The Count of Monte Cristo

Beauchamp’s Intervention

A rap is heard at the door and Beauchamp enters. Monte Cristo greets him as if this were their first meeting that evening, offering him a seat. Beauchamp acknowledges that Albert was wrong to betray so much anger and comes to apologize on his own account, while also requesting some explanation concerning Monte Cristo’s connection with Yanina and the young Greek girl. Monte Cristo makes a gesture of silence and laughs, exclaiming that all his hopes are about to be destroyed. Beauchamp asks how so, and the count explains that Beauchamp wishes to portray him as a Lara, a Manfred, a Lord Ruthven—but just as he arrives at the climax, he defeats his own purpose by seeking to make an ordinary man of him, demanding explanations and lowering the count to Beauchamp’s own level. Beauchamp replies haughtily that there are occasions when probity commands certain actions.

Arranging the Duel

Monte Cristo interrupts to declare that the Count of Monte Cristo bows to none but himself and begs Beauchamp to say no more. He states that he does what he pleases, and it is always well done. Beauchamp replies that honest men are not to be paid with such coin and requires honorable guarantees. Monte Cristo declares he is a living guarantee, motionless but with a threatening look. They both have blood in their veins they wish to shed—that is their mutual guarantee. Monte Cristo instructs Beauchamp to tell Albert that tomorrow, before ten o’clock, he will see what color Albert’s blood is. Beauchamp agrees to make arrangements for the duel. Monte Cristo remarks that it is quite immaterial to him and was quite unnecessary to disturb him at the opera for such a trifle. He explains that in France people fight with the sword or pistol, in the colonies with the carbine, in Arabia with the dagger, and tells Beauchamp to inform his client that although he is the insulted party, he leaves the choice of arms to Albert, accepting anything without dispute, even combat by drawing lots—which is always stupid, but different with him, as he is sure to gain. Beauchamp repeats “Sure to gain!” with amazement, asking if Monte Cristo is certain. The count replies that he would not fight with M. de Morcerf otherwise, for he shall kill him. Beauchamp, quite disconcerted and unsure whether he deals with an arrogant braggadocio or a supernatural being, proposes pistols at eight o’clock in the Bois de Vincennes. Monte Cristo accepts, then requests that Beauchamp let him see the performance and tell Albert not to return that evening, as he will hurt himself with all his ill-chosen barbarisms and should go home and sleep. Beauchamp leaves the box, perfectly amazed.

Monte Cristo’s Seconds

Monte Cristo turns to Morrel and asks if he may depend upon him. Morrel affirms his loyalty and availability, but notes there is something he would like to know. Monte Cristo asks if Morrel would prefer not to know, and Morrel replies no. Monte Cristo explains that Albert is acting blindfolded and does not know the true cause, which is known only to God and to him, but he gives his word that God, who knows it, will be on their side. Morrel accepts this and asks who Monte Cristo’s second witnesses will be. Monte Cristo states he knows no one in Paris on whom he could confer that honor besides Morrel and his brother Emmanuel, asking if Emmanuel would oblige. Morrel answers for Emmanuel, and the count confirms this is all he requires, requesting they be with him at seven o’clock the following morning. The curtain rises and Monte Cristo urges Morrel to listen to the beautiful music of William Tell, noting he never loses a note if he can avoid it, as the music is so sweet.

CHAPITRE 89. The Night

Monte Cristo prepares his special pistols for a duel while Mercédès, now Countess de Morcerf, arrives at his home to plead for her son Albert’s life. She reveals she knows his true identity as Edmond Dantès, the man Fernand Mondego (now Count de Morcerf) and Danglars condemned to fourteen years of imprisonment in the Château d’If through a false letter accusing him of Bonapartist sympathies. Monte Cristo recounts how his father starved to death during his captivity and how he watched Mercédès marry his betrayer, explaining that he has sworn vengeance against the fisherman Fernand, not the French captain or Count of Morcerf. When Mercédès begs him to spare their son, Monte Cristo agrees that Albert shall live but declares he will sacrifice himself during the duel since his honor has been wounded beyond recovery. After Mercédès departs, the clock strikes one as Monte Cristo regrets not having torn out his heart on the day he first resolved to avenge himself, acknowledging how his thwarted vengeance has left him in profound despair.