Chapter 78.

After Noirtier’s revelation breaks Valentine’s engagement, Franz sends a curt letter severing the alliance and reproaching Villefort. Madame de Villefort, embarrassed before the notary and witnesses, falsely reports Noirtier suffered an attack, dispersing them. Valentine, relieved, meets Maximilian Morrel at the garden gate and announces they are saved; she withholds details, promising full truth when married.

Madame de Villefort then visits Noirtier, claiming she always opposed the match and urging him to restore his fortune to Valentine. Suspicious yet consenting, Noirtier summons the notary the next day, destroys the prior will, and leaves his entire estate to Valentine on condition she never be separated from him. Paris soon learns she has regained her grandfather’s favor and great income.

Meanwhile, Morcerf formally asks Danglars to finalize Eugénie’s marriage to Albert. Danglars, now evasive, delays, hinting at damaging rumors. Morcerf’s anger rises, but he departs without an explanation. That night Danglars confers with friends; by morning he reads Beauchamp’s paper carrying “We hear from Yanina,” alleging a French officer named Fernand betrayed the Yanina fortress—ammunition against Morcerf.

Albert rushes to Monte Cristo, finds him at the shooting gallery, and asks him to be his second against Beauchamp. Monte Cristo refuses but counsels prudence: seek clarification first, and, if confronting Beauchamp, go alone to spare his pride and allow retraction. Albert agrees to go without witnesses.

Albert confronts Beauchamp at the newsroom and demands an immediate retraction. Beauchamp, who hadn’t inserted the item, refuses to retract without inquiry and notes the article does not name Count de Morcerf explicitly. After tense exchanges, they agree to postpone a duel three weeks while Beauchamp investigates; at term’s end, he will either retract or fight. Albert departs in fury and glimpses a joyful Morrel in the street.