Morrel obeyed. The Count stood, unlocked a cabinet with a key hanging from his gold chain, and took out a small silver box beautifully carved and decorated. Its corners featured four sculpted figures, women resembling angels reaching toward heaven. He placed the box on the table, opened it, and removed a small golden container. The top sprang open when he touched a hidden mechanism.
Inside was a strange substance, partly solid, its true color impossible to determine because of the reflections from the polished gold, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds that decorated the box. It appeared as a swirling mass of blue, red, and gold. The Count scooped out a small amount with a gilded spoon and offered it to Morrel, fixing him with a long, steady gaze. The substance was actually greenish in color.
"This is what you asked for," he said, "and what I promised to give you."
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart," the young man said, taking the spoon from Monte Cristo's hands.
