Benedetto
When Bertuccio spots Andrea Cavalcanti looking at a Murillo painting, he would have uttered an exclamation had not a look from Monte Cristo silenced him. He mutters “Benedetto? fatality!”—revealing that the young Count Andrea Cavalcanti is in fact Benedetto, whom Bertuccio believed he had murdered. The supernatural recognition of this “ghost” strikes terror into the steward’s heart as he leans against the wall.
Dinner is Announced
At half-past six o’clock, Bertuccio appears at the drawing-room doors and announces dinner with a violent effort. The Count of Monte Cristo offers his arm to Madame de Villefort and asks M. de Villefort to conduct the Baroness Danglars. Villefort complies, and the party proceeds to the dining-room.
第六十三章 The Dinner
Monte Cristo hosts a magnificent dinner at his newly acquired house, drawing Parisian elite despite their unease about his mysterious reputation. The guests assemble with underlying anxiety, curiosity overcoming prudence and decorum. Villefort offers his arm to Madame Danglars, both appearing nervous, while Monte Cristo observes all with keen attention.
An Uneasy Assembly
A singular nervousness pervades every guest upon entering the dining-room. Each wonders what strange influence brought them to this eccentric count’s home. Madame Danglars startles when Villefort offers his arm, and Villefort’s gaze remains uneasy beneath his gold spectacles. The count misses nothing of their mutual unease, understanding that mere contact between individuals has already lent the scene considerable interest.
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