Maximum-assistance view: every word above everyday vocabulary is explained at every appearance; each name is introduced at its first appearance in the chapter.
Chapter 6. The Deputy Procureur (the public prosecutor, in French) du Roi (king, in French)
In one of the aristocratic (of the noble class) mansions (a great house) built by Puget in the Rue du Grand Cours (a walk or avenue, in French) opposite the Medusa fountain (a spring of water thrown up), a second marriage feast (a rich festive meal) was being celebrated (to keep a feast), almost at the same hour with the nuptial (of a wedding) repast (a meal) given by Dantès (the young sailor this story follows). In this case, however, although the occasion (a particular time; cause) of the entertainment was similar, the company was strikingly (in a way that seizes the eye) dissimilar (unlike). Instead of a rude (ill-mannered) mixture (a mixed blend) of sailors (a man who works a ship), soldiers, and those belonging (to be one's own; to be part of) to the humblest (lowly and modest) grade of life, the present assembly was composed (to put together; to calm) of the very flower (the coloured part of a plant that holds the seed) of Marseilles society,—magistrates (officers who judge in the lower courts) who had resigned (to give up office) their office during the usurper (one who seizes a throne without right)’s reign (the rule of a king); officers who had deserted (a dry waste land; also to abandon) from the imperial (of an empire) army and joined forces with Condé (a great French princely family); and younger members of families, brought up to hate and execrate (execrated: cursed) the man whom five years of exile (being driven from one's country) would convert (to change into) into a martyr (one who dies for the faith), and fifteen (fifteen) of restoration (the bringing back of what was) elevate (to raise up) to the rank (a line of soldiers; one's standing) of a god.
The guests were still at table, and the heated (made hot; angry) and energetic (full of energy) conversation that prevailed (to win through; be widespread) betrayed (to give up to an enemy; to be false to) the violent (acting with great force) and vindictive (bent on revenge) passions (burning feeling) that then agitated (stirred up; troubled) each dweller (one who lives in a place) of the South, where unhappily (unhappily), for five centuries religious strife (bitter struggle) had long given increased bitterness (sharp resentful pain) to the violence of party feeling.
The emperor (the ruler of many lands), now king of the petty (small and trifling) Island of Elba (the island where Napoleon was first sent), after having held sovereign (the supreme ruler) sway (to swing from side to side; to rule) over one-half (one of two halves) of the world, counting as his subjects a small population of five or six thousand souls (the spirits of people),—after having been accustomed (to make used to) to hear the “Vive (long live, in French) Napoléons (French gold coins bearing Napoleon's head)” of a hundred and twenty millions of human beings, uttered (complete; to speak) in ten different languages (the tongues people speak),—was looked upon here as a ruined (destroyed) man, separated forever from any fresh connection with France or claim to her throne (the ruler's seat).
The magistrates (officers who judge in the lower courts) freely (without restraint) discussed their political views; the military part of the company talked unreservedly (without holding back) of Moscow and Leipsic (Leipzig, a German city and a great battle), while the women commented on the divorce (the ending of a marriage) of Josephine (the first wife of Napoleon). It was not over the downfall (a fall from power) of the man, but over the defeat of the Napoleonic (of Napoleon) idea, that they rejoiced (to be glad), and in this they foresaw (saw beforehand) for themselves the bright and cheering (a shout of joy; good spirits) prospect (the view ahead) of a revivified (to bring back to life) political existence.
An old man, decorated (to adorn; to honor with medals) with the cross of Saint Louis, now rose and proposed the health of King Louis XVIII. It was the Marquis (a French noble of high rank) de Saint-Méran (the family of Villefort's first wife). This toast (a drink to one's health; browned bread), recalling (to call back to mind) at once the patient exile (being driven from one's country) of Hartwell (the English house where the exiled French king lived) and the peace-loving (fond of quiet) King of France, excited (to stir up) universal (of all) enthusiasm (burning eagerness); glasses were elevated (to raise up) in the air à l’Anglaise, and the ladies, snatching (to grab quickly) their bouquets (a bunch of flowers) from their fair bosoms (the breast), strewed (scattered over) the table with their floral (of flowers) treasures (stored riches). In a word, an almost poetical (of poetry) fervor (burning zeal) prevailed (to win through; be widespread).
“Ah,” said the Marquise (marchioness, in French) de Saint-Méran, a woman with a stern (severe; a ship's rear), forbidding (to order not to) eye, though still noble (high-born; morally lofty) and distinguished (to tell apart) in appearance, despite her fifty years—“ah, these revolutionists (one who works to overturn a government), who have driven us from those very possessions (owning; a thing owned) they afterwards (later) purchased for a mere (nothing more than) trifle (a thing of no importance) during the Reign (the rule of a king) of Terror (the worst period of the French revolution), would be compelled (to force) to own, were they here, that all true devotion (deep loyal love) was on our side, since we were content to follow the fortunes (wealth; luck) of a falling monarch (a king or emperor), while they, on the contrary (opposite), made their fortune (wealth; luck) by worshipping (to honor as holy) the rising sun; yes, yes, they could not help admitting that the king, for whom we sacrificed (an offering given up) rank (a line of soldiers; one's standing), wealth, and station was truly our ‘Louis the well-beloved (dearly loved),’ while their wretched (miserable) usurper (one who seizes a throne without right) has been, and ever will be, to them their evil genius (surpassing inborn power), their ‘Napoleon (the French emperor and general) the accursed (under a curse; hateful).’ Am I not right, Villefort (the deputy prosecutor of Marseilles)?”
“I beg (to ask humbly) your pardon (to let off a punishment), madame (the French word for a married woman). I really must pray (to speak to God) you to excuse me, but—in truth—I was not attending to the conversation.”
“Marquise (marchioness, in French), marquise (marchioness, in French)!” interposed (to put in a word between others) the old nobleman (a man of noble rank) who had proposed the toast (a drink to one's health; browned bread), “let the young people alone; let me tell you, on one’s wedding day there are more agreeable (pleasant) subjects of conversation than dry politics.”
“Never mind, dearest mother,” said a young and lovely girl, with a profusion (lavish plenty) of light brown hair, and eyes that seemed to float (to rest on water or air) in liquid (a flowing substance) crystal (clear precious glass), “’tis (it is) all my fault for seizing (to grab; take hold) upon M. de Villefort, so as to prevent his listening to what you said. But there—now take him—he is your own for as long as you like. M. Villefort, I beg (to ask humbly) to remind (to bring back to mind) you my mother speaks to you.”
“If the marquise (marchioness, in French) will deign (to lower oneself to grant) to repeat (to say or do again) the words I but imperfectly (not fully) caught, I shall be delighted (greatly pleased) to answer,” said M. de Villefort.
“Never mind, Renée (Villefort's first wife),” replied the marquise (marchioness, in French), with a look of tenderness (loving softness) that seemed out of keeping with her harsh (rough and severe) dry features; but, however all other feelings may be withered (to dry up and die) in a woman’s nature, there is always one bright smiling spot in the desert (a dry waste land; also to abandon) of her heart, and that is the shrine (a holy place) of maternal (motherly) love. “I forgive (to stop holding a wrong against someone) you. What I was saying, Villefort, was, that the Bonapartists (supporters of Napoleon) had not our sincerity (honest truth of heart), enthusiasm (burning eagerness), or devotion (deep loyal love).”
“They had, however, what supplied the place of those fine qualities,” replied the young man, “and that was fanaticism (a wild holding to one belief). Napoleon is the Mahomet of the West, and is worshipped (to honor as holy) by his commonplace (ordinary; a worn saying) but ambitious (hungry for greatness) followers (one who follows), not only as a leader and lawgiver (lawgivers: makers of laws), but also as the personification (the living image of a quality) of equality (being equal).”
“He!” cried the marquise (marchioness, in French): “Napoleon the type of equality (being equal)! For mercy (pity shown to the helpless)’s sake (for the good of), then, what would you call Robespierre (the leader of the French revolution's worst year)? Come, come, do not strip (to take off; a narrow band) the latter of his just rights to bestow (given as a gift) them on the Corsican (of Corsica), who, to my mind, has usurped (to seize wrongfully) quite enough.”
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“Nay (no, in old speech), madame (the French word for a married woman); I would place each of these heroes on his right pedestal (the base a statue stands on)—that of Robespierre on his scaffold (the platform where criminals were hanged) in the Place Louis Quinze (fifteen, in French; also a card game); that of Napoleon on the column (an upright pillar; a marching body) of the Place Vendôme (a Paris square with a tall column). The only difference consists (to be made of) in the opposite character of the equality (being equal) advocated (one who pleads for) by these two men; one is the equality (being equal) that elevates (to raise up), the other is the equality (being equal) that degrades (to drag low; strip of rank); one brings a king within reach of the guillotine (the Revolution's beheading machine), the other elevates (to raise up) the people to a level with the throne (the ruler's seat). Observe (to watch; to remark),” said Villefort, smiling, “I do not mean to deny (to say no; refuse) that both these men were revolutionary (of the overturning of a government) scoundrels (a shameless villain), and that the 9th Thermidor (the revolutionary month in which Robespierre fell) and the 4th of April, in the year 1814, were lucky days for France, worthy (deserving) of being gratefully (with thanks) remembered by every friend to monarchy (rule by a king) and civil order; and that explains how it comes to pass that, fallen, as I trust he is forever, Napoleon has still retained (to keep) a train of parasitical (living off another) satellites (a follower circling a greater). Still, marquise (marchioness, in French), it has been so with other usurpers (one who seizes a throne without right)—Cromwell (the Englishman who ruled after the king was beheaded), for instance, who was not half so bad as Napoleon, had his partisans (a raiding irregular fighter; a party man) and advocates (one who pleads for).”
“Do you know, Villefort, that you are talking in a most dreadfully (terribly) revolutionary (of the overturning of a government) strain (to stretch hard; a family stock)? But I excuse it, it is impossible to expect the son of a Girondin (a member of a moderate party in the French revolution) to be free from a small spice (a flavoring seed or bark) of the old leaven (the stuff that makes dough rise).” A deep crimson (deep red) suffused (spread over and through) the countenance (the face; composure) of Villefort.
“’Tis (it is) true, madame (the French word for a married woman),” answered he, “that my father was a Girondin, but he was not among the number of those who voted for the king’s death; he was an equal sufferer (one who suffers) with yourself during the Reign (the rule of a king) of Terror, and had well-nigh (nearly) lost his head on the same scaffold (the platform where criminals were hanged) on which your father perished (to die; be destroyed).”
“True,” replied the marquise (marchioness, in French), without wincing (to shrink as from a blow) in the slightest (small; to treat as of no account) degree at the tragic (of tragedy; grievous) remembrance (memory) thus called up; “but bear in mind, if you please, that our respective (belonging to each) parents underwent (to go through) persecution (cruel ceaseless harassment) and proscription (the condemning of a man as an outlaw) from diametrically (directly; exactly opposite) opposite principles (a ruling truth); in proof of which I may remark (to say; to notice), that while my family remained among the staunchest (firm and loyal) adherents (a follower) of the exiled (being driven from one's country) princes, your father lost no time in joining the new government; and that while the Citizen Noirtier (the family name of Villefort's father) was a Girondin, the Count Noirtier became a senator.”
“Dear mother,” interposed (to put in a word between others) Renée, “you know very well it was agreed that all these disagreeable (unpleasant) reminiscences (a remembered story of the past) should forever be laid aside.”
“Suffer (to bear pain or loss) me, also, madame (the French word for a married woman),” replied Villefort, “to add my earnest (deeply serious) request to Mademoiselle de Saint-Méran’s, that you will kindly (kind; gently) allow the veil (a thin covering cloth) of oblivion (complete forgetting) to cover and conceal (to hide) the past. What avails (to be of use) recrimination (counter-accusation) over matters wholly (completely) past recall (to call back to mind)? For my own part, I have laid aside even the name of my father, and altogether (wholly) disown (disowned: cast off) his political principles (a ruling truth). He was—nay (no, in old speech), probably may still be—a Bonapartist (a supporter of Napoleon), and is called Noirtier; I, on the contrary (opposite), am a staunch (firm and loyal) royalist (a supporter of the king), and style myself de Villefort. Let what may remain of revolutionary (of the overturning of a government) sap (the liquid that runs in a plant) exhaust (to use up; tire out) itself and die away with the old trunk (a great chest; a tree's stem), and condescend (to stoop graciously to lesser people) only to regard (to look upon; respect) the young shoot which has started up at a distance from the parent tree, without having the power, any more than the wish, to separate entirely from the stock from which it sprung.”
“Bravo (well done; also a hired ruffian), Villefort!” cried the marquis (a French noble of high rank); “excellently (very well) well said! Come, now, I have hopes of obtaining (to get) what I have been for years endeavoring (an earnest attempt) to persuade (to win over by words) the marquise (marchioness, in French) to promise; namely (that is to say), a perfect amnesty (a general pardon for past offences) and forgetfulness (forgetting; loss of memory) of the past.”
“With all my heart,” replied the marquise (marchioness, in French); “let the past be forever forgotten. I promise you it affords me as little pleasure to revive (to bring back to life) it as it does you. All I ask is, that Villefort will be firm and inflexible (unbending) for the future in his political principles (a ruling truth). Remember, also, Villefort, that we have pledged (a solemn promise) ourselves to his majesty (royal greatness) for your fealty (the loyalty owed to a lord) and strict (exactly severe) loyalty (faithfulness), and that at our recommendation (a word in one's favor) the king consented (agreement given) to forget the past, as I do” (and here she extended to him her hand)—“as I now do at your entreaty (an earnest plea). But bear in mind, that should there fall in your way anyone guilty of conspiring (to plot together) against the government, you will be so much the more bound (tied; leaping; a limit) to visit the offence (a wrong done; hurt feelings) with rigorous (strict) punishment (suffering imposed for a fault), as it is known you belong (to be one's own; to be part of) to a suspected family.”
“Alas (a word said in sorrow), madame (the French word for a married woman),” returned Villefort, “my profession (one's declared calling), as well as the times in which we live, compels (to force) me to be severe. I have already successfully (with success) conducted several public prosecutions (the pursuing of a study or aim), and brought the offenders (one who breaks the rules) to merited (worth) punishment (suffering imposed for a fault). But we have not done with the thing yet.”
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“Do you, indeed, think so?” inquired (to ask) the marquise (marchioness, in French).
“I am, at least, fearful (full of fear; dreadful) of it. Napoleon, in the Island of Elba, is too near France, and his proximity (nearness) keeps up the hopes of his partisans (a raiding irregular fighter; a party man). Marseilles is filled with half-pay (half-pay: an officer's retired pay) officers, who are daily, under one frivolous (light and empty-headed) pretext (a false stated reason) or other, getting up quarrels (an angry dispute) with the royalists (a supporter of the king); from hence (from here; therefore) arise (to come up) continual (never stopping) and fatal (bringing death) duels (a formal fight between two) among the higher classes of persons, and assassinations (murder of a ruler) in the lower.”
“You have heard, perhaps,” said the Comte (count, in French) de Salvieux (a French family name), one of M. de Saint-Méran’s oldest friends, and chamberlain (a high court official) to the Comte d’Artois (a province of northern France; also a royal title), “that the Holy Alliance (a union of powers) purpose removing him from thence (from there)?”
“Yes; they were talking about it when we left Paris,” said M. de Saint-Méran; “and where is it decided to transfer him?”
“To Saint Helena (St Helena, the island where Napoleon died).”
“For heaven’s sake (for the good of), where is that?” asked the marquise (marchioness, in French).
“An island situated (to place) on the other side of the equator (the line drawn round the middle of the earth), at least two thousand leagues from here,” replied the count.
“So much the better. As Villefort observes (to watch; to remark), it is a great act of folly (foolishness) to have left such a man between Corsica (the island where Napoleon was born), where he was born, and Naples, of which his brother-in-law (a sister's husband or wife's brother) is king, and face to face with Italy, the sovereignty (supreme rule) of which he coveted (to long to have) for his son.”
“Unfortunately,” said Villefort, “there are the treaties (a signed agreement between states) of 1814, and we cannot molest (to trouble and harm) Napoleon without breaking those compacts (closely packed).”
“Oh, well, we shall find some way out of it,” responded M. de Salvieux. “There wasn (was — wasn't: was not)’t any trouble over treaties (a signed agreement between states) when it was a question of shooting the poor Duc (duke, in French) d’Enghien (a French duke shot by Napoleon's order).”
“Well,” said the marquise (marchioness, in French), “it seems probable (likely) that, by the aid of the Holy Alliance (a union of powers), we shall be rid of Napoleon; and we must trust to the vigilance (watchful care) of M. de Villefort to purify (to make pure) Marseilles of his partisans (a raiding irregular fighter; a party man). The king is either a king or no king; if he be acknowledged (to admit; to answer a greeting) as sovereign (the supreme ruler) of France, he should be upheld (to support) in peace and tranquillity (untroubled calm); and this can best be effected by employing (to use; to give work) the most inflexible (unbending) agents to put down every attempt at conspiracy (a secret plot)—’tis (it is) the best and surest means of preventing mischief (playful trouble; harm).”
“Unfortunately, madame (the French word for a married woman),” answered Villefort, “the strong arm of the law is not called upon to interfere (to meddle) until the evil has taken place.”
“Then all he has got to do is to endeavor (an earnest attempt) to repair (to mend) it.”
“Nay (no, in old speech), madame (the French word for a married woman), the law is frequently powerless (without power) to effect this; all it can do is to avenge (to take revenge for) the wrong done.”
“Oh, M. de Villefort,” cried a beautiful young creature (a living being), daughter to the Comte de Salvieux, and the cherished (held dear) friend of Mademoiselle de Saint-Méran, “do try and get up some famous trial while we are at Marseilles. I never was in a law-court (a court where cases are tried); I am told it is so very amusing (entertaining)!”
“Amusing (entertaining), certainly,” replied the young man, “inasmuch (inasmuch as: because) as, instead of shedding (a rough shelter; to let fall) tears (a drop of weeping; to rip) as at the fictitious (made up; not real) tale (a story) of woe (deep sorrow) produced at a theatre, you behold (to see; look upon) in a law-court (a court where cases are tried) a case of real and genuine (real; true) distress (suffering trouble)—a drama of life. The prisoner (one held captive) whom you there see pale (light in color; whitish), agitated (stirred up; troubled), and alarmed (sudden fear; a warning), instead of—as is the case when a curtain (a hanging cloth screen) falls on a tragedy (a serious play with a sad end; a disaster)—going home to sup (to eat supper) peacefully (in peace) with his family, and then retiring (to withdraw) to rest, that he may recommence (to begin again) his mimic (to copy mockingly) woes (deep sorrow) on the morrow (the next day),—is removed from your sight merely (only) to be reconducted (reconducted: led back) to his prison and delivered up to the executioner (the one who puts to death). I leave you to judge how far your nerves (the body's feeling thread; courage) are calculated (to reckon) to bear you through such a scene. Of this, however, be assured (to promise; make sure), that should any favorable (in one's favor) opportunity present itself, I will not fail to offer you the choice of being present.”
“For shame, M. de Villefort!” said Renée, becoming quite pale (light in color; whitish); “don’t you see how you are frightening (causing fear) us?—and yet you laugh.”
“What would you have? ’Tis (it is) like a duel (a formal fight between two). I have already recorded sentence of death, five or six times, against the movers (one who sets a thing going) of political conspiracies (a secret plot), and who can say how many daggers (a short stabbing blade) may be ready sharpened (to make sharp and ready), and only waiting a favorable (in one's favor) opportunity to be buried (to lay in the earth) in my heart?”
“Gracious (kind and courteous) heavens, M. de Villefort,” said Renée, becoming more and more terrified (filled with terror); “you surely are not in earnest (deeply serious).”
“Indeed I am,” replied the young magistrate (a local judge) with a smile; “and in the interesting trial that young lady is anxious (full of worry) to witness (witness: consider as proof — the old sense here), the case would only be still more aggravated (aggravated: made worse). Suppose, for instance, the prisoner (one held captive), as is more than probable (likely), to have served under Napoleon—well, can you expect for an instant (a moment; immediate), that one accustomed (to make used to), at the word of his commander, to rush (to move with violent haste) fearlessly (without fear) on the very bayonets (the blade fixed on a musket) of his foe (an enemy), will scruple (to hesitate over right and wrong) more to drive a stiletto (a small narrow dagger) into the heart of one he knows to be his personal enemy, than to slaughter (wholesale killing) his fellow-creatures (other human beings), merely (only) because bidden (to command; to offer) to do so by one he is bound (tied; leaping; a limit) to obey (to do as ordered)? Besides, one requires the excitement (stirred-up feeling) of being hateful (deserving hate) in the eyes of the accused (to charge with wrongdoing), in order to lash (a whip stroke; an eyelash) one’s self into a state (state: ceremony; pomp — the old sense here) of sufficient (enough) vehemence (passionate force) and power. I would not choose to see the man against whom I pleaded (to beg earnestly) smile, as though in mockery (scorn) of my words. No; my pride (high self-regard) is to see the accused (to charge with wrongdoing) pale (light in color; whitish), agitated (stirred up; troubled), and as though beaten out of all composure (calm self-control) by the fire of my eloquence (moving power of speech).” Renée uttered (complete; to speak) a smothered (muffled; stifled) exclamation (a cry of surprise or feeling).
“Bravo (well done; also a hired ruffian)!” cried one of the guests; “that is what I call talking to some purpose.”
“Just the person we require at a time like the present,” said a second.
“What a splendid (grand and shining) business that last case of yours was, my dear Villefort!” remarked (to say; to notice) a third; “I mean the trial of the man for murdering his father. Upon my word, you killed him ere (before — an old word) the executioner (the one who puts to death) had laid his hand upon him.”
“Oh, as for parricides (the killing of one's own father), and such dreadful (filling with dread) people as that,” interposed (to put in a word between others) Renée, “it matters very little what is done to them; but as regards (to look upon; respect) poor unfortunate (without luck) creatures (a living being) whose only crime consists (to be made of) in having mixed themselves up in political intrigues (secret plotting)——”
“Why, that is the very worst offence (a wrong done; hurt feelings) they could possibly commit (to do; to entrust); for, don’t you see, Renée, the king is the father of his people, and he who shall plot or contrive (to plan cleverly; devise) aught (anything — old form) against the life and safety of the parent of thirty-two millions of souls (the spirits of people), is a parricide (the killing of one's own father) upon a fearfully (with fear) great scale?”
“I don’t know anything about that,” replied Renée; “but, M. de Villefort, you have promised me—have you not?—always to show mercy (pity shown to the helpless) to those I plead (to beg earnestly) for.”
“Make yourself quite easy on that point,” answered Villefort, with one of his sweetest (most sweet) smiles; “you and I will always consult (to seek counsel) upon our verdicts (the decision of a jury).”
“My love,” said the marquise (marchioness, in French), “attend to your doves (the gentle gray bird), your lap-dogs (small dogs kept as pets), and embroidery (ornamental needlework), but do not meddle (to interfere) with what you do not understand. Nowadays (in these days) the military profession (one's declared calling) is in abeyance (a state of being held in waiting) and the magisterial (of a magistrate) robe (a long loose garment) is the badge (a worn mark of rank) of honor. There is a wise Latin proverb (a wise old saying) that is very much in point.”
“Cedant (let them yield, in Latin) arma (arms, in Latin) togæ (the robes of old Rome),” said Villefort with a bow (to bend in respect; a ribbon knot).
“I cannot speak Latin,” responded the marquise (marchioness, in French).
“Well,” said Renée, “I cannot help regretting (sorrow over what is done) you had not chosen some other profession (one's declared calling) than your own—a physician (a doctor), for instance. Do you know I always felt a shudder (a shiver of horror) at the idea of even a destroying angel (a messenger of God)?”
“Dear, good Renée,” whispered (a soft hushed voice) Villefort, as he gazed (a long steady look) with unutterable (not to be spoken) tenderness (loving softness) on the lovely speaker (one who speaks).
“Let us hope, my child,” cried the marquis (a French noble of high rank), “that M. de Villefort may prove the moral (of right and wrong; the lesson) and political physician (a doctor) of this province (a governed region); if so, he will have achieved a noble (high-born; morally lofty) work.”
“And one which will go far to efface (to wipe away) the recollection (a memory) of his father’s conduct,” added the incorrigible (past all mending) marquise (marchioness, in French).
“Madame (the French word for a married woman),” replied Villefort, with a mournful (full of mourning) smile, “I have already had the honor to observe (to watch; to remark) that my father has—at least, I hope so—abjured (to swear off) his past errors, and that he is, at the present moment, a firm and zealous (full of eager devotion) friend to religion and order—a better royalist (a supporter of the king), possibly, than his son; for he has to atone (to make good a wrong) for past dereliction (a shameful failing of duty), while I have no other impulse (a sudden inner push) than warm, decided preference (a liking for one above another) and conviction (settled belief; a finding of guilt).” Having made this well-turned (neatly shaped or neatly said) speech, Villefort looked carefully (with care) around to mark the effect of his oratory (a small private chapel), much as he would have done had he been addressing the bench (a long seat) in open court.
“Do you know, my dear Villefort,” cried the Comte de Salvieux, “that is exactly what I myself said the other day at the Tuileries (a royal palace and garden in Paris), when questioned by his majesty (royal greatness)’s principal chamberlain (a high court official) touching (touching: concerning — the old sense here) the singularity (strangeness) of an alliance (a union of powers) between the son of a Girondin and the daughter of an officer of the Duc de Condé; and I assure (to promise; make sure) you he seemed fully to comprehend (to understand) that this mode of reconciling (to bring back to friendship) political differences was based upon sound and excellent principles (a ruling truth). Then the king, who, without our suspecting (having suspicion) it, had overheard (to hear what was not meant for one) our conversation, interrupted (to break in upon) us by saying, ‘Villefort’—observe (to watch; to remark) that the king did not pronounce (to speak a word; declare) the word Noirtier, but, on the contrary (opposite), placed considerable (fairly large) emphasis (special weight laid on) on that of Villefort—‘Villefort,’ said his majesty (royal greatness), ‘is a young man of great judgment (the power of judging; a decision) and discretion (good judgement in keeping silent), who will be sure to make a figure in his profession (one's declared calling); I like him much, and it gave me great pleasure to hear that he was about to become the son-in-law (a daughter's husband) of the Marquis (a French noble of high rank) and Marquise (marchioness, in French) de Saint-Méran. I should myself have recommended the match, had not the noble (high-born; morally lofty) marquis (a French noble of high rank) anticipated (to expect beforehand) my wishes by requesting my consent (agreement given) to it.’”
“Is it possible the king could have condescended (to stoop graciously to lesser people) so far as to express himself so favorably (in a way that helps) of me?” asked the enraptured (filled with delight) Villefort.
“I give you his very words; and if the marquis (a French noble of high rank) chooses to be candid (frank), he will confess (to own up; to make confession) that they perfectly agree with what his majesty (royal greatness) said to him, when he went six months ago to consult (to seek counsel) him upon the subject of your espousing (to take up; embrace) his daughter.”
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“That is true,” answered the marquis (a French noble of high rank).
“How much do I owe (to be in debt for) this gracious (kind and courteous) prince! What is there I would not do to evince (to show; give sign of) my earnest (deeply serious) gratitude (thankfulness)!”
“That is right,” cried the marquise (marchioness, in French). “I love to see you thus. Now, then, were a conspirator (one who plots in secret) to fall into your hands, he would be most welcome.”
“For my part, dear mother,” interposed (to put in a word between others) Renée, “I trust your wishes will not prosper (to do well), and that Providence will only permit (to allow) petty (small and trifling) offenders (one who breaks the rules), poor debtors (a person who owes money), and miserable (deeply unhappy) cheats (to deceive for gain) to fall into M. de Villefort’s hands,—then I shall be contented.”
“Just the same as though you prayed (to speak to God) that a physician (a doctor) might only be called upon to prescribe (to order as treatment) for headaches (a pain in the head), measles (measles: the spotted childhood fever), and the stings (a sharp prick) of wasps (the stinging striped insect), or any other slight (small; to treat as of no account) affection (warm love) of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). If you wish to see me the king’s attorney, you must desire for me some of those violent (acting with great force) and dangerous diseases from the cure (to heal) of which so much honor redounds (to add to; count toward) to the physician (a doctor).”
At this moment, and as though the utterance (speaking; words spoken) of Villefort’s wish had sufficed (to be enough) to effect its accomplishment (a thing done well; a polished skill), a servant (one who serves) entered the room, and whispered (a soft hushed voice) a few words in his ear (the organ of hearing). Villefort immediately rose from table and quitted the room upon the plea (an earnest asking) of urgent (pressing hard) business; he soon, however, returned, his whole face beaming (a great timber; a ray of light; to smile brightly) with delight (great pleasure). Renée regarded (to look upon; respect) him with fond (loving) affection (warm love); and certainly his handsome (fine-looking) features, lit up as they then were with more than usual fire and animation (lively spirit), seemed formed to excite (to stir up) the innocent (free of guilt) admiration (wondering approval) with which she gazed (a long steady look) on her graceful (full of easy grace) and intelligent (quick of mind) lover (one who loves).
“You were wishing just now,” said Villefort, addressing her, “that I were a doctor instead of a lawyer. Well, I at least resemble (to be like) the disciples (a follower) of Esculapius (the Roman god of healing) in one thing [people spoke in this style in 1815], that of not being able to call a day my own, not even that of my betrothal (a promise of marriage).”
“And wherefore (why — old form) were you called away just now?” asked Mademoiselle de Saint-Méran, with an air of deep interest (interest: the spectacle that draws a crowd — the old sense here).
“For a very serious matter, which bids (to command; to offer) fair to make work for the executioner (the one who puts to death).”
“How dreadful (filling with dread)!” exclaimed (to cry out) Renée, turning pale (light in color; whitish).
“Is it possible?” burst (to break open suddenly) simultaneously (at the same time) from all who were near enough to the magistrate (a local judge) to hear his words.
“Why, if my information prove correct, a sort of Bonapartist conspiracy (a secret plot) has just been discovered.”
“Can I believe my ears (the organ of hearing)?” cried the marquise (marchioness, in French).
“I will read you the letter containing the accusation (a charge brought against someone), at least,” said Villefort:
“‘The king’s attorney is informed (to give knowledge to) by a friend to the throne (the ruler's seat) and the religious institutions of his country, that one named Edmond Dantès (the young sailor this story begins with), mate of the ship Pharaon (the name of Morrel's ship), this day arrived from Smyrna, after having touched at Naples and Porto-Ferrajo (the chief town of Elba), has been the bearer (one who carries) of a letter from Murat (a marshal of Napoleon who became a king) to the usurper (one who seizes a throne without right), and again taken charge of another letter from the usurper (one who seizes a throne without right) to the Bonapartist club in Paris. Ample (more than enough) corroboration (confirming evidence) of this statement may be obtained (to get) by arresting the above-mentioned (spoken of before) Edmond Dantès, who either carries the letter for Paris about with him, or has it at his father’s abode (a home; dwelling place). Should it not be found in the possession (owning; a thing owned) of father or son, then it will assuredly (certainly) be discovered in the cabin (a room aboard a ship) belonging (to be one's own; to be part of) to the said Dantès on board the Pharaon.’”
“But,” said Renée, “this letter, which, after all, is but an anonymous (without a name given) scrawl (written in careless sprawling marks), is not even addressed to you, but to the king’s attorney.”
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“True; but that gentleman (a man of good birth and manners) being absent (away; not present), his secretary, by his orders, opened his letters; thinking this one of importance, he sent for me, but not finding me, took upon himself to give the necessary orders for arresting the accused (to charge with wrongdoing) party.”
“Then the guilty person is absolutely in custody (safekeeping; imprisonment)?” said the marquise (marchioness, in French).
“Nay (no, in old speech), dear mother, say the accused (to charge with wrongdoing) person. You know we cannot yet pronounce (to speak a word; declare) him guilty.”
“He is in safe custody (safekeeping; imprisonment),” answered Villefort; “and rely (to depend on) upon it, if the letter is found, he will not be likely to be trusted abroad (in foreign lands) again, unless he goes forth (forward; out) under the especial (special) protection of the headsman (the man who leads a whale boat and throws the spear).”
“And where is the unfortunate (without luck) being?” asked Renée.
“He is at my house.”
“Come, come, my friend,” interrupted (to break in upon) the marquise (marchioness, in French), “do not neglect (to leave uncared for) your duty to linger (to stay on slowly) with us. You are the king’s servant (one who serves), and must go wherever (in whatever place) that service calls you.”
“Oh, Villefort!” cried Renée, clasping (to hold tight in the arms) her hands, and looking towards her lover (one who loves) with piteous (calling for pity) earnestness (deep seriousness), “be merciful (full of mercy) on this the day of our betrothal (a promise of marriage).”
The young man passed round to the side of the table where the fair pleader (one who argues a case in court) sat, and leaning (to tilt against; thin) over her chair said tenderly (with tender love):
“To give you pleasure, my sweet Renée, I promise to show all the lenity (mildness in judging) in my power; but if the charges brought against this Bonapartist hero prove correct, why, then, you really must give me leave to order his head to be cut off.”
Renée shuddered (a shiver of horror) at the word cut, for the growth in question had a head.
“Never mind that foolish (without sense) girl, Villefort,” said the marquise (marchioness, in French). “She will soon get over these things.” So saying, Madame (the French word for a married woman) de Saint-Méran extended her dry bony (full of bones; thin) hand to Villefort, who, while imprinting (a pressed mark) a son-in-law (a daughter's husband)’s respectful (showing respect) salute (the soldier's formal greeting) on it, looked at Renée, as much as to say, “I must try and fancy (the imagination; a liking) ’tis (it is) your dear hand I kiss, as it should have been.”
“These are mournful (full of mourning) auspices (auspices: under the auspices: with the favour) to accompany (to go along with) a betrothal (a promise of marriage),” sighed (a long sad breath) poor Renée.
“Upon my word, child!” exclaimed (to cry out) the angry marquise (marchioness, in French), “your folly (foolishness) exceeds (to go beyond) all bounds (tied; leaping; a limit). I should be glad to know what connection there can possibly be between your sickly (weak with illness) sentimentality (soft, gushing feeling) and the affairs of the state (state: ceremony; pomp — the old sense here)!”
“Oh, mother!” murmured (to speak in a low soft flow) Renée.
“Nay (no, in old speech), madame (the French word for a married woman), I pray (to speak to God) you pardon (to let off a punishment) this little traitor (one who betrays). I promise you that to make up for her want of loyalty (faithfulness), I will be most inflexibly (unbendingly) severe;” then casting an expressive (showing feeling) glance (a quick look) at his betrothed (the one promised in marriage), which seemed to say, “Fear not, for your dear sake (for the good of) my justice shall be tempered (one's disposition; anger) with mercy (pity shown to the helpless),” and receiving a sweet and approving (saying a thing is good) smile in return, Villefort departed (to go away) with paradise (the garden of the first man, or heaven) in his heart.