The Count of Monte Cristo

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said: "Count, you must doubtless be surprised at my reserve, and I
assure you it costs me much to act in such a manner towards you; but,
believe me when I say that imperative necessity has imposed the painful
task upon me."

"These are all so many empty words, my dear sir," said Morcerf: "they
might satisfy a new acquaintance, but the Comte de Morcerf does not rank
in that list; and when a man like him comes to another, recalls to him
his plighted word, and this man fails to redeem the pledge, he has at
least a right to exact from him a good reason for so doing." Danglars
was a coward, but did not wish to appear so; he was piqued at the tone
which Morcerf had just assumed. "I am not without a good reason for my
conduct," replied the banker.

"What do you mean to say?"

"I mean to say that I have a good reason, but that it is difficult to