Debray’s Absence
At the usual hour Debray chooses to pay his visit to Madame Danglars on his way to the office, his coupé does not appear. This absence is noted by Danglars, who watches for his wife’s movements with growing suspicion and agitation.
The Chamber Visit
Danglars drives to the Chamber after his wife fails to return by two o’clock. During the parliamentary sitting, he displays violent marks of agitation and speaks more bitterly than ever against the ministry. His distracted state and bitter speeches suggest deeper troubles preying on his mind.
Major Cavalcanti’s Business
Between twelve and two o’clock, while waiting in his study unsealing dispatches and heaping figure upon figure, Danglars receives a visit from Major Cavalcanti. The major arrives precisely at the appointed hour, as stiff and exact as ever, to conclude his business with the banker.
Financial Troubles
Danglars reveals to Monte Cristo his recent catastrophic losses: 700,000 francs through Spanish speculation based on his wife’s dream about Don Carlos, and a bankruptcy involving Jacopo Manfredi of Trieste, who was indebted for 800,000 to 900,000 francs and has now suspended payment. His bills drawn on Manfredi are returned unpaid, and 400,000 francs in bills of exchange are also lost when the Paris correspondent disappears. He calculates his total losses at approximately 1,700,000 francs for the month.
Three Grades of Fortune
Monte Cristo explains his classification of fortunes into three grades. First-rate fortunes consist of tangible assets like mines, lands, and funded property totaling about a hundred million francs. Second-rate fortunes come from manufacturing enterprises and joint-stock companies, reaching about fifty millions. Third-rate fortunes are fluctuating capital dependent on speculation, credit, and chance—worth only about fifteen million francs, with Danglars fitting into this last category. Monte Cristo warns that continued losses will reduce his credit and real capital by half, comparing it to bleeding that, if repeated, will cause death.
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