The Count of Monte Cristo

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Quesnel replied that he wished first to know what they wanted with him.
He was then informed of the contents of the letter from the Island of
Elba, in which he was recommended to the club as a man who would be
likely to advance the interests of their party. One paragraph spoke of
the return of Bonaparte and promised another letter and further details,
on the arrival of the Pharaon belonging to the shipbuilder Morrel, of
Marseilles, whose captain was entirely devoted to the emperor. During
all this time, the general, on whom they thought to have relied as on a
brother, manifested evidently signs of discontent and repugnance. When
the reading was finished, he remained silent, with knitted brows.

"'"Well," asked the president, "what do you say to this letter,
general?"

"'"I say that it is too soon after declaring myself for Louis XVIII. to
break my vow in behalf of the ex-emperor." This answer was too clear
to permit of any mistake as to his sentiments. "General," said the