"Why dramatic?" Danglars asked.
"Can we explain instinct?" Monte Cristo replied. "Aren't there places where we seem to breathe sadness without knowing why? It's a chain of memories, perhaps, or an idea that takes you back to other times and places that may have no connection to the present. Something in that room reminds me strongly of chambers where dark deeds occurred in old stories. Now that we've finished dinner, shall I show it to you? Then we can have coffee in the garden afterward." Monte Cristo looked questioningly at his guests.
Madame de Villefort rose. Monte Cristo did the same, and everyone else followed. Villefort and Madame Danglars remained seated for a moment, as if frozen. They exchanged vague, confused glances.
"Did you hear that?" Madame Danglars whispered.
"We must go," Villefort replied, offering his arm.
