Not even before you

　　"What for, Philip?" asked Albert, who, being a constantvisitor there, did not understand this opposition to hisentrance.

　　"Because the person who is now in the gallery prefers beingalone, and never practices in the presence of any one."

　　"Not even before you, Philip? Then who loads his pistol?"

　　"His servant."

　　"A Nubian?"

　　"A negro."

　　"It is he, then."

　　"Do you know this gentleman?"

　　"Yes, and I am come to look for him; he is a friend ofmine."

　　"Oh, that is quite another thing, then. I will goimmediately and inform him of your arrival." And Philip,urged by his own curiosity, entered the gallery; a secondafterwards, Monte Cristo appeared on the threshold. "I askyour pardon, my dear count," said Albert, "for following youhere, and I must first tell you that it was not the fault ofyour servants that I did so; I alone am to blame for theindiscretion. I went to your house, and they told me youwere out, but that they expected you home at ten o'clock tobreakfast. I was walking about in order to pass away thetime till ten o'clock, when I caught sight of your carriageand horses."

　　"What you have just said induces me to hope that you intendbreakfasting with me."

　　"No, thank you, I am thinking of other things besidesbreakfast just now; perhaps we may take that meal at a laterhour and in worse company."

　　"What on earth are you talking of?"

　　"I am to fight to-day."