The Count of Monte Cristo

Haydée’s Apartment

Haydée’s quarters are entirely separate from the Count’s and decorated in strict accordance with Oriental aesthetics. The floors are covered with the richest Turkish carpets, the walls hung with magnificent brocaded silk, and luxurious divans with soft cushions fill each chamber. These apartments reflect the Eastern opulence befitting a woman of her station.

Haydée’s Servants

Haydée maintains a household of four servants: three French maids and one Greek attendant. The French maids remain constantly available in a small waiting-room, ready to respond to the summons of a small golden bell. The Greek servant acts as an intermediary, knowing just enough French to relay her mistress’s wishes to the other women. Monte Cristo has instructed all of them to treat Haydée with the deference due a queen.

Haydée’s Portrait

In her circular boudoir, lit only by rose-colored glass in the roof, Haydée reclines upon blue satin cushions spotted with silver, supporting her head on one exquisitely moulded arm while smoking from a rich narghile. She wears traditional Epirote dress—white satin trousers embroidered with pink roses, a blue and white-striped vest with pearl and silver trim, and a bodice fastened with three magnificent diamond clasps. Her black hair, tinged with blue, is adorned with a gold silk cap embroidered with pearls and a purple rose. At nineteen or twenty years old, her beauty is purely and peculiarly Grecian, with large dark melting eyes, a finely formed nose, coral lips, and pearly teeth.

Haydée’s Welcome

When Monte Cristo sends word of his visit, Haydée responds by drawing aside the tapestried curtain rather than giving verbal permission, presenting herself as a graceful tableau. She questions his formal, distant manner, reminding him that she is his slave and asking if she has displeased him. Her tender welcome contrasts with his coldness, suggesting their relationship has grown complicated.