The Count of Monte Cristo

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himself a chance count, although the general opinion at Rome is that the
count is a man of very high distinction."

"His manners are admirable," said the countess, "at least, as far as I
could judge in the few minutes he remained here."

"They are perfect mother, so perfect, that they surpass by far all I
have known in the leading aristocracy of the three proudest nobilities
of Europe--the English, the Spanish, and the German." The countess
paused a moment; then, after a slight hesitation, she resumed,--"You
have seen, my dear Albert--I ask the question as a mother--you have
seen M. de Monte Cristo in his house, you are quicksighted, have much
knowledge of the world, more tact than is usual at your age, do you
think the count is really what he appears to be?"

"What does he appear to be?"