The Count of Monte Cristo

The Flight of the Guests

A few minutes after the unexpected appearance of soldiers and the subsequent disclosure at M. Danglars’ salon, the guests fled the mansion with rapidity. Within minutes, all exits were clogged with departing visitors retreating as if from plague. Only Danglars remained closeted with police officers, Madame Danglars terrified in her boudoir, and Eugénie with her companion Louise d’Armilly.

The Two Mademoiselles

Of all the household, only Eugénie Danglars and Mademoiselle Louise d’Armilly merit attention. The betrothed had retired with the demeanor of an outraged queen, followed by her companion who was paler and more disturbed. Louise fell upon a chair in Eugénie’s room, shocked by the revelation that Andrea Cavalcanti was a murderer and escaped convict.

The Disdain of Eugénie

Louise expressed horror at the revelation, but Eugénie responded with an ironical smile, declaring she was fated to fall from one unsuitable match to another—having escaped Morcerf only to encounter Cavalcanti. She contemptuously declared all men infamous and proclaimed her joy at now being able to despise rather than merely detest them.

The Plan to Flee

When Louise asked what they would do, Eugénie reminded her they had always intended to leave—three days prior. Despite her broken engagement, she remained determined to escape the fashionable world’s constraints. She expressed her longing for the free, independent life of an artist, accountable only to herself, rather than enduring another arranged marriage attempt within a month.

The Passport

Louise confirmed that the post-chaise had been purchased three days prior and sent to their pickup location. When asked about their passport, Louise produced a document for “M. Léon d’Armilly, twenty years of age, artist,” obtained through Monte Cristo when Eugénie had requested letters to theatres in Rome and Naples. Eugénie had added “travelling with his sister” to the document.

Pooling Their Resources

They counted their resources: twenty-three thousand francs in banknotes from Louise’s portfolio, plus approximately the same value in pearls, diamonds, and jewels. With forty-five thousand francs total, Eugénie calculated they could live like princesses for two years or comfortably for four. Louise would carry the money while Eugénie guarded the jewel-box.

Packing for the Journey

They began filling their trunk with essentials. When Louise struggled to close the heavy portmanteau, Eugénie knelt on top and pressed the two halves together, calling herself “Hercules” to Louise’s “Omphale.” She then retrieved a wadded violet silk travelling cloak from a locked drawer, planning to give it to Louise.

The Disguise

Eugénie revealed a complete men’s costume from the same drawer—boots, pantaloons, cravat, waistcoat, and coat. With practiced promptness indicating prior experience with male attire, she dressed herself completely, transforming into a young man with remarkable effect.

Cutting Her Hair

Despite Louise’s admiration of her disguise, she questioned what would become of Eugénie’s magnificent black braids. Eugénie seized her thick hair and, without hesitation or regret, cut it all off with scissors, her eyes sparkling with greater pleasure than usual as the beautiful hair fell at her feet.

The Route to Italy

Louise admired her transformation, declaring Eugénie adorable. Eugénie proposed their route: Brussels to the nearest frontier, then Liège, Aix-la-Chapelle, up the Rhine to Strasbourg, through Switzerland, and down into Italy via Saint-Gothard. Louise agreed to the plan.

The Escape

The two girls extinguished the lights and, with outstretched necks listening eagerly, opened a dressing-room door leading to a side staircase. Eugénie carried the portmanteau while Louise barely raised her end. They found the porter sleeping in his lodge and slipped past him toward the gateway.

Through the Gateway

Eugénie concealed Louise behind the wall while she stood fully in the lamplight, calling for the gate with her finest contralto voice. The porter, seeing only an impatient young man, opened immediately. Louise slipped through like a snake, and Eugénie followed with apparent calm. They hired a porter to carry the trunk to 36 Rue de la Victoire.

Out of Paris

At their destination, Eugénie sent the porter away after giving him the portmanteau and money. She ordered a post-chaise from a预先联络好的洗衣女工, who had been promised twenty louis. When the postilion asked their destination, Eugénie replied “To Fontainebleau”—planning to change direction later to prevent betrayal. They departed toward Fontainebleau but would soon alter course. A quarter hour later, they passed through the Barrière Saint-Martin, out of Paris at last.