The Count of Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo’s Carriage Awaits Him

Albert accompanies Monte Cristo to the door to observe how the Count’s orders have been carried out in his absence. A footman who had previously served the Count in Rome announces the Count’s appearance, and a magnificent coupé built by Koller, drawn by horses and harness for which Drake had refused seven hundred guineas the day before, awaits him in the vestibule. The Count notes the almost imperceptible movement behind the curtains of the apartment where he left Madame de Morcerf, suggesting she was watching his departure.

Monte Cristo Defers Inviting Albert to His Home

Before departing, Monte Cristo tells Albert that he will not invite him to his home yet, as he can only show a habitation fitted up in haste. He wishes to maintain his reputation for never being taken by surprise and asks Albert for one more day. Albert responds that he knows what to expect from such a request—not merely a house, but a palace, given the Count’s evident resources. Monte Cristo, putting his foot on the velvet-lined steps of his carriage, encourages Albert to spread this idea among the ladies of Paris.

Albert Reunites with Mercédès

Albert returns to find his mother reclining in a large velvet armchair in the boudoir, the room so dimly lit that only the spangles on the drapery and gilded picture frames catch the light. The Countess’s face is covered with a thin veil, and Albert senses an alteration in her voice. He notices the sharp odor of volatile salts amid the perfumes of the flowers, and the Countess’s smelling-bottle lies open on the mantlepiece. Alarmed, Albert asks if she has been ill. The Countess attributes her discomfort to the violent perfumes of the roses, tuberoses, and orange-flowers. Albert orders a servant to remove the flowers, and a long silence follows.