The Count of Monte Cristo

CAPÍTULO 54. A Flurry in Stocks

Chapter 54, “A Flurry in Stocks,” features a long conversation between the Count of Monte Cristo and Albert de Morcerf, covering the Major Cavalcanti, news of Franz, multiple marriages, Albert’s departure, and the count’s mysterious plans for a dinner at his Auteuil house, which he conveys to Bertuccio through cryptic instructions.

Major Cavalcanti’s Acquaintance

The Count of Monte Cristo explains to Albert how he knows Major Cavalcanti, describing him as a polite, modest Italian nobleman of ancient lineage whom he met while travelling in Florence, Bologna, and Lucca. The count says the Major has returned to Paris to take a second look at the city, and that he will host a dinner for him, take his son under his wing, and let the young man follow his own path. Albert playfully calls him a “model Mentor.”

News of Franz d’Épinay

Albert reports that he has received news of Franz d’Épinay, who is still travelling in Italy and misses the count greatly, having called Monte Cristo the “sun of Rome.” The count observes that Franz’s opinion of him has improved, though he still considers the count mysterious. The two discuss Franz’s parentage, noting he is the son of General d’Épinay, who was shamefully assassinated in 1815 by Bonapartists.

Matrimonial Engagements

The conversation turns to matrimonial arrangements. Monte Cristo mentions that Franz is engaged to Mademoiselle de Villefort, and Albert laughingly reminds the count that he himself is to marry Mademoiselle Danglars. Albert smiles because he senses as little real inclination toward the match on her side as on his, and the count remarks that they have been talking about women as much as women talk of them, calling the topic “unpardonable.”

Albert’s Farewell

Albert rises to leave, realizing he has been keeping the count company for two hours. He compliments the count’s household, singling out the butler Baptistin and jokingly asking for first refusal if the count ever parts with him. He also asks the count to relay his compliments to Cavalcante Cavalcanti and offers to help find a rich, noble bride for the Major’s son, while confessing he would love to remain a bachelor for at least ten more years.

Monte Cristo’s Plans for Auteuil

After Albert departs, Monte Cristo strikes a gong three times to summon Bertuccio and announces his intention to entertain company on Saturday at the house in Auteuil. He gives directions for the property: the old tapestried hangings are to be replaced throughout, the red-draped sleeping-chamber is to be left untouched, the garden must remain as it is, and the yard may be altered beyond recognition.

Bertuccio’s Instructions

Bertuccio, who has become nervous since arriving in Paris, asks the count to tell him who will be coming to the dinner so he can prepare properly. The count rebukes him gently for having lost his understanding of his master and cryptically replies, “Lucullus dines with Lucullus,” leaving Bertuccio with no further information about the guests. Bertuccio bows and withdraws.

CAPÍTULO 55. Major Cavalcanti

Chapter 55. Major Cavalcanti Monte Cristo receives the so-called Major Cavalcanti, an Italian visitor whose arrival was arranged to serve as a pretext for declining Albert Morcerf’s invitation. The Count verifies the man’s identity, reads the letter of introduction from Abbé Busoni, arranges the promised financial credit, supplies the missing legal documents, and coaches the visitor on the backstory he must maintain. The chapter concludes with the revelation that the young man Andrea Cavalcanti, introduced to Parisian society as the Major’s long-lost son, is already waiting in another room of the house. In this scene, the major candidly admits to Monte Cristo that the 2,000 francs sent by the Abbé Busoni has been spent on travel, prompting the count to hand over 8,000 francs on account toward a larger debt of 40,000. Monte Cristo then gently chides the major for his outdated attire, advising him to adopt more current Parisian fashions while assuring him that his luggage has already been forwarded to the Hôtel des Princes on the Rue de Richelieu. The encounter concludes with Monte Cristo urging the major to ready himself to be reunited with his long-lost Andrea before slipping away behind the tapestry, leaving Cavalcanti delighted by the warmth of the reception.