The Count of Monte Cristo

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as if to prevent the light from reaching him. "I hastened to you,"
continued Beauchamp, "to tell you, Albert, that in this changing age,
the faults of a father cannot revert upon his children. Few have passed
through this revolutionary period, in the midst of which we were
born, without some stain of infamy or blood to soil the uniform of the
soldier, or the gown of the magistrate. Now I have these proofs, Albert,
and I am in your confidence, no human power can force me to a duel which
your own conscience would reproach you with as criminal, but I come to
offer you what you can no longer demand of me. Do you wish these proofs,
these attestations, which I alone possess, to be destroyed? Do you wish
this frightful secret to remain with us? Confided to me, it shall never
escape my lips; say, Albert, my friend, do you wish it?"

Albert threw himself on Beauchamp's neck. "Ah, noble fellow!" cried he.

"Take these," said Beauchamp, presenting the papers to Albert.