The Count of Monte Cristo

第七十八章 We hear From Yanina

Albert de Morcerf visits Beauchamp to demand the retraction of a newspaper article that implicates his father, General Fernand Mondego, Count of Morcerf, in treachery during his past military service, but Beauchamp refuses to issue a retraction without first investigating whether the accusations are true, leading the two men to arrange a duel to take place in three weeks’ time on the twenty-first of September. When Albert storms out of the newspaper office in a rage, he happens to spot Maximilian Morrel, a man whom he considers enviably happy, walking briskly with a bright eye in the direction of the Madeleine.

The Confrontation

Albert de Morcerf visits Beauchamp to demand an explanation regarding an article that links the name Fernand to a scandalous history involving Yanina and Ali Pasha. When Beauchamp feigns unfamiliarity with the connection, Albert reveals that Fernand is his father—General Fernand Mondego, Count of Morcerf, an old soldier whose honorable scars would be denounced as badges of disgrace. Beauchamp reads the paragraph for the third time, carefully stressing each word, and notes that the paper nowhere explicitly identifies Fernand as Albert’s father, though the connection would be apparent to others.

Demand for Retraction

Albert insists that Beauchamp retract the article, growing increasingly angry when Beauchamp suggests investigating the matter thoroughly. Albert demands an immediate retraction, but Beauchamp questions whether his visit is truly a demand for journalistic correction or a pretext for seeking satisfaction. When Albert reiterates his demand, calling the article an “infamous calumny,” Beauchamp responds coldly, pointing out that he neither inserted nor knew of the article in advance. Despite Beauchamp’s assurances on his word of honor, Albert maintains his insistence on retraction.