The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert’s Release and Catacomb Exit

Vampa rouses Albert, who is initially irritated at being woken from a pleasant dream of dancing a galop at Torlonia’s ball, before learning he is free at the count’s demand. Albert thanks the count effusively, noting he owes him a great debt of gratitude for the rescue, and confirms with Vampa that no formalities are required for his departure. The group leaves the cell, passing bandits who stand at attention, and Vampa personally escorts them out of the catacombs as a sign of respect, repeating his apologies for the mistake. Franz asks Vampa what book he was reading when they arrived, and Vampa reveals it is Caesar’s Commentaries, his favorite work. Albert lights his cigar at Vampa’s torch before the group returns to their waiting carriage.

Return to the Nighttime Ballroom

The count instructs Ali to drive at maximum speed, and the group arrives back at the nighttime ballroom at exactly 2 a.m. per Albert’s watch, their return drawing immediate attention and ending all concern for Albert’s unexplained absence. Albert approaches the countess he had previously promised a galop to, has Franz vouch for the validity of his delay, then dances the galop with her. Franz remains thoughtful, reflecting on the visible shudder the Count of Monte Cristo showed when he shook Albert’s hand earlier in the catacombs.

Chapter 38. The Rendezvous

This chapter centers on Albert de Morcerf’s invitation for Franz to accompany him on a visit to Count Monte Cristo the morning after the count’s dramatic rescue of Albert from the bandits. Franz feels reluctant but accompanies his friend, hoping to protect him from the mysterious fascination the count exerts. After a brief wait, the count joins them in the salon.

Albert’s Invitation

Albert approaches the count with warm gratitude, expressing deep thanks for the rescue and promising never to forget the service rendered. He offers his assistance and that of his family, including his father the Comte de Morcerf who has influence at both the French and Spanish courts.

Gratitude for the Rescue

The count dismisses Albert’s thanks, claiming his assistance was merely a trifle of 20,000 francs saved from travel expenses. He congratulates Albert on the ease and unconcern with which he faced his fate. Albert insists that his obligations remain and offers himself and his connections to serve the count in any way possible.

Request for Parisian Society

The count reveals he has never visited Paris, which Albert finds nearly unbelievable. The count explains he had long wished to see the city but lacked proper introduction to fashionable society. He accepts Albert’s offer to open the doors of Parisian society for him upon his arrival in France.

Marriage Treaty Mentioned

Albert reveals he has received a letter summoning him to Paris regarding a marriage treaty with a family of high standing connected to Parisian society’s elite. He jokes with Franz about becoming a staid family man and offers to arrange the count’s introduction to society upon their arrival.

Setting the Appointment Date

They make a solemn appointment: the count will arrive at Albert’s residence at No. 27 Rue du Helder on May 21st at half-past ten in the morning. The count writes down the address in his tablets and pledges his honor that he will be punctual.

Franz’s Apprehensions

After leaving the count’s presence, Franz appears deeply troubled and confesses to Albert that the appointment fills him with a thousand apprehensions. He finds the count singular and mysterious, harboring concerns about their relationship with him.

The Monte Cristo Narrative

Franz, under promise of secrecy, recounts his previous experience with the count on the Island of Monte Cristo. He describes the extraordinary hospitality in the grotto, the hashish, the statues, and the dream that upon waking left no trace except the distant yacht sailing toward Porto-Vecchio.

The Vampa Episode

Franz recounts overhearing a conversation at the Colosseum between the count and the bandit Vampa, where the count promised to obtain the release of Peppino, an engagement he faithfully fulfilled. He also mentions the embarrassing situation of lacking sufficient funds, which prompted his application to the count.