The Count of Monte Cristo

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"How so?"

"He laid a wager he would tame Medeah in the space of six months. You
understand now that if he were to get rid of the animal before the
time named, he would not only lose his bet, but people would say he was
afraid; and a brave captain of Spahis cannot risk this, even to
gratify a pretty woman, which is, in my opinion, one of the most sacred
obligations in the world."

"You see my position, madame," said Morrel, bestowing a grateful smile
on Monte Cristo.

"It seems to me," said Danglars, in his coarse tone, ill-concealed by a
forced smile, "that you have already got horses enough." Madame Danglars
seldom allowed remarks of this kind to pass unnoticed, but, to the
surprise of the young people, she pretended not to hear it, and said
nothing. Monte Cristo smiled at her unusual humility, and showed her two