Reading Help The Count of Monte Cristo Ch.75-117
The article having been read during the painful hush that `
` followed, a universal shudder pervaded the assembly, and `
` immediately the closest attention was given to the orator as `
` he resumed his remarks. He stated his scruples and the `
` difficulties of the case; it was the honor of M. de Morcerf, `
` and that of the whole House, he proposed to defend, by `
` provoking a debate on personal questions, which are always `
` such painful themes of discussion. He concluded by calling `
` for an investigation, which might dispose of the calumnious `
` report before it had time to spread, and restore M. de `
` Morcerf to the position he had long held in public opinion. `
` Morcerf was so completely overwhelmed by this great and `
` unexpected calamity that he could scarcely stammer a few `
` words as he looked around on the assembly. This timidity, `
` which might proceed from the astonishment of innocence as `
` well as the shame of guilt, conciliated some in his favor; `
` for men who are truly generous are always ready to `
` compassionate when the misfortune of their enemy surpasses `
` the limits of their hatred. `
` `
` The president put it to the vote, and it was decided that `
` the investigation should take place. The count was asked `
` what time he required to prepare his defence. Morcerf's `
` courage had revived when he found himself alive after this `
` horrible blow. "My lords," answered he, "it is not by time I `
` could repel the attack made on me by enemies unknown to me, `
` and, doubtless, hidden in obscurity; it is immediately, and `
` by a thunderbolt, that I must repel the flash of lightning `
` which, for a moment, startled me. Oh, that I could, instead `
` of taking up this defence, shed my last drop of blood to `
` prove to my noble colleagues that I am their equal in `
` worth." These words made a favorable impression on behalf of `
` the accused. "I demand, then, that the examination shall `
` take place as soon as possible, and I will furnish the house `
` with all necessary information." `
` `
` "What day do you fix?" asked the president. `
` `
` "To-day I am at your service," replied the count. The `
` president rang the bell. "Does the House approve that the `
` examination should take place to-day?" `
` `
` "Yes," was the unanimous answer. `
` `
` A committee of twelve members was chosen to examine the `
` proofs brought forward by Morcerf. The investigation would `
` begin at eight o'clock that evening in the committee-room, `
` and if postponement were necessary, the proceedings would be `
` resumed each evening at the same hour. Morcerf asked leave `
` to retire; he had to collect the documents he had long been `
` preparing against this storm, which his sagacity had `
` foreseen. `
` `
` Albert listened, trembling now with hope, then with anger, `
` and then again with shame, for from Beauchamp's confidence `
` he knew his father was guilty, and he asked himself how, `
` since he was guilty, he could prove his innocence. Beauchamp `
` hesitated to continue his narrative. "What next?" asked `
` Albert. `
` `
` "What next? My friend, you impose a painful task on me. Must `
` you know all?" `
` `
` "Absolutely; and rather from your lips than another's." `
` `
` "Muster up all your courage, then, for never have you `
` required it more." Albert passed his hand over his forehead, `
` as if to try his strength, as a man who is preparing to `
` defend his life proves his shield and bends his sword. He `
` thought himself strong enough, for he mistook fever for `
` energy. "Go on," said he. `
` `
` "The evening arrived; all Paris was in expectation. Many `
` said your father had only to show himself to crush the `
` charge against him; many others said he would not appear; `
` while some asserted that they had seen him start for `
` Brussels; and others went to the police-office to inquire if `
` he had taken out a passport. I used all my influence with `
` one of the committee, a young peer of my acquaintance, to `
` get admission to one of the galleries. He called for me at `
` seven o'clock, and, before any one had arrived, asked one of `
` the door-keepers to place me in a box. I was concealed by a `
` column, and might witness the whole of the terrible scene `
` which was about to take place. At eight o'clock all were in `
` their places, and M. de Morcerf entered at the last stroke. `
` He held some papers in his hand; his countenance was calm, `
` and his step firm, and he was dressed with great care in his `
` military uniform, which was buttoned completely up to the `
` chin. His presence produced a good effect. The committee was `
` made up of Liberals, several of whom came forward to shake `
` hands with him." `
` `
` Albert felt his heart bursting at these particulars, but `
` gratitude mingled with his sorrow: he would gladly have `
` embraced those who had given his father this proof of esteem `
` at a moment when his honor was so powerfully attacked. "At `
` this moment one of the door-keepers brought in a letter for `
` the president. `You are at liberty to speak, M. de Morcerf,' `
` said the president, as he unsealed the letter; and the count `
` began his defence, I assure you, Albert, in a most eloquent `
` and skilful manner. He produced documents proving that the `
` Vizier of Yanina had up to the last moment honored him with `
` his entire confidence, since he had interested him with a `
` negotiation of life and death with the emperor. He produced `
` the ring, his mark of authority, with which Ali Pasha `
` generally sealed his letters, and which the latter had given `
` him, that he might, on his return at any hour of the day or `
` night, gain access to the presence, even in the harem. `
` Unfortunately, the negotiation failed, and when he returned `
` to defend his benefactor, he was dead. `But,' said the `
` count, `so great was Ali Pasha's confidence, that on his `
` death-bed he resigned his favorite mistress and her daughter `
` to my care.'" Albert started on hearing these words; the `
` history of Haidee recurred to him, and he remembered what `
` she had said of that message and the ring, and the manner in `
` which she had been sold and made a slave. "And what effect `
` did this discourse produce?" anxiously inquired Albert. "I `
` acknowledge it affected me, and, indeed, all the committee `
` also," said Beauchamp. `
` `
` "Meanwhile, the president carelessly opened the letter which `
` had been brought to him; but the first lines aroused his `
` attention; he read them again and again, and fixing his eyes `
` on M. de Morcerf, `Count,' said he, `you have said that the `
` Vizier of Yanina confided his wife and daughter to your `
` care?' -- `Yes, sir,' replied Morcerf; `but in that, like `
` all the rest, misfortune pursued me. On my return, Vasiliki `
` and her daughter Haidee had disappeared.' -- `Did you know `
` them?' -- `My intimacy with the pasha and his unlimited `
` confidence had gained me an introduction to them, and I had `
` seen them above twenty times.' `
` `
` "`Have you any idea what became of them?' -- `Yes, sir; I `
` heard they had fallen victims to their sorrow, and, perhaps, `
` to their poverty. I was not rich; my life was in constant `
` danger; I could not seek them, to my great regret.' The `
` president frowned imperceptibly. `Gentlemen,' said he, `you `
` have heard the Comte de Morcerf's defence. Can you, sir, `
` produce any witnesses to the truth of what you have `
` asserted?' -- `Alas, no, monsieur,' replied the count; `all `
` those who surrounded the vizier, or who knew me at his `
` court, are either dead or gone away, I know not where. I `
` believe that I alone, of all my countrymen, survived that `
` dreadful war. I have only the letters of Ali Tepelini, which `
` I have placed before you; the ring, a token of his `
` good-will, which is here; and, lastly, the most convincing `
` proof I can offer, after an anonymous attack, and that is `
` the absence of any witness against my veracity and the `
` purity of my military life.' A murmur of approbation ran `
` through the assembly; and at this moment, Albert, had `
` nothing more transpired, your father's cause had been `
` gained. It only remained to put it to the vote, when the `
` president resumed: `Gentlemen and you, monsieur, -- you will `
` not be displeased, I presume, to listen to one who calls `
` himself a very important witness, and who has just presented `
` himself. He is, doubtless, come to prove the perfect `
` innocence of our colleague. Here is a letter I have just `
` received on the subject; shall it be read, or shall it be `
` passed over? and shall we take no notice of this incident?' `
` M. de Morcerf turned pale, and clinched his hands on the `
` papers he held. The committee decided to hear the letter; `
` the count was thoughtful and silent. The president read: -- `
` `
` "`Mr. President, -- I can furnish the committee of inquiry `
` into the conduct of the Lieutenant-General the Count of `
` Morcerf in Epirus and in Macedonia with important `
` particulars.' `
` `
` "The president paused, and the count turned pale. The `
` president looked at his auditors. `Proceed,' was heard on `
` all sides. The president resumed: -- `
` `
` "`I was on the spot at the death of Ali Pasha. I was present `
` during his last moments. I know what is become of Vasiliki `
` and Haidee. I am at the command of the committee, and even `
` claim the honor of being heard. I shall be in the lobby when `
` this note is delivered to you.' `
` `
` "`And who is this witness, or rather this enemy?' asked the `
` count, in a tone in which there was a visible alteration. `
` `We shall know, sir,' replied the president. `Is the `
` committee willing to hear this witness?' -- `Yes, yes,' they `
` all said at once. The door-keeper was called. `Is there any `
` one in the lobby?' said the president. `
` `
` "`Yes, sir.' -- `Who is it?' -- `A woman, accompanied by a `
` servant.' Every one looked at his neighbor. `Bring her in,' `
` said the president. Five minutes after the door-keeper again `
` appeared; all eyes were fixed on the door, and I," said `
` Beauchamp, "shared the general expectation and anxiety. `
` Behind the door-keeper walked a woman enveloped in a large `
` veil, which completely concealed her. It was evident, from `
` her figure and the perfumes she had about her, that she was `
` young and fastidious in her tastes, but that was all. The `
` president requested her to throw aside her veil, and it was `
` then seen that she was dressed in the Grecian costume, and `
` was remarkably beautiful." `
` `
` "Ah," said Albert, "it was she." `
` `
` "Who?" `
`
` followed, a universal shudder pervaded the assembly, and `
` immediately the closest attention was given to the orator as `
` he resumed his remarks. He stated his scruples and the `
` difficulties of the case; it was the honor of M. de Morcerf, `
` and that of the whole House, he proposed to defend, by `
` provoking a debate on personal questions, which are always `
` such painful themes of discussion. He concluded by calling `
` for an investigation, which might dispose of the calumnious `
` report before it had time to spread, and restore M. de `
` Morcerf to the position he had long held in public opinion. `
` Morcerf was so completely overwhelmed by this great and `
` unexpected calamity that he could scarcely stammer a few `
` words as he looked around on the assembly. This timidity, `
` which might proceed from the astonishment of innocence as `
` well as the shame of guilt, conciliated some in his favor; `
` for men who are truly generous are always ready to `
` compassionate when the misfortune of their enemy surpasses `
` the limits of their hatred. `
` `
` The president put it to the vote, and it was decided that `
` the investigation should take place. The count was asked `
` what time he required to prepare his defence. Morcerf's `
` courage had revived when he found himself alive after this `
` horrible blow. "My lords," answered he, "it is not by time I `
` could repel the attack made on me by enemies unknown to me, `
` and, doubtless, hidden in obscurity; it is immediately, and `
` by a thunderbolt, that I must repel the flash of lightning `
` which, for a moment, startled me. Oh, that I could, instead `
` of taking up this defence, shed my last drop of blood to `
` prove to my noble colleagues that I am their equal in `
` worth." These words made a favorable impression on behalf of `
` the accused. "I demand, then, that the examination shall `
` take place as soon as possible, and I will furnish the house `
` with all necessary information." `
` `
` "What day do you fix?" asked the president. `
` `
` "To-day I am at your service," replied the count. The `
` president rang the bell. "Does the House approve that the `
` examination should take place to-day?" `
` `
` "Yes," was the unanimous answer. `
` `
` A committee of twelve members was chosen to examine the `
` proofs brought forward by Morcerf. The investigation would `
` begin at eight o'clock that evening in the committee-room, `
` and if postponement were necessary, the proceedings would be `
` resumed each evening at the same hour. Morcerf asked leave `
` to retire; he had to collect the documents he had long been `
` preparing against this storm, which his sagacity had `
` foreseen. `
` `
` Albert listened, trembling now with hope, then with anger, `
` and then again with shame, for from Beauchamp's confidence `
` he knew his father was guilty, and he asked himself how, `
` since he was guilty, he could prove his innocence. Beauchamp `
` hesitated to continue his narrative. "What next?" asked `
` Albert. `
` `
` "What next? My friend, you impose a painful task on me. Must `
` you know all?" `
` `
` "Absolutely; and rather from your lips than another's." `
` `
` "Muster up all your courage, then, for never have you `
` required it more." Albert passed his hand over his forehead, `
` as if to try his strength, as a man who is preparing to `
` defend his life proves his shield and bends his sword. He `
` thought himself strong enough, for he mistook fever for `
` energy. "Go on," said he. `
` `
` "The evening arrived; all Paris was in expectation. Many `
` said your father had only to show himself to crush the `
` charge against him; many others said he would not appear; `
` while some asserted that they had seen him start for `
` Brussels; and others went to the police-office to inquire if `
` he had taken out a passport. I used all my influence with `
` one of the committee, a young peer of my acquaintance, to `
` get admission to one of the galleries. He called for me at `
` seven o'clock, and, before any one had arrived, asked one of `
` the door-keepers to place me in a box. I was concealed by a `
` column, and might witness the whole of the terrible scene `
` which was about to take place. At eight o'clock all were in `
` their places, and M. de Morcerf entered at the last stroke. `
` He held some papers in his hand; his countenance was calm, `
` and his step firm, and he was dressed with great care in his `
` military uniform, which was buttoned completely up to the `
` chin. His presence produced a good effect. The committee was `
` made up of Liberals, several of whom came forward to shake `
` hands with him." `
` `
` Albert felt his heart bursting at these particulars, but `
` gratitude mingled with his sorrow: he would gladly have `
` embraced those who had given his father this proof of esteem `
` at a moment when his honor was so powerfully attacked. "At `
` this moment one of the door-keepers brought in a letter for `
` the president. `You are at liberty to speak, M. de Morcerf,' `
` said the president, as he unsealed the letter; and the count `
` began his defence, I assure you, Albert, in a most eloquent `
` and skilful manner. He produced documents proving that the `
` Vizier of Yanina had up to the last moment honored him with `
` his entire confidence, since he had interested him with a `
` negotiation of life and death with the emperor. He produced `
` the ring, his mark of authority, with which Ali Pasha `
` generally sealed his letters, and which the latter had given `
` him, that he might, on his return at any hour of the day or `
` night, gain access to the presence, even in the harem. `
` Unfortunately, the negotiation failed, and when he returned `
` to defend his benefactor, he was dead. `But,' said the `
` count, `so great was Ali Pasha's confidence, that on his `
` death-bed he resigned his favorite mistress and her daughter `
` to my care.'" Albert started on hearing these words; the `
` history of Haidee recurred to him, and he remembered what `
` she had said of that message and the ring, and the manner in `
` which she had been sold and made a slave. "And what effect `
` did this discourse produce?" anxiously inquired Albert. "I `
` acknowledge it affected me, and, indeed, all the committee `
` also," said Beauchamp. `
` `
` "Meanwhile, the president carelessly opened the letter which `
` had been brought to him; but the first lines aroused his `
` attention; he read them again and again, and fixing his eyes `
` on M. de Morcerf, `Count,' said he, `you have said that the `
` Vizier of Yanina confided his wife and daughter to your `
` care?' -- `Yes, sir,' replied Morcerf; `but in that, like `
` all the rest, misfortune pursued me. On my return, Vasiliki `
` and her daughter Haidee had disappeared.' -- `Did you know `
` them?' -- `My intimacy with the pasha and his unlimited `
` confidence had gained me an introduction to them, and I had `
` seen them above twenty times.' `
` `
` "`Have you any idea what became of them?' -- `Yes, sir; I `
` heard they had fallen victims to their sorrow, and, perhaps, `
` to their poverty. I was not rich; my life was in constant `
` danger; I could not seek them, to my great regret.' The `
` president frowned imperceptibly. `Gentlemen,' said he, `you `
` have heard the Comte de Morcerf's defence. Can you, sir, `
` produce any witnesses to the truth of what you have `
` asserted?' -- `Alas, no, monsieur,' replied the count; `all `
` those who surrounded the vizier, or who knew me at his `
` court, are either dead or gone away, I know not where. I `
` believe that I alone, of all my countrymen, survived that `
` dreadful war. I have only the letters of Ali Tepelini, which `
` I have placed before you; the ring, a token of his `
` good-will, which is here; and, lastly, the most convincing `
` proof I can offer, after an anonymous attack, and that is `
` the absence of any witness against my veracity and the `
` purity of my military life.' A murmur of approbation ran `
` through the assembly; and at this moment, Albert, had `
` nothing more transpired, your father's cause had been `
` gained. It only remained to put it to the vote, when the `
` president resumed: `Gentlemen and you, monsieur, -- you will `
` not be displeased, I presume, to listen to one who calls `
` himself a very important witness, and who has just presented `
` himself. He is, doubtless, come to prove the perfect `
` innocence of our colleague. Here is a letter I have just `
` received on the subject; shall it be read, or shall it be `
` passed over? and shall we take no notice of this incident?' `
` M. de Morcerf turned pale, and clinched his hands on the `
` papers he held. The committee decided to hear the letter; `
` the count was thoughtful and silent. The president read: -- `
` `
` "`Mr. President, -- I can furnish the committee of inquiry `
` into the conduct of the Lieutenant-General the Count of `
` Morcerf in Epirus and in Macedonia with important `
` particulars.' `
` `
` "The president paused, and the count turned pale. The `
` president looked at his auditors. `Proceed,' was heard on `
` all sides. The president resumed: -- `
` `
` "`I was on the spot at the death of Ali Pasha. I was present `
` during his last moments. I know what is become of Vasiliki `
` and Haidee. I am at the command of the committee, and even `
` claim the honor of being heard. I shall be in the lobby when `
` this note is delivered to you.' `
` `
` "`And who is this witness, or rather this enemy?' asked the `
` count, in a tone in which there was a visible alteration. `
` `We shall know, sir,' replied the president. `Is the `
` committee willing to hear this witness?' -- `Yes, yes,' they `
` all said at once. The door-keeper was called. `Is there any `
` one in the lobby?' said the president. `
` `
` "`Yes, sir.' -- `Who is it?' -- `A woman, accompanied by a `
` servant.' Every one looked at his neighbor. `Bring her in,' `
` said the president. Five minutes after the door-keeper again `
` appeared; all eyes were fixed on the door, and I," said `
` Beauchamp, "shared the general expectation and anxiety. `
` Behind the door-keeper walked a woman enveloped in a large `
` veil, which completely concealed her. It was evident, from `
` her figure and the perfumes she had about her, that she was `
` young and fastidious in her tastes, but that was all. The `
` president requested her to throw aside her veil, and it was `
` then seen that she was dressed in the Grecian costume, and `
` was remarkably beautiful." `
` `
` "Ah," said Albert, "it was she." `
` `
` "Who?" `
`