The Count of Monte Cristo

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"But consider the matter seriously, Eugenie!"

"Oh, I am done with considering! I am tired of hearing only of market
reports, of the end of the month, of the rise and fall of Spanish funds,
of Haitian bonds. Instead of that, Louise--do you understand?--air,
liberty, melody of birds, plains of Lombardy, Venetian canals, Roman
palaces, the Bay of Naples. How much have we, Louise?" The young girl to
whom this question was addressed drew from an inlaid secretary a small
portfolio with a lock, in which she counted twenty-three bank-notes.

"Twenty-three thousand francs," said she.

"And as much, at least, in pearls, diamonds, and jewels," said
Eugenie. "We are rich. With forty-five thousand francs we can live
like princesses for two years, and comfortably for four; but before six
months--you with your music, and I with my voice--we shall double our
capital. Come, you shall take charge of the money, I of the jewel-box;