The Count of Monte Cristo

The Hidden Staircase

Monte Cristo reveals a door concealed by drapery, opening it to expose a narrow, crooked staircase. Château-Renaud comments on its wicked appearance while Debray observes that everything seems black to him. Monte Cristo suggests dark imagery of some Othello or Abbé de Ganges descending with a secret burden, causing Madame Danglars to nearly faint.

A Frightful Supposition

Monte Cristo continues his dark suggestions, imagining a stormy night when someone descended those stairs carrying a load they wished to hide from human sight, if not from God. Madame Danglars groans and faints, requiring support from Villefort, who must hold himself against the wall. When Madame de Villefort suggests Monte Cristo frightens the ladies, he offers an alternative innocent interpretation, but Madame Danglars groans again and loses consciousness.

The Red Liquid

Monte Cristo forgets his smelling-bottle, but Madame de Villefort produces a bottle of the same red liquid she previously tested at his advice. She confirms the trial succeeded. The guests carry Madame Danglars to an adjoining room where Monte Cristo revives her with a small portion of the red liquid on her lips. She cries that she had a frightful dream, but Villefort whispers that it was no dream.

The Skeleton in the Garden

Monte Cristo leads his guests to a plantain-tree where he had fresh earth laid. His workers discovered an iron box containing the skeleton of a newly born infant. Madame Danglars stiffens while Villefort trembles. Debray declares the affair serious. Château-Renaud observes that the house was gloomy because it was remorseful, concealing a crime. Monte Cristo demands to know who said burying a living child is not a crime.

The Secret Appointment

After Monte Cristo declares a crime has been committed and invites Villefort to hear his formal declaration before witnesses, Villefort finds opportunity to whisper urgently to Madame Danglars. They arrange to meet tomorrow at his office or the court, whichever she prefers, as the surest place. Madame de Villefort approaches with concern, and Madame Danglars attempts a smile while acknowledging her upset state.

CHAPITRE 64. The Beggar

After the guests depart from Count Monte Cristo’s estate, Andrea Cavalcanti is stopped by a mysterious beggar outside the house who reveals himself as Caderousse, formerly the innkeeper from Pont du Gard, addressing the young man as “Benedetto.” This encounter quickly becomes a tense negotiation as Caderousse blackmails Andrea, threatening to expose what appears to be their shared criminal past unless Andrea agrees to pay him a regular stipend. Andrea reluctantly hands over ten gold louis and promises one hundred fifty francs monthly, while Caderousse explains that his ragged appearance and lack of papers make it impossible for him to pass through the Parisian barriers without being arrested as a fugitive from the prison at Toulon. To solve this problem, Caderousse strips Andrea of his hat and steals the groom’s greatcoat to disguise himself as a servant, allowing them both to pass unquestioned through the checkpoint. Once inside Paris, Caderousse abandons the scheme to resemble a retired baker as he had planned, instead keeping the stolen garments and disappearing into a courtyard with Andrea’s property, leaving the young man to lament that complete happiness remains unattainable in this world.

Evening Departure Plans

As evening falls, Madame de Villefort expresses her desire to return to Paris, a sentiment Madame Danglars shares but has not dared to voice. M. de Villefort takes the initiative to signal departure, offering Madame Danglars a seat in his landau under his wife’s care. M. Danglars, deeply absorbed in conversation with Major Cavalcanti, pays no attention to the arrangements being made. Monte Cristo observes the exchange between Villefort and Madame Danglars, having noticed their whispered conversation earlier. He makes no objections to the departure plans, allowing Morrel, Château-Renaud, and Debray to leave on horseback while the ladies travel in Villefort’s carriage. Danglars, increasingly delighted with Major Cavalcanti, offers the major a seat in his own carriage.