The Count of Monte Cristo

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or at all events will soon feel, the effects of his presence. He meets
Albert de Morcerf in Italy--it is to rescue him from the hands of the
banditti; he introduces himself to Madame Danglars--it is that he may
give her a royal present; your step-mother and her son pass before his
door--it is that his Nubian may save them from destruction. This man
evidently possesses the power of influencing events, both as regards
men and things. I never saw more simple tastes united to greater
magnificence. His smile is so sweet when he addresses me, that I forget
it ever can be bitter to others. Ah, Valentine, tell me, if he ever
looked on you with one of those sweet smiles? if so, depend on it, you
will be happy."

"Me?" said the young girl, "he never even glances at me; on the
contrary, if I accidentally cross his path, he appears rather to avoid
me. Ah, he is not generous, neither does he possess that supernatural
penetration which you attribute to him, for if he did, he would have
perceived that I was unhappy; and if he had been generous, seeing me