“ He was rather too pale, certainly; but then, you know, paleness is always looked upon as a strong proof of aristocratic descent and distinguished breeding. ”
Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1845). copy citation
| Author | Alexandre Dumas |
|---|---|
| Source | The Count of Monte Cristo |
| Topic | breeding paleness aristocracy |
| Date | 1845 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1184/1184-h/1184-h.htm |
Context
“I can assure you that this hobgoblin of yours is a deuced fine-looking fellow—admirably dressed. Indeed, I feel quite sure, from the cut of his clothes, they are made by a first-rate Paris tailor—probably Blin or Humann. He was rather too pale, certainly; but then, you know, paleness is always looked upon as a strong proof of aristocratic descent and distinguished breeding.»
Franz smiled; for he well remembered that Albert particularly prided himself on the entire absence of color in his own complexion.
«Well, that tends to confirm my own ideas,» said Franz, «that the countess's suspicions were destitute alike of sense and reason.” source
Franz smiled; for he well remembered that Albert particularly prided himself on the entire absence of color in his own complexion.
«Well, that tends to confirm my own ideas,» said Franz, «that the countess's suspicions were destitute alike of sense and reason.” source
Meaning and analysis
