The Count of Monte Cristo

The Lost Trail of the Woman Who Claimed the Child

Villefort explains that on the night of September 20th, a child was brought to the foundling hospital wrapped in a torn fine linen napkin marked with half a baron’s crown and the letter H, which matched the Danglars family mark. Although a woman eventually came to claim the child with the matching half of the napkin six months later, Villefort’s agents traced her only as far as Châlons before losing her trail forever, leaving the child unaccounted for.

Villefort and Madame Danglars Suspect Monte Cristo Knows Their Secret

Both Villefort and Madame Danglars grow increasingly convinced that the Count of Monte Cristo holds knowledge of their secret, given his strange refusal to taste the food and his cryptic references to disinterred children. Madame Danglars at first dismisses this, suspecting poison rather than hidden knowledge, but Villefort warns her to be on guard against the Count above all others.

Villefort Questions Madame Danglars About Shared Secrets

Villefort questions Madame Danglars intently about whether she has ever revealed their connection to anyone living, whether she keeps a journal, or whether she talks in her sleep, pressing for absolute certainty that no one else knows their shared secret. Madame Danglars swears she has never told anyone, and Villefort, although growing pale at her account of sleeping soundly like a child, accepts her assurances.

Villefort Vows to Investigate Monte Cristo’s Motives

Villefort vows to investigate Monte Cristo with renewed determination, declaring that within a week he will discover the Count’s true identity, origins, purposes, and reason for speaking of disinterred children in their presence. Pronouncing this resolution with a chilling intensity, he escorts Madame Danglars to the door, and she departs in a cab to her waiting carriage.

KAPITEL 68. A Summer Ball

Chapter 68 opens with Albert de Morcerf returning from Tréport and immediately visiting Count Monte Cristo at his residence on the Champs-Élysées. The chapter sets up several concurrent plot threads including Albert’s reluctant engagement to Eugénie Danglars, the upcoming summer ball hosted by the Morcerf family, Franz d’Épinay’s impending arrival, and mysterious preparations being made by Monte Cristo’s steward Bertuccio.

Albert Returns from Tréport

Albert arrives in Paris after a four-day stay at Tréport with his mother, Madame de Morcerf. Without even pausing to rest properly, he goes directly to Monte Cristo’s house, having felt what he describes as a sympathetic electric connection with the count during his time away. He announces his arrival with enthusiasm, eager to reunite with his mysterious friend and hear what has transpired in his absence.

Monte Cristo’s Cold Demeanor

Despite Albert’s warm reception, Monte Cristo greets him with habitual coldness rather than the friendship Albert expects. Those who approach the count with open arms find themselves chilled by an impassable barrier. When Albert expresses disappointment at Monte Cristo’s indifferent tone, the count deflects by noting he is merely a stranger and foreigner. This coldness contrasts sharply with Albert’s earlier reference to their supposed sympathetic connection, leaving Albert uncertain whether Monte Cristo has been working on his behalf as he promised.

Danglars’ Dinner Party

Monte Cristo reveals that he recently hosted a dinner party attended by M. Danglars, who was eager to avoid encountering the Morcerf family in Paris. The dinner included the Count Cavalcanti and his son Andrea, Madame Danglars, M. and Madame de Villefort, M. Debray, Maximilian Morrel, and M. de Château-Renaud. Notably, Albert himself was not discussed during the gathering, which disappoints him as he had hoped to hear news of himself. Monte Cristo suggests that while Albert’s name may not have been spoken, others certainly thought about him, perhaps including Eugénie Danglars herself.

Andrea Cavalcanti’s Status

Andrea Cavalcanti, described by Albert as “your Italian prince,” becomes a subject of discussion. Monte Cristo corrects Albert’s assumptions, noting that Andrea merely calls himself a count and that he cannot vouch for the young man’s true status. The count explains that while he receives Andrea at his house due to a recommendation from an abbé who may be deceived, he does not truly know him and cannot be held responsible for his character. This establishes Andrea as an ambiguous figure whose identity remains uncertain despite his pretensions to nobility.