Mother and Son Agree to Part for Their Futures
Albert proposes that Mercédès live at Marseilles while he departs for Africa to earn a name he can be proud of. Mercédès begs him not to leave her, but Albert speaks in a firm, calm voice, declaring that she loves him too well to wish him to remain idle. He vows that if she keeps hope alive, he will live, and if killed, she too can die, ending their misfortunes. Mercédès consents with an eloquent glance: “It is well, my love; let us prove to those who are watching our actions that we are worthy of compassion.” They agree to part at Marseilles, Albert to remain a few days longer for recommendations.
Albert and Mercédès Encounter Debray
As Mercédès folds her valuable black cashmere shawl around her shoulders, Albert gathers his papers, pays the 30-franc debt, and offers his arm to his mother. On the staircase, they overtake a figure who turns at the rustle of silk: Debray, the Minister of the Interior’s secretary. Curiosity overcomes his desire for incognito, and he is recognized. He greets Albert as “Morcerf,” then, noticing the veiled, youthful figure of Madame de Morcerf, murmurs an apology, but Albert formally introduces him to his mother, calling him a “once a friend of mine.” Debray steps forward, cordially presses Albert’s hand, and offers his services.
Debray Reflects on Their Misfortune
Albert thanks Debray coolly, declaring that they are still rich enough not to require anyone’s assistance: they are leaving Paris and will have 5,000 francs left once the journey is paid. The parallel strikes Debray forcefully—blood mounts to his temples, for he holds a million in his own pocketbook, and he reflects that the same house once housed two women: one justly dishonored, who left with 1,500,000 francs under her cloak, and Mercédès, unjustly stricken but sublime in misfortune, who is rich with only a few deniers. The contrast appals him; he mutters a few words of civility and hurries downstairs. That same night, he possesses a fine house on the Boulevard de la Madeleine and an income of 50,000 livres.
Mercédès Departs for Marseille
The next day, at about five o’clock in the afternoon, just as Debray is signing his deed, Madame de Morcerf affectionately embraces her son and enters the coupé of the diligence, which closes upon her. She begins her journey south toward Marseilles, alone, with only the cashmere shawl and a portion of the proceeds Albert has secured for her.
Unseen Observer Laments Their Lost Happiness
Meanwhile, a man is hidden in Lafitte’s banking-house, behind one of the little arched windows above the desks. He watches Mercédès enter the diligence and Albert withdraw, then passes his hand across a forehead clouded with doubt. He exclaims in anguish, “Alas, how can I restore the happiness I have taken away from these poor innocent creatures? God help me!”—a final indication that an unseen conscience bears responsibility for their ruin.
Chapter 107. The Lions’ Den
This chapter opens in the grim Saint-Bernard division of La Force prison, nicknamed the “Lions’ Den” by its inmates, and follows the imprisoned Andrea Cavalcanti (also called Benedetto) as he navigates brutal prison life and prepares for a mysterious visit from his former steward, Bertuccio.
The Lions’ Den
The chapter opens with a description of the highest-security division of La Force prison, the court of Saint-Bernard, nicknamed the “Lions’ Den” by prisoners for their constant attempts to gnaw through bars and mistreat guards. The space functions as a prison within a prison, with double-thick walls and heavily inspected iron gratings, overseen by large, cold, highly capable jailers selected specifically for their ability to control the violent inmate population.
The Prison Courtyard
The enclosed paved courtyard of the Lions’ Den is detailed, where the most desperate prisoners pace from morning to night, gaunt and listless, watching the door that only ever opens to call prisoners to execution, the galleys, or solitary confinement. A damp vapor rises from the space, and the few interactions between inmates are brief and tense.
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