The Challenge — The Count of Monte Cristo

Beauchamp finishes telling Albert about Haydee's testimony and calls the blow Providence. Albert refuses that comfort. He says he must find the human enemy who hates his family and kill him, or be killed himself. Beauchamp agrees to help search for the hand behind the scandal.

Albert traces the Yanina inquiry to Danglars. At the Greek banker's office, the chief says he was questioned two weeks earlier by Danglars of Paris. Albert and Beauchamp go straight to the banker's mansion and find Andrea Cavalcanti's carriage outside. Albert forces his way into Danglars's study and demands a duel. Danglars sneers that he will kill a mad dog like Albert and says Morcerf's shame is not his fault.

Albert accuses Danglars of hypocritically provoking the exposure. Danglars finally admits he wrote to Yanina, but only because Monte Cristo told him to do it when they discussed the obscure origin of Morcerf's fortune. He says he showed the answer to the count and that Monte Cristo later brought Albert to ask for Eugenie's hand, which Danglars refused. Albert and Beauchamp exchange a look. Everything points to Monte Cristo.

Albert pieces the count's long plan together: Haydee, the Normandy trip, the broken engagement, and the letter to Yanina. Danglars will not fight, so Albert tells Beauchamp they will demand an explanation from Monte Cristo himself. He bows coldly and leaves, still burning to find a man who will answer with steel.