World Literature Classics Library: The Count of Monte Cristo

Chapter 16 The Goblin of Corsica
Seeing this frightened face, Louis XVIII suddenly pushed away the table in front of him, and shouted: "What's the matter with you, baron? You are so flustered and hesitant, do you agree with what the Duke of Braca said, What M. de Villefort has just confirmed?"

The Duke of Braca hurried up to the Baron.The baron's face was full of fear, but the Duke, the king's official, inadvertently became airy.Indeed, on such an occasion, the prince would rather be ridiculed by the chief of the police than to ridicule him in this matter, so the situation would be more favorable.

"Your Majesty..." the Baron stammered.

"Well, please tell me." Louis XVIII said.At this time, the Minister of Public Security was completely overwhelmed by despair, and rushed to the feet of Louis XVIII. The king frowned and took a step back and asked, "What do you want to say?"

"Oh, my lord, what a terrible disaster! I am so undeserved, and I can never forgive myself!"

"Monsieur," said Louis XVIII, "I command you to speak carefully."

"It is so, my lord, that the rebels set out from Elba on February 2th, and landed on March 28st."

"Where?" asked the king anxiously.

"In France, sire, is a small port, near Antibes, in the Gulf of Juin."

"On the 3st of March, the usurpers landed back to France near Antibes, in the Gulf of Juin, 1 miles from Paris, and you only got the news today, the 2000rd of March! . . . Well, sir, what you told me It's impossible, you've got false information, or you're crazy."

"Oh, Your Majesty, the news is absolutely true!"

Louis XVIII made an indescribable gesture of anger and horror, and then stood up straight, as if the sudden blow hit his heart and face at the same time. "In France!" he cried. "The usurper has arrived in France! He has not been caught? But what is the matter? Has he been conspired with?"

"Ah, my lord," cried the Duc de Braca, "it is impossible to accuse a man like the Baron de Dandre of plotting disloyalty. We are all too blind, sire, and the Minister of Public Security is as blind as everyone else, to say nothing else. "

"But . . . " said Villefort, but stopped again, and went on, bowing, "Oh, forgive me, please forgive me, my lord, for I have been too zealous and carried myself away for a moment, and I beseech your forgiveness."

"Speak, sir, speak boldly," said the King, "you are the only one who reminds me of this calamity, and tell me how to save it now?"

"Your Majesty," said Villefort, "the usurper is unpopular in the South, and I think that if he ventured to roam in the South, we could easily destroy him by mobilizing the provinces of Provence and Languedoc."

"Yes, it is very true," said the Minister of Public Security, "but he marched along Gap and Sisteron."

"He is advancing, advancing," said Louis XVIII. "Is he advancing towards Paris?" The Minister of Public Security did not dare to speak out, in fact, he had all acquiesced.Louis XVIII then asked Villefort: "What about the Department of Fines, Monsieur? In your opinion, is this department, like Provence, capable of mobilization?"

"Your Majesty, with great regret, I have to tell Your Majesty a harsh fact. The people in Dauphine are far worse than those in Provence and Languedoc. The mountain people in Dauphine are all Napoleonic followers, Your Majesty."

"Well," murmured Louis XVIII, "he knows the situation well. How many people did he have with him?"

"Your Majesty, I don't know," said the Minister of Public Security.

"What, you don't know! Have you been negligent in this situation? Well, such trifles are insignificant." He went on, with a stern smile on his face.

"Your Majesty, it's impossible to know for a while. The express report only tells the route of the rebels' landing and advance."

"How did this letter get into your hands?"

The minister lowered his head, his forehead was flushed, and he stammered, "It was sent by telegram."

Louis XVIII took a step forward, folded his arms like Napoleon, paled with anger, and continued: "Well, the Seven Kingdoms fought bloody to overthrow him, by a miracle of heaven, after 25 years in exile Sitting on the throne of the ancestors again. In the past 25 years, I have been studying, probing and analyzing the people and things that belong to me in France. exhausted."

"Your Majesty, this is luck." The minister murmured.He felt that such a power was insignificant to fate, but powerful enough to crush a person.

"In other words, the enemy's comment on us is right. We really can't learn what we should learn, and can't forget what we should forget? If I, like him, have been betrayed by others, I can still console myself. The people around me now are all single-handedly promoted to prominent positions. They should care about me more than they care about themselves, because my luck is their luck. Before me, they were worthless, and without me. Again they shall be worth nothing, and I am surrounded by them, yet impotent, inactive, and sinking miserably! Oh, yes, sir, you are quite right, and that is fortune."

This resentment made the Minister of Public Security just bow his head and listen. The Duke of Braca wiped the sweat from his forehead from time to time, but Villefort was smiling in his heart. He felt that his weight had increased.

"Down!" continued Louis XVIII, who had already seen the abyss below the dynasty, "stepped over the platform, and only knew he was going to fall after reading the telegram! Oh, instead of being bombarded by this funny guy at the Tuileries Palace , come down the stairs by myself, I might as well go to the guillotine of my brother Louis XVI. .

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty," muttered the Minister of Public Security, "forgive me, Your Majesty!"

"Come, Monsieur de Villefort," the king continued, addressing the young man, who was standing motionless at the moment, pondering over the conversation that would determine the fate of the kingdom, "come, and tell this Monsieur that others have already Knowing things that he doesn't know yet."

"Your Majesty, this person has concealed everything from the eyes and ears of the world. It is actually impossible to detect his intentions."

"Practically impossible! Yes, that's a big word, sir. It's unfortunate that there are great things and there are big talkers, and I've compared both. Practically impossible, This is for a minister, but it is this minister who has a whole set of institutions, offices, a team of people, spies, spies, and 150 million francs for secret activities. What's going on just 480 miles off the coast of France. Well, come and see this gentleman, he's all by himself, just an ordinary judge, but he knows more than you and the whole police force , if he, like you, has the right to sign the telegram, my crown shall be kept."

The Minister of Public Security turned his face to look at Villefort, with a look of resentment in his eyes, and Villefort nodded slightly with the humility of a victor.

"These words are not about you, Braca," continued Louis XVIII, "because you, though you have not seen anything, are sober and persist in your doubts that others might think that M. de Villefort's report is meaningless, Or thought he was asking for credit."

These words are a parody of the remarks made by the Minister of Public Security an hour ago.Villefort understood the king's intentions. Others may have been intoxicated by these praises, and although Villefort felt that the minister of public security was bound to fall out of favor, which was irreparable, he was still cautious, lest he should become a prince. The minister's sworn enemy.Although the minister failed to detect Napoleon's intentions when he was in power, he was able to expose Villefort's intentions when he was dying. As long as Dantès was interrogated, everything would be clear.Therefore, instead of taking advantage of the momentum to defeat the Minister of Public Security, Villefort came to intercede.

"Your Majesty," said Villefort, "the rapidity of events has shown His Majesty that nothing but a storm can be thwarted by God, and that the profound insight which His Majesty speaks of is purely accidental to me, out of my allegiance to the Holy Majesty. , I seized this occasional opportunity, and what I did was nothing more than that. Your Majesty, it seems appropriate not to reward me, otherwise, I am afraid that your Majesty's clear judgment on me will not be consistent in the future."

The Minister of Public Security thanked the young man with an expressive glance, and Villefort knew that he had succeeded in his plot, had not missed the king's favor, and had acquired a friend upon whom he could rely if necessary.

"Very well," said the King, "and now, gentlemen," he continued, turning to the Duke of Plaka and the Minister of Public Security, "there is nothing more to do now, you two may go, and the Minister of War will take care of the rest."

"Your Majesty," said the Duke of Braca, "we have the Army to rely on. His Majesty knows that there are countless reports of the Army's loyalty to His Majesty's government."

"Hugh mention the report, duke, and now I know what confidence I should have in them. Humph! But, speaking of reports, Baron, what news do you have about the Rue Saint-Jacques case?"

"The case of the Rue Saint-Jacques?" Villefort couldn't help shouting, but he retracted and changed his words again: "Forgive me, Your Majesty, out of loyalty to Your Majesty, I did not care about other things. Of course, I have remembered my respect for Your Majesty." In my heart, it is absolutely impossible not to take care of it, what I always neglect is court etiquette."

"Go ahead, sir," Louis went on, "you have the right to ask questions today."

"Your Majesty," replied the Minister of Public Security, "I have come here today to report to Your Majesty the new facts I have gathered about the case, but His Majesty's attention has been turned for a moment to the terrible disaster beyond Juan Bay, and now these The situation may not make sense to His Majesty."

"On the contrary, sir," said Louis XVIII. "I see that the case is directly connected with what we are talking about. The death of General Kenel may lead us to a major civil disorder."

Upon hearing the name of General Quennel, Villefort could not help but shudder.

"Your Majesty's statement is very true," said the Minister of Public Security. "There are indications that the general's death was not a suicide as we first said, but an assassination. There are indications that General Kenel was leaving a Napoleonic party club." He disappeared suddenly at that time. An unknown person came to him that morning and asked him to meet him on the Rue Saint-Jacques. Unfortunately, when the man entered the general's study, the general's valet was combing his hair. He only heard the Rue Saint-Jacques mentioned, but did not listen Clear the house number."

When the Minister of Public Security reported the situation to Louis XVIII, Villefort listened verbatim, his face turning red and pale.The king turned around and asked: "Everyone thinks that General Kenel is attached to the usurper, but he is actually loyal to me. I think he was killed by the tricks of the Napoleonic party. Mr. Villefort, are you the same?" Think?"

"It is possible, my lord," replied Villefort, "and I do not know of any new circumstances."

"Already followed the person who said he was dating."

"Already eyeing him?" asked Villefort again.

"Yes, the general's valet described the man's appearance. He was between 50 and 52 years old, with a dark complexion, dark eyes, thick and thick eyebrows, and a mustache. He was wearing a blue dress. There is a rosette of the Legion of Honor on the buttonhole. A man was followed yesterday whose features exactly corresponded to what I have just described, but he was lost again at the corner of Rue Julianne and Rue Coque-Eron. .”

As the Minister of Public Security went on, Villefort felt his legs growing weaker and weaker, and he was obliged to lean back on the back of a chair.It was only when he knew that the unknown person had thrown off the following spies that he breathed a sigh of relief.

"This man must be sought, sir," said the King to the Minister of Public Security. "General Kenel would have driven for me at the present moment, and from all accounts I think he died of murder, by either a Napoleonist or If not, they will be punished severely."

Hearing the king's order, Villefort had to do his best to keep calm, and with difficulty he suppressed his fright.

"I don't know why!" said the king, moved. "The policeman felt that he had only two things. First, he said, 'There has been a murder,' and then he said, 'The criminal is on the way,' and everything was over."

"I dare not say anything else. I think His Majesty will be satisfied with this case."

"Well, let's see first. Baron, I won't keep you any longer. M. de Villefort, you must be very tired from the long journey. Go back and rest. Are you going to stay with your father?"

Villefort, dizzy for a moment, replied: "No, Sire, I am staying at the Hotel Madrid in the Rue Tournon."

"Have you seen him?"

"Your Majesty, I will seek the Duke of Braca as soon as I arrive in Paris."

"But you must go and see him."

"I am not going, Your Majesty."

"Ah, by the way," said Louis XVIII, with a slight smile, it can be seen that these words were not casual greetings, "I almost forgot that you have a cold relationship with the Count of Noirquier. Another sacrifice made, and I will surely reward."

"Your Majesty, the Holy Majesty's grace to me has far exceeded all my extravagant expectations, and I have nothing more to ask from the Holy Majesty."

"What's that, sir, I won't forget you, don't worry. For the time being..." The king took the order of Our Lady of Carmel and the Order of Saint-Lazare from his blue jacket next to the order of Saint-Louis that usually hung there. Above, took off a medal and handed it to Villefort, then said, "Take this medal for now."

"Your Majesty," said Villefort, "you can be sure that this is a Medal of Honor."

"Well, Monsieur," said Louis XVIII, "take it as you have it, and it's too late to give you another one. Braca, please remember to reissue M. de Villefort's decree."

With tears of pride and joy in his eyes, Villefort took the medal, kissed it, and said: "Is there anything else your majesty wants me to do now?"

"You should take a break. Please remember that I may not use you in Paris, but you can make great achievements for me in Marseilles."

"Sire," said Villefort, bowing, "I shall leave Paris in an hour."

"Go, sir," said the King, "if I can't remember you (Kings are forgetful), you can remind me yourself and don't be afraid... Baron, order the Secretary of War below. Plaka, Please stay."

"Ah, monsieur," said the Minister of Public Security to Villefort, on his way out of the Tuileries, "you have indeed followed a good line, and are now well established."

"Will good times come to an end?" Villefort murmured to himself, while paying farewell to the minister who had exhausted his official career, he looked around for a carriage to go back.Just then a carriage passed by the river, and Villefort beckoned.As soon as the carriage approached, Villefort gave the address, jumped into the carriage, leaned behind it, and dreamed his ambitious dreams. Ten minutes later, Villefort returned to the residence, ordered the two-hour reserve car to set off, and then asked someone to wait for dinner.But when he was about to eat, someone unknowingly rang the doorbell heavily.The footman went to open the door, and Villefort heard his name being spoken.

"How is it already known that I am here?" thought Villefort.The attendant turned around and walked over. "Well," asked Villefort, "what's the matter? Who rang the bell? Who came to me?"

"I don't know that person, and he refuses to give his name."

"What? A stranger who refuses to give his name? Why does he want me?"

"He wants to talk to you."

"Talk to me?"

"Yes."

"Did he say my name?"

"said."

"What does this person look like?"

"Oh sir, a man in his fifties."

"Short? Tall?"

"Just like you, sir."

"Is the complexion dark brown or light?"

"Brown, dark brown, black hair, black eyes, black eyebrows."

"Clothes," asked Villefort anxiously, "what are you wearing?"

"Wears a blue frock coat with large buttons and a Medal of Honor."

"That's him," muttered Villefort, and his face turned pale.

"Really!" The man came to the door and said. We have already mentioned his appearance twice. "There are quite a few rules. My son asked me to wait in the hall. Is this the rule of Marseilles?"

"Father!" exclaimed Villefort, "I guessed correctly, and I expected it to be you."

"Well, if you really think it's me," said the visitor, putting his cane in a corner and his hat on a chair, "listen to me, my dear Gerard, You just let me wait on the sidelines, this can't be called a good son."

"You need not wait on us, Germain," said Villefort.

The attendant backed away with a face full of surprise.

(End of this chapter)