The Count of Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo’s Remorse

When Monte Cristo emerged from placing the child beside its mother, he encountered Morrel wandering about like a ghost awaiting the heavenly mandate for return to the tomb. The count’s face, usually so calm and serene, was overcast by grief. He spoke of having perhaps done too much, that God alone could judge whether his vengeance had gone beyond proper bounds. For the first time, Monte Cristo questioned whether he had the right to do what he had done—whether the suffering he had inflicted had exceeded any moral justification he might claim.

Preparations for Departure

Monte Cristo turned to Morrel and said with a smile, “Prepare yourself, Maximilian—we leave Paris tomorrow.” When Morrel asked if he had nothing more to do there, the count replied, “No. God grant I may not have done too much already.” The next day they indeed left, accompanied only by Baptistin. Haydée had taken away Ali, and Bertuccio remained with Noirtier. The count’s long-planned vengeance was complete, but at a cost that left him questioning whether justice had truly been served or whether he had become something monstrous in his pursuit of retribution.

Chapter 112. The Departure

Chapter 112, “The Departure,” follows the Count of Monte Cristo as he collects Maximilian Morrel from the Morrel household in Paris, embarks on a journey to Marseilles, and ultimately visits the home of Mercédès. The chapter intertwines farewells, reflections on divine providence, and the count’s departure from Paris, culminating in his discovery of a weeping Mercédès in her garden. Chapter 112. The Departure In this chapter, the Count of Monte Cristo encounters Mercédès at the old Dantès home in Marseille, where she has come to bid her son Albert farewell before he departs for Africa. Their deeply emotional conversation addresses her grief, her refusal to reproach him, her self-blame for past wrongs, his understanding of his role as an instrument of divine vengeance, her sole wish for her son’s happiness, her decline of financial assistance, and their final farewell. Mercédès ends the chapter watching her son’s ship sail away while murmuring Edmond’s name.

Chapter 112. The Departure

Chapter 112, “The Departure,” follows the Count of Monte Cristo as he collects Maximilian Morrel from the Morrel household in Paris, embarks on a journey to Marseilles, and ultimately visits the home of Mercédès. The chapter intertwines farewells, reflections on divine providence, and the count’s departure from Paris, culminating in his discovery of a weeping Mercédès in her garden.

Morrel Family Discusses Recent Misfortunes

Emmanuel and Julie discuss in their Rue Meslay apartment the sudden catastrophes that have befallen Morcerf, Danglars, and Villefort, marveling at how swiftly fortune has toppled the formerly prosperous. Julie invokes the image of evil fairies from Perrault’s stories, while Emmanuel speculates about divine justice. Julie gently cautions her husband against rash judgment, reminding him that her father was once saved from suicide, prompting Emmanuel to note that a being was commissioned to intervene. Maximilian, present but sunk in his customary apathy since Valentine’s death, listens without engaging.

Monte Cristo Arrives to Collect Maximilian

A bell signals the arrival of the Count of Monte Cristo at the threshold, prompting cries of joy from the young couple while Maximilian raises and then drops his head. The count announces he has come for Maximilian, who confirms he is prepared, having come expressly to bid farewell. When Julie questions the suddenness of the departure, the count explains his carriage awaits and he must reach Rome within five days. Maximilian declares he will go wherever the count pleases and that he already possesses a passport and packed belongings.

Tearful Farewell Between Maximilian and His Family

Julie laments the abruptness of Maximilian’s departure, and her brother acknowledges the pain of farewell, insisting needless delays only intensify grief. The count reassures Julie that he will restore her brother from his melancholy, and he affectionately takes both Julie and Emmanuel’s hands before tearing himself away from their peaceful home. Maximilian follows passively, his indifference persisting since Valentine’s death. Julie whispers a final plea for her brother’s restoration to peace and happiness, and the count recalls his identity as Sinbad the Sailor, urging her to trust in the Lord.