The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

to allow of her entertaining visitors so immediately, retired to her
bedroom, while the procureur, who could better depend upon himself,
proceeded at once to the salon. Although M. de Villefort flattered
himself that, to all outward view, he had completely masked the feelings
which were passing in his mind, he did not know that the cloud was
still lowering on his brow, so much so that the count, whose smile was
radiant, immediately noticed his sombre and thoughtful air. "Ma foi,"
said Monte Cristo, after the first compliments were over, "what is the
matter with you, M. de Villefort? Have I arrived at the moment when you
were drawing up an indictment for a capital crime?" Villefort tried to
smile. "No, count," he replied, "I am the only victim in this case. It
is I who lose my cause, and it is ill-luck, obstinacy, and folly which
have caused it to be decided against me."

"To what do you refer?" said Monte Cristo with well-feigned interest.
"Have you really met with some great misfortune?"