The Count of Monte Cristo

CHAPITRE 49. Haydée

This chapter details Monte Cristo’s visit to Haydée, a young Greek woman in his household, and their discussion of her freedom as he prepares to reunite with Maximilian Morrel and his family.

Monte Cristo’s Anticipation

Following Villefort’s departure, Monte Cristo experiences a rare sense of joy and calm as he anticipates his visit to Maximilian, Julie, and Emmanuel at their home on Rue Meslay. Even his faithful servant Ali notices the unusual animation on the Count’s normally stern features, tip-toeing out of the room so as not to disturb his master’s pleasant reverie. Monte Cristo sets aside one hour to visit Haydée’s apartments first, as though his burdened spirit requires a gradual transition to pure happiness.

Haydée’s Apartment

Haydée’s quarters are entirely separate from the Count’s and decorated in strict accordance with Oriental aesthetics. The floors are covered with the richest Turkish carpets, the walls hung with magnificent brocaded silk, and luxurious divans with soft cushions fill each chamber. These apartments reflect the Eastern opulence befitting a woman of her station.

Haydée’s Servants

Haydée maintains a household of four servants: three French maids and one Greek attendant. The French maids remain constantly available in a small waiting-room, ready to respond to the summons of a small golden bell. The Greek servant acts as an intermediary, knowing just enough French to relay her mistress’s wishes to the other women. Monte Cristo has instructed all of them to treat Haydée with the deference due a queen.

Haydée’s Portrait

In her circular boudoir, lit only by rose-colored glass in the roof, Haydée reclines upon blue satin cushions spotted with silver, supporting her head on one exquisitely moulded arm while smoking from a rich narghile. She wears traditional Epirote dress—white satin trousers embroidered with pink roses, a blue and white-striped vest with pearl and silver trim, and a bodice fastened with three magnificent diamond clasps. Her black hair, tinged with blue, is adorned with a gold silk cap embroidered with pearls and a purple rose. At nineteen or twenty years old, her beauty is purely and peculiarly Grecian, with large dark melting eyes, a finely formed nose, coral lips, and pearly teeth.

Haydée’s Welcome

When Monte Cristo sends word of his visit, Haydée responds by drawing aside the tapestried curtain rather than giving verbal permission, presenting herself as a graceful tableau. She questions his formal, distant manner, reminding him that she is his slave and asking if she has displeased him. Her tender welcome contrasts with his coldness, suggesting their relationship has grown complicated.

Freedom and Secrecy

Monte Cristo informs Haydée that since she is now in France, she is free to leave him, to mix in society, and to be visited. She refuses all companionship except his own. He grants her unlimited authority within the mansion, the option to wear either Eastern or Western dress, use of a carriage, and companionship of Ali and Myrtho wherever she wishes to go. However, he entreats her to guard carefully the secret of her noble Greek birth, making no allusion to the past or to her illustrious father and ill-fated mother. She assures him she will see no one.

Declaration of Love

When Monte Cristo suggests she might one day prefer someone else, Haydée declares she has never loved anyone but him and her father. He gently explains that her love may be confused with filial affection, but she insists her love for him is entirely different from her love for her deceased father. She declares dramatically that while her father died without killing her, if he were to die, she would die too. Moved by her devotion, the Count extends his hand, and she carries it to her lips.

Departure to Morrel

Having attuned himself through his interview with Haydée, Monte Cristo departs for Rue Meslay, reciting a line from Pindar about youth being a flower whose fruit is love, and quoting that happy is the man permitted to gather it. He drives off at his usual rapid pace to reunite with Maximilian, Julie, and Emmanuel.