Monte Cristo jumped lightly from the carriage and helped Emmanuel and Maximilian down. Morrel held onto the count's hand between both of his own.
"I like holding a hand like this," he said, "when its owner trusts in the rightness of his cause."
"It looks to me," Emmanuel said, "like there are two young men down there waiting."
Monte Cristo pulled Morrel a step or two behind Emmanuel.
"Maximilian," he said quietly, "are you in love with anyone?"
Morrel looked at him in surprise.
"I'm not asking for your secrets, my dear friend. It's just a simple question. Answer it, that's all I need."
"I love a young woman, Count."
"Do you love her deeply?"
"More than my own life."
"Another hope destroyed," the count muttered. Then, with a sigh, "Poor Haydée."
"To be honest, Count, if I didn't know you better, I'd think you were less brave than you actually are."
