The Count of Monte Cristo

Visit to the Abbé’s Residence

An agent dispatched by Villefort arrives at the Abbé’s residence on Rue Férou. Initially turned away by the valet, he leaves his card and a sealed message, requesting to return at eight o’clock that evening. The valet warns that the abbé may be occupied with his studies, which amounts to being unavailable.

Interview with Abbé Busoni

At the appointed hour, the visitor gains entry and climbs a rough staircase to meet the abbé in his library, where a lamp with a concentrated shade illuminates the space. The abbé, dressed in medieval monk’s attire with a hooded cowl, confirms his identity when questioned. During the interview, the abbé demonstrates control over the lighting, directing bright light toward the visitor while remaining partially obscured himself.

Questions on Monte Cristo’s Identity

The visitor asks directly whether the abbé knows the Count of Monte Cristo. The abbé responds by asking if the questioner means Monsieur Zaccone, revealing that “Monte Cristo” is merely an estate or rock name, not a family name. The abbé confirms he knew the Count extremely well, having played with him as a child in the shipyards of Malta where the Count’s father was a prosperous shipbuilder.

Testimony on the Count’s Wealth

Regarding the Count’s renowned fortune, the abbé offers a conservative estimate of 150,000 to 200,000 livres per annum, contradicting rumors of three to four million. He explains that the title of count may have been purchased, as such titles require territorial possessions in Italy. The abbé describes the Count as a charitable Quaker who received knighthood from the Pope for Christian services in the East and possesses several rings gifted by Eastern monarchs as tokens of appreciation.