"Monte-Cristo, whilst he took the seat Morcerf offered him, placed himself in such a manner as to remain concealed in the shadow of the large velvet curtains, and read on the care-worn and livid features of th"e count a whole history of secret griefs written in each wrinkle time had planted there.
But tell me now, count," exclaimed Albert, delighted at the idea of having to introduce such a person as Monte-Cristo; "is this project one of those of which we make so many, but which, build on the sand, are liable to be blown over by the first puff of wind?"
"All the pious ideas that had been so long forgotten, returned; he recollected the prayers his mother had taught him, and discovered a new meaning in every word; for in prosperity prayers seem but a mere assemblage of words, until the day when misfortune comes to explain to the unhappy sufferer the sublime language by which he speaks to God."