The Count of Monte Cristo

Danglars Conceals His Losses

Madame Danglars boasted to Monte Cristo of her husband’s strength of mind after he had lost three or four hundred thousand francs that morning due to a failure at Milan. The count observed that Danglars was beginning to conceal his losses, noting that a month earlier he would have boasted of them. When Monte Cristo suggested he would regain his money at the Bourse, the baroness corrected him, insisting her husband never speculated. The count then advised her to secure an independent fortune, advice that made her blush despite her efforts.

The Broken Engagement

Madame Danglars informed Monte Cristo of the tragic fate befalling the Villefort family. The Marquis of Saint-Méran had died shortly after departing for Paris, followed soon after by the marchioness upon her arrival. The planned marriage between their daughter and Franz d’Épinay had apparently been broken off the previous morning, though the reason remained unknown. Monte Cristo responded with philosophical detachment about the natural order of mortality.

Albert de Morcerf’s Arrival

The Vicomte Albert de Morcerf arrived at the Danglars residence looking handsome and in high spirits. He bowed politely to the baroness, familiarly to Danglars, and affectionately to Monte Cristo before inquiring after Mademoiselle Danglars. When informed she was at the piano with M. Cavalcanti, Albert retained his calm demeanor despite the implications of a rival’s presence with his betrothed.

Albert’s Indifference

Albert demonstrated remarkable coolness throughout the encounter, making no display of jealousy despite finding Andrea alone with Eugénie. He praised Cavalcanti’s tenor voice and Eugénie’s soprano in an apparently sincere manner, remarking on what a delightful concert they must have provided. Danglars grew increasingly annoyed at the young man’s indifference, eventually taking Monte Cristo aside to discuss his concerns about the engagement.