replied the count. "You no doubt observed the horses standing a few
minutes since at the door?"
"Certainly, your excellency. I noticed them for their remarkable
beauty."
"Then how comes it," said Monte Cristo with a frown, "that, when
I desired you to purchase for me the finest pair of horses to be
found in Paris, there is another pair, fully as fine as mine, not
in my stables?" At the look of displeasure, added to the angry tone
in which the count spoke, Ali turned pale and held down his head.
"It is not your fault, my good Ali," said the count in the Arabic
language, and with a gentleness none would have thought him capable
of showing, either in voice or face — "it is not your fault. You do
not understand the points of English horses." The countenance of
poor Ali recovered its serenity. "Permit me to assure your
excellency," said Bertuccio, "that the horses you speak of were not
to be sold when I purchased yours." Monte Cristo shrugged his
shoulders. "It seems, sir steward," said he, "that you have yet to
learn that all things are to be sold to such as care to pay the
price."
"His excellency is not, perhaps, aware that M. Danglars gave
16,000 francs for his horses?"
"Very well. Then offer him double that sum; a banker never loses
an opportunity of doubling his capital."
"Is your excellency really in earnest?" inquired the steward.
Monte Cristo regarded the person who durst presume to doubt his
words with the look of one equally surprised and displeased. "I
have to pay a visit this evening," replied he. "I desire that these
horses, with completely new harness, may be at the door with my
carriage." Bertuccio bowed, and was about to retire; but when he
reached the door, he paused, and then said, "At what o'clock does
your excellency wish the carriage and horses to be ready?"
"At five o'clock," replied the count.
"I beg your excellency's pardon," interposed the steward in a
deprecating manner, "for venturing to observe that it is already
two o'clock."
"I am perfectly aware of that fact," answered Monte Cristotwo o'clock."
"I am perfectly aware of that fact," answered Monte Cristo
calmly. Then, turning towards Ali, he said, "Let all the horses in
my stables be led before the windows of your young lady, that she
may select those she prefers for her carriage. Request her also to
oblige me by saying whether it is her pleasure to dine with me; if
so, let dinner be served in her apartments. Now, leave me, and
desire my valet de chambre to come hither." Scarcely had Ali
disappeared when the valet entered the chamber. "Monsieur
Baptistin," said the count, "you have been in my service one year,
the time I generally give myself to judge of the merits or demerits
of those about me. You suit me very well." Baptistin bowed low. "It
only remains for me to know whether I also suit you?"
"Oh, your excellency!" exclaimed Baptistin eagerly.
"Listen, if you please, till I have finished speaking," replied
Monte Cristo. "You receive 1,500 francs per annum for your services
here — more than many a brave subaltern, who continually risks his
life for his country, obtains. You live in a manner far superior to
many clerks who work ten times harder than you do for their money.
Then, though yourself a servant, you have other servants to wait
upon you, take care of your clothes, and see that your linen is
duly prepared for you. Again, you make a profit upon each article
you purchase for my toilet, amounting in the course of a year to a
sum equalling your wages."
"Nay, indeed, your excellency."
"I am not condemning you for this, Monsieur Baptistin; but let
your profits end here. It would be long indeed ere you would find
so lucrative a post as that you have now the good fortune to fill.
I neither ill-use nor ill-treat my servants by word or action. An
error I readily forgive, but wilful negligence or forgetfulness,
never. My commands are ordinarily short, clear, and precise; and I
would rather be obliged to repeat my words twice, or even three
times, than they should be misunderstood. I am rich enough to knowtimes, than they should be misunderstood. I am rich enough to know
whatever I desire to know, and I can promise you I am not wanting
in curiosity. If, then, I should learn that you had taken upon
yourself to speak of me to any one favorably or unfavorably, to
comment on my actions, or watch my conduct, that very instant you
would quit my service. You may now retire. I never caution my
servants a second time — remember that." Baptistin bowed, and was
proceeding towards the door. "I forgot to mention to you," said the
count, "that I lay yearly aside a certain sum for each servant in
my establishment; those whom I am compelled to dismiss lose (as a
matter of course) all participation in this money, while their
portion goes to the fund accumulating for those domestics who
remain with me, and among whom it will be divided at my death. You
have been in my service a year, your fund has already begun to
accumulate — let it continue to do so."
This address, delivered in the presence of Ali, who, not
understanding one word of the language in which it was spoken,
stood wholly unmoved, produced an effect on M. Baptistin only to be
conceived by such as have occasion to study the character and
disposition of French domestics. "I assure your excellency," said
he, "that at least it shall be my study to merit your approbation
in all things, and I will take M. Ali as my model."
"By no means," replied the count in the most frigid tones; "Ali
has many faults mixed with most excellent qualities. He cannot
possibly serve you as a pattern for your conduct, not being, as you
are, a paid servant, but a mere slave — a dog, who, should he fail
in his duty towards me, I should not discharge from my service, but
kill." Baptistin opened his eyes with astonishment.
"You seem incredulous," said Monte Cristo, who repeated to Ali
in the Arabic language what he had just been saying to Baptistin in
French. The Nubian smiled assentingly to his master's words, then,
kneeling on one knee, respectfully kissed the hand of the count.