The Count of Monte Cristo

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sustains him as breath animates the body; and M. de Monte Cristo once
gave me a lecture on that subject, which I have never forgotten. There
we may learn that as credit sinks, the body becomes a corpse, and this
is what must happen very soon to the banker who is proud to own so good
a logician as you for his daughter." But Eugenie, instead of stooping,
drew herself up under the blow. "Ruined?" said she.

"Exactly, my daughter; that is precisely what I mean," said Danglars,
almost digging his nails into his breast, while he preserved on
his harsh features the smile of the heartless though clever man;
"ruined--yes, that is it."

"Ah!" said Eugenie.

"Yes, ruined! Now it is revealed, this secret so full of horror, as
the tragic poet says. Now, my daughter, learn from my lips how you may
alleviate this misfortune, so far as it will affect you."