The Count of Monte Cristo

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"Rather, sir, before we sit down, I must demand your answer."

"Albert," said the journalist, "these are questions which it is
difficult to answer."

"I will facilitate it by repeating the question, 'Will you, or will you
not, retract?'"

"Morcerf, it is not enough to answer 'yes' or 'no' to questions which
concern the honor, the social interest, and the life of such a man as
Lieutenant-general the Count of Morcerf, peer of France."

"What must then be done?"

"What I have done, Albert. I reasoned thus--money, time, and fatigue are
nothing compared with the reputation and interests of a whole family;
probabilities will not suffice, only facts will justify a deadly combat