The Count of Monte Cristo, Part Four. Александр Дюма

      MAXIMILIAN

      No—she married and she left the province. This poor prisoner, they say he attempted to flee, and that in leaping from the height of the walls of the Château d’If, he was broken on the rocks. The sea swallowed his body. God kept the secret of his sorrows! It makes no difference, I am sure, that if Edmond had miraculously escaped from prison, from death, and found under other skies a new life, a new fortune, I am sure that the death of his old father and the betrayal of Mercédès are two memories which would have prevented him from ever being happy.

      MONTE CRISTO

      That’s very true. But what became of the magistrate whose severity caused all these misfortunes?

      JULIE

      Rich, honored in the first ranks of the magistrates.

      MONTE CRISTO

      Who is he then, Madame?

      JULIE

      He’s—

      MAXIMILIAN

      (quickly)

      Sister, let’s forget, I beg you, sir, don’t mention names.

      MONTE CRISTO

      Mr. Maximilian is correct. That name pronounced aloud would reawaken God’s wrath.

      MAXIMILIAN

      Are you all right?

      MONTE CRISTO

      It’s nothing. The story of this poor man moved me. It’s very natural, isn’t it, Madame?

      (to Emmanuel, bowing)

      Sir—Maximilian, my friends.

      MAXIMILIAN

      You are leaving?

      MONTE CRISTO

      Yes, but permit me to come some time to pay my respects, Madame, my friendly feelings. I love your house and I am grateful for your reception; for here for the first time, yes, for the first time in many years, I was able to forget myself.

      Goodbye, goodbye!

      EMMANUEL

      What a strange man!

      MAXIMILIAN

      Strange or not, he has an excellent heart.

      CURTAIN