Freedom and Secrecy
Monte Cristo informs Haydée that since she is now in France, she is free to leave him, to mix in society, and to be visited. She refuses all companionship except his own. He grants her unlimited authority within the mansion, the option to wear either Eastern or Western dress, use of a carriage, and companionship of Ali and Myrtho wherever she wishes to go. However, he entreats her to guard carefully the secret of her noble Greek birth, making no allusion to the past or to her illustrious father and ill-fated mother. She assures him she will see no one.
Declaration of Love
When Monte Cristo suggests she might one day prefer someone else, Haydée declares she has never loved anyone but him and her father. He gently explains that her love may be confused with filial affection, but she insists her love for him is entirely different from her love for her deceased father. She declares dramatically that while her father died without killing her, if he were to die, she would die too. Moved by her devotion, the Count extends his hand, and she carries it to her lips.
Departure to Morrel
Having attuned himself through his interview with Haydée, Monte Cristo departs for Rue Meslay, reciting a line from Pindar about youth being a flower whose fruit is love, and quoting that happy is the man permitted to gather it. He drives off at his usual rapid pace to reunite with Maximilian, Julie, and Emmanuel.
第五十章 The Morrel Family
The count arrives at No. 7 Rue Meslay, a white stone house with flower beds and a fountain called “The Little Versailles.” The concierge Cocles, who has become dim-sighted over nine years, does not recognize the count. Emmanuel Herbault purchased the entire property—house, workshops, and garden—and let portions for profit while reserving the main residence.
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.