The Count of Monte Cristo

A Vow to Kill

Morrel asks what the count has done to Albert, and Monte Cristo replies that he has done nothing personally. When Morrel notes that there must be some cause, Monte Cristo explains that the Count of Morcerf’s adventure has exasperated the young man. Morrel recalls having heard that the Greek slave he has seen with Monte Cristo in that very box was the daughter of Ali Pasha, and Monte Cristo confirms this is true, adding that it was through Haydée that the Chamber was informed of his father’s treason. Morrel understands that the scene was premeditated—Albert had requested his presence at the opera specifically so he might witness the insult. Monte Cristo accepts this as probable. When Morrel asks what he will do with Albert, the count declares with absolute certainty that he will kill him before ten o’clock the following morning. Morrel takes Monte Cristo’s hand in both of his and shudders at its cold, steady feel. He mentions Albert’s father’s love for his son, but Monte Cristo displays the first movement of anger he has shown, declaring he will make Albert suffer. Morrel, amazed, lets fall the count’s hand. Monte Cristo then surprises him by commenting on the beautiful singing, noting he was the first to discover Duprez at Naples and the first to applaud him, and calling “Bravo, bravo!” as though nothing terrible has been decided.

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.