The Count of Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo and Haydée’s Opera Arrival

Monte Cristo and Haydée’s Opera Arrival A man of thirty-five to forty, dressed in deep black, enters the former Russian ambassador’s box accompanied by a young woman in Eastern dress. Her surpassing beauty and magnificent diamonds draw the attention of the entire parterre and the occupants of neighboring boxes. Albert identifies the pair as Monte Cristo and “his Greek.” Throughout the second act, the audience buzzes with whispered speculation about the striking couple.

Madame Danglars Invites Albert to Her Box

Madame Danglars Invites Albert to Her Box At the close of the second act, Madame Danglars makes an unmistakable sign requesting Albert’s presence in her box. Obliging the unequivocal invitation, Morcerf joins the baroness, Eugénie, and Lucien Debray. The baroness greets him graciously while Eugénie receives him coolly, and Debray explains that Madame Danglars has been pressing him for details about the Count of Monte Cristo’s birth, education, and parentage—questions he has been unable to answer.

Discussion of the Count of Monte Cristo

Discussion of the Count of Monte Cristo In the Danglars box, the group debates the Count of Monte Cristo’s wealth and mystery. Madame Danglars cites his gift of horses worth 32,000 francs adorned with diamonds, his unlimited credit at the baron’s bank, and his stated intention to spend six million francs during a year in Paris. Eugénie admires Haydée’s beauty and presses for her identity, while Debray debates whether her lavish jewelry truly suits her. Eugénie pronounces Monte Cristo “dreadfully pale,” and Morcerf relays the Countess G——’s rumor that the count is a vampire.