The Count of Monte Cristo

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arrangements be settled? So important a negotiation should, I think, be
conducted by the respective fathers of the young people."

"Sir, my father is a man of great foresight and prudence. Thinking that
I might wish to settle in France, he left me at his departure, together
with the papers establishing my identity, a letter promising, if he
approved of my choice, 150,000 livres per annum from the day I was
married. So far as I can judge, I suppose this to be a quarter of my
father's revenue."

"I," said Danglars, "have always intended giving my daughter 500,000
francs as her dowry; she is, besides, my sole heiress."

"All would then be easily arranged if the baroness and her daughter
are willing. We should command an annuity of 175,000 livres. Supposing,
also, I should persuade the marquis to give me my capital, which is
not likely, but still is possible, we would place these two or three