The Count of Monte Cristo

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innocence of childhood which throws a charm round objects insignificant
in themselves, but which in its eyes are invested with the greatest
importance. The heights of Pindus towered above us; the castle of Yanina
rose white and angular from the blue waters of the lake, and the immense
masses of black vegetation which, viewed in the distance, gave the idea
of lichens clinging to the rocks, were in reality gigantic fir-trees and
myrtles.

"One morning my father sent for us; my mother had been crying all the
night, and was very wretched; we found the pasha calm, but paler than
usual. 'Take courage, Vasiliki,' said he; 'to-day arrives the firman of
the master, and my fate will be decided. If my pardon be complete, we
shall return triumphant to Yanina; if the news be inauspicious, we must
fly this night.'--'But supposing our enemy should not allow us to do
so?' said my mother. 'Oh, make yourself easy on that head,' said Ali,
smiling; 'Selim and his flaming lance will settle that matter. They
would be glad to see me dead, but they would not like themselves to die