The Count of Monte Cristo

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that ocean of human waves, how many were received with a look of
indifference or a sneer of disdain! At the moment when the hand of the
massive time-piece, representing Endymion asleep, pointed to nine on its
golden face, and the hammer, the faithful type of mechanical thought,
struck nine times, the name of the Count of Monte Cristo resounded in
its turn, and as if by an electric shock all the assembly turned towards
the door.

The count was dressed in black and with his habitual simplicity; his
white waistcoat displayed his expansive noble chest and his black
stock was singularly noticeable because of its contrast with the deadly
paleness of his face. His only jewellery was a chain, so fine that the
slender gold thread was scarcely perceptible on his white waistcoat. A
circle was immediately formed around the door. The count perceived at
one glance Madame Danglars at one end of the drawing-room, M. Danglars
at the other, and Eugenie in front of him. He first advanced towards the
baroness, who was chatting with Madame de Villefort, who had come alone,