The Count of Monte Cristo

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or who knew me at his court, are either dead or gone away, I know not
where. I believe that I alone, of all my countrymen, survived that
dreadful war. I have only the letters of Ali Tepelini, which I have
placed before you; the ring, a token of his good-will, which is here;
and, lastly, the most convincing proof I can offer, after an anonymous
attack, and that is the absence of any witness against my veracity and
the purity of my military life.' A murmur of approbation ran through the
assembly; and at this moment, Albert, had nothing more transpired, your
father's cause had been gained. It only remained to put it to the vote,
when the president resumed: 'Gentlemen and you, monsieur,--you will
not be displeased, I presume, to listen to one who calls himself a very
important witness, and who has just presented himself. He is, doubtless,
come to prove the perfect innocence of our colleague. Here is a letter
I have just received on the subject; shall it be read, or shall it
be passed over? and shall we take no notice of this incident?' M. de
Morcerf turned pale, and clinched his hands on the papers he held.
The committee decided to hear the letter; the count was thoughtful and