When Monsieur and Madame de Villefort returned home, they discovered the Count of Monte Cristo waiting in their drawing room. He'd arrived during their absence and had been patient enough to stay.
Madame de Villefort, still shaken from recent events, immediately excused herself and retreated to her bedroom. Her husband, the prosecutor, felt more composed and headed straight to greet their guest. Though Villefort thought he'd successfully masked his inner turmoil, a dark cloud still hung over his expression, something the perpetually smiling count noticed immediately.
"My word!" Monte Cristo said after exchanging pleasantries. "What's troubling you, Monsieur de Villefort? Did I arrive while you were preparing charges for a murder case?"
Villefort attempted a smile. "No, Count. I'm the only victim here. I've lost my case, thanks to bad luck, stubbornness, and sheer foolishness, and the ruling went against me."
