The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert Reassures His Mother

Albert gently pushes back against his mother’s concerns, arguing that the Count never plays, drinks only water tinged with sherry, and is too wealthy to need to borrow money, so there is nothing to fear from him. The Countess concedes that her fears may be weakness, especially directed against a man who saved Albert’s life. The Countess gradually falls into a deep reverie until her eyes close, and Albert, believing she has dropped asleep, leaves the apartment on tiptoe. Afterward, he reflects privately that his mother has been struck by the Count and that he must indeed be a remarkable man. He descends to the stables, slightly annoyed that the Count’s “turnout” has displaced his own bays in the estimation of connoisseurs, and muses that men are decidedly not equal.

第四十二章 Monsieur Bertuccio

This chapter details Monte Cristo’s arrival at his new Parisian residence on the Champs-Élysées, the purchase of an estate at Auteuil, and his steward’s growing apprehension about the destination. The Count conducts business with a notary, signs the deed for the Auteuil property, and prepares to depart with Bertuccio in tow, despite the steward’s visible distress.

Arrival at the Champs-Élysées House

Monte Cristo arrives at his town house after a six-minute journey that draws admiration from young men envious of his expensive horses worth 20,000 francs each. The gates open before the coachman even hails the concierge, and the Count is served with lightning speed upon his arrival.

Description of the Mansion

The mansion sits on the right side of the Champs-Élysées, isolated from neighboring properties. A thick clump of trees and shrubs masks part of the front, with two alleys branching left and right to form a carriage-drive. Iron gates lead to a double portico where porcelain vases filled with flowers line each step. The house has a main entrance and a secondary one on Rue de Ponthieu.