"From whom?"
"From a certain Abbe Busoni."
"Have you any knowledge of him?"
"No, I have never seen him."
"What did he say in the letter?"
"You will promise not to betray me?"
"Rest assured of that; you well know that our interests are the same."
"Then read for yourself;" and the major gave a letter into the young man's hand.
Andrea read in a low voice—
"You are poor; a miserable old age awaits you.
Would you like to become rich, or at least independent?
Set out immediately for Paris, and demand of the Count of Monte Cristo, Avenue des Champs Elysees, No.
30, the son whom you had by the Marchesa Corsinari, and who was taken from you at five years of age.
This son is named Andrea Cavalcanti.
In order that you may not doubt the kind intention of the writer of this letter, you will find enclosed an order for 2,400 francs, payable in Florence, at Signor Gozzi's; also a letter of introduction to the Count of Monte Cristo, on whom I give you a draft of 48,000 francs.
Remember to go to the count on the 26th May at seven o'clock in the evening. (Signed)
"Abbe Busoni."
"It is the same."
"What do you mean?" said the major.
"I was going to say that I received a letter almost to the same effect."
"You?"
"Yes."
"From the Abbe Busoni?"
"No."
"From whom, then?"
"From an Englishman, called Lord Wilmore, who takes the name of Sinbad the Sailor."
"And of whom you have no more knowledge than I of the Abbe Busoni?"
"You are mistaken; there I am ahead of you."
"You have seen him, then?"
"Yes, once."
"Where?"
"Ah, that is just what I cannot tell you; if I did, I should make you as wise as myself, which it is not my intention to do."
"And what did the letter contain?"
"Read it."
"'You are poor, and your future prospects are dark and gloomy.
Do you wish for a name? should you like to be rich, and your own master?'"
"Ma foi," said the young man; "was it possible there could be two answers to such a question?"
"Take the post-chaise which you will find waiting at the Porte de Genes, as you enter Nice; pass through Turin, Chambery, and Pont-de-Beauvoisin.
Go to the Count of Monte Cristo, Avenue des Champs Elysees, on the 26th of May, at seven o'clock in the evening, and demand of him your father.
You are the son of the Marchese Cavalcanti and the Marchesa Oliva Corsinari. The marquis will give you some papers which will certify this fact, and authorize you to appear under that name in the Parisian world.
As to your rank, an annual income of 50,000 livres will enable you to support it admirably.
I enclose a draft for 5,000 livres, payable on M. Ferrea, banker at Nice, and also a letter of introduction to the Count of Monte Cristo, whom I have directed to supply all your wants.
"Sinbad the Sailor."
"Humph," said the major; "very good.
You have seen the count, you say?"
"I have only just left him."
"And has he conformed to all that the letter specified?"
"He has."
"Do you understand it?"
"Not in the least."