The Count stays up all night after Mercedes leaves, unable to sleep. He is suspicious that Mercedes didn't stay to try to stop him sacrificing himself and worries that she will try to stop the duel entirely by throwing herself in-between Albert and himself during the duel. He also worries over his dignity and wants everyone to know, via his Will, that he intends on losing deliberately. He is disappointed that he has to give up his plans for revenge.

He goes to open the door and finds Haydee, who has fallen asleep while waiting to speak to him. The Count goes back in to edit a suggestion into his Will. He hopes that, if Morrel has no romantic ties already, he would like him to marry Haydee after the Count dies, as he sees her as a daughter and wants her taken care of. The Count is leaving most of his fortune to Haydee, with the rest going to Morrel. Haydee sees the Will and becomes very upset, claiming that, if the Count is dead, she will no longer have need of money. The Count realizes, for the first time, that Haydee might have romantic feelings for him. The Count feels a pang of regret for the happiness that could have been between them, had he not decided to sacrifice himself.

The time for the duel comes. Albert arrives late, having asked not just his seconds, but Franz and Debray to witness the following events. Albert approaches the Count and admits, in front of all his friends, that he was wrong. He lets it be known that the Count had every right to expose Fernand de Morcerf. In a display that could potentially be socially humiliating, Albert asks the Count to forgive him for his actions. The Count accepts, ending the duel.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Chateau-Renaud claims that Albert's actions here are "either quite wretched or very noble." Which do you think it is? Will the truth ever be revealed publicly or will Albert face social consequences for what appears to be a public humiliation?
2. Did you suspect that Mercedes would speak to Albert or did you think she would throw herself in-between the men as they dueled, as the Count feared?
3. What did you think of Albert's speech and his willingness to accept that he was wrong? Do you think he's changed, as a character?
4. Will Albert confront Fernand next?
5. Morrel has admitted to the Count that he is in love with someone. Do you think the Count will find out the rest of the details?
6. What do you think of the Count and Haydee's relationship? Do you think they'd make a good couple? Which pairing do you prefer - The Count/Haydee or The Count/Mercedes?
7. The Count's final sentence in this chapter (see below) suggests that he is more committed than ever to getting revenge against his enemies. Do you think he'll remain as cold towards those who, like Albert, were collateral damage before or will he change his plans to focus solely on the men who wronged him?
   

Final Sentence:

'Ah, only now, from this day onwards, am I really certain of being the emissary of God!'

The next reading discussion will go up on Monday.