"Yes," the major said finally. "I did wish to keep this error hidden from everyone."
"Surely not for your own sake?" Monte Cristo replied. "A man is above that sort of thing, after all."
"Oh no, certainly not for my own sake," the major said with a smile and a shake of his head.
"But for the sake of the mother?" the count suggested.
"Yes, for the mother's sake, his poor mother!" the major cried, taking a third biscuit.
"Have some more wine, my dear Cavalcanti," the count said, pouring him a second glass. "Your emotions have quite overcome you."
"His poor mother," the major murmured, trying unsuccessfully to produce an actual tear.
"She belonged to one of the finest families in Italy, I believe?"
"She was from a noble family in Fiesole, count."
"And her name was…"
"Do you need to know her name?"
"Oh," Monte Cristo said, "it would be quite unnecessary for you to tell me. I already know it."
"The count knows everything," the Italian said, bowing.
