CHAPTER LII
TOXICOLOGY
T was really the Count of Monte-Cristo, who had just arrived at Madame de Villefort's for the purpose of returning the visit of the procureur du roi; and at this name, as may be easily imagined, the whole house was in confusion.
Madame de Villefort, who was alone in her drawing-room when the count was announced, desired that her son might be brought thither instantly to renew his thanks to the count; and Edward, who heard nothing and nobody talked of for two whole days but this great personage, made all possible haste to come to him, not from obedience to his mother, not from any feeling of gratitude to the count, but from sheer curiosity, and that he might make some remark, by help of which he might find an opportunity for saying one of those small pertnesses which made his mother say:
"Oh, that sad child! but pray excuse him, he is really so clever."
After the first and usual civilities, the count inquired after Villefort.
"My husband dines with the chancellor," replied the young wife; "he has just gone, and I am sure he'll be exceedingly sorry not to have had the pleasure of seeing you before he went."
Two visitors who were there when the count arrived, having gazed at him with all their eyes, retired after that reasonable delay which politeness admits and curiosity requires.
"Ah! what is your sister Valentine doing?" inquired Madame de Villefort of Edward; "tell some one to bid her come here, that I may have the honor of introducing her to the count."
"You have a daughter, then, madame?" inquired the count; "very young, I presume?"
"The daughter of M. de Villefort," replied the young wife, "by his first marriage, a fine, well-grown girl."
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