The Count of Monte Cristo

Introduction to Count Morcerf

Count de Morcerf appears as a man of forty to forty-five, though looking at least fifty, with black moustache and eyebrows contrasting against his almost white military-cut hair, dressed in plain clothes with the ribbons of his various orders. He enters with dignified step, and Monte Cristo, though pointed to a chair, remains rooted to the ground, his eyes fixed on the count, reading on the careworn and livid features a whole history of secret griefs written in each wrinkle. Albert formally introduces Monte Cristo, and the count welcomes him warmly, crediting him with preserving the house’s only heir.

Count Morcerf’s Career Discussion

In conversation, Monte Cristo alludes to fortune’s inequity and asks whether she may yet hold a marshal’s staff for the general, perhaps on the plains of Mitidja or in the mountains of Atlas. Morcerf explains that he left the service after the Restoration, having served under Marshal Bourmont, and that the Revolution of July proved ungrateful toward services not dating from the imperial period, so he resigned and turned to politics, industry, and the useful arts. Monte Cristo praises the French ideal of a gentleman and general consenting to begin a second apprenticeship, calling it sublime, while Albert marvels at such an unusual burst of enthusiasm from the count. The general then offers to take Monte Cristo to the Chamber to hear a debate, but Monte Cristo defers in hopes of meeting the countess.

Countess Mercédès’ Gratitude

As Monte Cristo voices his wish to meet the countess, Mercédès appears at the opposite door, pale and motionless, having listened to the final words. She thanks God for the friend who saved her son and, advancing with the majesty of a queen, blesses Monte Cristo for preserving her child from tears and desolation. Monte Cristo, bowing lower than before and even paler than Mercédès, demurs that saving a man or sparing a parent’s feelings is merely a simple deed of humanity rather than a good action. Mercédès raises her fine eyes to heaven with such fervent gratitude that the count imagines he sees tears in them, as M. de Morcerf approaches her.