The Insult — The Count of Monte Cristo

At Danglars's door Beauchamp stops Albert and warns him that challenging Monte Cristo is more serious than fighting a banker. Danglars loves money too much to risk a duel, but the count is a true nobleman who will fight. Albert says he only fears finding a man who will not fight. Beauchamp fears the count may be too strong for him. Albert replies that he would gladly die in his father's place.

They go to No. 30 on the Champs-Elysees. Baptistin says the count is bathing, then dining, then sleeping, and will go to the Opera at eight. Albert learns the schedule and tells Beauchamp to meet him there with Chateau-Renaud. He visits his mother Mercédès, who is crushed by the public shame. She begs him to keep Monte Cristo's friendship and secretly orders a servant to follow Albert all evening.

At the Opera Albert waits until the second act, when Monte Cristo enters with Morrel. Albert publicly demands an explanation in a voice loud enough for nearby boxes to hear. The count stays calm and refuses to be shouted down in his own box. Albert nearly throws his glove. Morrel and Beauchamp hold him back. Monte Cristo takes the crushed glove and accepts the challenge with cold dignity.

Beauchamp arranges pistols at eight o'clock in the Bois de Vincennes. Monte Cristo tells Morrel he will kill Albert before ten tomorrow morning. Then he turns back to the stage and praises Duprez's singing as if nothing had happened. Beauchamp leaves the box amazed, unable to tell whether he has met a braggart or something more than human.