The Count of Monte Cristo

The Duel Arrangements

The delay demanded by Beauchamp nearly expires. Albert clings to Monte Cristo’s advice to let things settle, though no one else has taken up the accusation against his father. Yet Albert still feels insulted by the published lines and cherishes thoughts of a duel, hoping to hide its true cause even from his seconds. Beauchamp has vanished since their last meeting, reported to be away on a journey. When Albert’s valet announces Beauchamp’s arrival one morning, Albert descends to meet him in the smoking-room. Albert demands to know if they can shake hands with friendship restored or if he must propose a choice of weapons. Beauchamp asks to sit and talk first, but Albert insists on an immediate answer. The journalist explains that questions of honor, social interest, and a man’s life cannot be answered with simple yes or no—he needed to verify the truth before dueling a friend of three years’ standing.

Beauchamp’s Return

Albert learns with astonishment that Beauchamp has just returned from Yanina. The journalist had undertaken this journey because Albert deserved such consideration, unlike a mere stranger or foreign lord. Had Albert been a casual adversary, Beauchamp would not have taken such trouble, but he felt this mark of respect was due to their friendship. The journey consumed a week to go, another to return, four days in quarantine, and forty-eight hours on site—three weeks total. Beauchamp returned last night and came directly to Albert. He explains at length because he fears what he must reveal: his correspondent did not deceive him. The paragraph about the French officer was correct. That officer was Fernand, the traitor who surrendered the castle of Yanina. That traitor is Albert’s father.