The Count of Monte Cristo

Valentine’s Funeral Service Concludes

The standard funeral service for Valentine proceeds, with eulogists lamenting her premature death, grieving her father’s loss, and referencing her past mercy toward condemned criminals, relying on traditional mournful tropes and references to Malherbe’s poetry. Monte Cristo pays no mind to the service, fixated entirely on Morrel’s distress. After the service ends, funeral guests depart Paris, and Morrel vanishes from the crowd before his acquaintances can locate him.

Monte Cristo Follows Morrel to His Home

After the funeral, Monte Cristo hides behind a large tomb to wait for Morrel, who approaches the now-empty mausoleum, kneels to pray at the tomb, and murmurs Valentine’s name. The count steps forward to speak, but Morrel responds with feigned calm, insisting he is only praying, then brushes dust from his knees and walks slowly toward Paris. Monte Cristo dismisses his carriage and follows Morrel at a distance, watching as he crosses the canal and enters the Rue Meslay before disappearing into his home.

Monte Cristo Prevents Morrel’s Suicide

Monte Cristo arrives at Morrel’s home and is greeted by Julie, who confirms Maximilian has just returned. He rushes up to Morrel’s locked room; concerned that ringing the bell might prompt Morrel to act on his suicidal intent, he breaks a window pane with his elbow to enter. Inside, he finds Morrel, who has been writing a suicide note and has pistols on his desk. Morrel initially denies his plans, but when Monte Cristo reveals he knows of his intent, Morrel admits he intends to kill himself, raging at the count for raising his hopes of saving Valentine only to let her die. Monte Cristo firmly declares he will not allow the suicide.