“Amusing, certainly,” replied the young man, “inasmuch as, instead of shedding tears as at the fictitious tale of woe produced at a theatre, you behold in a law-court a case of real and genuine distress⁠—a drama of life. The prisoner whom you there see pale, agitated, and alarmed, instead of⁠—as is the case when a curtain falls on a tragedy⁠—going home to sup peacefully with his family, and then retiring to rest, that he may recommence his mimic woes on the morrow⁠—is removed from your sight merely to be reconducted to his prison and delivered up to the executioner. I leave you to judge how far your nerves are calculated to bear you through such a scene. Of this, however, be assured, that should any favorable 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; “don’t you see how you are frightening us?⁠—and yet you laugh.”