The Count of Monte Cristo

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"Sir," returned the young man, with a reassurance of manner, "make
your mind easy on this score. Those who took me from my father, and
who always intended, sooner or later, to sell me again to my original
proprietor, as they have now done, calculated that, in order to make the
most of their bargain, it would be politic to leave me in possession of
all my personal and hereditary worth, and even to increase the value,
if possible. I have, therefore, received a very good education, and have
been treated by these kidnappers very much as the slaves were treated
in Asia Minor, whose masters made them grammarians, doctors, and
philosophers, in order that they might fetch a higher price in the Roman
market." Monte Cristo smiled with satisfaction; it appeared as if he had
not expected so much from M. Andrea Cavalcanti. "Besides," continued
the young man, "if there did appear some defect in education, or offence
against the established forms of etiquette, I suppose it would be
excused, in consideration of the misfortunes which accompanied my birth,
and followed me through my youth."