"What are you talking about?" Danglars asked, as if he had no idea what Morcerf meant.
"Ah," Morcerf said, "I see you're a stickler for proper formalities, my friend. You want me to do this the traditional way." He laughed awkwardly. "I apologize, I only have one son, and this is my first time arranging his marriage, so I'm still learning the ropes. Let me start over."
With a forced smile, Morcerf stood up, made an elaborate bow, and said formally, "Baron, I have the honor of requesting the hand of Mademoiselle Eugénie Danglars in marriage to my son, Vicomte Albert de Morcerf."
But instead of the warm reception Morcerf expected, Danglars frowned even deeper. He didn't even invite Morcerf to sit down.
"Sir," Danglars said coldly, "I need time to think before I give you an answer."
"Think about it?" Morcerf was shocked. "Haven't you had eight years to think about it? We've been discussing this marriage for eight years!"
