The Count of Monte Cristo

Lucien Reveals Danglars’ Haiti Bond Stock Profits

Lucien Debray, ensconced in an armchair with a pencil and account book, reveals that he has been calculating what the house of Danglars must have gained by the last rise in Haiti bonds—from 206 to 409 in three days—producing a profit of 300,000 livres. Morcerf adds that Danglars made a million in Spaniards the previous year. Lucien cites an Italian proverb about money and saintliness and shrugs his shoulders when told such things, prompting Monte Cristo to inquire further about the Haitians.

The Party Discusses French Stock-Jobbing Practices

Lucien explains that Haitians are the écarté of French stock-jobbing—always returning to them even after tiring of other games. He recounts that M. Danglars sold yesterday at 405 and pocketed 300,000 francs, whereas had he waited until today, the price would have fallen to 205, costing him 20 or 25,000 francs instead. When Monte Cristo asks what caused the sudden fall from 409 to 206, Albert laughingly explains that one piece of news follows another, often with great dissimilarity.

Conversation on Madame Danglars’ Reckless Speculative Trading

Monte Cristo remarks that Danglars must be enormously rich to gain or lose 300,000 francs in a day, but Lucien corrects him: it is not Danglars who plays—it is Madame Danglars herself, who is indeed daring. Morcerf suggests that Lucien, as secretary to the minister, ought to prevent her reckless trading, but Lucien replies that no one has any influence with the baroness, who does precisely what she pleases.

Debray and Albert Joke About Punishing Madame Danglars’ Trading

Albert proposes that he would “reform” Madame Danglars by giving her a lesson that would also serve her future son-in-law. He outlines the scheme: Lucien should spread a piece of exclusive news, such as a fabricated report that Henri IV. was seen at Gabrielle’s, causing her to buy heavily; then Beauchamp’s gazette would deny the rumor the following day, and she would lose a hundred thousand francs. Lucien half smiles but is clearly embarrassed by the suggestion. Monte Cristo, though apparently indifferent, reads the hidden secret in Lucien’s manner—an embarrassment completely lost on Albert but obvious enough to cause Lucien to shorten his visit.

Monte Cristo Announces an Auteuil Dinner for the Danglars and Villeforts

After Lucien’s departure, Monte Cristo and Albert discuss the matter further, and Monte Cristo reveals his plan: because M. Danglars is his banker and M. de Villefort has overwhelmed him with politeness in return for a service, he predicts an avalanche of dinners. To be beforehand with them, Monte Cristo proposes inviting M. and Madame Danglars and M. and Madame de Villefort to his country-house at Auteuil on Saturday. He deliberately excludes the Morcerfs, lest the dinner appear to be a matrimonial meeting that would cause the Comtesse de Morcerf to hold him in aversion.

Monte Cristo and Albert Coordinate an Excuse for Albert’s Absence

Albert thanks Monte Cristo for his candor and accepts the exclusion, agreeing that his father will be equally angry. Monte Cristo suggests the Danglars will think him ill-mannered for not inviting Albert and recommends that Albert establish a credible prior engagement, communicated in writing since bankers require written documents. Albert devises a better plan: he will tell Danglars that he and his mother are leaving for Tréport tomorrow, and the excuse must account for the fact that Lucien saw him at the count’s house—Monte Cristo will claim he invited Albert on the spot and Albert immediately declined on account of the trip.

Albert Invites Monte Cristo to a Private Family Dinner

Albert, delighted with the arrangement, goes further and invites Monte Cristo to dine with him and his mother alone that very evening, an opportunity to observe the remarkable Comtesse de Morcerf more closely, converse about travels, and discuss the beautiful Greek slave. He promises his mother will be grateful and calls Monte Cristo adorable if he accepts.

Monte Cristo Declines, Citing a Prior Engagement with the Cavalcantis

Monte Cristo declines the invitation, citing a most important prior engagement, despite Albert’s playful demand for proof of the pre-engagement. He rings for Baptistin, who confirms the count’s orders: the door was to be closed to visitors at five o’clock, and only Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti and his son were to be admitted that evening. Monte Cristo introduces the Cavalcantis—ancient Italian nobility celebrated by Dante, with millions behind them—and their son Andrea, a young man about Albert’s age. The count confesses that he wishes to do away with his mysterious reputation and live openly, and he asks Albert to assist him in introducing the young Cavalcanti to Parisian society.