The Count of Monte Cristo

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personally acquainted with Prince Andrea Cavalcanti experienced a
lively curiosity in his fate, they all determined to spare no trouble in
endeavoring to witness the trial of M. Benedetto for the murder of his
comrade in chains. In the eyes of many, Benedetto appeared, if not
a victim to, at least an instance of, the fallibility of the law. M.
Cavalcanti, his father, had been seen in Paris, and it was expected that
he would re-appear to claim the illustrious outcast. Many, also, who
were not aware of the circumstances attending his withdrawal from Paris,
were struck with the worthy appearance, the gentlemanly bearing, and
the knowledge of the world displayed by the old patrician, who certainly
played the nobleman very well, so long as he said nothing, and made no
arithmetical calculations. As for the accused himself, many remembered
him as being so amiable, so handsome, and so liberal, that they chose
to think him the victim of some conspiracy, since in this world large
fortunes frequently excite the malevolence and jealousy of some unknown
enemy. Every one, therefore, ran to the court; some to witness the
sight, others to comment upon it. From seven o'clock in the morning