At the banker's door Beauchamp stopped Morcerf. "Listen,"said he; "just now I told you it was of M. de Monte Cristoyou 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 lovemoney, you know, think too much of what they risk to beeasily induced to fight a duel. The other is, on thecontrary, to all appearance a true nobleman; but do you notfear to find him a bully?"

"I only fear one thing; namely, to find a man who will notfight."

"Do not be alarmed," said Beauchamp; "he will meet you. Myonly fear is that he will be too strong for you."

"My friend," said Morcerf, with a sweet smile, "that is whatI wish. The happiest thing that could occur to me, would beto 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 hiseyes, "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 heis now at home." They ordered the driver to take them to No.30 Champs-Elysees. Beauchamp wished to go in alone, butAlbert observed that as this was an unusual circumstance hemight be allowed to deviate from the usual etiquette inaffairs of honor. The cause which the young man espoused wasone so sacred that Beauchamp had only to comply with all hiswishes; he yielded and contented himself with followingMorcerf. Albert sprang from the porter's lodge to the steps.He was received by Baptistin. The count had, indeed, justarrived, but he was in his bath, and had forbidden that anyone 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 eighto'clock precisely."

"Very good," replied Albert; "that is all I wished to know."Then, turning towards Beauchamp, "If you have anything toattend to, Beauchamp, do it directly; if you have anyappointment 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 lefthim, promising to call for him at a quarter before eight. Onhis return home, Albert expressed his wish to Franz Debray,and Morrel, to see them at the opera that evening. Then hewent to see his mother, who since the events of the daybefore had refused to see any one, and had kept her room. Hefound her in bed, overwhelmed with grief at this publichumiliation. The sight of Albert produced the effect whichmight naturally be expected on Mercedes; she pressed herson's hand and sobbed aloud, but her tears relieved her.Albert stood one moment speechless by the side of hismother's bed. It was evident from his pale face and knitbrows that his resolution to revenge himself was growingweaker. "My dear mother," said he, "do you know if M. deMorcerf has any enemy?" Mercedes started; she noticed thatthe 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 sosuperior a mind, nothing escapes you."

"Why do you say so?"

"Because, for instance, you noticed on the evening of theball we gave, that M. de Monte Cristo would eat nothing inour house." Mercedes raised herself on her feverish arm. "M.de Monte Cristo!" she exclaimed; "and how is he connectedwith 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 fullliberty for revenge by not eating or drinking in the housesof their enemies."

"Do you say M. de Monte Cristo is our enemy?" repliedMercedes, becoming paler than the sheet which covered her."Who told you so? Why, you are mad, Albert! M. de MonteCristo has only shown us kindness. M. de Monte Cristo savedyour life; you yourself presented him to us. Oh, I entreatyou, my son, if you had entertained such an idea, dispel it;and my counsel to you - nay, my prayer - is to retain hisfriendship."

"Mother," replied the young man, "you have especial reasonsfor telling me to conciliate that man."

"I?" said Mercedes, blushing as rapidly as she had turnedpale, and again becoming paler than ever.

"Yes, doubtless; and is it not that he may never do us anyharm?" Mercedes shuddered, and, fixing on her son ascrutinizing gaze, "You speak strangely," said she toAlbert, "and you appear to have some singular prejudices.What has the count done? Three days since you were with himin Normandy; only three days since we looked on him as ourbest friend."

An ironical smile passed over Albert's lips. Mercedes saw itand with the double instinct of woman and mother guessedall; but as she was prudent and strong-minded she concealedboth her sorrows and her fears. Albert was silent; aninstant after, the countess resumed: "You came to inquireafter my health; I will candidly acknowledge that I am notwell. You should install yourself here, and cheer mysolitude. I do not wish to be left alone."

"Mother," said the young man, "you know how gladly I wouldobey your wish, but an urgent and important affair obligesme to leave you for the whole evening."

"Well," replied Mercedes, sighing, "go, Albert; I will notmake you a slave to your filial piety." Albert pretended hedid not hear, bowed to his mother, and quitted her. Scarcelyhad he shut her door, when Mercedes called a confidentialservant, and ordered him to follow Albert wherever he shouldgo that evening, and to come and tell her immediately whathe observed. Then she rang for her lady's maid, and, weak asshe was, she dressed, in order to be ready for whatevermight happen. The footman's mission was an easy one. Albertwent to his room, and dressed with unusual care. At tenminutes to eight Beauchamp arrived; he had seenChateau-Renaud, who had promised to be in the orchestrabefore the curtain was raised. Both got into Albert's coupe;and, as the young man had no reason to conceal where he wasgoing, he called aloud, "To the opera." In his impatience hearrived before the beginning of the performance.

Chateau-Renaud was at his post; apprised by Beauchamp of thecircumstances, he required no explanation from Albert. Theconduct of the son in seeking to avenge his father was sonatural that Chateau-Renaud did not seek to dissuade him,and was content with renewing his assurances of devotion.Debray was not yet come, but Albert knew that he seldom losta scene at the opera. Albert wandered about the theatreuntil the curtain was drawn up. He hoped to meet with M. deMonte Cristo either in the lobby or on the stairs. The bellsummoned him to his seat, and he entered the orchestra withChateau-Renaud and Beauchamp. But his eyes scarcely quittedthe box between the columns, which remained obstinatelyclosed during the whole of the first act. At last, as Albertwas looking at his watch for about the hundredth time, atthe beginning of the second act the door opened, and MonteCristo entered, dressed in black, and, leaning over thefront of the box, looked around the pit. Morrel followedhim, and looked also for his sister and brother in-law; hesoon discovered them in another box, and kissed his hand tothem.

The count, in his survey of the pit, encountered a pale faceand threatening eyes, which evidently sought to gain hisattention. He recognized Albert, but thought it better notto notice him, as he looked so angry and discomposed.Without communicating his thoughts to his companion, he satdown, drew out his opera-glass, and looked another way.Although apparently not noticing Albert, he did not,however, lose sight of him, and when the curtain fell at theend of the second act, he saw him leave the orchestra withhis two friends. Then his head was seen passing at the backof the boxes, and the count knew that the approaching stormwas intended to fall on him. He was at the moment conversingcheerfully with Morrel, but he was well prepared for whatmight happen. The door opened, and Monte Cristo, turninground, saw Albert, pale and trembling, followed by Beauchampand Chateau-Renaud.

"Well," cried he, with that benevolent politeness whichdistinguished his salutation from the common civilities ofthe world, "my cavalier has attained his object.Good-evening, M. de Morcerf." The countenance of this man,who possessed such extraordinary control over his feelings,expressed the most perfect cordiality. Morrel only thenrecollected the letter he had received from the viscount, inwhich, without assigning any reason, he begged him to go tothe opera, but he understood that something terrible wasbrooding.

"We are not come here, sir, to exchange hypocriticalexpressions of politeness, or false professions offriendship," said Albert, "but to demand an explanation."The young man's trembling voice was scarcely audible. "Anexplanation at the opera?" said the count, with that calmtone and penetrating eye which characterize the man whoknows his cause is good. "Little acquainted as I am with thehabits of Parisians, I should not have thought this theplace for such a demand."

"Still, if people will shut themselves up," said Albert,"and cannot be seen because they are bathing, dining, orasleep, we must avail ourselves of the opportunity wheneverthey are to be seen."

"I am not difficult of access, sir; for yesterday, if mymemory does not deceive me, you were at my house."

"Yesterday I was at your house, sir," said the young man;"because then I knew not who you were." In pronouncing thesewords Albert had raised his voice so as to be heard by thosein the adjoining boxes and in the lobby. Thus the attentionof many was attracted by this altercation. "Where are youcome from, sir? You do not appear to be in the possession ofyour senses."

"Provided I understand your perfidy, sir, and succeed inmaking you understand that I will be revenged, I shall bereasonable enough," said Albert furiously.

"I do not understand you, sir," replied Monte Cristo; "andif I did, your tone is too high. I am at home here, and Ialone have a right to raise my voice above another's. Leavethe box, sir!" Monte Cristo pointed towards the door withthe most commanding dignity. "Ah, I shall know how to makeyou leave your home!" replied Albert, clasping in hisconvulsed grasp the glove, which Monte Cristo did not losesight of.

"Well, well," said Monte Cristo quietly, "I see you wish toquarrel with me; but I would give you one piece of advice,which you will do well to keep in mind. It is in poor tasteto make a display of a challenge. Display is not becoming toevery one, M. de Morcerf."

At this name a murmur of astonishment passed around thegroup of spectators of this scene. They had talked of no onebut Morcerf the whole day. Albert understood the allusion ina moment, and was about to throw his glove at the count,when Morrel seized his hand, while Beauchamp andChateau-Renaud, fearing the scene would surpass the limitsof a challenge, held him back. But Monte Cristo, withoutrising, and leaning forward in his chair, merely stretchedout his arm and, taking the damp, crushed glove from theclinched hand of the young man, "Sir," said he in a solemntone, "I consider your glove thrown, and will return it toyou wrapped around a bullet. Now leave me or I will summonmy servants to throw you out at the door."

Wild, almost unconscious, and with eyes inflamed, Albertstepped back, and Morrel closed the door. Monte Cristo tookup his glass again as if nothing had happened; his face waslike marble, and his heart was like bronze. Morrelwhispered, "What have you done to him?"

"I? Nothing - at least personally," said Monte Cristo.

"But there must be some cause for this strange scene."

"The Count of Morcerf's adventure exasperates the youngman."

"Have you anything to do with it?"

"It was through Haidee that the Chamber was informed of hisfather's treason."

"Indeed?" said Morrel. "I had been told, but would notcredit it, that the Grecian slave I have seen with you herein this very box was the daughter of Ali Pasha."

"It is true, nevertheless."

"Then," said Morrel, "I understand it all, and this scenewas premeditated."

"How so?"

"Yes. Albert wrote to request me to come to the opera,doubtless that I might be a witness to the insult he meantto offer you."

"Probably," said Monte Cristo with his imperturbabletranquillity.

"But what shall you do with him?"

"With whom?"

"With Albert."

"What shall I do with Albert? As certainly, Maximilian, as Inow press your hand, I shall kill him before ten o'clockto-morrow morning." Morrel, in his turn, took Monte Cristo'shand in both of his, and he shuddered to feel how cold andsteady it was.

"Ah, Count," said he, "his father loves him so much!"

"Do not speak to me of that," said Monte Cristo, with thefirst movement of anger he had betrayed; "I will make himsuffer." Morrel, amazed, let fall Monte Cristo's hand."Count, count!" said he.

"Dear Maximilian," interrupted the count, "listen howadorably Duprez is singing that line, -

`O Mathilde! idole de mon ame!'

"I was the first to discover Duprez at Naples, and the firstto applaud him. Bravo, bravo!" Morrel saw it was useless tosay more, and refrained. The curtain, which had risen at theclose of the scene with Albert, again fell, and a rap washeard at the door.

"Come in," said Monte Cristo with a voice that betrayed notthe least emotion; and immediately Beauchamp appeared."Good-evening, M. Beauchamp," said Monte Cristo, as if thiswas the first time he had seen the journalist that evening;"be seated."

Beauchamp bowed, and, sitting down, "Sir," said he, "I justnow accompanied M. de Morcerf, as you saw."

"And that means," replied Monte Cristo, laughing, "that youhad, probably, just dined together. I am happy to see, M.Beauchamp, that you are more sober than he was."

"Sir," said M. Beauchamp, "Albert was wrong, I acknowledge,to betray so much anger, and I come, on my own account, toapologize for him. And having done so, entirely on my ownaccount, be it understood, I would add that I believe youtoo gentlemanly to refuse giving him some explanationconcerning your connection with Yanina. Then I will add twowords about the young Greek girl." Monte Cristo motioned himto be silent. "Come," said he, laughing, "there are all myhopes about to be destroyed."

"How so?" asked Beauchamp.

"Doubtless you wish to make me appear a very eccentriccharacter. I am, in your opinion, a Lara, a Manfred, a LordRuthven; then, just as I am arriving at the climax, youdefeat your own end, and seek to make an ordinary man of me.You bring me down to your own level, and demandexplanations! Indeed, M. Beauchamp, it is quite laughable."

"Yet," replied Beauchamp haughtily, "there are occasionswhen probity commands" -

"M. Beauchamp," interposed this strange man, "the Count ofMonte Cristo bows to none but the Count of Monte Cristohimself. Say no more, I entreat you. I do what I please, M.Beauchamp, and it is always well done."

"Sir," replied the young man, "honest men are not to be paidwith such coin. I require honorable guaranties."

"I am, sir, a living guaranty," replied Monte Cristo,motionless, but with a threatening look; "we have both bloodin our veins which we wish to shed - that is our mutualguaranty. Tell the viscount so, and that to-morrow, beforeten o'clock, I shall see what color his is."

"Then I have only to make arrangements for the duel," saidBeauchamp.

"It is quite immaterial to me," said Monte Cristo, "and itwas very unnecessary to disturb me at the opera for such atrifle. In France people fight with the sword or pistol, inthe colonies with the carbine, in Arabia with the dagger.Tell your client that, although I am the insulted party, inorder to carry out my eccentricity, I leave him the choiceof arms, and will accept without discussion, withoutdispute, anything, even combat by drawing lots, which isalways stupid, but with me different from other people, as Iam sure to gain."

"Sure to gain!" repeated Beauchamp, looking with amazementat the count.

"Certainly," said Monte Cristo, slightly shrugging hisshoulders; "otherwise I would not fight with M. de Morcerf.I shall kill him - I cannot help it. Only by a single linethis evening at my house let me know the arms and the hour;I do not like to be kept waiting."

"Pistols, then, at eight o'clock, in the Bois de Vincennes,"said Beauchamp, quite disconcerted, not knowing if he wasdealing with an arrogant braggadocio or a supernaturalbeing.

"Very well, sir," said Monte Cristo. "Now all that issettled, do let me see the performance, and tell your friendAlbert not to come any more this evening; he will hurthimself with all his ill-chosen barbarisms: let him go homeand go to sleep." Beauchamp left the box, perfectly amazed."Now," said Monte Cristo, turning towards Morrel, "I maydepend upon you, may I not?"

"Certainly," said Morrel, "I am at your service, count;still" -

"What?"

"It is desirable I should know the real cause."

"That is to say, you would rather not?"

"No."

"The young man himself is acting blindfolded, and knows notthe true cause, which is known only to God and to me; but Igive you my word, Morrel, that God, who does know it, willbe on our side."

"Enough," said Morrel; "who is your second witness?"

"I know no one in Paris, Morrel, on whom I could confer thathonor besides you and your brother Emmanuel. Do you thinkEmmanuel would oblige me?"

"I will answer for him, count."

"Well? that is all I require. To-morrow morning, at seveno'clock, you will be with me, will you not?"

"We will."

"Hush, the curtain is rising. Listen! I never lose a note ofthis opera if I can avoid it; the music of William Tell isso sweet."