The Count of Monte Cristo

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"Well, listen," said Valentine, throwing herself on her knees, and
putting her arm round her grandfather's neck, "I am vexed, too, for I do
not love M. Franz d'Epinay." An expression of intense joy illumined the
old man's eyes. "When I wished to retire into a convent, you remember
how angry you were with me?" A tear trembled in the eye of the invalid.
"Well," continued Valentine, "the reason of my proposing it was that
I might escape this hateful marriage, which drives me to despair."
Noirtier's breathing came thick and short. "Then the idea of this
marriage really grieves you too? Ah, if you could but help me--if we
could both together defeat their plan! But you are unable to oppose
them,--you, whose mind is so quick, and whose will is so firm are
nevertheless, as weak and unequal to the contest as I am myself. Alas,
you, who would have been such a powerful protector to me in the days
of your health and strength, can now only sympathize in my joys and
sorrows, without being able to take any active part in them. However,
this is much, and calls for gratitude and heaven has not taken away all
my blessings when it leaves me your sympathy and kindness."