ar one thing; namely, to find a man who will not fight."

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

"My friend," said Morcerf, with a sweet smile, "that is what I wish. The
happiest thing that could occur to me, would be to 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 his eyes, "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 he is now at
home." They ordered the driver to take them to No. 30 Champs-Elysees.
Beauchamp wished to go in alone, but Albert observed that as this was
an unusual circumstance he might be allowed to deviate from the usual
etiquette in affairs of honor. The cause which the young man espoused
was one so sacred that Beauchamp had only to comply with all his wishes;
he yielded and contented himself with following Morcerf. Albert sprang
from the porter's lodge to the steps. He was received by Baptistin.
The count had, indeed, just arrived, but he was in his bath, and had
forbidden that any one 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 eight o'clock
precisely."

"Very good," replied Albert; "that is all I wished to know." Then,
turning towards Beauchamp, "If you have anything to attend to,
Beauchamp, do it directly; if you have any appointment for this evening,
defer it till tomorrow. I depend 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 left him,
promising to call for him at a quarter before eight. On his return home,
Albert expressed his wish to Franz Debray, and Morrel, to see them at
the opera that evening. Then he went to see his mother, who since the
events of the day before had refused to see any one, and had kept
her room. He found her in bed, overwhelmed with grief at this public
humiliation. The sight of Albert produced the effect which might
naturally be expected on Mercedes; she pressed her son's hand and sobbed
aloud, but her tears