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THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO
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proved how little he was accustomed to society. At that moment a heavy footstep shook the wooden staircase, down which the host, bowing and scraping, descended to the door where the priest stood.

"You are welcome, sir," cried the astonished Caderousse. "Now, then,

Margotin, will you be quiet? Pray don't heed him, sir!—he only barks, he never bites! I make no doubt a glass of good wine would be acceptable this dreadfully hot day!" Then perceiving for the first time the description of traveler he had to entertain, Caderousse hastily exclaimed: "A thousand pardons, your reverence! I really did not observe whom I