Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo” (post 2): Word choice indicates that hypnosis (mesmerism) was on the author’s mind

“With these words, the girl turned her imperious face toward the Catalan and he, as if mesmerized by her look, slowly came across to Edmond and held out his hand” (1, p. 28).

Abbé Faria, the character named after the real-life hypnotist, has not yet been introduced.

1. Alexandre Dumas. The Count of Monte Cristo [1845]. Translated by Robin Buss. London, Penguin Books, 1996.