"Because I am not compelled to marry his daughter perhaps," replied Albert, laughing.
"Indeed, my dear sir," said Monte-Cristo, "you are revoltingly foppish!"
"I foppish! how do you mean?"
"Yes; pray take a cigar, and cease to defend yourself, and to struggle to escape marrying Mademoiselle Danglars. Let things take their course; perhaps you may not have to retract."
"Bah!" said Albert, staring.
"Doubtless, M. le Vicomte, you will not be taken by force; and seriously," continued Monte-Cristo, with a change of voice, "do you wish to break off your engagement?"
"I would give a hundred thousand francs to be able to do so."
"Then make yourself quite happy; M. Danglars would give double that sum to attain the same end."
"Am I indeed so happy?" said Albert, who still could not prevent an almost imperceptible cloud passing across his brow. "But, my dear count, has M. Danglars any reason?"
"Ah! there is your proud and selfish nature. You would expose the self-love of another with a hatchet, but you shrink if your own is attacked with a needle."
"But yet, M. Danglars appeared"
"Delighted with you, was he not! Well, he is a man of bad taste, and is still more enchanted with another. I know not whom; study and judge for yourself."
"Thank you, I understand. But my mother—no, not my mother, I mistake—my father intends giving a ball."
"A ball at this season?"
"Summer balls are fashionable."
"If they were not, the countess has only to wish it, and they would become so."
"You are right; you know they are very select balls; those who remain in Paris in July must be true Parisians. Will you take charge of our invitation to Messieurs Cavalcanti?"
"When will it take place?"
"On Saturday."
"M. Cavalcanti's father will be gone."
"But the son will be here: will you invite young M. Cavalcanti!"
"I do not know him, viscount."
"You do not know him?"
"No; I have never seen him till a few days since, and am not responsible for him."
