The Count of Monte Cristo

Count Monte Cristo’s Arrival and Greeting

The Count of Monte Cristo enters the young men’s apartments, apologizing for not having visited sooner. He explains that he feared disturbing them and that he had been waiting for them to come to him as they had indicated they would. He also confesses that he had not learned of their earlier distress with transportation sooner because Pastrini, the hotel proprietor, failed to mention it, despite the count’s stated desire to befriend his neighbors.

Albert and Franz Thank the Count for Aid

Albert gratefully thanks the count for rescuing them from their dilemma of needing a carriage for Carnival. He acknowledges that they had been on the verge of improvising a “fantastic vehicle” when the count’s timely invitation arrived. The two young men bow in appreciation of the count’s courtesy.

Franz’s Hesitation to Acknowledge the Count

Franz, though certain the count was the man in the opera box the previous evening and possibly the one he saw at the Colosseum, remains deliberately noncommittal. Because the count gives no sign of expecting recognition, Franz chooses not to allude to their prior encounters. He reasons that he holds the count’s secret while the count has no leverage over him, and he decides to wait, subtly steering the conversation toward subjects that might illuminate the count’s identity.

Inquiry About the Piazza del Popolo Execution

Franz asks the count directly whether he can direct them to a vantage point from which to view the Piazza del Popolo. The count, glancing attentively at Morcerf, remarks that there is to be an execution there, and Franz confirms this, observing that the count is approaching the very subject he wished to raise.