The Count of Monte Cristo

A Lesson on Service and Loyalty

Addressing Baptistin, the count remarks that he has been in service for one year—the time he generally allows himself to judge of those about him—and that the valet suits him very well. It remains to be seen whether he also suits the count. The count outlines Baptistin’s situation: 1,500 francs per annum, more than many a brave subaltern risks his life for; a manner of living superior to that of clerks who work ten times harder; servants of his own to attend him; and a profit upon each toilet article that in a year equals his wages. While not condemning this, the count declares that the profits must end there, for it would be long before the valet found so lucrative a post again. He neither ill-uses nor ill-treats his servants, readily forgives an error, but never wilful negligence or forgetfulness. His commands are short, clear, and precise, and he would rather repeat them twice or three times than have them misunderstood. He is rich enough to know whatever he wishes to know, and if he learns that the valet has presumed to speak of him favorably or unfavorably, to comment on his actions, or to watch his conduct, that instant the valet will quit his service. He cautions him once, never a second time. Baptistin bows, and as he is leaving, the count adds that he lays aside a yearly sum for each servant; those dismissed lose all claim to it, while their portion goes to a fund divided at his death among those who remain. Baptistin’s fund has already begun to accumulate. In the presence of Ali, who understands not a word, this address produces an effect only to be conceived by those familiar with French domestics. Baptistin pledges to merit the count’s approbation and to take Ali as his model, but the count replies in frigid tones that Ali has many faults mixed with excellent qualities and cannot serve as a model, being not a paid servant but a mere slave whom the count would, should he fail in his duty, not discharge but kill. Ali, hearing this repeated to him in Arabic, smiles, kneels on one knee, and respectfully kisses the count’s hand—a corroboration that strikes the finishing blow of wonder and stupefaction to Baptistin. The valet is dismissed, and Ali is taken to the study for a long and earnest conversation.