巴勒莫，这可以证明他的交游范围是多么的广大。
但是，不论这个年轻人是如何专心一致地沉溺在这种种回忆里，他的思绪还是被伟大的斗兽场废墟那一片黑森森的景象打断了，透过废墟的各个门洞，惨白的月光时隐时现地闪烁着，象是孤魂野鬼的眼睛里所射出来的光。马车在苏丹台附近停下来，门是大开着的，这两个青年急忙跳下马车，发觉他们面前已站着一个向导，象是从地底
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interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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mitigate
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| vt.（使）减轻，（使）缓和 | |
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colossal
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| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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itinerary
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| n.行程表，旅行路线；旅行计划 | |
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8
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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9
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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10
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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11
brigands
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| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
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12
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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13
amicably
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| adv.友善地 | |
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14
deviated
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| v.偏离，越轨( deviate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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15
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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16
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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17
flickered
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| （通常指灯光）闪烁，摇曳( flicker的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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18
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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19
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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20
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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21
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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22
tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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23
bondage
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| n.奴役，束缚 | |
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24
confidingly
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| adv.信任地 | |
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25
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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26
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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27
glib
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| adj.圆滑的，油嘴滑舌的 | |
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28
loquacity
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| n.多话，饶舌 | |
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29
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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30
admiration
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|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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31
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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32
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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33
porticoes
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| n.柱廊，（有圆柱的）门廊( portico的名词复数 ) | |
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34
pertinacity
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| n.执拗，顽固 | |
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35
den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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36
jargon
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| n.术语，行话 | |
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37
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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38
monotonous
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|
| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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39
aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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40
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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41
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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42
extremity
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|
| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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43
virgins
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| 处女，童男( virgin的名词复数 )； 童贞玛利亚（耶稣之母） | |
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44
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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45
flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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46
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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47
granite
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| adj.花岗岩，花岗石 | |
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48
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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49
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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50
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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51
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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52
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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53
hesitation
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|
| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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54
instinctive
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|
| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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55
vault
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|
| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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56
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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57
firmament
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| n.苍穹；最高层 | |
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58
chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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59
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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60
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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61
countenance
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|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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62
refulgent
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|
| adj.辉煌的，灿烂的 | |
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63
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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64
impatience
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|
| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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65
obstruct
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| v.阻隔，阻塞(道路、通道等)；n.阻碍物，障碍物 | |
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66
scrutiny
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|
| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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67
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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68
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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69
provident
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|
| adj.为将来做准备的，有先见之明的 | |
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70
entrapped
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| v.使陷入圈套，使入陷阱( entrap的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
nibbling
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|
| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的现在分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
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72
gnaw
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| v.不断地啃、咬；使苦恼，折磨 | |
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73
meshes
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| 网孔( mesh的名词复数 )； 网状物； 陷阱； 困境 | |
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74
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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75
glean
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| v.收集(消息、资料、情报等) | |
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76
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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77
pontifical
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|
| adj.自以为是的，武断的 | |
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78
mere
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|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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79
accomplice
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|
| n.从犯，帮凶，同谋 | |
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80
diversified
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|
| adj.多样化的，多种经营的v.使多样化，多样化( diversify的过去式和过去分词 )；进入新的商业领域 | |
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81
precisely
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|
| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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82
extravagant
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|
| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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83
solely
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|
| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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84
hazardous
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|
| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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85
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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86
respite
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|
| n.休息，中止，暂缓 | |
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87
skilfully
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|
| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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88
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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89
reprieve
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|
| n.暂缓执行（死刑）；v.缓期执行；给…带来缓解 | |
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90
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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91
requisite
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|
| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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92
penitent
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|
| adj.后悔的；n.后悔者；忏悔者 | |
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93
procure
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|
| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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94
determined
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|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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95
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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96
obedience
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|
| n.服从，顺从 | |
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97
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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98
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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99
daggers
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| 匕首，短剑( dagger的名词复数 ) | |
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100
muffling
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| v.压抑，捂住( muffle的现在分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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101
arena
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| n.竞技场，运动场所；竞争场所，舞台 | |
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102
piazza
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| n.广场；走廊 | |
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103
dissertation
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| n.（博士学位）论文，学术演讲，专题论文 | |
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104
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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105
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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106
vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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107
sonorous
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| adj.响亮的，回响的；adv.圆润低沉地；感人地；n.感人，堂皇 | |
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108
grotto
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| n.洞穴 | |
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109
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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110
confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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111
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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112
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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113
indemnity
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| n.赔偿，赔款，补偿金 | |
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114
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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115
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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116
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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117
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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118
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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119
relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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120
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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121
routs
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| n.打垮，赶跑( rout的名词复数 )；（体育）打败对方v.打垮，赶跑( rout的第三人称单数 )；（体育）打败对方 | |
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122
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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123
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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124
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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125
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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126
mortifying
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| adj.抑制的，苦修的v.使受辱( mortify的现在分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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127
piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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128
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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129
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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130
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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131
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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132
carnival
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| n.嘉年华会，狂欢，狂欢节，巡回表演 | |
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133
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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134
rigidity
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| adj.钢性，坚硬 | |
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135
deign
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| v. 屈尊, 惠允 ( 做某事) | |
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136
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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137
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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138
relaxation
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| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
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139
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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140
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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141
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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142
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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143
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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144
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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145
scrutinizing
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| v.仔细检查，详审( scrutinize的现在分词 ) | |
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146
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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147
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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149
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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150
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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151
negligence
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| n.疏忽，玩忽，粗心大意 | |
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152
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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153
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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154
egregious
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| adj.非常的，过分的 | |
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155
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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156
exquisitely
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| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
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157
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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158
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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159
ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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160
cravat
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| n.领巾，领结；v.使穿有领结的服装，使结领结 | |
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161
interrogated
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| v.询问( interrogate的过去式和过去分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
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162
retard
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| n.阻止，延迟；vt.妨碍，延迟，使减速 | |
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163
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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164
sojourn
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| v./n.旅居，寄居；逗留 | |
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165
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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166
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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167
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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168
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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169
discoursing
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| 演说（discourse的现在分词形式） | |
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170
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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171
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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172
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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173
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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174
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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175
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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176
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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177
volition
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| n.意志；决意 | |
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178
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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179
trumpets
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| 喇叭( trumpet的名词复数 )； 小号； 喇叭形物； （尤指）绽开的水仙花 | |
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180
cymbals
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| pl.铙钹 | |
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181
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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182
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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183
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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184
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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185
overture
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| n.前奏曲、序曲，提议，提案，初步交涉 | |
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186
sleeper
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| n.睡眠者，卧车，卧铺 | |
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187
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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188
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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189
awaken
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| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
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190
awakens
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的第三人称单数 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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191
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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192
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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193
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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194
emanated
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| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的过去式和过去分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
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195
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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196
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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197
confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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198
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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199
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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200
vampire
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| n.吸血鬼 | |
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201
resuscitated
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| v.使（某人或某物）恢复知觉，苏醒( resuscitate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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202
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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203
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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204
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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205
misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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206
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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207
vampires
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| n.吸血鬼( vampire的名词复数 )；吸血蝠；高利贷者；（舞台上的）活板门 | |
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208
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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209
dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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210
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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211
defer
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| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
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212
devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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213
condescends
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| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的第三人称单数 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
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214
feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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215
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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216
corroborative
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| adj.确证（性）的，确凿的 | |
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217
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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218
affinities
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| n.密切关系( affinity的名词复数 )；亲近；（生性）喜爱；类同 | |
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219
agitations
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| （液体等的）摇动( agitation的名词复数 )； 鼓动； 激烈争论； （情绪等的）纷乱 | |
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220
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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221
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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222
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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223
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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224
reapers
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| n.收割者，收获者( reaper的名词复数 )；收割机 | |
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225
tableau
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| n.画面，活人画（舞台上活人扮的静态画面） | |
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226
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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227
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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228
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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229
swelling
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| n.肿胀 | |
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230
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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231
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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232
panegyrics
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| n.赞美( panegyric的名词复数 )；称颂；颂词；颂扬的演讲或文章 | |
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233
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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234
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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235
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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236
prosecute
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| vt.告发；进行；vi.告发，起诉，作检察官 | |
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237
tormentor
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| n. 使苦痛之人, 使苦恼之物, 侧幕 =tormenter | |
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238
speculations
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| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
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239
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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240
obsequiousness
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| 媚骨 | |
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241
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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242
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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243
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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244
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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245
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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246
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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247
malefactor
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| n.罪犯 | |
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248
Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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249
entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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250
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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251
shrouded
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| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
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252
intruding
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| v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的现在分词)；把…强加于 | |
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253
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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254
trophies
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| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
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255
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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256
tapestry
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| n.挂毯，丰富多采的画面 | |
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257
tapestried
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| adj.饰挂绣帷的，织在绣帷上的v.用挂毯（或绣帷）装饰( tapestry的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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258
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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