The Count of Monte Cristo

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Albert opened the letter with fear, uttered a shriek on reading the
first line, and seized the paper. His sight was dimmed, his legs sank
under him, and he would have fallen had not Florentin supported him.

"Poor young man," said Monte Cristo in a low voice; "it is then true
that the sin of the father shall fall on the children to the third and
fourth generation." Meanwhile Albert had revived, and, continuing to
read, he threw back his head, saying, "Florentin, is your horse fit to
return immediately?"

"It is a poor lame post-horse."

"In what state was the house when you left?"

"All was quiet, but on returning from M. Beauchamp's, I found madame in
tears: she had sent for me to know when you would return. I told her my
orders from M. Beauchamp; she first extended her arms to prevent me, but