The Count of Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo’s Seconds

Monte Cristo turns to Morrel and asks if he may depend upon him. Morrel affirms his loyalty and availability, but notes there is something he would like to know. Monte Cristo asks if Morrel would prefer not to know, and Morrel replies no. Monte Cristo explains that Albert is acting blindfolded and does not know the true cause, which is known only to God and to him, but he gives his word that God, who knows it, will be on their side. Morrel accepts this and asks who Monte Cristo’s second witnesses will be. Monte Cristo states he knows no one in Paris on whom he could confer that honor besides Morrel and his brother Emmanuel, asking if Emmanuel would oblige. Morrel answers for Emmanuel, and the count confirms this is all he requires, requesting they be with him at seven o’clock the following morning. The curtain rises and Monte Cristo urges Morrel to listen to the beautiful music of William Tell, noting he never loses a note if he can avoid it, as the music is so sweet.

第八十九章 The Night

Monte Cristo prepares his special pistols for a duel while Mercédès, now Countess de Morcerf, arrives at his home to plead for her son Albert’s life. She reveals she knows his true identity as Edmond Dantès, the man Fernand Mondego (now Count de Morcerf) and Danglars condemned to fourteen years of imprisonment in the Château d’If through a false letter accusing him of Bonapartist sympathies. Monte Cristo recounts how his father starved to death during his captivity and how he watched Mercédès marry his betrayer, explaining that he has sworn vengeance against the fisherman Fernand, not the French captain or Count of Morcerf. When Mercédès begs him to spare their son, Monte Cristo agrees that Albert shall live but declares he will sacrifice himself during the duel since his honor has been wounded beyond recovery. After Mercédès departs, the clock strikes one as Monte Cristo regrets not having torn out his heart on the day he first resolved to avenge himself, acknowledging how his thwarted vengeance has left him in profound despair.