-in-law, who had of late sustained repeated losses; but
with sublime disinterestedness and confidence the young man refused
to listen, or to express a single doubt to the baron. The baron adored
Count Andrea Cavalcanti: not so Mademoiselle Eugenie Danglars. With an
instinctive hatred of matrimony, she suffered Andrea's attentions
in order to get rid of Morcerf; but when Andrea urged his suit, she
betrayed an entire dislike to him. The baron might possibly have
perceived it, but, attributing it to a caprice, feigned ignorance.

The delay demanded by Beauchamp had nearly expired. Morcerf appreciated
the advice of Monte Cristo to let things die away of their own accord.
No one had taken up the remark about the general, and no one had
recognized in the officer who betrayed the castle of Yanina the noble
count in the House of Peers. Albert, however felt no less insulted; the
few lines which had irritated him were certainly intended as an insult.
Besides, the manner in which Beauchamp had closed the conference left a
bitter recollection in his heart. He cherished the thought of the duel,
hoping to conceal its true cause even from his seconds. Beauchamp had
not been seen since the day he visited Albert, and those of whom the
latter inquired always told him he was out on a journey which would
detain him some days. Where he was no one knew.

One morning Albert was awakened by his valet de chambre, who announced
Beauchamp. Albert rubbed his eyes, ordered his servant to introduce
him into the small smoking-room on the ground-floor, dressed himself
quickly, and went down. He found Beauchamp pacing the room; on
perceiving him Beauchamp stopped. "Your arrival here, without waiting my
visit at your house to-day, looks well, sir," said Albert. "Tell me, may
I shake hands with you, saying, 'Beauchamp, acknowledge you have injured
me, and retain my friendship,' or must I simply propose to you a choice
of arms?"

"Albert," said Beauchamp, with a look of sorrow which stupefied the
young man, "let us first sit down and talk."

"Rather, sir, before we sit down, I must demand your answer."

"Albert," said the journalist, "these are questions which it is
difficult to answer."

"I will facilitate it by repeating the question, 'Will you, or will you
not, retract?'"

"Morcerf, it is not enough to answer 'yes' or 'no' to questions which
concern the honor, the social interest, and the life of such a man as
Lieutenant-general the Count of Mo