The Count of Monte Cristo

The Garden at Dusk

The chapter opens on a warm July evening, at ten o’clock at night, during a ball at M. de Morcerf’s house. The garden is illuminated with colored lanterns in the Italian style, and the last clouds of a passing storm linger in a star-filled sky. Music and dancing fill the ground-floor apartments, while the garden remains occupied only by servants preparing for supper. The beautiful weather has decided the question in favor of serving the meal on the lawn rather than indoors, and the supper table is adorned with wax-lights and flowers.

Supper on the Lawn

The garden is elaborately decorated according to Italian custom, with the finest table luxuries displayed for the guests. Servants have been instructed to prepare the meal outdoors, and the tent on the lawn awaits the guests’ arrival.

Madame Danglars Arrives

Madame Danglars had initially hesitated about attending, considering herself too ill, but Villefort persuaded her that it was important to be seen at the ball. She arrives radiant with splendor and enters just as Mercédès appears. Albert greets her with compliments on her attire and offers his arm. Madame Danglars notes that her daughter Eugénie is present, accompanied by Mademoiselle de Villefort, both in white dresses with matching bouquets.

Rumors About the Count

The Count of Monte Cristo appears to be the most sought-after guest of the evening. Albert reveals that seventeen people have asked him if the Count will attend. Madame Danglars and others discuss the mysterious nobleman’s background, noting that “Monte Cristo” is merely an island name and that his family name is Zaccone. Whispers circulate about his origins as a Maltese, the son of a shipowner, his service in India, and his discovery of a mine in Thessaly. The police have made inquiries into his unusual wealth, though his favorable credentials have protected him from suspicion.