The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

much rapidity as if a case of plague or of cholera morbus had broken out
among the guests. In a few minutes, through all the doors, down all the
staircases, by every exit, every one hastened to retire, or rather to
fly; for it was a situation where the ordinary condolences,--which even
the best friends are so eager to offer in great catastrophes,--were
seen to be utterly futile. There remained in the banker's house only
Danglars, closeted in his study, and making his statement to the officer
of gendarmes; Madame Danglars, terrified, in the boudoir with which we
are acquainted; and Eugenie, who with haughty air and disdainful lip had
retired to her room with her inseparable companion, Mademoiselle Louise
d'Armilly. As for the numerous servants (more numerous that evening than
usual, for their number was augmented by cooks and butlers from the Cafe
de Paris), venting on their employers their anger at what they termed
the insult to which they had been subjected, they collected in groups
in the hall, in the kitchens, or in their rooms, thinking very little of
their duty, which was thus naturally interrupted. Of all this household,
only two persons deserve our notice; these are Mademoiselle Eugenie