You may venture to ask me anything.

　　"Wonderful! Really, my dear count, you seem to throw a sortof magic influence over all in which you are concerned; whenI listen to you, existence no longer seems reality, but awaking dream. Now, I am perhaps going to make an imprudentand thoughtless request, but" --

　　"Say on."

　　"But, since you go out with Haidee, and sometimes even takeher to the opera" --

　　"Well?"

　　"I think I may venture to ask you this favor."

　　"You may venture to ask me anything."

　　"Well then, my dear count, present me to your princess."

　　"I will do so; but on two conditions."

　　"I accept them at once."

　　"The first is, that you will never tell any one that I havegranted the interview."

　　"Very well," said Albert, extending his hand; "I swear Iwill not."

　　"The second is, that you will not tell her that your fatherever served hers."

　　"I give you my oath that I will not."

　　"Enough, viscount; you will remember those two vows, willyou not? But I know you to be a man of honor." The countagain struck the gong. Ali reappeared. "Tell Haidee," saidhe, "that I will take coffee with her, and give her tounderstand that I desire permission to present one of myfriends to her." Ali bowed and left the room. "Now,understand me," said the count, "no direct questions, mydear Morcerf; if you wish to know anything, tell me, and Iwill ask her."

　　"Agreed." Ali reappeared for the third time, and drew backthe tapestried hanging which concealed the door, to signifyto his master and Albert that they were at liberty to passon. "Let us go in," said Monte Cristo.