The Count of Monte Cristo

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awkwardness, or even lowering her eyes, and with an elegance that
redoubled the count's attention. He rose to return the salutation.
"Mademoiselle de Villefort, my daughter-in-law," said Madame de
Villefort to Monte Cristo, leaning back on her sofa and motioning
towards Valentine with her hand. "And M. de Monte Cristo, King of China,
Emperor of Cochin-China," said the young imp, looking slyly towards his
sister.

Madame de Villefort at this really did turn pale, and was very nearly
angry with this household plague, who answered to the name of Edward;
but the count, on the contrary, smiled, and appeared to look at the boy
complacently, which caused the maternal heart to bound again with joy
and enthusiasm.

"But, madame," replied the count, continuing the conversation, and
looking by turns at Madame de Villefort and Valentine, "have I not
already had the honor of meeting yourself and mademoiselle before? I