The Count of Monte Cristo

The Tilbury Encounter

Andrea Cavalcanti locates his tilbury at the door, attended by an English-style groom. During dinner, Andrea had remained quiet, fearing to embarrass himself before such distinguished company, particularly noticing the king’s attorney. Danglars, after observing the stiff-necked major and his modest son and considering the Count’s hospitality, concludes he is entertaining a wealthy nabob come to Paris to complete his heir’s worldly education. Danglars particularly admires the large diamond on the major’s finger, which the prudent man has converted into liquid assets after dinner. Questioning the father and son about their lifestyle, Danglars discovers they are affably disposed toward him because they have been informed he will provide 48,000 francs annually to the father and 50,000 livres to the son.

The Man with the Red Handkerchief

When Andrea places his boot on the tilbury step, a hand touches his shoulder. He turns to find a strange figure with a sunburnt face, bristling beard, brilliant carbuncle-like eyes, and a smile revealing pointed white teeth. The man wears a red handkerchief around his gray head and torn, filthy garments covering his bony limbs. His hand, resting on Andrea’s shoulder, appears gigantic in size. By the lantern light of the tilbury, Andrea shudders and steps backward, though whether he recognizes the face or merely finds it horrible remains unclear.

Caderousse’s Recognition

The stranger claims he is not begging but wishes to speak words Andrea gave him a commission to execute two weeks prior. After dismissing his groom with a story about the commission, Andrea agrees to hear the man out. Once alone, the stranger reveals himself as Caderousse, whom Andrea had known as Benedetto. He explains that when they parted at the Pont du Var, Andrea claimed to be traveling through Piedmont and Tuscany, yet now appears in Paris with a tilbury, groom, and fine clothes. Caderousse expresses mock concern that Andrea has either discovered a mine or become a stockbroker, noting his good fortune and fine appearance.

The Blackmail Bargain

Caderousse explains he had been living in poverty, believing Andrea was earning a living as a porter or guide in Tuscany, when suddenly he spots him passing through the barrier with such wealth. He admits jealousy and reminds Andrea of their shared past in Marseille, claiming he had pitied him and once called him his child. He notes that Andrea has two coats and should give him one, referencing the meals he once shared with the hungry young man. When Andrea reveals he found his father, Caderousse presses for details. Major Cavalcanti is revealed as the father, a connection arranged by Monte Cristo, and Caderousse becomes interested in securing his own position with the Count as well.

Payment and Promise

Caderousse proposes living on 150 francs a month, and Andrea immediately offers 200 francs instead, placing ten gold louis in Caderousse’s hand. He instructs Caderousse to apply to the steward on the first day of each month for the same amount. However, Caderousse objects to receiving payment through servants, preferring to transact business directly with Andrea alone. Andrea agrees, promising that Caderousse will be paid directly as long as his own income continues. Caderousse declares Andrea a fine fellow and inquires about his future plans, to which Andrea responds with cautious ambiguity.

Discussion of Major Cavalcanti

Caderousse probes how Andrea came to dine at the Count’s house, learning that the Count of Monte Cristo arranged the introduction of Major Cavalcanti as his father. As long as Andrea answers the major’s purpose, he will honor and believe in him. When Caderousse asks what Andrea will become, he wonders if he might become a peer of France, though Andrea notes that hereditary rank is abolished and declines to discuss politics. Caderousse shares his own aspirations to live like a retired baker—renting a respectable room, wearing decent clothes, shaving daily, reading papers in cafés, and attending theaters in the evening.

Disguise and Deception

Caderousse realizes he cannot safely pass through the barrier without exciting suspicion, given his appearance of poverty. He proposes to disguise himself using the groom’s greatcoat with the large collar and Andrea’s hat, adopting the casual posture of a servant whose master drives himself. When Andrea protests that he will be bareheaded, Caderousse dismissively suggests the wind could have blown his hat away. The tension between the two men rises as Andrea’s hand moves toward his pistol pocket, while Caderousse opens a long Spanish knife he carries for emergencies. After a moment of mutual assessment, Andrea’s hand leaves his pocket to play with Caderousse’s red moustache instead.