The Count of Monte Cristo

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been going on for half an hour when he entered. Every one held the
accusing paper, but, as usual, no one liked to take upon himself the
responsibility of the attack. At length an honorable peer, Morcerf's
acknowledged enemy, ascended the tribune with that solemnity which
announced that the expected moment had arrived. There was an impressive
silence; Morcerf alone knew not why such profound attention was given to
an orator who was not always listened to with so much complacency. The
count did not notice the introduction, in which the speaker announced
that his communication would be of that vital importance that it
demanded the undivided attention of the House; but at the mention of
Yanina and Colonel Fernand, he turned so frightfully pale that every
member shuddered and fixed his eyes upon him. Moral wounds have this
peculiarity,--they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful,
always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the
heart.

The article having been read during the painful hush that followed, a