What do you mean to say?

　　"Well, in one of your late conversations with him, you saidthat I appeared to be forgetful and irresolute concerningthis marriage, did you not?"

　　"I did say so."

　　"Well, here I am, proving at once that I am really neitherthe one nor the other, by entreating you to keep yourpromise on that score."

　　Danglars did not answer. "Have you so soon changed yourmind," added Morcerf, "or have you only provoked my requestthat you may have the pleasure of seeing me humbled?"Danglars, seeing that if he continued the conversation inthe same tone in which he had begun it, the whole thingmight turn out to his own disadvantage, turned to Morcerf,and said: "Count, you must doubtless be surprised at myreserve, and I assure you it costs me much to act in such amanner towards you; but, believe me when I say thatimperative necessity has imposed the painful task upon me."

　　"These are all so many empty words, my dear sir," saidMorcerf: "they might satisfy a new acquaintance, but theComte de Morcerf does not rank in that list; and when a manlike him comes to another, recalls to him his plighted word,and this man fails to redeem the pledge, he has at least aright to exact from him a good reason for so doing."Danglars was a coward, but did not wish to appear so; he waspiqued at the tone which Morcerf had just assumed. "I am notwithout 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 isdifficult to explain."

　　"You must be aware, at all events, that it is impossible forme to understand motives before they are explained to me;but one thing at least is clear, which is, that you declineallying yourself with my family."

　　"No, sir," said Danglars; "I merely suspend my decision,that is all."

　　"And do you really flatter yourself that I shall yield toall your caprices, and quietly and humbly await the time ofagain being received into your good graces?"

　　"Then, count, if you will not wait, we must look upon theseprojects as if they had never been entertained." The countbit his lips till the blood almost started, to prevent theebullition of anger which his proud and irritable temperscarcely allowed him to restrain; understanding, however,that in the present state of things the laugh woulddecidedly be against him, he turned from the door, towardswhich he had been directing his steps, and again confrontedthe banker. A cloud settled on his brow, evincing decidedanxiety and uneasiness, instead of the expression ofoffended pride which had lately reigned there. "My dearDanglars," said Morcerf, "we have been acquainted for manyyears, and consequently we ought to make some allowance foreach other's failings. You owe me an explanation, and reallyit is but fair that I should know what circumstance hasoccurred to deprive my son of your favor."