The Count of Monte Cristo

Dantès’s Last Wishes

Reading from Edmond’s testament, the Abbé continues naming the intended recipients. He mentions Mercédès as the betrothed, the rival Fernand, and finally Edmond’s father as a fifth sharer. Caderousse recalls Mercédès’s name eagerly. The Abbé then explains that Dantès instructed him to sell the diamond and divide the proceeds into five equal parts among the friends, but notes the elder Dantès has died, making only four living recipients.

The Death of Old Dantès

The Abbé asks Caderousse how old Dantès died. Caderousse, who lived on the same floor, explains that doctors called it gastro-enteritis, acquaintances said grief, but he himself witnessed the old man die of starvation. The Abbé is horrified that a Christian should perish so wretchedly, crying out that even stray dogs receive pity, while Caderousse coolly maintains his account.

La Carconte’s Warning

La Carconte descends the stairs and warns Caderousse to mind his own business, fearing the stranger’s motives. She and Caderousse argue, with the Abbé assuring her of his good intentions. Though La Carconte mutters and eventually returns upstairs, she remains close enough to overhear everything, repeatedly urging her husband toward silence and prudence.

The Question of Fernand’s Treachery

Caderousse explains that old Dantès was not entirely forsaken, as Mercédès and Morrel showed him kindness, but the old man came to hate Fernand. When pressed, Caderousse suggests that Fernand could not be considered a faithful friend since he coveted Dantès’s betrothed. La Carconte again calls out a warning, but Caderousse proceeds, declaring he fears the malediction of the dead more than the hatred of the living.

Caderousse’s Hesitation

Caderousse hesitates when the Abbé asks him to describe Fernand’s treachery, with La Carconte urging him to hold his tongue. He initially refuses, saying the matter can be buried with the dead, and reflects that it would be sacrilegious to reward traitors like Fernand and Danglars. The Abbé responds coolly that he will then dispose of the diamond and distribute it to the men Caderousse calls treacherous, asking only for their addresses.

The Temptation of the Diamond

The Abbé deliberately displays the diamond again in a flattering light, dazzling Caderousse and his wife, who descends once more upon hearing of the jewel. Caderousse calculates that their fifth share of the profits would be substantial, and La Carconte, despite her earlier caution, washes her hands of the affair and retreats upstairs, warning her husband to consider his actions carefully.

Caderousse Begins His Tale

Decided, Caderousse tells the Abbé he will reveal all he knows. To ensure they are not interrupted, he closes, bolts, and bars the door. He seats himself opposite the Abbé, who has arranged himself in shadow to listen. La Carconte’s trembling voice issues one final disclaimer through the floorboards, but Caderousse brushes her off and begins his tale.

CHAPITRE 27. The Story

This chapter centers on Caderousse’s full confession to the Abbé regarding the events surrounding Edmond Dantès’ unjust arrest, the tragic fate of Dantès’ father, his own complicity in the persecution, and the vastly divergent fortunes of the three men responsible for Dantès’ ruin: the honorable but financially broken M. Morrel, the wealthy and influential Baron Danglars, and the decorated Count Fernand. This chapter details the post-imprisonment fates of figures central to Edmond Dantès’ life, including Fernand’s rise to nobility, Mercédès’s marriage to Fernand and subsequent life as a countess, and Caderousse’s encounter with the abbé that results in an exchange of a valuable diamond for a long-kept purse belonging to Pierre Morrel.

CHAPITRE 27. The Story

This chapter centers on Caderousse’s full confession to the Abbé regarding the events surrounding Edmond Dantès’ unjust arrest, the tragic fate of Dantès’ father, his own complicity in the persecution, and the vastly divergent fortunes of the three men responsible for Dantès’ ruin: the honorable but financially broken M. Morrel, the wealthy and influential Baron Danglars, and the decorated Count Fernand.

Caderousse’s Secrecy Condition and the Abbé’s Priestly Assurance

Caderousse first demands the Abbé swear an absolute promise never to reveal he is the source of the information he is about to share, fearing violent retaliation from the powerful men he will name. The Abbé, a priest, reassures him that confessions are sacred, notes he is an Italian with no ties to the French men in question, and is only acting to fulfill the final wishes of his dying friend. Convinced, Caderousse agrees to speak the full truth without hatred, and begins his account with Dantès’ father at the Abbé’s request.