The Count of Monte Cristo

The Confrontation with Danglars

Albert and Beauchamp travel to Danglars’s mansion and force their way past the servant who tries to prevent their entry. Albert demands a private meeting, hinting at violence, and addresses both Danglars and Andrea Cavalcanti. Danglars attempts to deflect by suggesting Albert’s anger stems from being rejected as a suitor for his daughter.

A Challenge Issued

Albert clarifies that his grievance concerns the honor of his family, not romantic matters. Danglars, pale with anger and fear, warns Albert that he will treat him like a mad dog. When Danglars suggests it is not his fault that Albert’s father has dishonored himself, Albert confronts him directly about the letter to Yanina, accusing Danglars of hypocritically provoking the exposure.

Danglars’s Confession

Danglars confesses that he did write to Yanina to inquire about Albert’s family when considering the marriage proposal. However, he reveals that he was advised to write by the Count of Monte Cristo himself, who suggested the inquiry after Danglars expressed concerns about the obscure origin of the Count of Morcerf’s fortune. Danglars offers to show his correspondence proving Monte Cristo’s involvement.

The Hand of Monte Cristo

Albert and Beauchamp exchange significant glances at this revelation. Albert recalls how Monte Cristo knew everything because he had bought the daughter of Ali Pasha. Albert pieces together the pattern: Monte Cristo advised Danglars to write to Yanina, brought Albert to meet Haydée while knowing the revelation was imminent, warned Morcerf not to mention his father’s name before Haydée, and took Albert to Normandy when the final blow was near.