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Chapter 69 The Inquiry
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 M. DE VILLEFORT kept the promise he had made to Madame Danglars, to endeavor to find out how the Count of Monte Cristo had discovered the history of the house at Auteuil. He wrote the same day for the required information to M. de Boville, who, from having been an inspector1 of prisons, was promoted to a high office in the police; and the latter begged for two days time to ascertain2 exactly who would be most likely to give him full particulars. At the end of the second day M. de Villefort received the following note:--

"The person called the Count of Monte Cristo is an intimate acquaintance of Lord Wilmore, a rich foreigner, who is sometimes seen in Paris and who is there at this moment; he is also known to the Abbé Busoni, a Sicilian priest, of high repute in the East, where he has done much good."

M. de Villefort replied by ordering the strictest inquiries3 to be made respecting these two persons; his orders were executed, and the following evening he received these details:--

"The abbé, who was in Paris only for a month, inhabited a small two-storied house behind Saint-Sulpice; there were two rooms on each floor and he was the only tenant4. The two lower rooms consisted of a dining-room, with a table, chairs, and side-board of walnut,--and a wainscoted parlor5, without ornaments6, carpet, or timepiece. It was evident that the abbé limited himself to objects of strict necessity. He preferred to use the sitting-room7 upstairs, which was more library than parlor, and was furnished with theological books and parchments, in which he delighted to bury himself for months at a time, according to his valet de chambre. His valet looked at the visitors through a sort of wicket; and if their faces were unknown to him or displeased8 him, he replied that the abbé was not in Paris, an answer which satisfied most persons, because the abbé was known to be a great traveller. Besides, whether at home or not, whether in Paris or Cairo, the abbé always left something to give away, which the valet distributed through this wicket in his master's name. The other room near the library was a bedroom. A bed without curtains, four arm-chairs, and a couch, covered with yellow Utrecht velvet9, composed, with a prie-Dieu, all its furniture. Lord Wilmore resided in Rue10 Fontaine-Saint-George. He was one of those English tourists who consume a large fortune in travelling. He hired the apartment in which he lived furnished, passed only a few hours in the day there, and rarely slept there. One of his peculiarities12 was never to speak a word of French, which he however wrote with great facility."

The day after this important information had been given to the king's attorney, a man alighted from a carriage at the corner of the Rue Férou, and rapping at an olive-green door, asked if the Abbé Busoni were within. "No, he went out early this morning," replied the valet.

"I might not always be content with that answer," replied the visitor, "for I come from one to whom everyone must be at home. But have the kindness to give the Abbé Busoni"--

"I told you he was not at home," repeated the valet. "Then on his return give him that card and this sealed paper. Will he be at home at eight o'clock this evening?"

"Doubtless, unless he is at work, which is the same as if he were out."

"I will come again at that time," replied the visitor, who then retired13.

At the appointed hour the same man returned in the same carriage, which, instead of stopping this time at the end of the Rue Férou, drove up to the green door. He knocked, and it opened immediately to admit him. From the signs of respect the valet paid him, he saw that his note had produced a good effect. "Is the abbé at home?" asked he.

"Yes; he is at work in his library, but he expects you, sir," replied the valet. The stranger ascended14 a rough staircase, and before a table, illumined by a lamp whose light was concentrated by a large shade while the rest of the apartment was in partial darkness, he perceived the abbé in a monk's dress, with a cowl on his head such as was used by learned men of the Middle Ages. "Have I the honor of addressing the Abbé Busoni?" asked the visitor.

"Yes, sir," replied the abbé; "and you are the person whom M. de Boville, formerly15 an inspector of prisons, sends to me from the prefect of police?"

"Exactly, sir."

"One of the agents appointed to secure the safety of Paris?"

"Yes, sir"" replied the stranger with a slight hesitation16, and blushing.

The abbé replaced the large spectacles, which covered not only his eyes but his temples, and sitting down motioned to his visitor to do the same. "I am at your service, sir," said the abbé, with a marked Italian accent.

"The mission with which I am charged, sir," replied the visitor, speaking with hesitation, "is a confidential17 one on the part of him who fulfils it, and him by whom he is employed." The abbé bowed. "Your probity," replied the stranger, "is so well known to the prefect that he wishes as a magistrate18 to ascertain from you some particulars connected with the public safety, to ascertain which I am deputed to see you. It is hoped that no ties of friendship or humane19 consideration will induce you to conceal20 the truth."

"Provided, sir, the particulars you wish for do not interfere21 with my scruples22 or my conscience. I am a priest, sir, and the secrets of confession23, for instance, must remain between me and God, and not between me and human justice."

"Do not alarm yourself, monsieur, we will duly respect your conscience."

At this moment the abbé pressed down his side of the shade and so raised it on the other, throwing a bright light on the stranger's face, while his own remained obscured. "Excuse me, abbé," said the envoy24 of the prefect of the police, "but the light tries my eyes very much." The abbé lowered the shade. "Now, sir, I am listening--go on."

"I will come at once to the point. Do you know the Count of Monte Cristo?"

"You mean Monsieur Zaccone, I presume?"

"Zaccone?--is not his name Monte Cristo?"

"Monte Cristo is the name of an estate, or, rather, of a rock, and not a family name."

"Well, be it so--let us not dispute about words; and since M. de Monte Cristo and M. Zaccone are the same"--

"Absolutely the same."

"Let us speak of M. Zaccone."

"Agreed."

"I asked you if you knew him?"

"Extremely well."

"Who is he?"

"The son of a rich shipbuilder in Malta."

"I know that is the report; but, as you are aware, the police does not content itself with vague reports."

"However," replied the abbé, with an affable smile, "when that report is in accordance with the truth, everybody must believe it, the police as well as all the rest."

"Are you sure of what you assert?"

"What do you mean by that question?"

"Understand, sir, I do not in the least suspect your veracity25; I ask if you are certain of it?"

"I knew his father, M. Zaccone."

"Ah, indeed?"

"And when a child I often played with the son in the timber-yards."

"But whence does he derive26 the title of count?"

"You are aware that may be bought."

"In Italy?"

"Everywhere."

"And his immense riches, whence does he procure27 them?"

"They may not be so very great."

"How much do you suppose he possesses?"

"From one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand livres per annum."

"That is reasonable," said the visitor; "I have heard he had three or four millions."

"Two hundred thousand per annum would make four millions of capital."

"But I was told he had four millions per annum?"

"That is not probable."

"Do you know this Island of Monte Cristo?"

"Certainly, every one who has come from Palermo, Naples, or Rome to France by sea must know it, since he has passed close to it and must have seen it."

"I am told it is a delightful28 place?"

"It is a rock."

"And why has the count bought a rock?"

"For the sake of being a count. In Italy one must have territorial29 possessions to be a count."

"You have, doubtless, heard the adventures of M. Zaccone's youth?"

"The father's?"

"No, the son's."

"I know nothing certain; at that period of his life, I lost sight of my young comrade."

"Was he in the wars?"

"I think he entered the service."

"In what branch?"

"In the navy."

"Are you not his confessor?"

"No, sir; I believe he is a Lutheran."

"A Lutheran?"

"I say, I believe such is the case, I do not affirm it; besides, liberty of conscience is established in France."

"Doubtless, and we are not now inquiring into his creed30, but his actions; in the name of the prefect of police, I ask you what you know of him.

"He passes for a very charitable man. Our holy father, the pope, has made him a knight31 of Jesus Christ for the services he rendered to the Christians32 in the East; he has five or six rings as testimonials from Eastern monarchs33 of his services."

"Does he wear them?"

"No, but he is proud of them; he is better pleased with rewards given to the benefactors34 of man than to his destroyers."

"He is a Quaker then?"

"Exactly, he is a Quaker, with the exception of the peculiar11 dress."

"Has he any friends?"

"Yes, every one who knows him is his friend."

"But has he any enemies?"

"One only."

"What is his name?"

"Lord Wilmore."

"Where is he?"

"He is in Paris just now."

"Can he give me any particulars?"

"Important ones; he was in India with Zaccone."

"Do you know his abode35?"

"It's somewhere in the Chaussée d'Antin; but I know neither the street nor the number."

"Are you at variance36 with the Englishman?"

"I love Zaccone, and he hates him; we are consequently not friends."

"Do you think the Count of Monte Cristo had ever been in France before he made this visit to Paris?"

"To that question I can answer positively37; no, sir, he had not, because he applied38 to me six months ago for the particulars he required, and as I did not know when I might again come to Paris, I recommended M. Cavalcanti to him."

"Andrea?"

"No, Bartolomeo, his father."

"Now, sir, I have but one question more to ask, and I charge you, in the name of honor, of humanity, and of religion, to answer me candidly39."

"What is it, sir?"

"Do you know with what design M. de Monte Cristo purchased a house at Auteuil?"

"Certainly, for he told me."

"What is it, sir?"

"To make a lunatic asylum40 of it, similar to that founded by the Count of Pisani at Palermo. Do you know about that institution?"

"I have heard of it."

"It is a magnificent charity." Having said this, the abbé bowed to imply he wished to pursue his studies. The visitor either understood the abbé's meaning, or had no more questions to ask; he arose, and the abbé accompanied him to the door. "You are a great almsgiver," said the visitor, "and although you are said to be rich, I will venture to offer you something for your poor people; will you accept my offering?"

"I thank you, sir; I am only jealous in one thing, and that is that the relief I give should be entirely41 from my own resources."

"However"--

"My resolution, sir, is unchangeable, but you have only to search for yourself and you will find, alas42, but too many objects upon whom to exercise your benevolence43." The abbé once more bowed as he opened the door, the stranger bowed and took his leave, and the carriage conveyed him straight to the house of M. de Villefort. An hour afterwards the carriage was again ordered, and this time it went to the Rue Fontaine-Saint-George, and stopped at No. 5, where Lord Wilmore lived. The stranger had written to Lord Wilmore, requesting an interview, which the latter had fixed44 for ten o'clock. As the envoy of the prefect of police arrived ten minutes before ten, he was told that Lord Wilmore, who was precision and punctuality personified, was not yet come in, but that he would be sure to return as the clock struck.

The visitor was introduced into the drawing-room, which was like all other furnished drawing-rooms. A mantle-piece, with two modern Sèvres vases, a timepiece representing Cupid with his bent45 bow, a mirror with an engraving46 on each side--one representing Homer carrying his guide, the other, Belisarius begging--a grayish paper; red and black tapestry--such was the appearance of Lord Wilmore's drawing-room. It was illuminated47 by lamps with ground-glass shades which gave only a feeble light, as if out of consideration for the envoy's weak sight. After ten minutes' expectation the clock struck ten; at the fifth stroke the door opened and Lord Wilmore appeared. He was rather above the middle height, with thin reddish whiskers, light complexion48 and light hair, turning rather gray. He was dressed with all the English peculiarity49, namely, in a blue coat, with gilt50 buttons and high collar, in the fashion of 1811, a white kerseymere waistcoat, and nankeen pantaloons, three inches too short, but which were prevented by straps51 from slipping up to the knee. His first remark on entering was,--"You know, sir, I do not speak French?"

"I know you do not like to converse52 in our language," replied the envoy. "But you may use it," replied Lord Wilmore; "I understand it."

"And I," replied the visitor, changing his idiom, "know enough of English to keep up the conversation. Do not put yourself to the slightest inconvenience."

"Aw?" said Lord Wilmore, with that tone which is only known to natives of Great Britain.

The envoy presented his letter of introduction, which the latter read with English coolness, and having finished,--"I understand," said he, "perfectly53."

Then began the questions, which were similar to those which had been addressed to the Abbé Busoni. But as Lord Wilmore, in the character of the count's enemy, was less restrained in his answers, they were more numerous; he described the youth of Monte Cristo, who he said, at ten years of age, entered the service of one of the petty sovereigns of India who make war on the English. It was there Wilmore had first met him and fought against him; and in that war Zaccone had been taken prisoner, sent to England, and consigned54 to the hulks, whence he had escaped by swimming. Then began his travels, his duels55, his caprices; then the insurrection in Greece broke out, and he had served in the Grecian ranks. While in that service he had discovered a silver mine in the mountains of Thessaly, but he had been careful to conceal it from every one. After the battle of Navarino, when the Greek government was consolidated56, he asked of King Otho a mining grant for that district, which was given him. Hence that immense fortune, which, in Lord Wilmore's opinion, possibly amounted to one or two millions per annum,--a precarious57 fortune, which might be momentarily lost by the failure of the mine.

"But," asked the visitor, "do you know why he came to France?"

"He is speculating in railways," said Lord Wilmore, "and as he is an expert chemist and physicist58, he has invented a new system of telegraphy, which he is seeking to bring to perfection."

"How much does he spend yearly?" asked the prefect.

"Not more than five or six hundred thousand francs," said Lord Wilmore; "he is a miser59." Hatred60 evidently inspired the Englishman, who, knowing no other reproach to bring on the count, accused him of avarice61. "Do you know his house at Auteuil?"

"Certainly."

"What do you know respecting it?"

"Do you wish to know why he bought it?"

"Yes."

"The count is a speculator, who will certainly ruin himself in experiments. He supposes there is in the neighborhood of the house he has bought a mineral spring equal to those at Bagneres, Luchon, and Cauterets. He is going to turn his house into a Badhaus, as the Germans term it. He has already dug up all the garden two or three times to find the famous spring, and, being unsuccessful, he will soon purchase all the contiguous houses. Now, as I dislike him, and hope his railway, his electric telegraph, or his search for baths, will ruin him, I am watching for his discomfiture62, which must soon take place."

"What was the cause of your quarrel?"

"When he was in England he seduced63 the wife of one of my friends."

"Why do you not seek revenge?"

"I have already fought three duels with him," said the Englishman, "the first with the pistol, the second with the sword, and the third with the sabre."

"And what was the result of those duels?"

"The first time, he broke my arm; the second, he wounded me in the breast; and the third time, made this large wound." The Englishman turned down his shirt-collar, and showed a scar, whose redness proved it to be a recent one. "So that, you see, there is a deadly feud64 between us."

"But," said the envoy, "you do not go about it in the right way to kill him, if I understand you correctly."

"Aw?" said the Englishman, "I practice shooting every day, and every other day Grisier comes to my house."

This was all the visitor wished to ascertain, or, rather, all the Englishman appeared to know. The agent arose, and having bowed to Lord Wilmore, who returned his salutation with the stiff politeness of the English, he retired. Lord Wilmore, having heard the door close after him, returned to his bedroom, where with one hand he pulled off his light hair, his red whiskers, his false jaw65, and his wound, to resume the black hair, dark complexion, and pearly teeth of the Count of Monte Cristo. It was M. de Villefort, and not the prefect, who returned to the house of M. de Villefort. The procureur felt more at ease, although he had learned nothing really satisfactory, and, for the first time since the dinner-party at Auteuil, he slept soundly.
 

维尔福先生信守着他对腾格拉尔夫人许下的诺言,极力去调查基督山伯爵究竟是怎样发现欧特伊别墅的历史的。他在当天就写信给了波维里先生(波维里先生已经从典狱长了升到了警务部的大臣),向他索要他所需要的情报;后者请求给他两天的时间去进行调查,届时大概就可以把所需的情报提供给他了。第二天晚上,维尔福先生收到下面这张条子:“基督山伯爵有两个好朋友,一个是威玛勋爵,是一个有钱的外国人,行踪不定,目前在巴黎;另一个是布沙尼神甫,是一个在东方广行善事、颇得该地人士称誉的意大利教士。”

维尔福先生回信吩咐严密调查这两个人的一切情况。他的命令很快被执行了,第二天晚上,他接到了一份详细的报告:“神甫到巴黎已经一个月,住在圣·苏尔莫斯教堂后面的一座租来的小房子里,有上下两层,每层有两个房间。接下的两个房间中的一间是餐厅,房子有桌子一张,椅子数把,胡桃木碗柜一只;另一间是镶着壁板的客厅,并无壁饰、地毯或时钟。神甫显然只购置纯对必需的用具。神甫很喜欢楼上的那个起坐间,里面堆满神学书和经典,一个月来,他常常埋头在书堆里,所以那个房间倒不象是起居室,而象是一间书房。他的仆人先要从一个门洞里望一望访客,如果来者绝不认识或不喜欢,就回答说神甫不在巴黎——这个答复能使大多数人满意,因为大家都知道神甫是一位大旅行家。而且,不论是否在家,不论在巴黎或开罗,神甫总留下一些东西施舍给来访的人,那个仆人就用他主人的名义从门洞里把东西分散给人。书房旁边另外那个房间是寝室。全部家具只有一张没有帐子的床、四把圈椅和一只铺黄色天鹅绒厚垫的睡帽。

威玛勋爵住在圣·乔琪街。他是一个英国旅行家,在旅行中花掉的钱特别多。他的房子和家具都是租的,白天只在那里逗留几个钟头,而且极少在那儿过夜。他有一个怪脾气,就是从来不说一句法国话,却能写纯正的法文。”

在检察官得到这些详细情况的第二天,有个人驱车到费洛街的拐角处下车,走去敲一扇深绿色的门,要见布沙尼神甫。

“不在家,他今天一早就出去了。”仆人回答说。

“这个答复不能使我满意,”来客答道,“因为对于派我来的那个人,是没有人会说自己不在家的,还是请你劳神去告诉布沙尼神甫——”

“我已经告诉你他不在家啦!”仆人又说。

“那么,当他回来的时候,把这张名片和这封盖过封印的信交给他。他今天晚上八点钟在不在家?”

“当然在的。除非他在工作,那他也就和出门一样了。”

“那我今晚八点再来。”来客说完,就走了。

果然到了指定时间,那个人还是乘着那辆马车来了,但这一次马车并不停在费洛街的街尾,而是停在那扇绿门前面。

他一敲门,门就开了他走了进去。根据仆人对他的恭敬殷勤的态度上,他看出那封信已产生了预期的效果。“神甫在家吗?”他问。

“是的,他在书房里工作,他在恭候您,先生。”听差回答。来客走上一座很陡的楼梯,迎面看到神甫坐在桌子前面。

桌子上有一盏灯,灯罩很大,把灯光都集中在桌面上,使得房间里其余部分相当黑暗,他看见神甫穿着一件和尚长袍,头上戴着中世纪学者所用的那种头巾。“幸会,幸会,阁下就是布沙尼神甫吗?”来客问。

“是的,阁下,”神甫回答,“而您就是那位以前做过典狱长,现任警察总监波维里先生派来的使者吗?”

“一点不错,阁下。”

“身负巴黎保安重任的一位使者?”

“是的,阁下。”来客犹像了一下,脸也有些红了。

神甫把眼镜架好,这副大眼镜不但遮住两眼,并且连他的颧骨也遮住了,他又重新坐下来,并示意来客也就座。“我悉听您的吩咐,阁下。”神甫带着很明显的意大利口音说。

“我所负的使命,阁下,”来客一字一顿地说,“不论是对完成这项使命的,还是对作为这项使命的对象,都是机密的。”

神甫鞠了一躬。“您的正直,”来客继续说,“总监是早有耳闻的,现在,他作为法官,希望要从您这儿了解一点有关社会治安的情况。为了了解这些情况,他委托我来见您。希望不要碍于友谊或人情而不会使您掩饰事实的真相。”

“阁下,只要您所了解的情况不至于给我带来良心上的不安就行。我是一个教士,阁下,譬如说,人们在忏悔的时候所讲出来的秘密,那就必须由我保留由上帝裁判,而不是保留给人类的法庭。

“您别担心,神甫阁下,我们会尊重您的良心安宁。”

这个时候,神甫把靠近自己那一边的灯罩压得更低一些,另外那一边就翘了起来,使来客的脸被照亮了,而他自己则仍在暗处。

“对不起,神甫阁下,”警察总监的使者说,“灯光太刺眼了。”

神甫把灯罩压低,“现在,阁下,”他说,“我在恭听了,请说吧!”

“我来直截了当地说。您认识基督山伯爵先生吗?”

“我想您是指柴康先生吧?”

“柴康!这么说他不叫基督山?”

“基督山是一个地名,或说得更确切些,是一座岩礁的名字,不是一个姓。”

“好吧,既然基督山先生和柴康先生是一个人,我们就不必在字面上争论了。”

“绝对是一个人。”

“我们就来谈谈柴康先生吧。”

“好吧。”

“我刚才问您认不认识他?”

“我和他很熟。”

“他是谁?”

“一个有钱的马耳他造船商的儿子。”

“我知道,报告上也这么说。但是,您知道,警务部对空泛的报告不会满意的。

“但是,”神甫温和地微笑着答道,“当报告与事实相符的时候,谁都必须相信——别人得相信,警务部也得相信。”

“但您能确信这一点吗?”

“您是什么意思?”

“阁下,我对于您的诚实并无丝毫怀疑,我只是问您,您对于这一点能不能确定?”

“我认识他的父亲柴康先生。”

“啊,啊!”

“小时候,我常常和他的儿子在船坞里玩耍。”

“但他这个伯爵的头衔是哪儿得来的?”

“您知道那是可以买到的。”

“在意大利?”

“到处都行。”

“而他的财产,据一般人说,简直是无限——”

“哦,关于这一点,”神甫说,“‘无限’用得很恰当。”

“您以为他有多少财产?”

“每年十五万至二十万里弗左右的利息。”

“这也在情理之中,”来客说,“我听说他有三四百万呢!”

“每年二千万里弗收益金就得四百万本。”

“但我听说他每年有四百万的利息收入。”

“哦,那是不可信的。”

“您知道那个基督山岛?”

“当然,凡是从巴勒莫、那不勒斯或罗马经海道来的法国人,都知道这个岛,因为他们都必须从岛的附近经过,看得到它。”

“据说那是一个迷人的地方。”

“那是一座岩山。”

“伯爵为什么要买一座岩山呢?”

“为了要做一个伯爵。在意大利,如果想当伯爵,就必须有一处采地。”

“您想必听到过柴康先生青年时代的冒险经历吧?”

“那位父亲?”

“不,他的儿子。”

“这我知道得不确切,那个时期我没有看到我那青年朋友。”

“他去从军了吗?”

“我好象记得他当过兵。”

“加入哪一军种?”

“海军。”

“您作为神甫,他向您忏悔过吗?”

“不,先生,我想他是一个路德教徒。”

“一个路德教徒?”

“我说我想如此,我没有肯定,而且,我以为法国是有信仰自由的。”

“当然,我们现在所调查的不是他的信仰,而他的行动。我代表警察总监请求您把您所知道的关于他的一切都告诉我。”

“大家认为他是一个乐善好施的人。基于他对东方基督教徒所做的杰出贡献,教皇曾封他为基督爵士——这种荣誉一向是只赐给亲王的。他还有五六种尊贵的勋章,都是东方诸国国王报答他种种贡献的纪念品。”

“他戴不戴那些勋章?”

“不戴,但他很以此为荣。他说过他喜欢的是给人类的造福者的褒奖,而不是给人类的破坏者犒赏。”

“那么他是个教友派信徒了?”

“一点不错,他是教友派信徒,只是他从不穿那种古怪的衣服而已。”

“他有没有朋友?”

“有,凡是认识他的人都是他的朋友。”

“但有没有仇人呢?”

“只有一个。”

“那个人叫什么名字?”

“威玛勋爵。”

“他在哪儿?”

“他现在巴黎。”

“他能不能给我一些消息?”

“他可以提供给您重要的消息,他曾在印度和柴康相处过一段日子”

“您知道他住哪儿?”

“大概在安顿大马路那一带,但街名和门牌号码我都不知道。”

“您跟那个英国人关系不好,是吗?”

“我爱柴康,他恨柴康,所以我们关系不太好。”

“您是否以为基督山伯爵在这次访问巴黎以前,从没有到过法国?”

“对于这个问题,我可以打保票。不,阁下,他从来没有到过这儿,因为半年以前,他还向我打听过法国的情况。”因为不知道自己什么时候回巴黎,我就介绍卡瓦尔康蒂先生去见他。”

“安德烈吗?”

“不,是他的父亲,巴陀米奥。”

“阁下,我现在只有一个问题要问了。我凭人格、人道和宗教名义,要求您坦白地回答我。”

“请问吧,阁下。”

“您知不知道基督山先生在欧特伊买房子是什么目的?”

“当然知道,他告诉过我。”

“是什么目的,阁下?”

“他要办一所精神病院,象庇沙尼男爵在巴勒莫所办的那所一样。您知不知道那所精神病院?”

“我听说过。”

“那是一种很了不起的机构。”说完了这句话,神甫就鞠了一躬,表示他要继续做他的研究工作了。来客不知是懂得神甫的意思,还是他再没有别的问题要问了。他站起身来,神甫送他到门口。

“您是一位大慈善家,”来客说,“虽然人家都说您很有钱,但我愿意冒昧地捐献一些东西,请您代我施舍给穷人。您愿不愿意接受我的捐款?”

“谢谢您,阁下,我在世上只有一件事情看得特别重,就是,我所施舍的必须完全出于我自己的经济来源。”

“但是——”

“我的决心是无法改变的,但您只要自己去找,总是找得到的,唉!您可以施舍的对象太多啦。”神甫一面开门,一面又鞠了一躬,来客也鞠躬告辞。那马车又出发了,这一次,它驶到至·乔琪街,停在五号门前,那就是威玛勋爵所住的地方。来客曾写信给威玛勋爵,约定在十点钟的时候前来拜访。

警察总监的使者到的时候是十点差十分,仆人告诉他说,威玛勋爵还没回家,但他为人极守时间,十点钟一定会回来的。

来客在客厅等着,客厅里的布置象其他一切连家具出租的客厅一样。没有特别的地方,一只壁炉,壁炉架上放着两只新式的瓷花瓶:一架挂钟,挂钟顶上连着一具张弓待发的恋爱神童像;一面两边都刻花的屏风一边刻的是荷马盲行图,另一边是贝利赛行乞图;灰色的糊壁纸;用黑色饰边的红色窗帘。这就是威玛勋爵的客厅。房间里点着几盏灯,但毛玻璃的灯罩光线看起来很微弱,象是考虑到警察总监的密使受不了强烈的光线而特意安排的,十分钟以后,挂钟开始敲十点钟,敲到第五下,门开了,威玛勋爵出现在门口。他的个子略高于中等身材,长着暗红色的稀疏的髭须,脸色很白,金黄色的头发已有些灰白。他的衣服完全显示出英国人的特征——就是:一件一八一一年式的高领蓝色上装,上面钉着镀金的纽扣;一件羊毛背心;一条紫花布的裤子,裤脚管比平常的短三吋,但有吊带扣在鞋底上,所以也不会滑到膝头上去。他一进来,就用英语说:“阁下,您知道我是不说法语的。”

“我知道您不喜欢用我国的语言谈话。”密使回答。

“但您可以说法语,”威玛勋爵答道,“因为我虽然不讲这种语言,但我听得懂。”

“而我,”来客改口用英语回答,“我也懂得一些英语,可以用英语谈话。您不必感觉不便。”

“噢!”威玛勋爵用那种只有道地的大不列颠人民才能懂得的腔调说。

密使拿出他的介绍信后,威玛勋爵带着英国人那种冷淡的态度把它看了一遍,看完以后,他仍用英语说,“我明白,我完全明白。”

于是就开始提问。那些问题和问布沙尼神甫的差不多。但因为威玛勋爵是伯爵的仇人,所以他的答案不象神甫那样谨慎,答得随便而直率。他谈了基督山青年时代的情况,他说伯爵在二十岁的时候就在印度一个小王国的军队里服役和英国人作战;威玛就是在那儿第一次和他相见并第一次和他发生战斗。在那场战争里,柴康成了俘虏,被押解到英国,关在一艘囚犯船里,在途中他潜水逃走了。此后他就开始到处旅行,到处决斗,到处闹桃色事件。希腊发生内乱的时候,他在希腊军队里服役。那次服役期间,他在塞萨利山上发现了一个银矿,但他的口风很紧,把这件事瞒过了每一个人。纳瓦里诺战役结束后,希腊政府局面稳定,他向国王奥图要求那个区域的开矿权,国王就给了他。他因此成了巨富。据威玛勋爵的意见,他每年的收入达一两百万之多,但那种财产是不稳定的,一旦银矿枯竭,他的好运也就到头了。

“那么,”来客说,“您知道他到法国来的目的吗?”

“他是来作铁路投机的,”威玛勋爵说,“他是一个老练的药物学家,也是一个同样出色的物理学家,他发明一种新的电报技术,他正在寻门路,想推广他这的新发现哩。”

“他每年花多少钱?”总监的密使问。

“不过五六十万法郎,”威玛勋爵说,“他是一个守财奴。”

英国人之所以这么说显然由于仇恨他的缘故,因为他在别的方面无可指责伯爵,就骂他吝啬。

“您知不知道他在欧特伊所买的那座房子?”

“当然知道。”

“您知道些什么?”

“您想知道他为什么买那所房子吗?”

“是的。”

“伯爵是一个投机家,他将来一定会因为那些乌托邦式的实验弄得自己倾家荡产。他认为在他所买的那座房子附近,有一道象巴尼里斯、罗春和卡德斯那样的温泉。他想把他的房子改成德国人所说的那种‘寄宿疗养院’。他已经把整个花园挖了两三遍,想找到温泉的泉源,但没有成功,所以他不久就会把邻近的房子都买下来。我讨厌他,我希望他的铁路、他的电报技术、他的寻觅温泉会弄得他倾家荡产,我正在等着看他失败,不久他一定会失败的。”

“为什么这么恨他?”

“在英国的时候,他勾引我一个朋友的太太。”

“您为什么不向他报仇呢?”

“我已经和他决斗过三次了,”英国人说,“第一次用手枪,第二次用剑,第三次用双手长剑。”

“那几次决斗的结果如何??

“第一次,他打断了我的胳膊。第二次,他刺伤了我的胸部。第三次,他给我留下了这个伤疤。”英国人翻开他的衬衫领子,露出一处伤疤,疤痕还是鲜红的,证明这是一个新伤。

“所以我跟他有不共戴天之仇,他一定会死在我的手里。”

“但是,”那位密使说,“据我看来,您似乎不能杀死他呀。”

“噢!”英国人说,“我天天都在练习打靶,每隔一天,格里塞要到我家里来一次。”

来客想打听的事情已完了,说得更确切些,那个英国人所知道的事情似乎尽止于此了。警察总监的使者站起身来告退,向威玛勋爵鞠了一躬,威玛勋爵也按英国人的礼数硬梆梆地还他一礼。当他听到大门关上的声音的时候,他就回到卧室里,一手扯掉他那浅黄色的头发、他那暗红色的髭须、他的假下巴和他的伤疤,重新露出基督山伯爵那种乌黑的头发和洁白的牙齿。至于回到维尔福先生家里去的那个人,也并不是警察总监的密使,而是维尔福先生本人。检察官虽然并没有打听到真正令他满意的消息,但他已安心不少,自从去欧特伊赴宴以来,他第一次安安稳稳地睡了一夜。  


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 inspector q6kxH     
n.检查员,监察员,视察员
参考例句:
  • The inspector was interested in everything pertaining to the school.视察员对有关学校的一切都感兴趣。
  • The inspector was shining a flashlight onto the tickets.查票员打着手电筒查看车票。
2 ascertain WNVyN     
vt.发现,确定,查明,弄清
参考例句:
  • It's difficult to ascertain the coal deposits.煤储量很难探明。
  • We must ascertain the responsibility in light of different situtations.我们必须根据不同情况判定责任。
3 inquiries 86a54c7f2b27c02acf9fcb16a31c4b57     
n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 );疑问;探究;打听
参考例句:
  • He was released on bail pending further inquiries. 他获得保释,等候进一步调查。
  • I have failed to reach them by postal inquiries. 我未能通过邮政查询与他们取得联系。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4 tenant 0pbwd     
n.承租人;房客;佃户;v.租借,租用
参考例句:
  • The tenant was dispossessed for not paying his rent.那名房客因未付房租而被赶走。
  • The tenant is responsible for all repairs to the building.租户负责对房屋的所有修理。
5 parlor v4MzU     
n.店铺,营业室;会客室,客厅
参考例句:
  • She was lying on a small settee in the parlor.她躺在客厅的一张小长椅上。
  • Is there a pizza parlor in the neighborhood?附近有没有比萨店?
6 ornaments 2bf24c2bab75a8ff45e650a1e4388dec     
n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 );点缀;装饰品;首饰v.装饰,点缀,美化( ornament的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • The shelves were chock-a-block with ornaments. 架子上堆满了装饰品。
  • Playing the piano sets up resonance in those glass ornaments. 一弹钢琴那些玻璃饰物就会产生共振。 来自《简明英汉词典》
7 sitting-room sitting-room     
n.(BrE)客厅,起居室
参考例句:
  • The sitting-room is clean.起居室很清洁。
  • Each villa has a separate sitting-room.每栋别墅都有一间独立的起居室。
8 displeased 1uFz5L     
a.不快的
参考例句:
  • The old man was displeased and darted an angry look at me. 老人不高兴了,瞪了我一眼。
  • He was displeased about the whole affair. 他对整个事情感到很不高兴。
9 velvet 5gqyO     
n.丝绒,天鹅绒;adj.丝绒制的,柔软的
参考例句:
  • This material feels like velvet.这料子摸起来像丝绒。
  • The new settlers wore the finest silk and velvet clothing.新来的移民穿着最华丽的丝绸和天鹅绒衣服。
10 rue 8DGy6     
n.懊悔,芸香,后悔;v.后悔,悲伤,懊悔
参考例句:
  • You'll rue having failed in the examination.你会悔恨考试失败。
  • You're going to rue this the longest day that you live.你要终身悔恨不尽呢。
11 peculiar cinyo     
adj.古怪的,异常的;特殊的,特有的
参考例句:
  • He walks in a peculiar fashion.他走路的样子很奇特。
  • He looked at me with a very peculiar expression.他用一种很奇怪的表情看着我。
12 peculiarities 84444218acb57e9321fbad3dc6b368be     
n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪
参考例句:
  • the cultural peculiarities of the English 英国人的文化特点
  • He used to mimic speech peculiarities of another. 他过去总是模仿别人讲话的特点。
13 retired Njhzyv     
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的
参考例句:
  • The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
  • Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。
14 ascended ea3eb8c332a31fe6393293199b82c425     
v.上升,攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He has ascended into heaven. 他已经升入了天堂。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The climbers slowly ascended the mountain. 爬山运动员慢慢地登上了这座山。 来自《简明英汉词典》
15 formerly ni3x9     
adv.从前,以前
参考例句:
  • We now enjoy these comforts of which formerly we had only heard.我们现在享受到了过去只是听说过的那些舒适条件。
  • This boat was formerly used on the rivers of China.这船从前航行在中国内河里。
16 hesitation tdsz5     
n.犹豫,踌躇
参考例句:
  • After a long hesitation, he told the truth at last.踌躇了半天,他终于直说了。
  • There was a certain hesitation in her manner.她的态度有些犹豫不决。
17 confidential MOKzA     
adj.秘(机)密的,表示信任的,担任机密工作的
参考例句:
  • He refused to allow his secretary to handle confidential letters.他不让秘书处理机密文件。
  • We have a confidential exchange of views.我们推心置腹地交换意见。
18 magistrate e8vzN     
n.地方行政官,地方法官,治安官
参考例句:
  • The magistrate committed him to prison for a month.法官判处他一个月监禁。
  • John was fined 1000 dollars by the magistrate.约翰被地方法官罚款1000美元。
19 humane Uymy0     
adj.人道的,富有同情心的
参考例句:
  • Is it humane to kill animals for food?宰杀牲畜来吃合乎人道吗?
  • Their aim is for a more just and humane society.他们的目标是建立一个更加公正、博爱的社会。
20 conceal DpYzt     
v.隐藏,隐瞒,隐蔽
参考例句:
  • He had to conceal his identity to escape the police.为了躲避警方,他只好隐瞒身份。
  • He could hardly conceal his joy at his departure.他几乎掩饰不住临行时的喜悦。
21 interfere b5lx0     
v.(in)干涉,干预;(with)妨碍,打扰
参考例句:
  • If we interfere, it may do more harm than good.如果我们干预的话,可能弊多利少。
  • When others interfere in the affair,it always makes troubles. 别人一卷入这一事件,棘手的事情就来了。
22 scruples 14d2b6347f5953bad0a0c5eebf78068a     
n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 );顾虑,顾忌v.感到于心不安,有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • I overcame my moral scruples. 我抛开了道德方面的顾虑。
  • I'm not ashamed of my scruples about your family. They were natural. 我并未因为对你家人的顾虑而感到羞耻。这种感觉是自然而然的。 来自疯狂英语突破英语语调
23 confession 8Ygye     
n.自白,供认,承认
参考例句:
  • Her confession was simply tantamount to a casual explanation.她的自白简直等于一篇即席说明。
  • The police used torture to extort a confession from him.警察对他用刑逼供。
24 envoy xoLx7     
n.使节,使者,代表,公使
参考例句:
  • Their envoy showed no sign of responding to our proposals.他们的代表对我方的提议毫无回应的迹象。
  • The government has not yet appointed an envoy to the area.政府尚未向这一地区派过外交官。
25 veracity AHwyC     
n.诚实
参考例句:
  • I can testify to this man's veracity and good character.我可以作证,此人诚实可靠品德良好。
  • There is no reason to doubt the veracity of the evidence.没有理由怀疑证据的真实性。
26 derive hmLzH     
v.取得;导出;引申;来自;源自;出自
参考例句:
  • We derive our sustenance from the land.我们从土地获取食物。
  • We shall derive much benefit from reading good novels.我们将从优秀小说中获得很大好处。
27 procure A1GzN     
vt.获得,取得,促成;vi.拉皮条
参考例句:
  • Can you procure some specimens for me?你能替我弄到一些标本吗?
  • I'll try my best to procure you that original French novel.我将尽全力给你搞到那本原版法国小说。
28 delightful 6xzxT     
adj.令人高兴的,使人快乐的
参考例句:
  • We had a delightful time by the seashore last Sunday.上星期天我们在海滨玩得真痛快。
  • Peter played a delightful melody on his flute.彼得用笛子吹奏了一支欢快的曲子。
29 territorial LImz4     
adj.领土的,领地的
参考例句:
  • The country is fighting to preserve its territorial integrity.该国在为保持领土的完整而进行斗争。
  • They were not allowed to fish in our territorial waters.不允许他们在我国领海捕鱼。
30 creed uoxzL     
n.信条;信念,纲领
参考例句:
  • They offended against every article of his creed.他们触犯了他的每一条戒律。
  • Our creed has always been that business is business.我们的信条一直是公私分明。
31 knight W2Hxk     
n.骑士,武士;爵士
参考例句:
  • He was made an honourary knight.他被授予荣誉爵士称号。
  • A knight rode on his richly caparisoned steed.一个骑士骑在装饰华丽的马上。
32 Christians 28e6e30f94480962cc721493f76ca6c6     
n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Christians of all denominations attended the conference. 基督教所有教派的人都出席了这次会议。
  • His novel about Jesus caused a furore among Christians. 他关于耶稣的小说激起了基督教徒的公愤。
33 monarchs aa0c84cc147684fb2cc83dc453b67686     
君主,帝王( monarch的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Monarchs ruled England for centuries. 世袭君主统治英格兰有许多世纪。
  • Serving six monarchs of his native Great Britain, he has served all men's freedom and dignity. 他在大不列颠本国为六位君王服务,也为全人类的自由和尊严服务。 来自演讲部分
34 benefactors 18fa832416cde88e9f254e94b7de4ebf     
n.捐助者,施主( benefactor的名词复数 );恩人
参考例句:
  • I rate him among my benefactors. 我认为他是我的一个恩人。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • We showed high respect to benefactors. 我们对捐助者表达了崇高的敬意。 来自辞典例句
35 abode hIby0     
n.住处,住所
参考例句:
  • It was ten months before my father discovered his abode.父亲花了十个月的功夫,才好不容易打听到他的住处。
  • Welcome to our humble abode!欢迎光临寒舍!
36 variance MiXwb     
n.矛盾,不同
参考例句:
  • The question of woman suffrage sets them at variance. 妇女参政的问题使他们发生争执。
  • It is unnatural for brothers to be at variance. 兄弟之间不睦是不近人情的。
37 positively vPTxw     
adv.明确地,断然,坚决地;实在,确实
参考例句:
  • She was positively glowing with happiness.她满脸幸福。
  • The weather was positively poisonous.这天气着实讨厌。
38 applied Tz2zXA     
adj.应用的;v.应用,适用
参考例句:
  • She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
  • This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。
39 candidly YxwzQ1     
adv.坦率地,直率而诚恳地
参考例句:
  • He has stopped taking heroin now,but admits candidly that he will always be a drug addict.他眼下已经不再吸食海洛因了,不过他坦言自己永远都是个瘾君子。
  • Candidly,David,I think you're being unreasonable.大卫,说实话我认为你不讲道理。
40 asylum DobyD     
n.避难所,庇护所,避难
参考例句:
  • The people ask for political asylum.人们请求政治避难。
  • Having sought asylum in the West for many years,they were eventually granted it.他们最终获得了在西方寻求多年的避难权。
41 entirely entirely     
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
  • His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。
42 alas Rx8z1     
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等)
参考例句:
  • Alas!The window is broken!哎呀!窗子破了!
  • Alas,the truth is less romantic.然而,真理很少带有浪漫色彩。
43 benevolence gt8zx     
n.慈悲,捐助
参考例句:
  • We definitely do not apply a policy of benevolence to the reactionaries.我们对反动派决不施仁政。
  • He did it out of pure benevolence. 他做那件事完全出于善意。
44 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
45 bent QQ8yD     
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的
参考例句:
  • He was fully bent upon the project.他一心扑在这项计划上。
  • We bent over backward to help them.我们尽了最大努力帮助他们。
46 engraving 4tyzmn     
n.版画;雕刻(作品);雕刻艺术;镌版术v.在(硬物)上雕刻(字,画等)( engrave的现在分词 );将某事物深深印在(记忆或头脑中)
参考例句:
  • He collected an old engraving of London Bridge. 他收藏了一张古老的伦敦桥版画。 来自辞典例句
  • Some writing has the precision of a steel engraving. 有的字体严谨如同钢刻。 来自辞典例句
47 illuminated 98b351e9bc282af85e83e767e5ec76b8     
adj.被照明的;受启迪的
参考例句:
  • Floodlights illuminated the stadium. 泛光灯照亮了体育场。
  • the illuminated city at night 夜幕中万家灯火的城市
48 complexion IOsz4     
n.肤色;情况,局面;气质,性格
参考例句:
  • Red does not suit with her complexion.红色与她的肤色不协调。
  • Her resignation puts a different complexion on things.她一辞职局面就全变了。
49 peculiarity GiWyp     
n.独特性,特色;特殊的东西;怪癖
参考例句:
  • Each country has its own peculiarity.每个国家都有自己的独特之处。
  • The peculiarity of this shop is its day and nigth service.这家商店的特点是昼夜服务。
50 gilt p6UyB     
adj.镀金的;n.金边证券
参考例句:
  • The plates have a gilt edge.这些盘子的边是镀金的。
  • The rest of the money is invested in gilt.其余的钱投资于金边证券。
51 straps 1412cf4c15adaea5261be8ae3e7edf8e     
n.带子( strap的名词复数 );挎带;肩带;背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 );用皮带抽打;包扎;给…打绷带
参考例句:
  • the shoulder straps of her dress 她连衣裙上的肩带
  • The straps can be adjusted to suit the wearer. 这些背带可进行调整以适合使用者。
52 converse 7ZwyI     
vi.谈话,谈天,闲聊;adv.相反的,相反
参考例句:
  • He can converse in three languages.他可以用3种语言谈话。
  • I wanted to appear friendly and approachable but I think I gave the converse impression.我想显得友好、平易近人些,却发觉给人的印象恰恰相反。
53 perfectly 8Mzxb     
adv.完美地,无可非议地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
  • Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。
54 consigned 9dc22c154336e2c50aa2b71897ceceed     
v.把…置于(令人不快的境地)( consign的过去式和过去分词 );把…托付给;把…托人代售;丟弃
参考例句:
  • I consigned her letter to the waste basket. 我把她的信丢进了废纸篓。
  • The father consigned the child to his sister's care. 那位父亲把孩子托付给他妹妹照看。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
55 duels d9f6d6f914b8350bf9042db786af18eb     
n.两男子的决斗( duel的名词复数 );竞争,斗争
参考例句:
  • That's where I usually fight my duels. 我经常在那儿进行决斗。” 来自英语晨读30分(初三)
  • Hyde Park also became a favourite place for duels. 海德公园也成了决斗的好地方。 来自辞典例句
56 consolidated dv3zqt     
a.联合的
参考例句:
  • With this new movie he has consolidated his position as the country's leading director. 他新执导的影片巩固了他作为全国最佳导演的地位。
  • Those two banks have consolidated and formed a single large bank. 那两家银行已合并成一家大银行。
57 precarious Lu5yV     
adj.不安定的,靠不住的;根据不足的
参考例句:
  • Our financial situation had become precarious.我们的财务状况已变得不稳定了。
  • He earned a precarious living as an artist.作为一个艺术家,他过得是朝不保夕的生活。
58 physicist oNqx4     
n.物理学家,研究物理学的人
参考例句:
  • He is a physicist of the first rank.他是一流的物理学家。
  • The successful physicist never puts on airs.这位卓有成就的物理学家从不摆架子。
59 miser p19yi     
n.守财奴,吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly)
参考例句:
  • The miser doesn't like to part with his money.守财奴舍不得花他的钱。
  • The demon of greed ruined the miser's happiness.贪得无厌的恶习毁掉了那个守财奴的幸福。
60 hatred T5Gyg     
n.憎恶,憎恨,仇恨
参考例句:
  • He looked at me with hatred in his eyes.他以憎恨的眼光望着我。
  • The old man was seized with burning hatred for the fascists.老人对法西斯主义者充满了仇恨。
61 avarice KeHyX     
n.贪婪;贪心
参考例句:
  • Avarice is the bane to happiness.贪婪是损毁幸福的祸根。
  • Their avarice knows no bounds and you can never satisfy them.他们贪得无厌,你永远无法满足他们。
62 discomfiture MlUz6     
n.崩溃;大败;挫败;困惑
参考例句:
  • I laughed my head off when I heard of his discomfiture. 听到别人说起他的狼狈相,我放声大笑。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Without experiencing discomfiture and setbacks,one can never find truth. 不经过失败和挫折,便找不到真理。 来自《简明英汉词典》
63 seduced 559ac8e161447c7597bf961e7b14c15f     
诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 ); 勾引; 诱使堕落; 使入迷
参考例句:
  • The promise of huge profits seduced him into parting with his money. 高额利润的许诺诱使他把钱出了手。
  • His doctrines have seduced many into error. 他的学说把许多人诱入歧途。
64 feud UgMzr     
n.长期不和;世仇;v.长期争斗;世代结仇
参考例句:
  • How did he start his feud with his neighbor?他是怎样和邻居开始争吵起来的?
  • The two tribes were long at feud with each other.这两个部族长期不和。
65 jaw 5xgy9     
n.颚,颌,说教,流言蜚语;v.喋喋不休,教训
参考例句:
  • He delivered a right hook to his opponent's jaw.他给了对方下巴一记右钩拳。
  • A strong square jaw is a sign of firm character.强健的方下巴是刚毅性格的标志。


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