The Count of Monte Cristo

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is as ardently withheld from us by those who wish to obtain it, or from
whom we attempt to snatch it. Thus, the greater number of a man's errors
come before him disguised under the specious form of necessity; then,
after error has been committed in a moment of excitement, of delirium,
or of fear, we see that we might have avoided and escaped it. The means
we might have used, which we in our blindness could not see, then seem
simple and easy, and we say, 'Why did I not do this, instead of that?'
Women, on the contrary, are rarely tormented with remorse; for the
decision does not come from you,--your misfortunes are generally imposed
upon you, and your faults the results of others' crimes."

"In any case, sir, you will allow," replied Madame Danglars, "that, even
if the fault were alone mine, I last night received a severe punishment
for it."

"Poor thing," said Villefort, pressing her hand, "it was too severe for
your strength, for you were twice overwhelmed, and yet"--