Final answer:
The question refers to the character Count of Morcerf from the fictional work 'The Count of Monte Cristo' which requires specific context from the novel. The provided historical texts about the Dreyfus Affair and other events do not offer information on this literary element. A review of the novel is necessary to provide an accurate answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a historical event regarding the character Count of Morcerf from Alexandre Dumas's novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which is a work of fiction. Thus, the context given in the question regarding Zola and the Dreyfus Affair does not directly answer the question, as it refers to an actual historical episode unrelated to Dumas's narrative.
The provided excerpts appear to be from various historical and literary texts, but none offer information about the Count of Morcerf or the specific timing of his decision to defend against accusations.
If you are referring to The Count of Monte Cristo, it would be more appropriate to revisit the text for the specific information on when the Count of Morcerf chose to defend himself. Having a correct understanding of both the question's context and the associated literary work is crucial to providing an accurate answer.
As there is no specific detail within the given references to answer the student's question, I must refrain from providing a response that might be speculative or incorrect.