The Count of Monte Cristo

A New Enemy Discovered

Albert realizes that Danglars was merely a secondary agent and that Monte Cristo is the true orchestrator behind his family’s destruction. He tells Danglars he must verify whether these insinuations are accurate and declares his intention to confront the Count of Monte Cristo directly. Albert departs with Beauchamp, leaving Danglars to assure him once more that no personal hatred motivated his actions against Morcerf.

第八十八章 The Insult

This chapter chronicles the dramatic confrontation between Albert de Morcerf and the Count of Monte Cristo at the Paris Opera, following the public revelations about Albert’s father’s treachery in Yanina. The narrative moves from warning to duel arrangements, with Mercédès caught between her love for her son and her knowledge of Monte Cristo’s identity and intentions.

Beauchamp’s Warning

At the banker’s door, Beauchamp cautions Albert before they approach Monte Cristo. He reminds Albert that demanding satisfaction from a man who appears to be a true nobleman carries greater risks than challenging someone like Danglars, who is merely a money-lover. Beauchamp fears Monte Cristo will prove too formidable a foe, but Albert declares he would welcome death in his father’s stead, believing it would spare the family from disgrace. Beauchamp then reminds him that his mother would die of grief, causing Albert to pause briefly, his hand passing across his eyes.

Denied at the Count’s House

The two proceed to number 30 Champs-Élysées, where Albert insists on entering alone, claiming the unusual nature of their mission warrants a deviation from standard duel etiquette. Beauchamp accedes to his wishes and follows instead. Baptistin informs them that his master has just arrived but is in his bath and will not receive visitors. After his bath, Monte Cristo will dine, then sleep for an hour, and afterward attend the opera at eight o’clock precisely. Albert obtains this information and departs, instructing Beauchamp to arrange his evening accordingly and bring Château-Renaud along.