The Count of Monte Cristo

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Franz had been presented to Madame de Saint-Meran, who had left her bed
to receive him, but had been obliged to return to it immediately after.
It is easy to suppose that Morrel's agitation would not escape the
count's penetrating eye. Monte Cristo was more affectionate than
ever,--indeed, his manner was so kind that several times Morrel was on
the point of telling him all. But he recalled the promise he had made to
Valentine, and kept his secret.

The young man read Valentine's letter twenty times in the course of the
day. It was her first, and on what an occasion! Each time he read it he
renewed his vow to make her happy. How great is the power of a woman who
has made so courageous a resolution! What devotion does she deserve from
him for whom she has sacrificed everything! How ought she really to
be supremely loved! She becomes at once a queen and a wife, and it is
impossible to thank and love her sufficiently. Morrel longed intensely
for the moment when he should hear Valentine say, "Here I am,
Maximilian; come and help me." He had arranged everything for her