I can't die of illness, I am too ridiculously tough; and the time for dying of old age won't come round yet a while.

I can't lose my wife, I shall take too good care of her.

I may lose my money, or a large part of it; but that won't matter, for I shall make twice as much again.

So what have I to be afraid of ?" "You are not afraid it may be rather a mistake for an American man of business to marry a French countess ?" "For the countess, possibly; but not for the man of business, if you mean me! But my countess shall not be disappointed; I answer for her happiness!" And as if he felt the impulse to celebrate his happy certitude by a bonfire, he got up to throw a couple of logs upon the already blazing hearth.

Valentin watched for a few moments the quickened flame, and then, with his head leaning on his hand, gave a melancholy sigh.