"Oh, well then," Monte Cristo said calmly, "I'm not particular about these five notes. Pay me differently. I was just curious to take these so I could say that without any warning, the house of Danglars paid me five million without a moment's delay. It would've been quite impressive. But here, take your bonds back. Pay me another way."
He held the bonds toward Danglars, who snatched them like a vulture grabbing food that was being pulled away. Suddenly he recovered himself, made a violent effort at self-control, and forced a smile across his disturbed features.
"Of course," he said. "Your receipt is as good as money."
"Oh, absolutely. And if you were in Rome, the house of Thomson & French would pay on my receipt just as readily as you did."
"Forgive me, Count, forgive me."
"So I can keep this money?"
"Yes," Danglars said, sweat beading at his hairline. "Yes, keep it."
