The Count of Monte Cristo

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wretched and a miracle alone can cure you. Sit down, Morrel, and wait."

Morrel obeyed; the count arose, and unlocking a closet with a key
suspended from his gold chain, took from it a little silver casket,
beautifully carved and chased, the corners of which represented four
bending figures, similar to the Caryatides, the forms of women, symbols
of the angels aspiring to heaven. He placed the casket on the table;
then opening it took out a little golden box, the top of which flew
open when touched by a secret spring. This box contained an unctuous
substance partly solid, of which it was impossible to discover the
color, owing to the reflection of the polished gold, sapphires, rubies,
emeralds, which ornamented the box. It was a mixed mass of blue, red,
and gold. The count took out a small quantity of this with a gilt spoon,
and offered it to Morrel, fixing a long steadfast glance upon him. It
was then observable that the substance was greenish.

"This is what you asked for," he said, "and what I promised to give