to me in two drafts on the treasury, and you
were astonished that so valuable a paper did not dazzle my eyes like
lightning."

"Yes, but those five millions and a half are not mine, and are only a
proof of the great confidence placed in me; my title of popular banker
has gained me the confidence of charitable institutions, and the five
millions and a half belong to them; at any other time I should not have
hesitated to make use of them, but the great losses I have recently
sustained are well known, and, as I told you, my credit is rather
shaken. That deposit may be at any moment withdrawn, and if I had
employed it for another purpose, I should bring on me a disgraceful
bankruptcy. I do not despise bankruptcies, believe me, but they must
be those which enrich, not those which ruin. Now, if you marry M.
Cavalcanti, and I get the three millions, or even if it is thought I am
going to get them, my credit will be restored, and my fortune, which
for the last month or two has been swallowed up in gulfs which have
been opened in my path by an inconceivable fatality, will revive. Do you
understand me?"

"Perfectly; you pledge me for three millions, do you not?"

"The greater the amount, the more flattering it is to you; it gives you
an idea of your value."

"Thank you. One word more, sir; do you promise me to make what use
you can of the report of the fortune M. Cavalcanti will bring without
touching the money? This is no act of selfishness, but of delicacy. I am
willing to help rebuild your fortune, but I will not be an accomplice in
the ruin of others."

"But since I tell you," cried Danglars, "that with these three
million"--

"Do you expect to recover your position, sir, without touching those
three million?"

"I hope so, if the marriage should take place and confirm my credit."

"Shall you be able to pay M. Cavalcanti the five hundred thousand francs
you promise for my dowry?"

"He shall receive them on returning from the mayor's." [*]

* The performance of the civil marriage.

"Very well!"

"What next? what more do you want?"

"I wish to know if, in demanding my signature, you leave me entirely
free in my person?"

"Absolutely."

"Then, as I said before, sir,--very well; I am ready to marry M.
Cavalcanti."

"But what are you up to?"

"Ah, that is my affair. What advantage should I have over you, if
knowing your secret I were to tell you mine?" Danglars bit his lips.
"Then," said he, "you are r