The Count of Monte Cristo

Speculation on the Deaths and Inheritance

In one of the mourning coaches, Beauchamp, Debray, Albert, and Château-Renaud discuss the Marchioness de Saint-Méran’s sudden death. Château-Renaud recalls she appeared healthy only a year ago, leading to speculation about whether she truly died of apoplexy or simply grief following her husband’s death. Albert mentions that Franz has assured him she was sixty-six years old. The conversation turns to the inheritance: Valentine will receive 80,000 livres per annum from the Saint-Méran estate, which will double upon old Noirtier’s death. Beauchamp comments on Noirtier’s remarkable longevity, comparing him to a Conventionalist of ’93, while Albert wonders how Franz will accept a grandfather who cannot be separated from his wife.

Arrival at Père Lachaise

The funeral procession arrives at Père-Lachaise after approximately an hour. The weather is mild but dull, appropriate for the solemn occasion. Among the crowds flocking toward the family vault, Château-Renaud spots Morrel walking alone along the yew-tree bordered path.

Morrel at the Cemetery

Château-Renaud encounters Morrel and questions why he attends, assuming he must be a friend of Villefort’s. Morrel clarifies he was acquainted with Madame de Saint-Méran rather than Villefort. Albert then introduces Morrel to Franz, describing him as an excellent friend associated with affection, wit, and amiability. Morrel struggles to maintain composure when Debray mentions that Mademoiselle de Villefort appears in deep sorrow, having seen Valentine looking pale that morning. This news pierces Morrel’s heart, as he has secretly sworn to oppose Franz’s marriage to Valentine.