The Count of Monte Cristo

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"I was once very fond of it, but I do not indulge now."

"Then you are wrong, madame. Fortune is precarious; and if I were
a woman and fate had made me a banker's wife, whatever might be my
confidence in my husband's good fortune, still in speculation you
know there is great risk. Well, I would secure for myself a fortune
independent of him, even if I acquired it by placing my interests in
hands unknown to him." Madame Danglars blushed, in spite of all her
efforts. "Stay," said Monte Cristo, as though he had not observed her
confusion, "I have heard of a lucky hit that was made yesterday on the
Neapolitan bonds."

"I have none--nor have I ever possessed any; but really we have talked
long enough of money, count, we are like two stockbrokers; have you
heard how fate is persecuting the poor Villeforts?"

"What has happened?" said the count, simulating total ignorance.