You have managed my affairs so well that I ought to allow you all the time you require for your own.

Do you want any money ?" "No, sir; I have all my pay to take--nearly three months' wages." "You are a careful fellow, Edmond." "Say I have a poor father, sir." "Yes, yes, I know how good a son you are, so now hasten away to see your father.

I have a son too, and I should be very wroth with those who detained him from me after a three months' voyage." "Then I have your leave, sir ?" "Yes, if you have nothing more to say to me." "Nothing." "Captain Leclere did not, before he died, give you a letter for me ?" "He was unable to write, sir.

But that reminds me that I must ask your leave of absence for some days." "To get married ?" "Yes, first, and then to go to Paris." "Very good; have what time you require, Dantes.

It will take quite six weeks to unload the cargo, and we cannot get you ready for sea until three months after that; only be back again in three months, for the Pharaon," added the owner, patting the young sailor on the back, "cannot sail without her captain." "Without her captain!" cried Dantes, his eyes sparkling with animation; "pray mind what you say, for you are touching on the most secret wishes of my heart.