"What has that got to do with me?"
"More than you think. Don't you really know me?"
"No."
"So much the worse. But tell me, baron, is Carmen really your daughter?"
"But—who—gives—you—the right—" said Danglars, stammering.
"Next you will deny that you ever had a wife?"
"Leave my wife's name alone."
"Good. Then let us talk of your daughter who is much older and does not bear the name of Carmen."
Danglars hid his face in his hands.
"Baron, you are the friend of the emperor and are very rich, and no one suspects that Baron Larsagny is the former forger and swindler Danglars. One word from me and you sink deep in the mud. It depends on you whether I am to be your friend or your enemy."