Contents
Chapter 86.
Overview
Albert learns from Beauchamp that the Peers will try his father over the Yanina affair. At the hearing, Fernand’s confident defense collapses when Haïdée presents decisive documents proving his betrayal and sale of Ali Pasha’s family.
Unable to refute her, Morcerf flees, and the committee condemns him.
Summary
At dawn, Albert rushes to Beauchamp, who recounts how a government paper published fresh, documented accusations that Fernand (Count de Morcerf) betrayed Ali Pasha. The Chamber of Peers, already hostile to Morcerf, votes an immediate inquiry that evening.
Beauchamp describes the session: Morcerf arrives composed, presents Ali Pasha’s ring and letters, and claims he protected Vasiliki and Haïdée but lost them after Ali’s death. The defense begins to sway the committee when the president receives a letter from a self-declared eyewitness requesting to testify.
Haïdée enters veiled, reveals her identity as Ali Tepelini’s daughter, and submits documents: her birth and baptism records and, crucially, the Arabic bill of sale proving Fernand Mondego sold Vasiliki and Haïdée to El-Kobbir. The text also notes Monte Cristo later ransomed Haïdée.
Confronted by Haïdée’s testimony and corroborating papers, Morcerf falters. When pressed, he offers no denial. Haïdée publicly identifies him as Fernand, recounting his treachery at Yanina and the sale, even pointing to his scarred hand. Overwhelmed, Morcerf flees the chamber.
After his departure, the committee unanimously declares Morcerf guilty of treason and conduct unworthy of a peer. Haïdée departs without triumph or pity, her vengeance accomplished.
Who Appears
- Albert de MorcerfFernand’s son; hears Beauchamp’s account of the inquiry and endures his father’s public disgrace.
- BeauchampJournalist and friend; explains the publications, gains entry to the hearing, narrates events to Albert.
- undefinedAccused peer; offers a bold defense, then crumbles under Haïdée’s evidence and flees, condemned.
- undefinedAli Pasha’s daughter; testifies, presenting records of her and her mother’s sale by Fernand.
- undefinedChairs the inquiry, reads the witness letter, questions both sides, and calls the guilty vote.