The Count of Monte Cristo

Mercédès Inquires About the Count’s Identity

Once the flowers have been removed, the Countess inquires about the name “Monte Cristo”—whether it is a family name, the name of an estate, or a mere title. She asks the question as a mother eager to understand the man who has entered her son’s life and her own home.

Albert Shares His Observations of the Count

Albert offers his observations of the Count. He explains that “Monte Cristo” is merely a title, derived from an island the Count purchased in the Tuscan archipelago, where he founded a commandery in the manner of various European orders. While the Count claims no noble ancestry and calls himself a chance count, opinion at Rome holds him to be a man of very high distinction. Albert praises the Count’s manners as surpassing those of the English, Spanish, and German aristocracy. He ventures no decided opinion on the Count’s origins, suggesting perhaps that he is a Maltese, or perhaps one of Byron’s romantic heroes—a Manfred, Lara, or Werner—who has rebuilt his fortunes through adventurous genius. He estimates the Count’s age at thirty-five or thirty-six, supported by incidental remarks the Count has made about his childhood. Albert describes the Count’s remarkable physical vitality: vivid eye, raven-black hair, unwrinkled brow.

Mercédès Expresses Concerns About the Count

The Countess questions Albert further, asking whether the Count has shown friendship for him and whether Albert likes him. After Albert admits that he does, the Countess, in a voice altered by emotion, reminds him of her longstanding caution about new acquaintances and urges him anew to be prudent. The conversation turns briefly to how M. de Morcerf received the Count, and Albert assures his mother that his father’s demeanor was impeccable and that the two parted the best of friends.