The Count of Monte Cristo

A Letter from Monte Cristo

The letter reveals Monte Cristo has discovered Albert and Mercédès’s plans to leave. Monte Cristo writes that Albert owes his mother more than his noble heart can repay, and he should bear the struggle himself rather than let her suffer poverty. He offers his treasure, which he buried twenty-four years earlier in a garden at his father’s house in Marseilles—an iron box containing a hundred and fifty louis meant for the woman he adored. Monte Cristo appeals to Albert’s generosity, warning he will find it ungenerous if Albert refuses what he has a right to offer, given what Albert’s father did to him.

The Hidden Treasure Revealed

Monte Cristo explains he buried the treasure beneath a fig tree his father planted on the day of his birth, and when he recently visited Marseilles, he found the iron box still there untouched. He writes with emotion about offering millions to the woman he once loved but now able only to return “the piece of black bread forgotten under his poor roof.” He references his father’s death in poverty and despair, for which Albert’s father bore responsibility, and appeals to Albert to spare his mother the trial of poverty at the hands of this man whose family he ruined.

Mercédès Accepts

Albert stands pale and motionless as Mercédès finishes reading. She raises her eyes heavenward with an ineffable expression and declares, “I accept it—he has a right to pay the dowry, which I shall take with me to some convent!” She tucks the letter into her bodice, takes her son’s arm, and descends the stairs with a firmer step than even she expected, preparing to leave the house of Morcerf forever.

CHAPITRE 92. The Suicide

After a peaceful morning with Emmanuel and Maximilian Morrel, Monte Cristo arrives at the Champs-Élysées where the steward Bertuccio informs him that both Mercédès and the valet Florentin believe she is preparing to leave her house with her son. Monte Cristo sends Bertuccio with a letter while Haydée greets her master with transports of joy, yet this tender reunion is interrupted by the arrival of Count de Morcerf, who has come to challenge Monte Cristo and denounce him as the cause of his family’s ruin. Monte Cristo coolly reveals his true identity as Edmond Dantès, the young man Morcerf had once betrayed and condemned to life imprisonment in the Château d’If, and the general staggers from the house in horror. Upon returning home, Morcerf discovers his wife Mercédès and son Albert departing the mansion, abandoning him entirely, and in that moment of complete desolation, a gunshot echoes through the broken window as the coach carries his family away forever.

Return to the Champs-Élysées

Monte Cristo returns to Paris with Emmanuel and Maximilian Morrel following the peaceful conclusion of Albert’s duel challenge. While Emmanuel expresses joy openly, Morrel hides his equal happiness. At the Barrière du Trône, Bertuccio waits with important information. Monte Cristo converses quietly with his steward before the carriage continues toward the Champs-Élysées.

Morrel’s Secret Love

As they approach the Champs-Élysées, Monte Cristo presses Morrel about his cheerful demeanor. Morrel admits he has romantic business elsewhere—he is in love. Monte Cristo offers his support, promising to use his considerable power on Morrel’s behalf. Morrel accepts this offer, promising to turn to the count when he needs assistance. Morrel then leaves to pursue his secret romance while Monte Cristo proceeds to his mansion.

Bertuccio’s Report

Upon entering his home, Monte Cristo receives urgent news from Bertuccio. The steward reports that Madame de Morcerf is preparing to leave her house, and Florentin, Albert’s valet, believes Albert will do the same. Monte Cristo writes an important letter and sends Bertuccio on an urgent mission.

Reunion with Haydée

Haydée, the young Greek girl in Monte Cristo’s care, rushes to greet him upon his return. Her face radiates joy at seeing the count safely home. Monte Cristo reflects that after long suffering, he might find happiness again with this devoted companion. He assures Haydée she has nothing more to fear, promising on his father’s grave that misfortune will not befall him. The tender reunion is interrupted by Baptistin’s announcement of an unexpected visitor.