As might be expected, Dumas was exceedingly familiar with the suburban topography of Paris, and made frequent use of it in his novels. It is in "The Count of Monte Cristo," however, that this intimacy is best shown; possibly for the reason that therein he dealt with times less remote than those of the court romances of the "Valois" and the "Capets." When Dantès comes to Paris,--as the newly made count,--he forthwith desires to be ensconced in an establishment of his own. Dumas recounts the incident thus: "'And the cards I ordered to be engraved as soon as you knew the number of the house?' "'M. le Comte, it is done already. I have been myself to the best engraver of the Palais Royal, who did the plate in my presence. The first card struck off was taken, according to your orders, to M. le Baron Danglars, Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, No. 7.'... "As the steward had said, the notary awaited him in the small salon. He was a simple-looking lawyer's clerk, elevated to the extraordinary dignity of a provincial scrivener. "'You are the notary empowered to sell the country-house that I wish to purchase, monsieur?' asked Monte Cristo. "'Yes, M. le Comte,' returned the notary. "'Is the deed of sale ready?' "'Yes, M. le Comte.' "'Have you brought it?' "'Here it is.' "'Very well; and where is this house that I purchase?' asked the count, carelessly, addressing himself half to Bertuccio, half to the notary. The steward made a gesture that signified, 'I do not know.' The notary looked at the count with astonishment. "'What!' said he, 'does not M. le Comte know where the house he purchases is situated?' "'No,' returned the count. "'M. le Comte does not know it?' "'How should I know it? I have arrived from Cadiz this morning. I have never before been at Paris: and it is the first time I have ever even set my foot in France!' "'Ah, that is different; the house you purchase is situated at Auteuil, in the Rue de la Fontaine, No. 28.' At these words Bertuccio turned pale. "'And where is Auteuil?' asked the count. "'Close here, monsieur,' replied the notary; 'a little beyond Passy; a charming situation, in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne.' "'So near as that?' said the count. 'But that is not in the country. What made you choose a house at the gates of Paris, M. Bertuccio?' "'I?' cried the steward, with a strange expression. 'M. le Comte did not charge me to purchase this house. If M. le Comte will recollect--if he will think--' "'Ah, true,' observed Monte Cristo; 'I recollect now. I read the advertisement in one of the papers, and was tempted by the false title, "a country-house."' "'It is not yet too late,' cried Bertuccio, eagerly; 'and if your Excellency will entrust me with the commission, I will find you a better at Enghien, at Fontenay-aux-Roses, or at Bellevue.' "'Oh, no,' returned Monte Cristo, negligently; 'since I have this, I will keep it.'