The Count of Monte Cristo

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Our readers must now allow us to transport them again to the enclosure
surrounding M. de Villefort's house, and, behind the gate, half screened
from view by the large chestnut-trees, which on all sides spread their
luxuriant branches, we shall find some people of our acquaintance. This
time Maximilian was the first to arrive. He was intently watching for a
shadow to appear among the trees, and awaiting with anxiety the sound of
a light step on the gravel walk. At length, the long-desired sound was
heard, and instead of one figure, as he had expected, he perceived that
two were approaching him. The delay had been occasioned by a visit from
Madame Danglars and Eugenie, which had been prolonged beyond the time at
which Valentine was expected. That she might not appear to fail in her
promise to Maximilian, she proposed to Mademoiselle Danglars that they
should take a walk in the garden, being anxious to show that the delay,
which was doubtless a cause of vexation to him, was not occasioned by
any neglect on her part. The young man, with the intuitive perception
of a lover, quickly understood the circumstances in which she was
involuntarily placed, and he was comforted. Besides, although she