The Count of Monte Cristo

第九十六章 The Contract

Chapter 96. The Contract covers the pre-signing meeting between Andrea Cavalcanti and the Count of Monte Cristo, Andrea’s afternoon preparations, the gathering of guests at the Danglars residence, the formal reading of the marriage contract, and the opening remarks just before the signing begins. During the signing of the marriage contract between Andrea Cavalcanti and Mademoiselle Danglars, Monte Cristo recounts the discovery of Caderousse’s bloodstained waistcoat and the damning letter found in its pocket, implicating Baron Danglars. The revelation, coupled with the sudden arrival of police led by a commissary, exposes Andrea as an escaped galley-slave and the accused murderer of Caderousse; Andrea flees, the drawing party collapses into panic, and the engagement is shattered. The chapter serves as the culmination of Monte Cristo’s long-planned revenge against Danglars, while also bringing Andrea’s true identity and crimes to light.

第九十六章 The Contract

Chapter 96. The Contract covers the pre-signing meeting between Andrea Cavalcanti and the Count of Monte Cristo, Andrea’s afternoon preparations, the gathering of guests at the Danglars residence, the formal reading of the marriage contract, and the opening remarks just before the signing begins.

Andrea’s Pre-Contract Meeting with Monte Cristo

Three days after the events at Auteuil and on the afternoon of the contract signing, Andrea Cavalcanti arrives at Monte Cristo’s house in a fine phaeton, eager and self-satisfied. When the count, who is about to leave, declines to receive him in the carriage, the two retire to a small drawing-room. Over a lengthy conversation, Andrea fishes for confirmation of the Danglars fortune, the railway speculation, and the arrival of the three million livres from his father; Monte Cristo, watching every nuance, parries his flatteries with cold precision, reminding him that the acquaintance was arranged by Lord Wilmore and the Abbé Busoni and that personally he knows nothing of him. Andrea then makes his central request: that Monte Cristo act in place of his absent father and lead him to the altar. The count refuses outright, invoking his Eastern scruples about presiding over marriages, though he agrees to attend the ceremony and to sign the contract. He also gives Andrea a careful, technical piece of advice about how the bride’s dowry of five hundred thousand livres is normally handled between notaries, and gently warns him about Danglars’ plan to channel the capital into the railway venture. After pressing the count’s hand despite the latter’s pallor and reluctance, Andrea drives away in high spirits.