Reading Help The Count of Monte Cristo Ch.75-117
well-known faces in a society of whose existence he had till `
` then been ignorant. They questioned him as to his `
` sentiments, but he contented himself with answering, that `
` the letters from the Island of Elba ought to have informed `
` them'" -- `
` `
` Franz interrupted himself by saying, "My father was a `
` royalist; they need not have asked his sentiments, which `
` were well known." `
` `
` "And hence," said Villefort, "arose my affection for your `
` father, my dear M. Franz. Opinions held in common are a `
` ready bond of union." `
` `
` "Read again," said the old man. Franz continued: -- `
` `
` "`The president then sought to make him speak more `
` explicitly, but M. de Quesnel replied that he wished first `
` to know what they wanted with him. He was then informed of `
` the contents of the letter from the Island of Elba, in which `
` he was recommended to the club as a man who would be likely `
` to advance the interests of their party. One paragraph spoke `
` of the return of Bonaparte and promised another letter and `
` further details, on the arrival of the Pharaon belonging to `
` the shipbuilder Morrel, of Marseilles, whose captain was `
` entirely devoted to the emperor. During all this time, the `
` general, on whom they thought to have relied as on a `
` brother, manifested evidently signs of discontent and `
` repugnance. When the reading was finished, he remained `
` silent, with knitted brows. `
` `
` "`"Well," asked the president, "what do you say to this `
` letter, general?" `
` `
` "`"I say that it is too soon after declaring myself for `
` Louis XVIII. to break my vow in behalf of the ex-emperor." `
` This answer was too clear to permit of any mistake as to his `
` sentiments. "General," said the president, "we acknowledge `
` no King Louis XVIII., or an ex-emperor, but his majesty the `
` emperor and king, driven from France, which is his kingdom, `
` by violence and treason." `
` `
` "`"Excuse me, gentlemen," said the general; "you may not `
` acknowledge Louis XVIII., but I do, as he has made me a `
` baron and a field-marshal, and I shall never forget that for `
` these two titles I am indebted to his happy return to `
` France." `
` `
` "`"Sir," said the president, rising with gravity, "be `
` careful what you say; your words clearly show us that they `
` are deceived concerning you in the Island of Elba, and have `
` deceived us! The communication has been made to you in `
` consequence of the confidence placed in you, and which does `
` you honor. Now we discover our error; a title and promotion `
` attach you to the government we wish to overturn. We will `
` not constrain you to help us; we enroll no one against his `
` conscience, but we will compel you to act generously, even `
` if you are not disposed to do so." `
` `
` "`"You would call acting generously, knowing your conspiracy `
` and not informing against you, that is what I should call `
` becoming your accomplice. You see I am more candid than `
` you."'" `
` `
` "Ah, my father!" said Franz, interrupting himself. "I `
` understand now why they murdered him." Valentine could not `
` help casting one glance towards the young man, whose filial `
` enthusiasm it was delightful to behold. Villefort walked to `
` and fro behind them. Noirtier watched the expression of each `
` one, and preserved his dignified and commanding attitude. `
` Franz returned to the manuscript, and continued: -- `
` `
` "`"Sir," said the president, "you have been invited to join `
` this assembly -- you were not forced here; it was proposed `
` to you to come blindfolded -- you accepted. When you `
` complied with this twofold request you well knew we did not `
` wish to secure the throne of Louis XVIII., or we should not `
` take so much care to avoid the vigilance of the police. It `
` would be conceding too much to allow you to put on a mask to `
` aid you in the discovery of our secret, and then to remove `
` it that you may ruin those who have confided in you. No, no, `
` you must first say if you declare yourself for the king of a `
` day who now reigns, or for his majesty the emperor." `
` `
` "`"I am a royalist," replied the general; "I have taken the `
` oath of allegiance to Louis XVIII., and I will adhere to `
` it." These words were followed by a general murmur, and it `
` was evident that several of the members were discussing the `
` propriety of making the general repent of his rashness. `
` `
` "`The president again arose, and having imposed silence, `
` said, -- "Sir, you are too serious and too sensible a man `
` not to understand the consequences of our present situation, `
` and your candor has already dictated to us the conditions `
` which remain for us to offer you." The general, putting his `
` hand on his sword, exclaimed, -- "If you talk of honor, do `
` not begin by disavowing its laws, and impose nothing by `
` violence." `
` `
` "`"And you, sir," continued the president, with a calmness `
` still more terrible than the general's anger, "I advise you `
` not to touch your sword." The general looked around him with `
` slight uneasiness; however he did not yield, but calling up `
` all his fortitude, said, -- "I will not swear." `
` `
` "`"Then you must die," replied the president calmly. M. `
` d'Epinay became very pale; he looked round him a second `
` time, several members of the club were whispering, and `
` getting their arms from under their cloaks. "General," said `
` the president, "do not alarm yourself; you are among men of `
` honor who will use every means to convince you before `
` resorting to the last extremity, but as you have said, you `
` are among conspirators, you are in possession of our secret, `
` and you must restore it to us." A significant silence `
` followed these words, and as the general did not reply, -- `
` "Close the doors," said the president to the door-keeper. `
` `
` "`The same deadly silence succeeded these words. Then the `
` general advanced, and making a violent effort to control his `
` feelings, -- "I have a son," said he, "and I ought to think `
` of him, finding myself among assassins." `
` `
` "`"General," said the chief of the assembly, "one man may `
` insult fifty -- it is the privilege of weakness. But he does `
` wrong to use his privilege. Follow my advice, swear, and do `
` not insult." The general, again daunted by the superiority `
` of the chief, hesitated a moment; then advancing to the `
` president's desk, -- "What is the form, said he. `
` `
` "`"It is this: -- `I swear by my honor not to reveal to any `
` one what I have seen and heard on the 5th of February, 1815, `
` between nine and ten o'clock in the evening; and I plead `
` guilty of death should I ever violate this oath.'" The `
` general appeared to be affected by a nervous tremor, which `
` prevented his answering for some moments; then, overcoming `
` his manifest repugnance, he pronounced the required oath, `
` but in so low a tone as to be scarcely audible to the `
` majority of the members, who insisted on his repeating it `
` clearly and distinctly, which he did. `
` `
` "`"Now am I at liberty to retire?" said the general. The `
` president rose, appointed three members to accompany him, `
` and got into the carriage with the general after bandaging `
` his eyes. One of those three members was the coachman who `
` had driven them there. The other members silently dispersed. `
` "Where do you wish to be taken?" asked the president. -- `
` "Anywhere out of your presence," replied M. d'Epinay. `
` "Beware, sir," replied the president, "you are no longer in `
` the assembly, and have only to do with individuals; do not `
` insult them unless you wish to be held responsible." But `
` instead of listening, M. d'Epinay went on, -- "You are still `
` as brave in your carriage as in your assembly because you `
` are still four against one." The president stopped the `
` coach. They were at that part of the Quai des Ormes where `
` the steps lead down to the river. "Why do you stop here?" `
` asked d'Epinay. `
` `
` "`"Because, sir," said the president, "you have insulted a `
` man, and that man will not go one step farther without `
` demanding honorable reparation." `
` `
` "`"Another method of assassination?" said the general, `
` shrugging his shoulders. `
` `
` "`"Make no noise, sir, unless you wish me to consider you as `
` one of the men of whom you spoke just now as cowards, who `
` take their weakness for a shield. You are alone, one alone `
` shall answer you; you have a sword by your side, I have one `
` in my cane; you have no witness, one of these gentlemen will `
` serve you. Now, if you please, remove your bandage." The `
` general tore the handkerchief from his eyes. "At last," said `
` he, "I shall know with whom I have to do." They opened the `
` door and the four men alighted.'" `
` `
` Franz again interrupted himself, and wiped the cold drops `
` from his brow; there was something awful in hearing the son `
` read aloud in trembling pallor these details of his father's `
` death, which had hitherto been a mystery. Valentine clasped `
` her hands as if in prayer. Noirtier looked at Villefort with `
` an almost sublime expression of contempt and pride. Franz `
` continued: -- `
` `
` "`It was, as we said, the fifth of February. For three days `
` the mercury had been five or six degrees below freezing and `
` the steps were covered with ice. The general was stout and `
` tall, the president offered him the side of the railing to `
` assist him in getting down. The two witnesses followed. It `
` was a dark night. The ground from the steps to the river was `
` covered with snow and hoarfrost, the water of the river `
` looked black and deep. One of the seconds went for a lantern `
` in a coal-barge near, and by its light they examined the `
` weapons. The president's sword, which was simply, as he had `
` said, one he carried in his cane, was five inches shorter `
` than the general's, and had no guard. The general proposed `
` to cast lots for the swords, but the president said it was `
` he who had given the provocation, and when he had given it `
` he had supposed each would use his own arms. The witnesses `
` endeavored to insist, but the president bade them be silent. `
` The lantern was placed on the ground, the two adversaries `
` took their stations, and the duel began. The light made the `
` two swords appear like flashes of lightning; as for the men, `
`
` then been ignorant. They questioned him as to his `
` sentiments, but he contented himself with answering, that `
` the letters from the Island of Elba ought to have informed `
` them'" -- `
` `
` Franz interrupted himself by saying, "My father was a `
` royalist; they need not have asked his sentiments, which `
` were well known." `
` `
` "And hence," said Villefort, "arose my affection for your `
` father, my dear M. Franz. Opinions held in common are a `
` ready bond of union." `
` `
` "Read again," said the old man. Franz continued: -- `
` `
` "`The president then sought to make him speak more `
` explicitly, but M. de Quesnel replied that he wished first `
` to know what they wanted with him. He was then informed of `
` the contents of the letter from the Island of Elba, in which `
` he was recommended to the club as a man who would be likely `
` to advance the interests of their party. One paragraph spoke `
` of the return of Bonaparte and promised another letter and `
` further details, on the arrival of the Pharaon belonging to `
` the shipbuilder Morrel, of Marseilles, whose captain was `
` entirely devoted to the emperor. During all this time, the `
` general, on whom they thought to have relied as on a `
` brother, manifested evidently signs of discontent and `
` repugnance. When the reading was finished, he remained `
` silent, with knitted brows. `
` `
` "`"Well," asked the president, "what do you say to this `
` letter, general?" `
` `
` "`"I say that it is too soon after declaring myself for `
` Louis XVIII. to break my vow in behalf of the ex-emperor." `
` This answer was too clear to permit of any mistake as to his `
` sentiments. "General," said the president, "we acknowledge `
` no King Louis XVIII., or an ex-emperor, but his majesty the `
` emperor and king, driven from France, which is his kingdom, `
` by violence and treason." `
` `
` "`"Excuse me, gentlemen," said the general; "you may not `
` acknowledge Louis XVIII., but I do, as he has made me a `
` baron and a field-marshal, and I shall never forget that for `
` these two titles I am indebted to his happy return to `
` France." `
` `
` "`"Sir," said the president, rising with gravity, "be `
` careful what you say; your words clearly show us that they `
` are deceived concerning you in the Island of Elba, and have `
` deceived us! The communication has been made to you in `
` consequence of the confidence placed in you, and which does `
` you honor. Now we discover our error; a title and promotion `
` attach you to the government we wish to overturn. We will `
` not constrain you to help us; we enroll no one against his `
` conscience, but we will compel you to act generously, even `
` if you are not disposed to do so." `
` `
` "`"You would call acting generously, knowing your conspiracy `
` and not informing against you, that is what I should call `
` becoming your accomplice. You see I am more candid than `
` you."'" `
` `
` "Ah, my father!" said Franz, interrupting himself. "I `
` understand now why they murdered him." Valentine could not `
` help casting one glance towards the young man, whose filial `
` enthusiasm it was delightful to behold. Villefort walked to `
` and fro behind them. Noirtier watched the expression of each `
` one, and preserved his dignified and commanding attitude. `
` Franz returned to the manuscript, and continued: -- `
` `
` "`"Sir," said the president, "you have been invited to join `
` this assembly -- you were not forced here; it was proposed `
` to you to come blindfolded -- you accepted. When you `
` complied with this twofold request you well knew we did not `
` wish to secure the throne of Louis XVIII., or we should not `
` take so much care to avoid the vigilance of the police. It `
` would be conceding too much to allow you to put on a mask to `
` aid you in the discovery of our secret, and then to remove `
` it that you may ruin those who have confided in you. No, no, `
` you must first say if you declare yourself for the king of a `
` day who now reigns, or for his majesty the emperor." `
` `
` "`"I am a royalist," replied the general; "I have taken the `
` oath of allegiance to Louis XVIII., and I will adhere to `
` it." These words were followed by a general murmur, and it `
` was evident that several of the members were discussing the `
` propriety of making the general repent of his rashness. `
` `
` "`The president again arose, and having imposed silence, `
` said, -- "Sir, you are too serious and too sensible a man `
` not to understand the consequences of our present situation, `
` and your candor has already dictated to us the conditions `
` which remain for us to offer you." The general, putting his `
` hand on his sword, exclaimed, -- "If you talk of honor, do `
` not begin by disavowing its laws, and impose nothing by `
` violence." `
` `
` "`"And you, sir," continued the president, with a calmness `
` still more terrible than the general's anger, "I advise you `
` not to touch your sword." The general looked around him with `
` slight uneasiness; however he did not yield, but calling up `
` all his fortitude, said, -- "I will not swear." `
` `
` "`"Then you must die," replied the president calmly. M. `
` d'Epinay became very pale; he looked round him a second `
` time, several members of the club were whispering, and `
` getting their arms from under their cloaks. "General," said `
` the president, "do not alarm yourself; you are among men of `
` honor who will use every means to convince you before `
` resorting to the last extremity, but as you have said, you `
` are among conspirators, you are in possession of our secret, `
` and you must restore it to us." A significant silence `
` followed these words, and as the general did not reply, -- `
` "Close the doors," said the president to the door-keeper. `
` `
` "`The same deadly silence succeeded these words. Then the `
` general advanced, and making a violent effort to control his `
` feelings, -- "I have a son," said he, "and I ought to think `
` of him, finding myself among assassins." `
` `
` "`"General," said the chief of the assembly, "one man may `
` insult fifty -- it is the privilege of weakness. But he does `
` wrong to use his privilege. Follow my advice, swear, and do `
` not insult." The general, again daunted by the superiority `
` of the chief, hesitated a moment; then advancing to the `
` president's desk, -- "What is the form, said he. `
` `
` "`"It is this: -- `I swear by my honor not to reveal to any `
` one what I have seen and heard on the 5th of February, 1815, `
` between nine and ten o'clock in the evening; and I plead `
` guilty of death should I ever violate this oath.'" The `
` general appeared to be affected by a nervous tremor, which `
` prevented his answering for some moments; then, overcoming `
` his manifest repugnance, he pronounced the required oath, `
` but in so low a tone as to be scarcely audible to the `
` majority of the members, who insisted on his repeating it `
` clearly and distinctly, which he did. `
` `
` "`"Now am I at liberty to retire?" said the general. The `
` president rose, appointed three members to accompany him, `
` and got into the carriage with the general after bandaging `
` his eyes. One of those three members was the coachman who `
` had driven them there. The other members silently dispersed. `
` "Where do you wish to be taken?" asked the president. -- `
` "Anywhere out of your presence," replied M. d'Epinay. `
` "Beware, sir," replied the president, "you are no longer in `
` the assembly, and have only to do with individuals; do not `
` insult them unless you wish to be held responsible." But `
` instead of listening, M. d'Epinay went on, -- "You are still `
` as brave in your carriage as in your assembly because you `
` are still four against one." The president stopped the `
` coach. They were at that part of the Quai des Ormes where `
` the steps lead down to the river. "Why do you stop here?" `
` asked d'Epinay. `
` `
` "`"Because, sir," said the president, "you have insulted a `
` man, and that man will not go one step farther without `
` demanding honorable reparation." `
` `
` "`"Another method of assassination?" said the general, `
` shrugging his shoulders. `
` `
` "`"Make no noise, sir, unless you wish me to consider you as `
` one of the men of whom you spoke just now as cowards, who `
` take their weakness for a shield. You are alone, one alone `
` shall answer you; you have a sword by your side, I have one `
` in my cane; you have no witness, one of these gentlemen will `
` serve you. Now, if you please, remove your bandage." The `
` general tore the handkerchief from his eyes. "At last," said `
` he, "I shall know with whom I have to do." They opened the `
` door and the four men alighted.'" `
` `
` Franz again interrupted himself, and wiped the cold drops `
` from his brow; there was something awful in hearing the son `
` read aloud in trembling pallor these details of his father's `
` death, which had hitherto been a mystery. Valentine clasped `
` her hands as if in prayer. Noirtier looked at Villefort with `
` an almost sublime expression of contempt and pride. Franz `
` continued: -- `
` `
` "`It was, as we said, the fifth of February. For three days `
` the mercury had been five or six degrees below freezing and `
` the steps were covered with ice. The general was stout and `
` tall, the president offered him the side of the railing to `
` assist him in getting down. The two witnesses followed. It `
` was a dark night. The ground from the steps to the river was `
` covered with snow and hoarfrost, the water of the river `
` looked black and deep. One of the seconds went for a lantern `
` in a coal-barge near, and by its light they examined the `
` weapons. The president's sword, which was simply, as he had `
` said, one he carried in his cane, was five inches shorter `
` than the general's, and had no guard. The general proposed `
` to cast lots for the swords, but the president said it was `
` he who had given the provocation, and when he had given it `
` he had supposed each would use his own arms. The witnesses `
` endeavored to insist, but the president bade them be silent. `
` The lantern was placed on the ground, the two adversaries `
` took their stations, and the duel began. The light made the `
` two swords appear like flashes of lightning; as for the men, `
`