The Count of Monte Cristo

CAPÍTULO 40. The Breakfast

This chapter opens with a gathering of Parisian elites at Albert de Morcerf’s home, awaiting a delayed breakfast. The group discusses timing constraints for expected guests, political grievances related to M. Danglars’ upcoming public appearances, and circulating gossip about a potential marriage between Morcerf and Mlle. Eugénie Danglars, as they wait for additional attendees to arrive. The chapter centers on a breakfast gathering hosted by Albert de Morcerf, where his friends initially trade rumors and speculation about the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo ahead of his scheduled visit. The count arrives suddenly and silently, impressing the group with his polished demeanor, before engaging in warm interactions with the guests, revealing unusual personal habits, recounting his past connections to Roman bandits, and laying out his unorthodox personal philosophy. Chapter 40, titled “The Breakfast,” is set at the breakfast gathering hosted by Morcerf for the Count of Monte Cristo, joined by Debray, Beauchamp, Château-Renaud, and Maximilian Morrel. Over the course of the meal, the conversation moves through Parisian customs, Morcerf’s engagement, the count’s international banking connections, lodging arrangements, the count’s household staff, French laws on slavery, and ends with the guests departing.

CAPÍTULO 40. The Breakfast

This chapter opens with a gathering of Parisian elites at Albert de Morcerf’s home, awaiting a delayed breakfast. The group discusses timing constraints for expected guests, political grievances related to M. Danglars’ upcoming public appearances, and circulating gossip about a potential marriage between Morcerf and Mlle. Eugénie Danglars, as they wait for additional attendees to arrive.

Breakfast Timing and Guest Deliberations

The group debates breakfast timing, noting a gentleman and diplomatist guest will cause a 2–3 hour delay, but agree to eat at 11 a.m. regardless, passing the time with sherry and biscuits. Morcerf laments that he must endure M. Danglars’ speech at the Chamber of Deputies that morning and his wife’s social event that evening, complaining about the state of the constitutional government.

Morcerf-Danglars Marriage Gossip

The conversation turns to rumors of a marriage between Albert de Morcerf and Eugénie Danglars. Beauchamp insists the match will never happen, arguing the aristocratic Count of Morcerf would never agree to a mésalliance for a paltry 2 million francs, dismissing the sum as comparable to the value of a small boulevard theatre or local railroad. Debray counters that the financial gain is worth sacrificing a portion of Morcerf’s family coat of arms, noting Morcerf would still have more heraldic martlets than the House of Guise even after giving three to his wife, and Morcerf is ambivalent about the proposed match.

Introduction of Maximilian Morrel

The servant announces the arrival of Château-Renaud and Maximilian Morrel. Château-Renaud introduces Morrel as his close friend and personal preserver, a refined, dignified young captain of Spahis decorated with the Legion of Honor, whom the group has previously encountered in Marseilles during dramatic circumstances. Morcerf greets Morrel warmly, and Château-Renaud teases that Morrel is responsible for saving his life.

Château-Renaud’s African Rescue Story

Château-Renaud recounts his near-fatal experience in Africa: he traveled to Constantine to test new pistols on Arab fighters during a siege, retreated on foot after his horse died of cold, and was ambushed by six Arabs who intended to behead him. After shooting and pistoling four of his attackers, he was disarmed before the remaining two could kill him, when Maximilian Morrel arrived, shot the Arab holding Château-Renaud’s hair, and killed the other with his sabre. Morrel gave Château-Renaud his own horse to escape the cold, and they shared the horse for food when supplies ran out. Château-Renaud vows to commission a statue honoring Chance for delivering Morrel as his rescuer.

Morcerf’s Roman Bandit Kidnapping Tale

Morcerf reveals he is expecting a third guest, a man who saved him from bandits in Rome. He recounts being kidnapped by Roman bandits led by Luigi Vampa during Carnival, held for a 4,000 Roman crown ransom he could not pay, and told he would be executed at 10 minutes past 6 if the funds did not arrive. His friend Franz d’Épinay arrived with the required money, accompanied by the mysterious savior, who only spoke two words to Vampa to secure Morcerf’s immediate release, with the bandits apologizing for the kidnapping.