The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert and Lucien Visit Monte Cristo’s Champs-Élysées Residence

Albert de Morcerf visits the Count of Monte Cristo at his house in the Champs-Élysées, which has taken on the appearance of a palace befitting the count’s princely fortune. Albert comes to renew the thanks of Madame Danglars, who had previously conveyed them via a letter signed “Baronne Danglars, née Hermine de Servieux.” Albert is accompanied by Lucien Debray, who adds compliments whose source Monte Cristo easily identifies through his talent for finesse.

The Count Discovers Lucien Acts on Madame Danglars’ Behalf

Monte Cristo becomes convinced that Lucien’s visit stems from a double curiosity largely emanating from the Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin. Because Madame Danglars cannot personally examine the household arrangements of a man who gives away horses worth 30,000 francs and attends the opera with a Greek slave wearing diamonds worth a million, she has deputed Lucien to report on Monte Cristo’s mode of life. The count, however, gives no indication that he suspects any connection between Lucien’s visit and the baroness’s curiosity.

Discussion of the Proposed Morcerf-Danglars Marriage

Monte Cristo asks Albert whether he remains in constant communication with the Baron Danglars, and Albert replies that the proposed marriage is “more than ever a settled thing,” as confirmed by Lucien. After this remark, Lucien makes himself scarce by examining the apartment’s arms and pictures. Monte Cristo notes that he had not expected the affair to be concluded so promptly. Albert explains that events take their course without assistance and traces the origins of the union to the Spanish service, where his father and M. Danglars—one in the army, the other in the commissariat—laid the foundations of their fortunes. The conversation turns to Eugénie Danglars’ beauty, though Albert professes not to appreciate her style, prompting Monte Cristo to observe that he does not seem very enthusiastic about the marriage.