The Count’s first appearance really startled me. He was such an alarmingly large person that I quite trembled. I felt certain that he would shake the floor and knock down my art-treasures. He did neither the one nor the other. He was refreshingly dressed in summer costume⁠—his manner was delightfully self-possessed and quiet⁠—he had a charming smile. My first impression of him was highly favourable. It is not creditable to my penetration⁠—as the sequel will show⁠—to acknowledge this, but I am a naturally candid man, and I do acknowledge it notwithstanding.

“Allow me to present myself, Mr. Fairlie,” he said. “I come from Blackwater Park, and I have the honour and the happiness of being Madame Fosco’s husband. Let me take my first and last advantage of that circumstance by entreating you not to make a stranger of me. I beg you will not disturb yourself⁠—I beg you will not move.”