"You have not guessed rightly.

Such as you see me I am, a sort of philosopher, and one day perhaps I shall go to Paris to rival Monsieur Appert, and the little man in the blue cloak." "And will that be the first time you ever took that journey ?" "Yes; it will.

I must seem to you by no means curious, but I assure you that it is not my fault I have delayed it so long--it will happen one day or the other." "And do you propose to make this journey very shortly ?" "I do not know; it depends on circumstances which depend on certain arrangements." "I should like to be there at the time you come, and I will endeavor to repay you, as far as lies in my power, for your liberal hospitality displayed to me at Monte Cristo." "I should avail myself of your offer with pleasure," replied the host, "but, unfortunately, if I go there, it will be, in all probability, incognito." The supper appeared to have been supplied solely for Franz, for the unknown scarcely touched one or two dishes of the splendid banquet to which his guest did ample justice.

Then Ali brought on the dessert, or rather took the baskets from the hands of the statues and placed them on the table.

Between the two baskets he placed a small silver cup with a silver cover.