Villefort’s Marginal Note
In the register, the Englishman found everything in due order—the accusation, examination, Morrel’s petition, and M. de Villefort’s marginal notes. He examined the application dated 10th April, 1815, in which Morrel, following the deputy procureur’s advice and with the best intentions, had exaggerated Dantès’ imperial services during Napoleon’s return. The Englishman then discovered a bracketed note against Dantès’ name declaring him an inveterate Bonapartist who took an active part in the return from the Island of Elba, to be kept in strict solitary confinement and closely guarded. Beneath this note, in a different hand, was written: “See note above—nothing can be done.” The Englishman compared this writing with the certificate beneath Morrel’s petition and discovered it was Villefort’s handwriting, realizing that this petition, kept back by Villefort, had become a terrible weapon against him under the second restoration.
The Accusation Document
The Englishman folded up the accusation and placed it quietly in his pocket, having examined everything, including the examination and the fact that Noirtier’s name was not mentioned in it. He understood the note in the register might have been added by an inspector who had taken momentary interest in Dantès’ situation but found it impossible to give effect to that interest. De Boville, absorbed in reading Le Drapeau Blanc from discretion, did not observe the Englishman taking the accusation document—a paper originally written by Danglars under the arbor of La Réserve bearing the postmark “Marseilles, 27th February, delivery 6 o’clock, P.M.”—though the inspector would not have opposed the action given his focus on recovering his two hundred thousand francs.
The Cash Transaction
The Englishman closed the register with a slam, declaring he had all he wanted and was ready to perform his promise. He requested a simple assignment of the debt acknowledging receipt of the cash. Rising from his seat, he gave it to M. de Boville, who quickly drew up the required assignment while the Englishman counted out bank-notes on the other side of the desk.
Chapter 29. The House of Morrel & Son
Chapter 29, “The House of Morrel & Son,” depicts the collapse of the once-thriving Marseilles shipping firm of Morrel & Son. The chapter opens with a contrast between the firm’s former bustle and its now-deserted corridors, then introduces Cocles, the devoted one-eyed cashier whose faith in the house remains unshaken. It details Morrel’s mounting financial distress—debts of nearly 287,500 francs to Thomson & French and 200,000 francs to M. de Boville—exhausted resources, and his last hope pinned on the return of the Pharaon. When a clerk from Thomson & French arrives to demand payment, Morrel confesses he can only pay if his ship comes in. The chapter climaxes with the arrival of Julie and Madame Morrel bearing the news that the Pharaon has gone down, though the crew was saved, and concludes with the old sailor Penelon beginning to recount the circumstances of the wreck to his employer and the assembled household. Chapter 29, “The House of Morrel & Son,” unfolds entirely within Morrel’s office, where the ship-owner confronts the ruin of his fortunes. Penelon and the surviving crew of the Pharaon arrive to give their account of the wreck and to receive their wages. Once the seamen are dismissed, the clerk from Thomson & French—who has silently witnessed everything—reveals himself to be one of Morrel’s largest creditors and offers an unexpected reprieve. On his way out, the stranger exchanges a cryptic promise with Julie on the staircase, then seeks out Penelon in the courtyard, hinting at further schemes yet to unfold.
Chapter 29. The House of Morrel & Son
Chapter 29, “The House of Morrel & Son,” depicts the collapse of the once-thriving Marseilles shipping firm of Morrel & Son. The chapter opens with a contrast between the firm’s former bustle and its now-deserted corridors, then introduces Cocles, the devoted one-eyed cashier whose faith in the house remains unshaken. It details Morrel’s mounting financial distress—debts of nearly 287,500 francs to Thomson & French and 200,000 francs to M. de Boville—exhausted resources, and his last hope pinned on the return of the Pharaon. When a clerk from Thomson & French arrives to demand payment, Morrel confesses he can only pay if his ship comes in. The chapter climaxes with the arrival of Julie and Madame Morrel bearing the news that the Pharaon has gone down, though the crew was saved, and concludes with the old sailor Penelon beginning to recount the circumstances of the wreck to his employer and the assembled household.
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