The Insult.
At the banker's door Beauchamp stopped Morcerf."Listen,"said he; "just now I told you it was of M.de Monte Cristo you must demand an explanation.""Yes; and we are going to his house."
"Reflect, Morcerf, one moment before you go.""On what shall I reflect?"
"On the importance of the step you are taking.""Is it more serious than going to M.Danglars?""Yes; M.Danglars is a money-lover, and those who love money, you know, think too much of what they risk to be easily induced to fight a duel.The other is, on the contrary, to all appearance a true nobleman; but do you not fear to find him a bully?""I only fear one thing; namely, to find a man who will not fight.""Do not be alarmed," said Beauchamp; "he will meet you.My only fear is that he will be too strong for you.""My friend," said Morcerf, with a sweet smile, "that is what I wish.The happiest thing that could occur to me, would be to die in my father's stead; that would save us all.""Your mother would die of grief."
"My poor mother!" said Albert, passing his hand across his eyes, "I know she would; but better so than die of shame.""Are you quite decided, Albert?"
"Yes; let us go."
"But do you think we shall find the count at home?""He intended returning some hours after me, and doubtless he is now at home." They ordered the driver to take them to No.
30 Champs-Elysees.Beauchamp wished to go in alone, but Albert observed that as this was an unusual circumstance he might be allowed to deviate from the usual etiquette in affairs of honor.The cause which the young man espoused was one so sacred that Beauchamp had only to comply with all his wishes; he yielded and contented himself with following Morcerf.Albert sprang from the porter's lodge to the steps.
He was received by Baptistin.The count had, indeed, just arrived, but he was in his bath, and had forbidden that any one should be admitted."But after his bath?" asked Morcerf.
"My master will go to dinner."
"And after dinner?"
"He will sleep an hour."
"Then?"
"He is going to the opera."
"Are you sure of it?" asked Albert.
"Quite, sir; my master has ordered his horses at eight o'clock precisely.""Very good," replied Albert; "that is all I wished to know."Then, turning towards Beauchamp, "If you have anything to attend to, Beauchamp, do it directly; if you have any appointment for this evening, defer it till tomorrow.Idepend on you to accompany me to the opera; and if you can, bring Chateau-Renaud with you."Beauchamp availed himself of Albert's permission, and left him, promising to call for him at a quarter before eight.On his return home, Albert expressed his wish to Franz Debray, and Morrel, to see them at the opera that evening.Then he went to see his mother, who since the events of the day before had refused to see any one, and had kept her room.He found her in bed, overwhelmed with grief at this public humiliation.The sight of Albert produced the effect which might naturally be expected on Mercedes; she pressed her son's hand and sobbed aloud, but her tears relieved her.
Albert stood one moment speechless by the side of his mother's bed.It was evident from his pale face and knit brows that his resolution to revenge himself was growing weaker."My dear mother," said he, "do you know if M.de Morcerf has any enemy?" Mercedes started; she noticed that the young man did not say "my father." "My son," she said, "persons in the count's situation have many secret enemies.
Those who are known are not the most dangerous.""I know it, and appeal to your penetration.You are of so superior a mind, nothing escapes you.""Why do you say so?"
"Because, for instance, you noticed on the evening of the ball we gave, that M.de Monte Cristo would eat nothing in our house." Mercedes raised herself on her feverish arm."M.
de Monte Cristo!" she exclaimed; "and how is he connected with the question you asked me?""You know, mother, M.de Monte Cristo is almost an Oriental, and it is customary with the Orientals to secure full liberty for revenge by not eating or drinking in the houses of their enemies.""Do you say M.de Monte Cristo is our enemy?" replied Mercedes, becoming paler than the sheet which covered her.
"Who told you so? Why, you are mad, Albert! M.de Monte Cristo has only shown us kindness.M.de Monte Cristo saved your life; you yourself presented him to us.Oh, I entreat you, my son, if you had entertained such an idea, dispel it;and my counsel to you -- nay, my prayer -- is to retain his friendship.""Mother," replied the young man, "you have especial reasons for telling me to conciliate that man.""I?" said Mercedes, blushing as rapidly as she had turned pale, and again becoming paler than ever.
"Yes, doubtless; and is it not that he may never do us any harm?" Mercedes shuddered, and, fixing on her son a scrutinizing gaze, "You speak strangely," said she to Albert, "and you appear to have some singular prejudices.