The Count of Monte Cristo

KAPITEL 40. The Breakfast

Chapter 40, titled “The Breakfast,” is set at the breakfast gathering hosted by Morcerf for the Count of Monte Cristo, joined by Debray, Beauchamp, Château-Renaud, and Maximilian Morrel. Over the course of the meal, the conversation moves through Parisian customs, Morcerf’s engagement, the count’s international banking connections, lodging arrangements, the count’s household staff, French laws on slavery, and ends with the guests departing.

Morcerf Describes Prosaic Parisian Life to Monte Cristo

Morcerf Describes Prosaic Parisian Life to Monte Cristo Morcerf warns Monte Cristo that Paris will disappoint him after his adventurous life. He humorously compares Parisian landmarks to grander natural features, naming Mortmartre as their Chimborazo, Mount Valérien as their Himalaya, and the plain of Grenelle as their Great Desert, where an artesian well is being bored. Morcerf notes that thieves fear policemen more than lords, and France—excluding Corsica—has eighty-five departments with telegraphs on every hill and police-installed gaslamps in every grotto. He offers the count his services in introducing him to society, gaining knowledge of Parisian habits, and finding suitable lodging, while acknowledging his own egotism prevents him from sharing his rooms.

Discussion of Morcerf’s Betrothal to Eugénie Danglars

Discussion of Morcerf’s Betrothal to Eugénie Danglars Monte Cristo recalls Morcerf mentioning a projected marriage in Rome and offers congratulations. Morcerf replies that the affair is still in projection, though Debray wryly observes that “in projection” means already decided. Morcerf explains that his father is anxious for the match and hopes to soon introduce the count to his betrothed, Mademoiselle Eugénie Danglars. When Monte Cristo asks whether her father is Baron Danglars, Morcerf confirms he is a baron of a new creation. Beauchamp adds that Danglars, although a Liberal, negotiated a six-million-franc loan for Charles X in 1829 and received the barony and Legion of Honor in return, prompting Morcerf to beg Beauchamp to spare his future father-in-law.

Monte Cristo Mentions International Banking Connections

Monte Cristo Mentions International Banking Connections When asked if he knows Baron Danglars, Monte Cristo replies that he does not but will likely soon make his acquaintance, as he has a credit opened with him by Richard & Blount of London, Arstein & Eskeles of Vienna, and Thomson & French at Rome. As he pronounces the last two names, the count glances meaningfully at Maximilian Morrel, observing that Morrel starts as if electrified by the mention of Thomson & French.

Morrel Seeks Help With Thomson & French Inquiry

Morrel Seeks Help With Thomson & French Inquiry Maximilian Morrel repeats the name Thomson & French and asks Monte Cristo if he knows the house. The count calmly replies that they are his bankers in the capital of the Christian world, then asks if his influence with them could be of service. Morrel explains that the house rendered his family a great service in past years but has, for some unknown reason, always denied having done so. Morrel’s inquiries into the matter have so far been fruitless. The count offers to be at Morrel’s service and bows.

Debate Over Monte Cristo’s Paris Lodging Options

Debate Over Monte Cristo’s Paris Lodging Options Returning to the subject of a suitable Parisian lodging for Monte Cristo, Morcerf invites the others to propose options. Château-Renaud suggests the Faubourg Saint-Germain, with its charming hotels, courts, and gardens. Debray dismisses that quarter as dull and gloomy, recommending instead the Chaussée d’Antin as the real centre of Paris. Beauchamp proposes the Boulevard de l’Opéra, where the count could occupy a second-floor apartment with a balcony and watch all of Paris pass by. When Château-Renaud asks Morrel for his suggestion, Morrel replies that he has one to offer, and a brilliant one at that.

Morrel Offers Rue Meslay Apartment for Monte Cristo

Morrel Offers Rue Meslay Apartment for Monte Cristo Morrel offers Monte Cristo a suite of apartments in a charming Pompadour-style hotel on the Rue Meslay, inhabited by his sister for the past year. The count asks whether Morrel’s sister is married, and Morrel replies that she has been married for nearly nine years. When asked if she is happy, Morrel says she is as happy as a human creature can be, having married Emmanuel Herbaut, a man who remained faithful to the family through their fallen fortunes. Morrel explains that he himself lives there during leave and that he and his brother-in-law will be entirely at the count’s disposal. Morcerf protests that the count would be immured like Sinbad the Sailor, but Morrel insists that his sister and brother-in-law are young, gay, and happy, and the count would be in his own house, seeing them only as he chooses.