ear.
Besides, what was Morcerf seeking? It was not whether Danglars or Monte
Cristo was more or less guilty; it was a man who would answer for the
offence, whether trifling or serious; it was a man who would fight,
and it was evident Danglars would not fight. And, in addition to this,
everything forgotten or unperceived before presented itself now to
his recollection. Monte Cristo knew everything, as he had bought the
daughter of Ali Pasha; and, knowing everything, he had advised Danglars
to write to Yanina. The answer known, he had yielded to Albert's wish
to be introduced to Haidee, and allowed the conversation to turn on
the death of Ali, and had not opposed Haidee's recital (but having,
doubtless, warned the young girl, in the few Romaic words he spoke to
her, not to implicate Morcerf's father). Besides, had he not begged of
Morcerf not to mention his father's name before Haidee? Lastly, he had
taken Albert to Normandy when he knew the final blow was near. There
could be no doubt that all had been calculated and previously arranged;
Monte Cristo then was in league with his father's enemies. Albert took
Beauchamp aside, and communicated these ideas to him.

"You are right," said the latter; "M. Danglars has only been a secondary
agent in this sad affair, and it is of M. de Monte Cristo that you
must demand an explanation." Albert turned. "Sir," said he to Danglars,
"understand that I do not take a final leave of you; I must ascertain if
your insinuations are just, and am going now to inquire of the Count
of Monte Cristo." He bowed to the banker, and went out with Beauchamp,
without appearing to notice Cavalcanti. Danglars accompanied him to the
door, where he again assured Albert that no motive of personal hatred
had influenced him against the Count of Morcerf.

Chapter 88. 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 fe