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Updated: June 26, 2025
She was the Superior of the Order of Sisters of Refuge, the members of which were scattered throughout Europe, but made their headquarters at the asylum in Civita Vecchia, where a sufficient number of them constantly aided Madame de Rancogne in carrying out her good and philanthropic work. The Refuge, as the asylum was called, was a vast edifice of gray stone with a sombre and cloister-like look.
Annunziata felt as if all faith in humanity had been withdrawn from her, and as she gradually realized the full meaning of her father's words she closed her eyes and with a gasp sank fainting into the arms of Mme. de Rancogne, who, hardly less shocked and surprised than the poor girl herself, used every effort to revive her, finally succeeding.
Cardinal Monti resumed his seat amid loud murmurs of applause and satisfaction. When these died away the clerk declared the Court adjourned, the convict was removed and the audience slowly dispersed. Mme. de Rancogne and Annunziata Solara immediately returned to the Refuge in Civita Vecchia, where the poor girl lay prostrated for many weeks.
The Viscount's lawyers then took the witness in hand, but shrewd and able as they were they utterly failed to make her swerve even a hair's breadth from her evidence. She returned to her place beside Mme. de Rancogne, confident that she had done her duty and uttered not a single syllable that was untrue. Peppino followed her.
Monte-Cristo was now thoroughly satisfied that Giovanni could effect nothing with Annunziata and that a further prolongation of the interview would only be fraught with additional suffering for both the girl and young Massetti; he, therefore, requested Mme. de Rancogne to take her protégée to her apartment, and when they had quitted the salon said to the Viscount: "We must trust this girl to the lawyers and judges, Giovanni.
It will be exceedingly strange if she has not." Monte-Cristo's daughter blushed again. The Count smiled as he replied: "Yes, Helena, Zuleika has experienced the crowning passion of life. She is betrothed to the Viscount Giovanni Massetti of Rome." "What!" exclaimed Mme. de Rancogne, stricken with amazement and horror.
She looked at Monte-Cristo doubtingly and then at Mme. de Rancogne, who was smiling upon her encouragingly. "As God is my judge," said she, solemnly, "I believe Giovanni Massetti to have been my abductor!" "Of course," returned Monte-Cristo, "but you are in error!" "I saw his face! Surely I ought to have been able to recognize that!"
In that city was located a famous asylum for unfortunate women, founded and managed by a French lady of enormous wealth and corresponding benevolence, Madame Helena de Rancogne, the Countess of Monte-Cristo. This lady was untiring in her efforts to reclaim and rehabilitate the fallen of her sex.
When Annunziata accompanied by the Superior of the Order of Sisters of Refuge entered the apartment and found Giovanni waiting for her there she flushed deeply and began to tremble. "Courage, my poor child," said Mme. de Rancogne, soothingly, "courage!" "Sister Annunziata," said the Count, who was also in the salon, "have no fear.
"That Giovanni Massetti who has been disowned and disinherited by his father for the commission of one of the vilest and most dishonorable crimes known to the world?" "The same!" answered Monte-Cristo, calmly. Mme. de Rancogne was now more astounded than ever. "You know this man's record and yet you allow him to win your daughter! Count, this is not like you! I cannot understand it!"
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