Monte Cristo Offers Consolation to Mercédès
Monte Cristo Offers Consolation to Mercédès Approaching Mercédès at the Dantès home, the Count greets her and acknowledges he cannot restore her happiness but offers consolation as a friend. He commends her son Albert, praising his noble heart and his correct decision to serve his country. He urges Mercédès to let Albert build his own future, assuring her that adversity will strengthen him and convert into prosperity. The Count frames his remarks as though addressed to a bereaved mother who must trust her child’s path.
Mercédès Laments Her Son’s Departure
Mercédès Laments Her Son’s Departure Mercédès replies that she is utterly wretched, having been left alone in the world with only her son, who has now departed. She declares that the prosperity she prays God to grant Albert can never be enjoyed by her, for she has already drained the cup of adversity to the dregs and feels the grave is near. She thanks the Count for returning her to the place of her former happiness, saying she ought to die where happiness once was hers.
Mercédès Refuses to Reproach the Count
Mercédès Refuses to Reproach the Count When the Count says her words pierce his heart and that she has every reason to hate him, Mercédès firmly refuses. She cannot hate or blame the man who spared her son’s life, even though he had intended to destroy the son of whom Morcerf was so proud. Rising and extending her hands toward him, she tells him to look closely and find no reproach in her. Though years of grief have created an abyss between her past and present, she neither reproaches nor hates him.
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