The Count of Monte Cristo gave a sad, dignified bow to the five young men before climbing into his carriage with Maximilian and Emmanuel. Albert stood alone with his two friends, Beauchamp and Château-Renaud, his eyes searching their faces, not timidly, but as if asking what they thought of what he'd just done.
"Well, my friend," Beauchamp said first, showing more emotion than the other, "congratulations. This turned out far better than expected for such an ugly situation."
Albert stayed silent, lost in thought. Château-Renaud just tapped his boot with his walking stick. After an awkward silence, he finally spoke. "Should we get going?"
"Whenever you're ready," Beauchamp replied. "But first, let me compliment Albert. What he did today showed rare courage and nobility."
"Oh, yes," Château-Renaud said flatly.
"It's magnificent," Beauchamp continued, "to have that kind of self-control!"
