The Count of Monte Cristo

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that he could neither be seen nor heard, and was consequently relieved
of doubts, he said,--"Thanks, madame,--thanks for your punctuality;" and
he offered a chair to Madame Danglars, which she accepted, for her heart
beat so violently that she felt nearly suffocated.

"It is a long time, madame," said the procureur, describing a
half-circle with his chair, so as to place himself exactly opposite
to Madame Danglars,--"it is a long time since I had the pleasure of
speaking alone with you, and I regret that we have only now met to enter
upon a painful conversation."

"Nevertheless, sir, you see I have answered your first appeal, although
certainly the conversation must be much more painful for me than for
you." Villefort smiled bitterly.

"It is true, then," he said, rather uttering his thoughts aloud than
addressing his companion,--"it is true, then, that all our actions leave