The Count of Monte Cristo

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cannot reconcile himself to the French style of living, and might prefer
something else."

"Oh, no; I have seen him eat of everything in Italy; no doubt he does
not feel inclined this evening."

"And besides," said the countess, "accustomed as he is to burning
climates, possibly he does not feel the heat as we do."

"I do not think that, for he has complained of feeling almost
suffocated, and asked why the Venetian blinds were not opened as well as
the windows."

"In a word," said Mercedes, "it was a way of assuring me that his
abstinence was intended." And she left the room. A minute afterwards
the blinds were thrown open, and through the jessamine and clematis that
overhung the window one could see the garden ornamented with lanterns,