The Count of Monte Cristo

Arrival at No. 28 Rue de la Fontaine

The carriage stops at Number 28, situated at the extremity of the village. Night has fallen, giving the surroundings an artificial stage-like appearance. Monte Cristo orders Bertuccio to announce him, and the concierge appears to greet the new master. The footman presents the notary’s order confirming the sale. Monte Cristo assures the concierge he will endeavor not to cause regret for the previous master, and the concierge welcomes him with gratitude after receiving two gold pieces.

Concierge Reveals the House’s Former Owner

When Monte Cristo inquires about the old master, the concierge reveals it was the Marquis of Saint-Méran—a staunch Bourbon follower who had an only daughter that married M. de Villefort, formerly the king’s attorney at Nîmes and Versailles. The concierge mentions the daughter died twenty-one years ago, and the Marquis only visited the house three times afterward. The house did not bring him any income, so he did well to sell it. Upon hearing this information about Villefort, Bertuccio becomes whiter than the wall, nearly fainting against it.

Tour of the Auteuil House Interior

Monte Cristo sends the concierge away with gold pieces and has Bertuccio light the way through the house. They traverse a tolerably large ground floor and a first floor containing a salon, bathroom, and two bedrooms. Near one bedroom, they discover a private winding staircase leading down to the garden. Bertuccio knows this staircase leads to the garden before being told, and his trembling hand holding the light reveals how much it costs him to obey. When they reach the outer door, the steward pauses, unable to proceed further.