The Count of Monte Cristo

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that the overture he was about make would be well received, he did not
consider it necessary to adopt any manoeuvres in order to gain his end,
but went at once straight to the point.

"Well, baron," said he, "here I am at last; some time has elapsed since
our plans were formed, and they are not yet executed." Morcerf paused at
these words, quietly waiting till the cloud should have dispersed which
had gathered on the brow of Danglars, and which he attributed to his
silence; but, on the contrary, to his great surprise, it grew darker and
darker. "To what do you allude, monsieur?" said Danglars; as if he were
trying in vain to guess at the possible meaning of the general's words.

"Ah," said Morcerf, "I see you are a stickler for forms, my dear sir,
and you would remind me that the ceremonial rites should not be omitted.
Ma foi, I beg your pardon, but as I have but one son, and it is the
first time I have ever thought of marrying him, I am still serving
my apprenticeship, you know; come, I will reform." And Morcerf with a