"To reflect!" said Morcerf, more and more astonished; "have you not had enough time for reflection during the eight years since this marriage was first discussed?"
"M. le Comte," said the banker, "things are constantly occurring to induce us to remodel what we have deemed arranged."
"I do not understand you, M. le Baron," said Morcerf.
"I mean to say, sir, that during the last fortnight unforeseen circumstances"
"Excuse me," said Morcerf, "but is it a play we are acting?"
"A play?"
"Yes; let us come more to the point."
"That is quite my desire."
"You have seen M. de Monte-Cristo, have you not?"
"I see him very often," said Danglars, drawing himself up; "he is a particular friend of mine."
"Well, in one of your late conversations with him, you said that I appeared to be forgetful and irresolute concerning this marriage, did you not?"
"I did say so."
"Well, here I am, proving at once that I am really neither the one nor the other, by summoning you to keep your promise." Danglars did not answer.
"Have you so soon changed your mind," added Morcerf, "or have you only provoked my request that you may have the pleasure of seeing me humbled?"
Danglars, seeing that if he continued the conversation in the same tone in which he had begun it, the whole thing might turn out to his own disadvantage, turned to Morcerf, and said:
"M. le Comte, you are right to be surprised at my reserve, and I assure you it costs me much to act in such a manner; but, believe me that imperative necessity enjoins it."
"These are all so many empty words, my dear sir," said Morcerf; "they might satisfy a new acquaintance, but the Count de Morcerf does not rank in that list; and when a man like him comes to another, recalls to him his plighted word, and this man fails to redeem the pledge, he has, at least, a right to exact from him a good reason for so doing."
Danglars was a coward, but did not wish to appear so; he was piqued at the tone which Morcerf had just assumed.
"I am not without a good reason for my conduct," replied the banker.
"What do you mean to say?"
"I mean to say, that I have a good reason, but that it is difficult to explain."
"You must be aware, at all events, that I cannot be put off by your
