The Count of Monte Cristo

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the poor child will be obliged to talk to you in Italian, which will
give you but a very false idea of her powers of conversation." The
count made a sign to Haidee to address his visitor. "Sir," she said to
Morcerf, "you are most welcome as the friend of my lord and master."
This was said in excellent Tuscan, and with that soft Roman accent which
makes the language of Dante as sonorous as that of Homer. Then, turning
to Ali, she directed him to bring coffee and pipes, and when he had left
the room to execute the orders of his young mistress she beckoned Albert
to approach nearer to her. Monte Cristo and Morcerf drew their seats
towards a small table, on which were arranged music, drawings, and vases
of flowers. Ali then entered bringing coffee and chibouques; as to M.
Baptistin, this portion of the building was interdicted to him. Albert
refused the pipe which the Nubian offered him. "Oh, take it--take it,"
said the count; "Haidee is almost as civilized as a Parisian; the smell
of an Havana is disagreeable to her, but the tobacco of the East is a
most delicious perfume, you know."