It was Albert Goldstein who said
Well, Beauchamp said that I would reply to my dear sir. I didn’t publish the news. I didn’t even know it, but what you did has attracted my attention to the news. Whether it should be corrected or confirmed can’t be decided until enough investigation has been made.
Albert got up and said, I think it’s an honor for me to accompany the witness here to see you. You and God discussed and decided on the meeting place. We want weapons. Do you know what I mean?
Of course, my dear sir.
Then I’ll see you tonight, if you like, or tomorrow morning at the latest.
No, no, when is the right time? It’s up to me to decide the preconditions, because I’m the challenged party, but it seems to me that it’s not yet time. I know that you are proficient in fencing and my fencing is passable. I also know that you are a good shooter, and we are almost equal in that respect. I know that it’s a serious matter for us to duel because you are brave and I am brave. I don’t want to kill you or I have been killed by you. Now it’s my turn to ask you a question more than once. I have repeatedly explained to you, and my personality assures you that I know nothing about your attack on me. I can also apply to you. No one but you can recognize the name Fernand as the Count of Morcerf. Do you still insist on me, and I don’t want me to die?
I won’t change my mind.
Well, my dear sir, now I agree with you to fight for your life, but I need three weeks to prepare. When the time comes, I will come and tell you that the news is not true. I agree or that the news is true. Then I will immediately draw a sword from the scabbard or a pistol from the box.
Three weeks, cried Albert. When I was humiliated, three weeks was equivalent to three centuries.
If you were still my friend, I would say, be patient, my friend, but you want me to be enemies, so what’s the matter with me?
Well, three weeks, then, said Morcerf, but remember that at the end of three weeks, there is no delay or evasion.
Mr. Al-Bermar Cerf also got up and said that in three weeks, that is to say, I won’t throw you out of the window for 21 days, and you won’t be able to break my head before that time. Today is September 29, when the appointment was made, it was September 21. Before that time, I want to give you a decent advice. We should not bark like those two dogs tied to the opposite pillars.
With this, Beauchamp bowed coldly to Albert and turned into his printing room. Albert vented his anger on a pile of newspapers and beat them around the room with his cane. After some venting, he left, but before leaving, he went to the printing door several times as if he really wanted to get in.
Albert lashed his horse as hard as he did just now, beating the newspapers that had troubled him. When he passed the boulevard, he saw Morrel walk past in a hurry with his eyes wide open. He walked in front of the China bathhouse. It seemed that he was coming from the direction of Saint Martin’s Gate to Madeleine Avenue. Morcerf was right to say that there was a happy man there. Albert was right to observe.
Chapter 79 Lemonade
Morrel is really very happy. M. Noirtier sent for him just now, eager to know. This time, he was called because he was in such a hurry that he didn’t even care about the car. His two legs were more confident than those of a horse. Morrel was a sportsman and marched at a pace. The poor Barros was only thirty-one years old, but Barros was already sixty years old. Morrel was intoxicated with love, and Barros suffered from extreme heat. The difference in interest between these two people was so great that they were like a triangle.
At the top is m. Noirtier, and Morrel immediately came to see him. Morrel did it unequivocally, but it was a great pain to Barros. When he got there, Morrel was short of breath. Shh, because God lent him wings, he forgot all about love, but Barros was tired and sweaty.
The old servant led Morrel through a small door, and soon there was a rustle of dresses, which was tantamount to announcing Valentine’s arrival. When Morrel looked at her, she felt more beautiful than ever. It was nothing if her grandfather didn’t talk to him, but they heard that the old man’s easy chair had rolled down the floor. Soon he came to the room. Morrel thanked him warmly and stopped the marriage when he thanked him, which brought Valentine out of despair. Salvation Noirtier accepted his thanks with a kind eye, so Morrel threw a consulting look at the young girl to know what new grace would be given to him now. Valentine’s seat was a little away from them. She was carefully waiting for the time when she had to speak. Noirtier fixed his eyes on her. Can I tell her what you told me? Valentine asked Noirtier, still looking at him.
So do you want me to tell you what you told me? She asked again.
It was Noirtier’s sign.
M. Morel, Valentine told the young man who listened attentively and held his breath that my grandfather, M. Noirtier, had a lot to tell you. He told me three days ago, and now he has sent you here to tell you those words. Now I have conveyed them, and since he has chosen me as his other person, of course I will be loyal to his trust and will never change his meaning by a word.
Oh, I’m listening very patiently, said the young man. Go ahead.
Valentine lowered her eyes, which was a good sign for Morel, because he was so happy that Valentine couldn’t help feeling that my grandfather was ready to leave here. She said Barros was looking for a suitable room for him.
But your young lady Morrel said that you, M. Noirtier, are inseparable from happiness.
I, Valentine, interrupted him and said that I would not leave my grandfather. We had already discussed that he lived together. Now Mr. Villefort must agree or reject this plan. If he agrees, I will leave him immediately. If I refuse, I will have to wait until I am an adult. Then I will have to wait for another ten months or so. I can have a personal property.
And morrel asked.
And with my grandfather’s permission, I can keep my promise to you.
Valentine said this last sentence in such a low voice that he might not have heard it clearly unless Morrel was listening attentively.
Have I made your meaning clear? Grandpa Valentine said to Noirtier.
Is the old man said.
Once I get to my grandfather’s house, Mr. Morrel can visit me at my beloved protector. We still feel that we imagine that marriage can guarantee our happiness in the future. Then I hope Mr. Morrel will propose to me personally then, but alas, I have heard that when people’s wishes are hindered, their hearts will become hot and cold when they are guaranteed.
Oh, cried Morrel, how much he wanted to kneel before Noirtier as if he were kneeling before the emperor, and how much he wanted to kneel before Valentine as if he were kneeling before a heaven, saying, What good have I done in this life that I should enjoy such a blessing?
Now, at that time, the young girl went on to say in a calm and sigh tone that we have to respect manners and customs, and we have to listen to friends who don’t want to tear us apart eventually. I still say the old saying, because this old saying can best express my meaning, we have to wait.
I swear to accept this sentence at all costs, and Morrel said that I am not only willing to accept it, but also happy to accept it.
Valentine looked at Maximilian ridiculously, and continued, Don’t do anything rash or make plans, because from today on, I feel that I will be a part of you with honor and happiness. Of course, you don’t want to implicate her reputation.
Morrel put his hand on his heart, and Noirtier looked at the couple lovingly. Barros was a special person who was qualified to know everything. He was still in his room, wiping the sweat on his bald forehead and smiling at the young people.
You look very hot, said Barros Valentine.
Ah, I ran too fast just now, miss, but I must be fair. M. Morrel runs faster than me.
Noirtier made them notice that there was a large bottle of lemonade on the surface of a tea tray, and a glass bottle was almost full. Mr Noirtier drank a little.
The young girl who came to Barros said to have some lemonade. I think you really want to have a good drink.
Miss Barros said that I am really thirsty. Since you are so kind, I certainly have no objection to a drink. I wish you good health.
Then take it and drink it. Come back immediately.
Barros went away with a tea tray. He forgot the door in a hurry. As soon as they saw him cross the door, they immediately poured Valentine a glass of lemonade and drank it up.
Valentine Morel was making eyes at Noirtier when she suddenly heard the doorbell ring. Valentine looked at her watch.
It’s after twelve o’clock, she said, and today is Saturday. I bet it must be the doctor’s grandfather.