“What our enemies say of us is then true. We have learnt nothing, forgotten nothing! If I were betrayed as he was, I would console myself; but to be in the midst of persons elevated by myself to places of honor, who ought to watch over me more carefully than over themselves⁠—for my fortune is theirs⁠—before me they were nothing⁠—after me they will be nothing, and perish miserably from incapacity⁠—ineptitude! Oh, yes, sir, you are right⁠—it is fatality!”

The minister quailed before this outburst of sarcasm. M. de Blacas wiped the moisture from his brow. Villefort smiled within himself, for he felt his increased importance.