say that I have a good reason, but that it is difficult to
explain."

"You must be aware, at all events, that it is impossible for me to
understand motives before they are explained to me; but one thing at
least is clear, which is, that you decline allying yourself with my
family."

"No, sir," said Danglars; "I merely suspend my decision, that is all."

"And do you really flatter yourself that I shall yield to all your
caprices, and quietly and humbly await the time of again being received
into your good graces?"

"Then, count, if you will not wait, we must look upon these projects
as if they had never been entertained." The count bit his lips till the
blood almost started, to prevent the ebullition of anger which his proud
and irritable temper scarcely allowed him to restrain; understanding,
however, that in the present state of things the laugh would decidedly
be against him, he turned from the door, towards which he had been
directing his steps, and again confronted the banker. A cloud settled
on his brow, evincing decided anxiety and uneasiness, instead of the
expression of offended pride which had lately reigned there. "My dear
Danglars," said Morcerf, "we have been acquainted for many years, and
consequently we ought to make some allowance for each other's failings.
You owe me an explanation, and really it is but fair that I should know
what circumstance has occurred to deprive my son of your favor."

"It is from no personal ill-feeling towards the viscount, that is all I
can say, sir," replied Danglars, who resumed his insolent manner as soon
as he perceived that Morcerf was a little softened and calmed down. "And
towards whom do you bear this personal ill-feeling, then?" said Morcerf,
turning pale with anger. The expression of the count's face had not
remained unperceived by the banker; he fixed on him a look of greater
assurance than before, and said: "You may, perhaps, be better satisfied
that I should not go farther into particulars."

A tremor of suppressed rage shook the whole frame of the count, and
making a violent effort over himself, he said: "I have a right to
insist on your giving me an explanation. Is it Madame de Morcerf who
has displeased you? Is it my fortune which you find insufficient? Is it
because my opinions differ from yours?"

"Nothing of the kind, sir," replied Danglars: "if such had been the
case, I only should have been to blame, inasmuch as I was aware of all
these things when