Monte Cristo’s Assessment of Danglars
Apprised in time of the visit, Monte Cristo has observed the baron from behind the blinds of his pavilion with a lorgnette, scrutinizing him as closely as Danglars scrutinized the house and servants. The count pronounces that the fellow has a decidedly bad countenance, expressing disgust at the flat receding forehead, the round vulture-shaped head, and the sharp-hooked nose resembling a buzzard’s beak. Striking the brazen gong, he summons Bertuccio and remarks that he thought the steward had been instructed to purchase the finest pair of horses in Paris, and yet another pair, fully as fine, stands outside, not in his stables.
The Purchase of the Horses
Ali turns pale and hangs his head, but the count, addressing him gently in Arabic, assures him it is not his fault since he does not understand the points of English horses. Bertuccio then explains that the horses were not to be sold when he purchased the count’s pair. Monte Cristo shrugs and retorts that all things are to be sold to those willing to pay the price, and that Danglars gave 16,000 francs for the horses in question. He orders the steward to offer the banker double that sum, observing that a banker never loses an opportunity of doubling his capital. When Bertuccio asks if the count is really in earnest, Monte Cristo fixes him with a look equally surprised and displeased.
Instructions to Baptistin
The count announces that he must pay a visit that evening and wishes the horses, with completely new harness, to be at the door with his carriage by five o’clock. When Bertuccio timidly points out that it is already two o’clock, the count calmly replies that he is perfectly aware. Turning to Ali, he directs that all the horses in the stables be led before the windows of his young lady so that she may select those she prefers for her carriage, and that she be asked whether it is her pleasure to dine with him; if so, dinner is to be served in her apartments. Ali is dismissed, and the count summons his valet de chambre.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.