The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

contrived by my enemies.' Haidee, whose eyes had been fixed on the
door, as if expecting some one, turned hastily, and, seeing the count
standing, shrieked, 'You do not know me?' said she. 'Well, I fortunately
recognize you! You are Fernand Mondego, the French officer who led
the troops of my noble father! It is you who surrendered the castle of
Yanina! It is you who, sent by him to Constantinople, to treat with the
emperor for the life or death of your benefactor, brought back a false
mandate granting full pardon! It is you who, with that mandate, obtained
the pasha's ring, which gave you authority over Selim, the fire-keeper!
It is you who stabbed Selim. It is you who sold us, my mother and me, to
the merchant, El-Kobbir! Assassin, assassin, assassin, you have still on
your brow your master's blood! Look, gentlemen, all!'

"These words had been pronounced with such enthusiasm and evident truth,
that every eye was fixed on the count's forehead, and he himself passed
his hand across it, as if he felt Ali's blood still lingering there.
'You positively recognize M. de Morcerf as the officer, Fernand