midnight
Yes , the Count of Monte-Cristo wished to live , first for his family , then for the great cause of human liberty with which he had become so thoroughly identified . If Danglars came in his way he would endeavor to reclaim and propitiate him , but he could not seek him out . Mercédès at the period of the attempted robbery was absent on a visit to some friends in Marseilles , and by common consent it was resolved not to inform her of Danglars ' reappearance , as the intelligence could not fail to be a prostrating shock to her . Ever since that memorable midnight scene in Monte-Cristo 's study young Madame de Morcerf had acted like one overwhelmed . She said nothing , even to her husband or Louise d' Armilly , concerning her wretched father , but it was plain that intense grief and shame were preying upon her . This greatly distressed Albert and , seeing his beloved wife droop day by day , he , without saying a word to any one , formed a startling and perilous resolution . He determined to find Danglars ' abode , to see his father-in-law and endeavor to persuade him to relinquish his career of crime .