Chapter 78 We hear From Yanina
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IF
VALENTINE could have seen the trembling step and agitated countenance of
Franz when he quitted the chamber of M. Noirtier, even she would have been
constrained to pity him. Villefort had only just given utterance to a few
incoherent sentences, and then retired to his study, where he received
about two hours afterwards the following letter:-- "After
all the disclosures which were made this morning, M. Noirtier de Villefort
must see the utter impossibility of any alliance being formed between his
family and that of M. Franz d'Epinay. M. d'Epinay must say that he is
shocked and astonished that M. de Villefort, who appeared to be aware of
all the circumstances detailed this morning, should not have anticipated
him in this announcement." No
one who had seen the magistrate at this moment, so thoroughly unnerved by
the recent inauspicious combination of circumstances, would have supposed
for an instant that he had anticipated the annoyance; although it
certainly never had occurred to him that his father would carry candor, or
rather rudeness, so far as to relate such a history. And in justice to
Villefort, it must be understood that M. Noirtier, who never cared for the
opinion of his son on any subject, had always omitted to explain the
affair to Villefort, so that he had all his life entertained the belief
that General de Quesnel, or the Baron d'Epinay, as he was alternately
styled, according as the speaker wished to identify him by his own family
name, or by the title which had been conferred on him, fell the victim of
assassination, and not that he was killed fairly in a duel. This harsh
letter, coming as it did from a man generally so polite and respectful,
struck a mortal blow at the pride of Villefort. Hardly had he read the
letter, when his wife entered. The sudden departure of Franz, after being
summoned by M. Noirtier, had so much astonished every one, that the
position of Madame de Villefort, left alone with the notary and the
witnesses, became every moment more embarrassing. Determined to bear it no
longer, she arose and left the room; saying she would go and make some
inquiries into the cause of his sudden disappearance. M.
de Villefort's communications on the subject were very limited and
concise; he told her, in fact, that an explanation had taken place between
M. Noirtier, M. d'Epinay, and himself, and that the marriage of Valentine
and Franz would consequently be broken off. This was an awkward and
unpleasant thing to have to report to those who were awaiting her return
in the chamber of her father-in-law. She therefore contented herself with
saying that M. Noirtier having at the commencement of the discussion been
attacked by a sort of apoplectic fit, the affair would necessarily be
deferred for some days longer. This news, false as it was following so
singularly in the train of the two similar misfortunes which had so
recently occurred, evidently astonished the auditors, and they retired
without a word. During this time Valentine, at once terrified and happy,
after having embraced and thanked the feeble old man for thus breaking
with a single blow the chain which she had been accustomed to consider as
irrefragable, asked leave to retire to her own room, in order to recover
her composure. Noirtier looked the permission which she solicited. But
instead of going to her own room, Valentine, having once gained her
liberty, entered the gallery, and, opening a small door at the end of it.
found herself at once in the garden. In
the midst of all the strange events which had crowded one on the other, an
indefinable sentiment of dread had taken possession of Valentine's mind.
She expected every moment that she should see Morrel appear, pale and
trembling, to forbid the signing of the contract, like the Laird of
Ravenswood in "The Bride of Lammermoor." It was high time for
her to make her appearance at the gate, for Maximilian had long awaited
her coming. He had half guessed what was going on when he saw Franz quit
the cemetery with M. de Villefort. He followed M. d'Epinay, saw him enter,
afterwards go out, and then re-enter with Albert and Chateau-Renaud. He
had no longer any doubts as to the nature of the conference; he therefore
quickly went to the gate in the clover-patch, prepared to hear the result
of the proceedings, and very certain that Valentine would hasten to him
the first moment she should he set at liberty. He was not mistaken;
peering through the crevices of the wooden partition, he soon discovered
the young girl, who cast aside all her usual precautions and walked at
once to the barrier. The first glance which Maximilian directed towards
her entirely reassured him, and the first words she spoke made his heart
bound with delight. "We
are saved!" said Valentine. "Saved?" repeated Morrel, not
being able to conceive such intense happiness; "by whom?" "By
my grandfather. Oh, Morrel, pray love him for all his goodness to
us!" Morrel swore to love him with all his soul; and at that moment
he could safely promise to do so, for he felt as though it were not enough
to love him merely as a friend or even as a father. "But tell me,
Valentine, how has it all been effected? What strange means has he used to
compass this blessed end?" Valentine
was on the point of relating all that had passed, but she suddenly
remembered that in doing so she must reveal a terrible secret which
concerned others as well as her grandfather, and she said, "At some
future time I will tell you all about it." "But
when will that be?" "When
I am your wife." The
conversation had now turned upon a topic so pleasing to Morrel, that he
was ready to accede to anything that Valentine thought fit to propose, and
he likewise felt that a piece of intelligence such as he just heard ought
to be more than sufficient to content him for one day. However, he would
not leave without the promise of seeing Valentine again the next night.
Valentine promised all that Morrel required of her, and certainly it was
less difficult now for her to believe that she should marry Maximilian
than it was an hour ago to assure herself that she should not marry Franz.
During the time occupied by the interview we have just detailed, Madame de
Villefort had gone to visit M. Noirtier. The old man looked at her with
that stern and forbidding expression with which he was accustomed to
receive her. "Sir,"
said she, "it is superfluous for me to tell you that Valentine's
marriage is broken off, since it was here that the affair was
concluded." Noirtier's countenance remained immovable. "But one
thing I can tell you, of which I do not think you are aware; that is, that
I have always been opposed to this marriage, and that the contract was
entered into entirely without my consent or approbation." Noirtier
regarded his daughter-in-law with the look of a man desiring an
explanation. "Now that this marriage, which I know you so much
disliked, is done away with, I come to you on an errand which neither M.
de Villefort nor Valentine could consistently undertake." Noirtier's
eyes demanded the nature of her mission. "I come to entreat you,
sir," continued Madame de Villefort, "as the only one who has
the right of doing so, inasmuch as I am the only one who will receive no
personal benefit from the transaction,--I come to entreat you to restore,
not your love, for that she has always possessed, but to restore your
fortune to your granddaughter." There
was a doubtful expression in Noirtier's eyes; he was evidently trying to
discover the motive of this proceeding, and he could not succeed in doing
so. "May I hope, sir," said Madame de Villefort, "that your
intentions accord with my request?" Noirtier made a sign that they
did. "In that case, sir," rejoined Madame de Villefort, "I
will leave you overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness at your prompt
acquiescence to my wishes." She then bowed to M. Noirtier and
retired. The
next day M. Noirtier sent for the notary; the first will was torn up and a
second made, in which he left the whole of his fortune to Valentine, on
condition that she should never be separated from him. It was then
generally reported that Mademoiselle de Villefort, the heiress of the
marquis and marchioness of Saint-Mижran,
had regained the good graces of her grandfather, and that she would
ultimately be in possession of an income of 300,000 livres. While
all the proceedings relative to the dissolution of the marriage-contract
were being carried on at the house of M. de Villefort, Monte Cristo had
paid his visit to the Count of Morcerf, who, in order to lose no time in
responding to M. Danglars' wishes, and at the same time to pay all due
deference to his position in society, donned his uniform of
lieutenant-general, which he ornamented with all his crosses, and thus
attired, ordered his finest horses and drove to the Rue de la Chausse
d'Antin. Danglars
was balancing his monthly accounts, and it was perhaps not the most
favorable moment for finding him in his best humor. At the first sight of
his old friend, Danglars assumed his majestic air, and settled himself in
his easy-chair. Morcerf, usually so stiff and formal, accosted the banker
in an affable and smiling manner, and, feeling sure that the overture he
was about make would be well received, he did not consider it necessary to
adopt any manoeuvres in order to gain his end, but went at once straight
to the point. "Well,
baron," said he, "here I am at last; some time has elapsed since
our plans were formed, and they are not yet executed." Morcerf paused
at these words, quietly waiting till the cloud should have dispersed which
had gathered on the brow of Danglars, and which he attributed to his
silence; but, on the contrary, to his great surprise, it grew darker and
darker. "To what do you allude, monsieur?" said Danglars; as if
he were trying in vain to guess at the possible meaning of the general's
words. "Ah,"
said Morcerf, "I see you are a stickler for forms, my dear sir, and
you would remind me that the ceremonial rites should not be omitted. Ma
foi! I beg your pardon, but as I have but one son, and it is the first
time I have ever thought of marrying him, I am still serving my
apprenticeship, you know; come, I will reform." And Morcerf with a
forced smile arose, and, making a low bow to M. Danglars, said:
"Baron, I have the honor of asking of you the hand of Mademoiselle
Eugижnie
Danglars for my son, the Vicomte Albert de Morcerf." But
Danglars, instead of receiving this address in the favorable manner which
Morcerf had expected, knit his brow, and without inviting the count, who
was still standing, to take a seat. he said: "Monsieur, it will be
necessary to reflect before I give you an answer." "To
reflect?" said Morcerf, more and more astonished; "have you not
had enough time for reflection during the eight years which have elapsed
since this marriage was first discussed between us?" "Count,"
said the banker, "things are constantly occurring in the world to
induce us to lay aside our most established opinions, or at all events to
cause us to remodel them according to the change of circumstances, which
may have placed affairs in a totally different light to that in which we
at first viewed them." "I
do not understand you, baron," said Morcerf. "What
I mean to say is this, sir,--that during the last fortnight unforeseen
circumstances have occurred"-- "Excuse
me," said Morcerf, "but is it a play we are acting?" "A
play?" "Yes,
for it is like one; pray let us come more to the point, and endeavor
thoroughly to understand each other." "That
is quite my desire." "You
have seen M. de Monte Cristo have you not?" "I
see him very often," said Danglars, drawing himself up; "he is a
particular friend of mine." "Well,
in one of your late conversations with him, you said that I appeared to be
forgetful and irresolute concerning this marriage, did you not?" "I
did say so." "Well,
here I am, proving at once that I am really neither the one nor the other,
by entreating you to keep your promise on that score." Danglars
did not answer. "Have you so soon changed your mind," added
Morcerf, "or have you only provoked my request that you may have the
pleasure of seeing me humbled?" Danglars, seeing that if he continued
the conversation in the same tone in which he had begun it, the whole
thing might turn out to his own disadvantage, turned to Morcerf, and said:
"Count, you must doubtless be surprised at my reserve, and I assure
you it costs me much to act in such a manner towards you; but, believe me
when I say that imperative necessity has imposed the painful task upon
me." "These
are all so many empty words, my dear sir," said Morcerf: "they
might satisfy a new acquaintance, but the Comte de Morcerf does not rank
in that list; and when a man like him comes to another, recalls to him his
plighted word, and this man fails to redeem the pledge, he has at least a
right to exact from him a good reason for so doing." Danglars was a
coward, but did not wish to appear so; he was piqued at the tone which
Morcerf had just assumed. "I am not without a good reason for my
conduct," replied the banker. "What
do you mean to say?" "I
mean to say that I have a good reason, but that it is difficult to
explain." "You
must be aware, at all events, that it is impossible for me to understand
motives before they are explained to me; but one thing at least is clear,
which is, that you decline allying yourself with my family." "No,
sir," said Danglars; "I merely suspend my decision, that is
all." "And
do you really flatter yourself that I shall yield to all your caprices,
and quietly and humbly await the time of again being received into your
good graces?" "Then,
count, if you will not wait, we must look upon these projects as if they
had never been entertained." The count bit his lips till the blood
almost started, to prevent the ebullition of anger which his proud and
irritable temper scarcely allowed him to restrain; understanding, however,
that in the present state of things the laugh would decidedly be against
him, he turned from the door, towards which he had been directing his
steps, and again confronted the banker. A cloud settled on his brow,
evincing decided anxiety and uneasiness, instead of the expression of
offended pride which had lately reigned there. "My dear
Danglars," said Morcerf, "we have been acquainted for many
years, and consequently we ought to make some allowance for each other's
failings. You owe me an explanation, and really it is but fair that I
should know what circumstance has occurred to deprive my son of your
favor." "It
is from no personal ill-feeling towards the viscount, that is all I can
say, sir," replied Danglars, who resumed his insolent manner as soon
as he perceived that Morcerf was a little softened and calmed down.
"And towards whom do you bear this personal ill-feeling, then?"
said Morcerf, turning pale with anger. The expression of the count's face
had not remained unperceived by the banker; he fixed on him a look of
greater assurance than before, and said: "You may, perhaps, be better
satisfied that I should not go farther into particulars." A
tremor of suppressed rage shook the whole frame of the count, and making a
violent effort over himself, he said: "I have a right to insist on
your giving me an explanation. Is it Madame de Morcerf who has displeased
you? Is it my fortune which you find insufficient? Is it because my
opinions differ from yours?" "Nothing
of the kind, sir," replied Danglars: "if such had been the case,
I only should have been to blame, inasmuch as I was aware of all these
things when I made the engagement. No, do not seek any longer to discover
the reason. I really am quite ashamed to have been the cause of your
undergoing such severe self-examination; let us drop the subject, and
adopt the middle course of delay, which implies neither a rupture nor an
engagement. Ma foi! there is no hurry. My daughter is only seventeen years
old, and your son twenty-one. While we wait, time will be progressing,
events will succeed each other; things which in the evening look dark and
obscure, appear but too clearly in the light of morning, and sometimes the
utterance of one word, or the lapse of a single day, will reveal the most
cruel calumnies." "Calumnies,
did you say, sir?" cried Morcerf, turning livid with rage. "Does
any one dare to slander me?" "Monsieur,
I told you that I considered it best to avoid all explanation." "Then,
sir, I am patiently to submit to your refusal?" "Yes,
sir, although I assure you the refusal is as painful for me to give as it
is for you to receive, for I had reckoned on the honor of your alliance,
and the breaking off of a marriage contract always injures the lady more
than the gentleman." "Enough,
sir," said Morcerf, "we will speak no more on the subject."
And clutching his gloves in anger, he left the apartment. Danglars
observed that during the whole conversation Morcerf had never once dared
to ask if it was on his own account that Danglars recalled his word. That
evening he had a long conference with several friends; and M. Cavalcanti,
who had remained in the drawing-room with the ladies, was the last to
leave the banker's house. The
next morning, as soon as he awoke, Danglars asked for the newspapers; they
were brought to him; he laid aside three or four, and at last fixed on the
Impartial, the paper of which Beauchamp was the chief editor. He hastily
tore off the cover, opened the journal with nervous precipitation, passed
contemptuously over the Paris jottings, and arriving at the miscellaneous
intelligence, stopped with a malicious smile, at a paragraph headed
"We hear from Yanina." "Very
good," observed Danglars, after having read the paragraph; "here
is a little article on Colonel Fernand, which, if I am not mistaken, would
render the explanation which the Comte de Morcerf required of me perfectly
unnecessary." At
the same moment, that is, at nine o'clock in the morning, Albert de
Morcerf, dressed in a black coat buttoned up to his chin, might have been
seen walking with a quick and agitated step in the direction of Monte
Cristo's house in the Champs Elysижes.
When he presented himself at the gate the porter informed him that the
Count had gone out about half an hour previously. "Did he take
Baptistin with him?" "No,
my lord." "Call
him, then; I wish to speak to him." The conciииrge went to seek the valet de
chambre, and returned with him in an instant. "My
good friend," said Albert, "I beg pardon for my intrusion, but I
was anxious to know from your own mouth if your master was really out or
not." "He
is really out, sir," replied Baptistin. "Out,
even to me?" "I
know how happy my master always is to receive the vicomte," said
Baptistin; "and I should therefore never think of including him in
any general order." "You
are right; and now I wish to see him on an affair of great importance. Do
you think it will be long before he comes in?" "No,
I think not, for he ordered his breakfast at ten o'clock." "Well,
I will go and take a turn in the Champs Elysижes, and at ten o'clock I will return here;
meanwhile, if the count should come in, will you beg him not to go out
again without seeing me?" "You
may depend on my doing so, sir," said Baptistin. Albert
left the cab in which he had come at the count's door, intending to take a
turn on foot. As he was passing the Allижe des Veuves, he thought he saw the count's horses
standing at Gosset's shooting-gallery; he approached, and soon recognized
the coachman. "Is the count shooting in the gallery?" said
Morcerf. "Yes,
sir," replied the coachman. While he was speaking, Albert had heard
the report of two or three pistol-shots. He entered, and on his way met
the waiter. "Excuse me, my lord," said the lad; "but will
you have the kindness to wait a moment?" "What
for, Philip?" asked Albert, who, being a constant visitor there, did
not understand this opposition to his entrance. "Because
the person who is now in the gallery prefers being alone, and never
practices in the presence of any one." "Not
even before you, Philip? Then who loads his pistol?" "His
servant." "A
Nubian?" "A
negro." "It
is he, then." "Do
you know this gentleman?" "Yes,
and I am come to look for him; he is a friend of mine." "Oh,
that is quite another thing, then. I will go immediately and inform him of
your arrival." And Philip, urged by his own curiosity, entered the
gallery; a second afterwards, Monte Cristo appeared on the threshold.
"I ask your pardon, my dear count," said Albert, "for
following you here, and I must first tell you that it was not the fault of
your servants that I did so; I alone am to blame for the indiscretion. I
went to your house, and they told me you were out, but that they expected
you home at ten o'clock to breakfast. I was walking about in order to pass
away the time till ten o'clock, when I caught sight of your carriage and
horses." "What
you have just said induces me to hope that you intend breakfasting with
me." "No,
thank you, I am thinking of other things besides breakfast just now;
perhaps we may take that meal at a later hour and in worse company." "What
on earth are you talking of?" "I
am to fight to-day." "For
what?" "I
am going to fight"-- "Yes,
I understand that, but what is the quarrel? People fight for all sorts of
reasons, you know."- "I
fight in the cause of honor." "Ah,
that is something serious." "So
serious, that I come to beg you to render me a service." "What
is it?" "To
be my second." "That
is a serious matter, and we will not discuss it here; let us speak of
nothing till we get home. Ali, bring me some water." The count turned
up his sleeves, and passed into the little vestibule where the gentlemen
were accustomed to wash their hands after shooting. "Come in, my
lord," said Philip in a low tone, "and I will show you something
droll." Morcerf entered, and in place of the usual target, he saw
some playing-cards fixed against the wall. At a distance Albert thought it
was a complete suit, for he counted from the ace to the ten. "Ah,
ha," said Albert, "I see you were preparing for a game of
cards." "No,"
said the count, "I was making a suit." "How?"
said Albert. "Those
are really aces and twos which you see, but my shots have turned them into
threes, fives, sevens, eights, nines, and tens." Albert approached.
In fact, the bullets had actually pierced the cards in the exact places
which the painted signs would otherwise have occupied, the lines and
distances being as regularly kept as if they had been ruled with pencil. "Diable!"
said Morcerf. "What
would you have, my dear viscount?" said Monte Cristo, wiping his
hands on the towel which Ali had brought him; "I must occupy my
leisure moments in some way or other. But come, I am waiting for
you." Both men entered Monte Cristo's carriage, which in the course
of a few minutes deposited them safely at No. 30. Monte Cristo took Albert
into his study, and pointing to a seat, placed another for himself.
"Now let us talk the matter over quietly," said the count. "You
see I am perfectly composed," said Albert. "With
whom are you going to fight?" "With
Beauchamp." "One
of your friends!" "Of
course; it is always with friends that one fights." "I
suppose you have some cause of quarrel?" "I
have." "What
has he done to you?" "There
appeared in his journal last night--but wait, and read for yourself."
And Albert handed over the paper to the count, who read as follows:-- "A
correspondent at Yanina informs us of a fact of which until now we had
remained in ignorance. The castle which formed the protection of the town
was given up to the Turks by a French officer named Fernand, in whom the
grand vizier, Ali Tepelini, had reposed the greatest confidence." "Well,"
said Monte Cristo, "what do you see in that to annoy you?" "What
do I see in it?" "Yes;
what does it signify to you if the castle of Yanina was given up by a
French officer?" "It
signifies to my father, the Count of Morcerf, whose Christian name is
Fernand!" "Did
your father serve under Ali Pasha?" "Yes;
that is to say, he fought for the independence of the Greeks, and hence
arises the calumny." "Oh,
my dear viscount, do talk reason!" "I
do not desire to do otherwise." "Now,
just tell me who the devil should know in France that the officer Fernand
and the Count of Morcerf are one and the same person? and who cares now
about Yanina, which was taken as long ago as the year 1822 or 1823?" "That
just shows the meanness of this slander. They have allowed all this time
to elapse, and then all of a sudden rake up events which have been
forgotten to furnish materials for scandal, in order to tarnish the lustre
of our high position. I inherit my father's name, and I do not choose that
the shadow of disgrace should darken it. I am going to Beauchamp, in whose
journal this paragraph appears, and I shall insist on his retracting the
assertion before two witnesses." "Beauchamp
will never retract." "Then
he must fight." "No
he will not, for he will tell you, what is very true, that perhaps there
were fifty officers in the Greek army bearing the same name." "We
will fight, nevertheless. I will efface that blot on my father's
character. My father, who was such a brave soldier, whose career was so
brilliant"-- "Oh,
well, he will add, 'We are warranted in believing that this Fernand is not
the illustrious Count of Morcerf, who also bears the same Christian
name.'" "I
am determined not to be content with anything short of an entire
retractation." "And
you intend to make him do it in the presence of two witnesses, do
you?" "Yes."
"You
do wrong." "Which
means, I suppose, that you refuse the service which I asked of you?" "You
know my theory regarding duels; I told you my opinion on that subject, if
you remember, when we were at Rome." "Nevertheless,
my dear count, I found you this morning engaged in an occupation but
little consistent with the notions you profess to entertain." "Because,
my dear fellow, you understand one must never be eccentric. If one's lot
is cast among fools, it is necessary to study folly. I shall perhaps find
myself one day called out by some harebrained scamp, who has no more real
cause of quarrel with me than you have with Beauchamp; he may take me to
task for some foolish trifle or other, he will bring his witnesses, or
will insult me in some public place, and I am expected to kill him for all
that." "You
admit that you would fight, then? Well, if so, why do you object to my
doing so?" "I
do not say that you ought not to fight, I only say that a duel is a
serious thing, and ought not to be undertaken without due
reflection." "Did
he reflect before he insulted my father?" "If
he spoke hastily, and owns that he did so, you ought to be
satisfied." "Ah,
my dear count, you are far too indulgent." "And
you are far too exacting. Supposing, for instance, and do not be angry at
what I am going to say"-- "Well."
"Supposing
the assertion to be really true?" "A
son ought not to submit to such a stain on his father's honor." "Ma
foi! we live in times when there is much to which we must submit." "That
is precisely the fault of the age." "And
do you undertake to reform it?" "Yes,
as far as I am personally concerned." "Well,
you the indeed exacting, my dear fellow!" "Yes,
I own it." "Are
you quite impervious to good advice?" "Not
when it comes from a friend." "And
do you account me that title?" "Certainly
I do." "Well,
then, before going to Beauchamp with your witnesses, seek further
information on the subject." "From
whom?" "From
Haidижe."
"Why,
what can be the use of mixing a woman up in the affair?--what can she do
in it?" "She
can declare to you, for example, that your father had no hand whatever in
the defeat and death of the vizier; or if by chance he had, indeed, the
misfortune to"-- "I
have told you, my dear count, that I would not for one moment admit of
such a proposition." "You
reject this means of information, then?" "I
do--most decidedly." "Then
let me offer one more word of advice." "Do
so, then, but let it be the last." "You
do not wish to hear it, perhaps?" "On
the contrary, I request it." "Do
not take any witnesses with you when you go to Beauchamp--visit him
alone." "That
would be contrary to all custom." "Your
case is not an ordinary one." "And
what is your reason for advising me to go alone?" "Because
then the affair will rest between you and Beauchamp." "Explain
yourself." "I
will do so. If Beauchamp be disposed to retract, you ought at least to
give him the opportunity of doing it of his own free will,--the
satisfaction to you will be the same. If, on the contrary, he refuses to
do so, it will then be quite time enough to admit two strangers into your
secret." "They
will not be strangers, they will be friends." "Ah,
but the friends of to-day are the enemies of to-morrow; Beauchamp, for
instance." "So
you recommend"-- "I
recommend you to be prudent." "Then
you advise me to go alone to Beauchamp?" "I
do, and I will tell you why. When you wish to obtain some concession from
a man's self-love, you must avoid even the appearance of wishing to wound
it." "I
believe you are right." "I
am glad of it." "Then
I will go alone." "Go;
but you would do better still by not going at all." "That
is impossible." "Do
so, then; it will be a wiser plan than the first which you proposed."
"But
if, in spite of all my precautions, I am at last obliged to fight, will
you not be my second?" "My
dear viscount," said Monte Cristo gravely, "you must have seen
before to-day that at all times and in all places I have been at your
disposal, but the service which you have just demanded of me is one which
it is out of my power to render you." "Why?"
"Perhaps
you may know at some future period, and in the mean time I request you to
excuse my declining to put you in possession of my reasons." "Well,
I will have Franz and Chateau-Renaud; they will be the very men for
it." "Do
so, then." "But
if I do fight, you will surely not object to giving me a lesson or two in
shooting and fencing?" "That,
too, is impossible." "What
a singular being you are!--you will not interfere in anything." "You
are right--that is the principle on which I wish to act." "We
will say no more about it, then. Good-by, count." Morcerf took his
hat, and left the room. He found his carriage at the door, and doing his
utmost to restrain his anger he went at once to find Beauchamp, who was in
his office. It was a gloomy, dusty-looking apartment, such as journalists'
offices have always been from time immemorial. The servant announced M.
Albert de Morcerf. Beauchamp repeated the name to himself, as though he
could scarcely believe that he had heard aright, and then gave orders for
him to be admitted. Albert entered. Beauchamp uttered an exclamation of
surprise on seeing his friend leap over and trample under foot all the
newspapers which were strewed about the room. "This way, this way, my
dear Albert!" said he, holding out his hand to the young man.
"Are you out of your senses, or do you come peaceably to take
breakfast with me? Try and find a seat--there is one by that geranium,
which is the only thing in the room to remind me that there are other
leaves in the world besides leaves of paper." "Beauchamp,"
said Albert, "it is of your journal that I come to speak." "Indeed?
What do you wish to say about it?" "I
desire that a statement contained in it should be rectified." "To
what do you refer? But pray sit down." "Thank
you," said Albert, with a cold and formal bow. "Will
you now have the kindness to explain the nature of the statement which has
displeased you?" "An
announcement has been made which implicates the honor of a member of my
family." "What
is it?" said Beauchamp, much surprised; "surely you must be
mistaken." "The
story sent you from Yanina." "Yanina?"
"Yes;
really you appear to be totally ignorant of the cause which brings me
here." "Such
is really the case, I assure you, upon my honor! Baptiste, give me
yesterday's paper," cried Beauchamp. "Here,
I have brought mine with me," replied Albert. Beauchamp
took the paper, and read the article to which Albert pointed in an
undertone. "You see it is a serious annoyance," said Morcerf,
when Beauchamp had finished the perusal of the paragraph. "Is the
officer referred to a relation of yours, then?" demanded the
journalist. "Yes,"
said Albert, blushing. "Well,
what do you wish me to do for you?" said Beauchamp mildly. "My
dear Beauchamp, I wish you to contradict this statement." Beauchamp
looked at Albert with a benevolent expression. "Come,"
said he, "this matter will want a good deal of talking over; a
retractation is always a serious thing, you know. Sit down, and I will
read it again." Albert resumed his seat, and Beauchamp read, with
more attention than at first, the lines denounced by his friend.
"Well," said Albert in a determined tone, "you see that
your paper his insulted a member of my family, and I insist on a
retractation being made." "You
insist?" "Yes,
I insist." "Permit
me to remind you that you are not in the Chamber, my dear Viscount." "Nor
do I wish to be there," replied the young man, rising. "I repeat
that I am determined to have the announcement of yesterday contradicted.
You have known me long enough," continued Albert, biting his lips
convulsively, for he saw that Beauchamp's anger was beginning to
rise,--"you have been my friend, and therefore sufficiently intimate
with me to be aware that I am likely to maintain my resolution on this
point." "If
I have been your friend, Morcerf, your present manner of speaking would
almost lead me to forget that I ever bore that title. But wait a moment,
do not let us get angry, or at least not yet. You are irritated and
vexed--tell me how this Fernand is related to you?" "He
is merely my father," said Albert--"M. Fernand Mondego, Count of
Morcerf, an old soldier who has fought in twenty battles and whose
honorable scars they would denounce as badges of disgrace." "Is
it your father?" said Beauchamp; "that is quite another thing.
Then can well understand your indignation, my dear Albert. I will look at
it again;" and he read the paragraph for the third time, laying a
stress on each word as he proceeded. "But the paper nowhere
identifies this Fernand with your father." "No;
but the connection will be seen by others, and therefore I will have the
article contradicted." At
the words I will, Beauchamp steadily raised his eyes to Albert's
countenance, and then as gradually lowering them, he remained thoughtful
for a few moments. "You will retract this assertion, will you not,
Beauchamp?" said Albert with increased though stifled anger. "Yes,"
replied Beauchamp. "Immediately?"
said Albert. "When
I am convinced that the statement is false." "What?"
"The
thing is worth looking into, and I will take pains to investigate the
matter thoroughly." "But
what is there to investigate, sir?" said Albert, enraged beyond
measure at Beauchamp's last remark. "If you do not believe that it is
my father, say so immediately; and if, on the contrary, you believe it to
be him, state your reasons for doing so." Beauchamp looked at Albert
with the smile which was so peculiar to him, and which in its numerous
modifications served to express every varied emotion of his mind.
"Sir," replied he, "if you came to me with the idea of
demanding satisfaction, you should have gone at once to the point, and not
have entertained me with the idle conversation to which I have been
patiently listening for the last half hour. Am I to put this construction
on your visit?" "Yes,
if you will not consent to retract that infamous calumny." "Wait
a moment--no threats, if you please, M. Fernand Mondego, Vicomte de
Morcerf; I never allow them from my enemies, and therefore shall not put
up with them from my friends. You insist on my contradicting the article
relating to General Fernand, an article with which, I assure you on my
word of honor, I had nothing whatever to do?" "Yes,
I insist on it," said Albert, whose mind was beginning to get
bewildered with the excitement of his feelings. "And
if I refuse to retract, you wish to fight, do you?" said Beauchamp in
a calm tone. "Yes,"
replied Albert, raising his voice. "Well,"
said Beauchamp, "here is my answer, my dear sir. The article was not
inserted by me--I was not even aware of it; but you have, by the step you
have taken, called my attention to the paragraph in question, and it will
remain until it shall be either contradicted or confirmed by some one who
has a right to do so." "Sir,"
said Albert, rising, "I will do myself the honor of sending my
seconds to you, and you will be kind enough to arrange with them the place
of meeting and the weapons." "Certainly,
my dear sir." "And
this evening, if you please, or to-morrow at the latest, we will
meet." "No,
no, I will be on the ground at the proper time; but in my opinion (and I
have a right to dictate the preliminaries, as it is I who have received
the provocation)--in my opinion the time ought not to be yet. I know you
to be well skilled in the management of the sword, while I am only
moderately so; I know, too, that you are a good marksman--there we are
about equal. I know that a duel between us two would be a serious affair,
because you are brave, and I am brave also. I do not therefore wish either
to kill you, or to be killed myself without a cause. Now, I am going to
put a question to you, and one very much to the purpose too. Do you insist
on this retractation so far as to kill me if I do not make it, although I
have repeated more than once, and affirmed on my honor, that I was
ignorant of the thing with which you charge me, and although I still
declare that it is impossible for any one but you to recognize the Count
of Morcerf under the name of Fernand?" "I
maintain my original resolution." "Very
well, my dear sir; then I consent to cut throats with you. But I require
three weeks' preparation; at the end of that time I shall come and say to
you, 'The assertion is false, and I retract it,' or 'The assertion is
true,' when I shall immediately draw the sword from its sheath, or the
pistols from the case, whichever you please." "Three
weeks!" cried Albert; "they will pass as slowly as three
centuries when I am all the time suffering dishonor." "Had you
continued to remain on amicable terms with me, I should have said,
'Patience, my friend;' but you have constituted yourself my enemy,
therefore I say, 'What does that signify to me, sir?'" "Well,
let it be three weeks then," said Morcerf; "but remember, at the
expiration of that time no delay or subterfuge will justify you in"--
"M.
Albert de Morcerf," said Beauchamp, rising in his turn, "I
cannot throw you out of window for three weeks--that is to say, for
twenty-four days to come--nor have you any right to split my skull open
till that time has elapsed. To-day is the 29th of August; the 21st of
September will, therefore, be the conclusion of the term agreed on, and
till that time arrives--and it is the advice of a gentleman which I am
about to give you--till then we will refrain from growling and barking
like two dogs chained within sight of each other." When he had
concluded his speech, Beauchamp bowed coldly to Albert, turned his back
upon him, and went to the press-room. Albert
vented his anger on a pile of newspapers, which he sent flying all over
the office by switching them violently with his stick; after which
ebullition he departed--not, however, without walking several times to the
door of the press-room, as if he had half a mind to enter. While Albert
was lashing the front of his carriage in the same manner that he had the
newspapers which were the innocent agents of his discomfiture, as he was
crossing the barrier he perceived Morrel, who was walking with a quick
step and a bright eye. He was passing the Chinese Baths, and appeared to
have come from the direction of the Porte Saint-Martin, and to be going
towards the Madeleine. "Ah," said Morcerf, "there goes a
happy man!" And it so happened Albert was not mistaken in his
opinion. |
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