From Hugo? Help please.

[WyattGwyon]

I am trying to track down the author and exact wording of an aphorism. I know it came from a novel; I am pretty sure the author was Victor Hugo. It goes something like this: There is nothing more satisfying than inflicting suffering on ones enemy by doing the right thing.

It goes without saying that Hugo's wording, if that is who said it, would be more eloquent than this paraphrase. I have already combed through a couple of compendiums of Hugo's aphorisms looking for this with no success. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[bIGwIRE]

It is most pleasant to commit a just action which is disagreeable to someone whom one does not like.

I can't remember where I read this, but it was Hugo. Sound like it?

[Charles Darnay]

It is from L'homme Qui Rit by Victor Hugo.

[WyattGwyon]

It is from L'homme Qui Rit by Victor Hugo.

Thanks! I haven't read that one for a while—I have one of those strange British editions where they saw fit to change the title, in this case to By Order of the King.

Thanks Bigwire—Guess I'll really have to check the wording.

[vankinh]

somewhat confusing