The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert learns that Monte Cristo has returned to Paris and will be attending the opera that evening. In the meantime, Albert asks his mother, Mercédès, if there is any reason that Monte Cristo would consider Morcerf an enemy, unwittingly tipping her off to the truth of what is happening. She asks one of her servants to follow him.

At the opera, Albert confronts Monte Cristo, provoking him to a duel, and Monte Cristo agrees to fight him the next morning. When Albert leaves, Monte Cristo tells Maximilien that he intends to kill Albert. He asks Maximilien and his brother-in-law, Emmanuel, to act as his seconds.

Mercédès visits Monte Cristo at his house in Paris. Addressing Monte Cristo as Edmond, she begs him not to kill Albert. Mercédès tells Monte Cristo that she, rather than Fernand, should be the focus of his anger, as it was she who betrayed him by marrying Fernand. Monte Cristo reminds her that she only did so because he himself was in prison. Monte Cristo then reveals to her that it was Danglars who wrote, and Fernand who sent, the letter which resulted in his being wrongfully imprisoned for 14 years.

Mercédès tells him to take revenge on Fernand and on herself, but to leave her son unharmed. Monte Cristo gives in, declaring that he will instead allow himself to be killed by Albert. He regrets his lost opportunity for vengeance, comparing himself to a god who, having just created the world, turns around and destroys it. Mercédès assures him that the fact she has seen him again and that he has proved willing to sacrifice himself for her happiness shows that there is a benevolent Providence.

The next morning, the count arrives for the duel, having just completed his will. The count makes clear to them that he expects to die. He asks Maximilien if his “heart is free,” evidently hoping that Maximilien will console Haydée for his loss. Albert arrives on horseback looking as if he has not slept at all. He asks to address the count in front of everyone present. Mercédès has told him the story of how his father betrayed the count as a young man and of the suffering it lead to. Instead of fighting the count, Albert asks for his forgiveness, which the count gratefully accepts.

Albert returns home and prepares for his departure, taking the portrait of his mother but leaving all other money and valuables. Mercédès, who is also preparing to leave, makes clear that she wants to go with Albert. Albert tells his mother he intends to break all ties with his past and start anew under a different name, and she suggests he use her father’s name. Bertuccio brings Albert a letter from Monte Cristo, in which he tells Albert and Mercédès that he buried a chest containing a dowry of 3,000 francs at his old house in Marseilles and he now wishes for Mercédès to have it. Mercédès tells Albert that she accepts Monte Cristo’s parting gift, as it will pay for her entrance into a convent.

Maximilien and Emmanuel express amazement that someone as brave as Albert has avoided a duel by offering his opponent an apology. Monte Cristo assures them that Albert is truly courageous and has acted nobly. At home, Monte Cristo is met by a joyful and relieved Haydée. Monte Cristo admits to himself that he is falling in love with Haydée.

Morcerf arrives, demanding to know what has happened between Monte Cristo and Albert. When Monte Cristo tells him that it was Albert who offered an apology, because he considered his father the true guilty party, Morcerf says that he has instinctively hated Monte Cristo since meeting him. Monte Cristo taunts Morcerf with all the crimes he has committed as a soldier, then leaves and comes back in the uniform of a humble sailor. Morcerf finally recognizes Monte Cristo as Edmond Dantès. Morcerf returns home, watches Albert and Mercédès leave, then shoots himself.