The Count of Monte Cristo

第八十六章 The Trial

Chapter 86, “The Trial,” follows the parliamentary reckoning of Count Morcerf in the House of Peers. It begins with Albert’s dawn visit to Beauchamp to learn who is behind the defamatory article exposing his father’s betrayal of Ali Pasha of Yanina. The chapter then traces the mounting tension in the Chamber, Morcerf’s confident yet unsupported defense, and culminates in the dramatic entrance of Haydée, who reveals herself as Ali Pasha’s daughter and presents documentary evidence of Morcerf’s treachery in selling her and her mother into slavery.

Albert Meets with Beauchamp

At eight o’clock in the morning, Albert arrives at Beauchamp’s door. The valet de chambre ushers him in immediately, and he finds Beauchamp in his bath. Trusting in their friendship, Albert asks Beauchamp to disclose what he knows about the source of the “terrible blow” struck against his father, believing Beauchamp too loyal and kind to have spoken of the painful circumstance.

Beauchamp Discloses the Defamatory Article’s Source

Beauchamp explains that the defamatory article had appeared in two papers, including a government organ in addition to L’Impartial. Visiting the editor—a personal friend—he was told the paper had not sought scandal but had been approached the previous day by a man arriving from Yanina with a formidable array of documents. This man threatened to publish elsewhere if they refused, making it clear the attack rested on carefully assembled evidence.

House of Peers Reacts to Morcerf Allegations

The House of Peers is described as deeply agitated, with members arriving early to discuss the impending scandal against one of their most illustrious colleagues. Count Morcerf is revealed to be widely disliked—true nobles laughed at him, the talented repelled him, and the honorable instinctively despised him. As an upstart who relied on haughtiness to maintain his position, he stood marked for sacrifice, with everyone ready to raise the hue and cry once God’s finger pointed at him.