The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

"Alas," said Hermine, "doubtless it is chance."

"Chance?" replied Villefort; "No, no, madame, there is no such thing as
chance."

"Oh, yes; has not a fatal chance revealed all this? Was it not by chance
the Count of Monte Cristo bought that house? Was it not by chance he
caused the earth to be dug up? Is it not by chance that the unfortunate
child was disinterred under the trees?--that poor innocent offspring of
mine, which I never even kissed, but for whom I wept many, many tears.
Ah, my heart clung to the count when he mentioned the dear spoil found
beneath the flowers."

"Well, no, madame,--this is the terrible news I have to tell you," said
Villefort in a hollow voice--"no, nothing was found beneath the flowers;
there was no child disinterred--no. You must not weep, no, you must not
groan, you must tremble!"