The Count of Monte Cristo

The Plan for the Opera

Beauchamp leaves to make arrangements while Albert sends invitations to Franz Debray and Maximilian Morrel to meet him at the opera. He also attempts to visit his mother, who has refused all visitors since the previous day’s humiliation and remains in her room, overwhelmed with grief.

Albert Visits Mercédès

Albert finds Mercédès in bed, weeping. She clasps his hand and sobs, her tears providing some relief. Albert stands silently beside her, his pale face and knitted brow betraying a weakening of his resolve for vengeance. He asks whether his father has any enemies, but notably does not say “my father.” Mercédès startles at this and observes that persons in the count’s situation have many secret enemies, and those known are never the most dangerous. Albert appeals to her superior penetration, noting that she surely noticed at their ball that Monte Cristo would eat nothing in their house—an Oriental custom of refusing hospitality from enemies to secure liberty for revenge. Mercédès grows pale at the mention of Monte Cristo’s name and protests that he has shown them only kindness, even saving Albert’s life. She begs him to retain the count’s friendship.

Monte Cristo Suspected

Albert suggests his mother has special reasons for urging him to befriend the count. When she denies this, Albert presses: “Is it not that he may never do us any harm?” Mercédès shudders at his words and studies him intently, asking why he speaks so strangely and what prejudices he has developed. She reminds him that only three days ago they returned from Normandy with Monte Cristo and considered him their best friend. An ironical smile crosses Albert’s lips, which Mercédès sees and understands from both a woman’s and a mother’s instinct. She conceals her sorrow and fear, being prudent and strong-minded. Albert remains silent, and when he prepares to leave, she asks him to stay and comfort her solitude, but he explains an urgent matter requires his departure that evening.