The Count of Monte Cristo

Repairs Commence on Busoni’s New Residence

Repairs Commence on Busoni’s New Residence Busoni immediately summons workmen, and that very night passersby at the end of the faubourg are surprised to see carpenters and masons busily repairing the lower part of the previously tottering house. The rapid and extensive nature of the renovations hints at purposes beyond mere structural upkeep.

CHAPITRE 95. Father and Daughter

This chapter presents a crucial confrontation between Baron Danglars and his daughter Eugénie regarding her arranged marriage to M. Andrea Cavalcanti.

Danglars Awaits His Daughter

Baron Danglars paces nervously in his gilded salon at ten o’clock in the morning, watching doors and listening for sounds. Impatiently, he summons his valet Étienne to discover why his daughter makes him wait so long for the meeting she requested in the drawing-room.

Eugénie’s Formal Arrival

Eugénie finally appears, dressed elegantly in a figured black satin dress with her hair styled and gloves on, presenting herself as if attending the Italian Opera. Her formal attire signals the gravity of the impending conversation.

The Drawing-Room Chosen

Eugénie explains her deliberate choice of the drawing-room over her father’s study—to avoid the oppressive atmosphere of banking where gilded cashbooks, locked drawers, and correspondence from distant countries cloud a father’s judgment with financial concerns rather than filial ones.

A Refusal to Marry

In two words, Eugénie delivers her ultimatum: she will not marry Count Andrea Cavalcanti. She explains that her previous passivity was not consent but rather a desire to practice obedience until the decisive moment arrived.

Eugénie’s Philosophy of Independence

Eugénie articulates her philosophy using classical references. She loves no one, sees no reason to encumber her life with a perpetual companion, and values solitude as perfect freedom. She considers herself beautiful, witty, talented, and rich—sufficient unto herself.

A Father’s Counter-Explanation

Danglars reveals he proposed this marriage not for Eugénie’s happiness but purely for his own benefit—certain commercial speculations required him to marry her off as soon as possible.

The Secret of Ruin

Danglars confesses he is ruined. His credit, which sustains him as breath animates the body, has been severely shaken by recent losses, and bankruptcy looms.

Eugénie Unmoved by Misfortune

Eugénie remains unmoved by her father’s financial catastrophe. She declares she will always find resources through her books, pencils, piano, and artistic talents, comparing herself favorably to opera stars like Pasta and Malibran.

The Railway Speculation

Danglars explains his scheme: M. Cavalcanti’s three-million-livre fortune will be invested in a railway concession that promises enormous returns. The marriage will restore his credit and enable him to recover his position.

Terms for the Marriage

Eugénie agrees to the marriage but extracts a crucial condition: she must be left entirely free in her person. She insists she will help rebuild her father’s fortune but refuses to be an accomplice in ruining others.

The Bargain Struck

Eugénie agrees to pay official visits and sign the contract in three days. Father and daughter exchange terse approvals, but neither warmth nor gratitude accompanies the handshake—only cold calculation on both sides.

Eugénie’s Mysterious Intentions

When Danglars asks what Eugénie is “up to,” she deflects with cryptic words: “That is my affair.” She refuses to reveal her plans, maintaining the advantage of knowing her father’s secrets while keeping her own intentions hidden.

CHAPITRE 96. The Contract

Chapter 96. The Contract covers the pre-signing meeting between Andrea Cavalcanti and the Count of Monte Cristo, Andrea’s afternoon preparations, the gathering of guests at the Danglars residence, the formal reading of the marriage contract, and the opening remarks just before the signing begins. During the signing of the marriage contract between Andrea Cavalcanti and Mademoiselle Danglars, Monte Cristo recounts the discovery of Caderousse’s bloodstained waistcoat and the damning letter found in its pocket, implicating Baron Danglars. The revelation, coupled with the sudden arrival of police led by a commissary, exposes Andrea as an escaped galley-slave and the accused murderer of Caderousse; Andrea flees, the drawing party collapses into panic, and the engagement is shattered. The chapter serves as the culmination of Monte Cristo’s long-planned revenge against Danglars, while also bringing Andrea’s true identity and crimes to light.