The Count of Monte Cristo

Villefort’s Ambitions and the Arrest

Villefort’s Ambitions and the Arrest Villefort leaves the salon of his future father-in-law, the Marquis de Saint-Méran, assuming the grave demeanor of a magistrate. Despite his noble countenance, carefully studied before a mirror, he finds it difficult to maintain judicial severity. His happiness is nearly complete: at twenty-seven, he is already wealthy and holds a high official position as deputy attorney. He is to marry the charming Mademoiselle de Saint-Méran, whose family possesses considerable political influence. Her dowry amounts to fifty thousand crowns, with prospects of half a million more upon her father’s death. At the door of his house, which adjoins the Palais de Justice, Villefort meets the commissary of police, who informs him that the prisoner is Edmond Dantès, mate of the Pharaon belonging to Morrel & Son. Dantès is only nineteen or twenty years old and has never served in the marines. All papers found on Dantès have been sealed and placed on Villefort’s desk, though as yet nothing is known of any conspiracy.

Morrel Intercedes for Dantès

Morrel Intercedes for Dantès As Villefort walks toward the Palais de Justice, the shipowner Morrel approaches him with distress, pleading that the arrest of his mate Edmond Dantès is a terrible mistake. Morrel extols Dantès as the most estimable and trustworthy creature in the world, declaring there is no better seaman in the merchant service. Villefort, an aristocratic royalist, regards Morrel with disdain, noting the shipowner’s plebeian origins and suspected Bonapartist sympathies. He delivers a cold reminder that a man may be trustworthy in private life yet politically a criminal. When Morrel employs the collective “give us back” in his plea, Villefort considers this phrasing revolutionary. The magistrate hints darkly that Dantès may belong to a Carbonari society, observing that he was arrested in a tavern with many others. Villefort assures Morrel that he will perform his duty impartially—innocence will be rewarded, but guilt in the current epoch must be punished as a dangerous example cannot be permitted. He departs coldly, leaving Morrel standing petrified on the spot.

Villefort Meets the Accused

Villefort Meets the Accused After Morrel departs, Villefort enters his house and passes through the antechamber filled with police agents andgendarmes. In their midst stands the prisoner Dantès, carefully watched but calm and smiling. Villefort casts a sidelong glance at him and takes a packet of documents before disappearing to conduct the examination. Though his glance is rapid, Villefort notes the intelligence in Dantès’s high forehead, courage in his dark eye and bent brow, and frankness in his thick lips revealing pearly teeth. His first impression is favorable, though he reminds himself to mistrust initial impulses. Dantès enters Villefort’s office pale but composed, saluting his judge with easy politeness and looking around for a seat as if in Morrel’s salon. The deputy begins by requesting Dantès’s identity, and the young man replies calmly that he is Edmond Dantès, mate of the Pharaon, belonging to Morrel & Son. When asked his age, Dantès answers nineteen. The examination begins with questions about his background and circumstances of his arrest.

The Interrogation and the Anonymous Letter

The Interrogation and the Anonymous Letter When asked what he was doing at the moment of his arrest, Dantès reveals he was at the festival of his own wedding, his voice tremulous at the contrast between that happy moment and his current ordeal. The coincidence strikes Villefort—he too is about to be married—and this sympathetic chord momentarily softens his demeanor. Villefort then asks about Dantès’s political opinions, inquiring whether he served under “the usurper.” Dantès explains he was about to be mustered into the Royal Marines when Napoleon fell, and that at nineteen he has no political opinions, only three sentiments: love for his father, respect for Morrel, and adoration of Mercédès. When Villefort asks if Dantès has enemies, the young man admits his position is not elevated enough for enemies, though his disposition may be hasty. He notes that his ten or twelve sailors love and respect him as an elder brother. Villefort then produces the anonymous accusation letter, asking if Dantès recognizes the handwriting. Dantès reads it, sees a cloud pass over his brow, and declares he does not know the writing, though it is tolerably plain. He expresses gratitude at being examined by such a fair magistrate, not knowing this same letter will seal his fate.