The Count of Monte Cristo

The Tilbury Encounter

Andrea Cavalcanti locates his tilbury at the door, attended by an English-style groom. During dinner, Andrea had remained quiet, fearing to embarrass himself before such distinguished company, particularly noticing the king’s attorney. Danglars, after observing the stiff-necked major and his modest son and considering the Count’s hospitality, concludes he is entertaining a wealthy nabob come to Paris to complete his heir’s worldly education. Danglars particularly admires the large diamond on the major’s finger, which the prudent man has converted into liquid assets after dinner. Questioning the father and son about their lifestyle, Danglars discovers they are affably disposed toward him because they have been informed he will provide 48,000 francs annually to the father and 50,000 livres to the son.

The Man with the Red Handkerchief

When Andrea places his boot on the tilbury step, a hand touches his shoulder. He turns to find a strange figure with a sunburnt face, bristling beard, brilliant carbuncle-like eyes, and a smile revealing pointed white teeth. The man wears a red handkerchief around his gray head and torn, filthy garments covering his bony limbs. His hand, resting on Andrea’s shoulder, appears gigantic in size. By the lantern light of the tilbury, Andrea shudders and steps backward, though whether he recognizes the face or merely finds it horrible remains unclear.

Caderousse’s Recognition

The stranger claims he is not begging but wishes to speak words Andrea gave him a commission to execute two weeks prior. After dismissing his groom with a story about the commission, Andrea agrees to hear the man out. Once alone, the stranger reveals himself as Caderousse, whom Andrea had known as Benedetto. He explains that when they parted at the Pont du Var, Andrea claimed to be traveling through Piedmont and Tuscany, yet now appears in Paris with a tilbury, groom, and fine clothes. Caderousse expresses mock concern that Andrea has either discovered a mine or become a stockbroker, noting his good fortune and fine appearance.