The Count of Monte Cristo

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and does not smile on the proposed union. I cannot account for it, but
she seems to entertain some prejudice against the Danglars."

"Ah," said the count, in a somewhat forced tone, "that may be easily
explained; the Comtesse de Morcerf, who is aristocracy and refinement
itself, does not relish the idea of being allied by your marriage with
one of ignoble birth; that is natural enough."

"I do not know if that is her reason," said Albert, "but one thing I
do know, that if this marriage be consummated, it will render her quite
miserable. There was to have been a meeting six weeks ago in order
to talk over and settle the affair; but I had such a sudden attack of
indisposition"--

"Real?" interrupted the count, smiling.

"Oh, real enough, from anxiety doubtless,--at any rate they postponed