第404章

What has the count done? Three days since you were with him in Normandy; only three days since we looked on him as our best friend."An ironical smile passed over Albert's lips.Mercedes saw it and with the double instinct of woman and mother guessed all; but as she was prudent and strong-minded she concealed both her sorrows and her fears.Albert was silent; an instant after, the countess resumed: "You came to inquire after my health; I will candidly acknowledge that I am not well.You should install yourself here, and cheer my solitude.I do not wish to be left alone.""Mother," said the young man, "you know how gladly I would obey your wish, but an urgent and important affair obliges me to leave you for the whole evening.""Well," replied Mercedes, sighing, "go, Albert; I will not make you a slave to your filial piety." Albert pretended he did not hear, bowed to his mother, and quitted her.Scarcely had he shut her door, when Mercedes called a confidential servant, and ordered him to follow Albert wherever he should go that evening, and to come and tell her immediately what he observed.Then she rang for her lady's maid, and, weak as she was, she dressed, in order to be ready for whatever might happen.The footman's mission was an easy one.Albert went to his room, and dressed with unusual care.At ten minutes to eight Beauchamp arrived; he had seen Chateau-Renaud, who had promised to be in the orchestra before the curtain was raised.Both got into Albert's coupe;and, as the young man had no reason to conceal where he was going, he called aloud, "To the opera." In his impatience he arrived before the beginning of the performance.

Chateau-Renaud was at his post; apprised by Beauchamp of the circumstances, he required no explanation from Albert.The conduct of the son in seeking to avenge his father was so natural 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 lost a scene at the opera.Albert wandered about the theatre until the curtain was drawn up.He hoped to meet with M.de Monte Cristo either in the lobby or on the stairs.The bell summoned him to his seat, and he entered the orchestra with Chateau-Renaud and Beauchamp.But his eyes scarcely quitted the box between the columns, which remained obstinately closed during the whole of the first act.At last, as Albert was looking at his watch for about the hundredth time, at the beginning of the second act the door opened, and Monte Cristo entered, dressed in black, and, leaning over the front of the box, looked around the pit.Morrel followed him, and looked also for his sister and brother in-law; he soon discovered them in another box, and kissed his hand to them.

The count, in his survey of the pit, encountered a pale face and threatening eyes, which evidently sought to gain his attention.He recognized Albert, but thought it better not to notice him, as he looked so angry and discomposed.

Without communicating his thoughts to his companion, he sat down, 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 the end of the second act, he saw him leave the orchestra with his two friends.Then his head was seen passing at the back of the boxes, and the count knew that the approaching storm was intended to fall on him.He was at the moment conversing cheerfully with Morrel, but he was well prepared for what might happen.The door opened, and Monte Cristo, turning round, saw Albert, pale and trembling, followed by Beauchamp and Chateau-Renaud.

"Well," cried he, with that benevolent politeness which distinguished his salutation from the common civilities of the 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 then recollected the letter he had received from the viscount, in which, without assigning any reason, he begged him to go to the opera, but he understood that something terrible was brooding.

"We are not come here, sir, to exchange hypocritical expressions of politeness, or false professions of friendship," said Albert, "but to demand an explanation."The young man's trembling voice was scarcely audible."An explanation at the opera?" said the count, with that calm tone and penetrating eye which characterize the man who knows his cause is good."Little acquainted as I am with the habits of Parisians, I should not have thought this the place for such a demand.""Still, if people will shut themselves up," said Albert, "and cannot be seen because they are bathing, dining, or asleep, we must avail ourselves of the opportunity whenever they are to be seen.""I am not difficult of access, sir; for yesterday, if my memory 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 these words Albert had raised his voice so as to be heard by those in the adjoining boxes and in the lobby.Thus the attention of many was attracted by this altercation."Where are you come from, sir? You do not appear to be in the possession of your senses.""Provided I understand your perfidy, sir, and succeed in making you understand that I will be revenged, I shall be reasonable enough," said Albert furiously.

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