The Count of Monte Cristo

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risen to a certain eminence of position, the ideal alone can be
more exalted. Now, to follow out this reasoning, what is the
marvellous?--that which we do not understand. What is it that we really
desire?--that which we cannot obtain. Now, to see things which I cannot
understand, to procure impossibilities, these are the study of my life.
I gratify my wishes by two means--my will and my money. I take as
much interest in the pursuit of some whim as you do, M. Danglars, in
promoting a new railway line; you, M. de Villefort, in condemning a
culprit to death; you, M. Debray, in pacifying a kingdom; you, M. de
Chateau-Renaud, in pleasing a woman; and you, Morrel, in breaking a
horse that no one can ride. For example, you see these two fish; one
brought from fifty leagues beyond St. Petersburg, the other five leagues
from Naples. Is it not amusing to see them both on the same table?"

"What are the two fish?" asked Danglars.

"M. Chateau-Renaud, who has lived in Russia, will tell you the name of