The Count of Monte Cristo

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but as a friend; and when I am in bitter anguish of spirit, do not tell
me that I ought to be gay." Villefort bowed. "When I hear misfortunes
named, madame," he said, "I have within the last few months contracted
the bad habit of thinking of my own, and then I cannot help drawing up
an egotistical parallel in my mind. That is the reason that by the side
of my misfortunes yours appear to me mere mischances; that is why my
dreadful position makes yours appear enviable. But this annoys you; let
us change the subject. You were saying, madame"--

"I came to ask you, my friend," said the baroness, "what will be done
with this impostor?"

"Impostor," repeated Villefort; "certainly, madame, you appear to
extenuate some cases, and exaggerate others. Impostor, indeed!--M.
Andrea Cavalcanti, or rather M. Benedetto, is nothing more nor less than
an assassin!"