THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO.
331
"Is it possible," exclaimed the count, with well-feign astonishment, "that these horses belong to Madame la Baronne?"
"They do, indeed. May I inquire if you are acquainted with Madame Danglars?"
"I have that honor; and my happiness at your escape from danger is redoubled by the consciousness that I have been the cause of all the peril. I yesterday purchased these horses of the baron; but as the baroness evidently regretted them, I ventured to send them back to her, with a request that she would accept them from my hands."
"You are, then, doubtless, the Count of Monte-Cristo, of whom Hermine has talked to me so much?"