midnight
This story was speedily confirmed , for Léon soon vanished and in his place appeared a most attractive and fascinating lady , who very quietly assumed , or rather resumed , the name of Louise d'Armilly . Still another rumor was that the wealth so strangely inherited by the former prima donna was not a legacy at all , but a gift from the mysterious Count of Monte-Cristo , who had thus striven to make amends to the daughter for the misfortunes he had , while pursuing his scheme of wholesale vengeance , so remorselessly heaped upon the head of the father . M. Dantès was sitting alone in his library , busily engaged in reading a favorite work on the subject of political economy , and from time to time making copious notes . It was after midnight , and the vast mansion on the Rue du Helder was as silent as the tomb ; the lamp on the Deputy 's table burned brightly , but a large metallic shade concentrated the light and reflected it upon the table , so that the other portions of the apartment were shrouded in almost complete darkness . As M. Dantès read a shadow suddenly fell on the page of his book , and quickly looking up he saw his daughter Zuleika standing beside him ; tears were in her eyes and a look of melancholy rested upon her countenance . `` Why child , '' said her father , in a startled tone , `` what is the matter with you ? You are weeping and seem very sad .