Page 176 (1/1)

Danglars was balancing his monthly accounts, and it was perhaps not thehiht of his old friend, Danglars assumed his majestic air, and settled himself in his easy-chair Morcerf, usually so stiff and forsure that the overture he was about make would be well received, he did not consider it necessary to adopt any ht to the point

"Well, baron," said he, "here I am at last; some time has elapsed since our plans were formed, and they are not yet executed" Morcerf paused at these words, quietly waiting till the cloud should have dispersed which had gathered on the brow of Danglars, and which he attributed to his silence; but, on the contrary, to his great surprise, it grew darker and darker "To what do you allude, uess at the possible eneral's words

"Ah," said Morcerf, "I see you are a stickler for forms, my dear sir, and you would remind me that the cere your pardon, but as I have but one son, and it is the first ti my apprenticeship, you know; come, I will refor a lo to M Danglars, said: "Baron, I have the honor of asking of you the hand of Madelars for lars, instead of receiving this address in the favorable manner which Morcerf had expected, knit his brow, and without inviting the count, as still standing, to take a seat, he said: "Monsieur, it will be necessary to reflect before I give you an answer"

"To reflect?" said Morcerf, h tiht years which have elapsed since this e was first discussed between us?"

"Count," said the banker, "things are constantly occurring in the world to induce us to lay aside our most established opinions, or at all events to cause us to ree of circumstances, which ht to that in which we at first viewed them"

"I do not understand you, baron," said Morcerf

"What I ht unforeseen circumstances have occurred"-"Excuse ?"