The Count of Monte Cristo

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to scrutinize the signatures, with a minuteness that the count might
have regarded as insulting, had it not suited his present purpose to
mislead the banker. "Oh, sir," said Danglars, after he had convinced
himself of the authenticity of the documents he held, and rising as if
to salute the power of gold personified in the man before him,--"three
letters of unlimited credit! I can be no longer mistrustful, but
you must pardon me, my dear count, for confessing to some degree of
astonishment."

"Nay," answered Monte Cristo, with the most gentlemanly air, "'tis
not for such trifling sums as these that your banking house is to be
incommoded. Then, you can let me have some money, can you not?"

"Whatever you say, my dear count; I am at your orders."

"Why," replied Monte Cristo, "since we mutually understand each
other--for such I presume is the case?" Danglars bowed assentingly. "You