The Count of Monte Cristo

第二十六章 The Pont du Gard Inn

Chapter 26, “The Pont du Gard Inn,” unfolds within the inn where Caderousse and his wife La Carconte reside. The Abbé Faria (disguised) visits to question Caderousse about Edmond Dantès, his deceased friends, and the circumstances of old Dantès’s death, while revealing a valuable diamond left as a bequest. The chapter traces Caderousse’s growing cupidity, his wife’s persistent warnings to stay silent, and culminates with Caderousse yielding to temptation and beginning to recount the full story of the betrayals that ruined Dantès.

The Diamond Revealed

The Abbé reveals the diamond he carries, valued at fifty thousand francs, drawing it from a small shagreen case set in a ring of fine workmanship. Caderousse stares with hungry fascination as the jewel’s brilliant hues dazzle him, and the Abbé explains that Edmond named him as one of four faithful friends, alongside Danglars, Fernand, and Mercédès. Caderousse visibly shivers upon hearing himself named as a beneficiary.

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.