The Count of Monte Cristo

Mercédès Declines Financial Aid

Mercédès Declines Financial Aid Asked if she has any request for herself, Mercédès says she wants nothing and lives between two graves—that of Edmond Dantès, whom she once loved, and that of her husband, killed by Dantès, whose death she approves but for whose soul she must pray. She plans to live quietly in prayer using the small sum the Count buried for her. When the Count suggests she made an unnecessary sacrifice in relinquishing Morcerf’s fortune and that half of it rightfully belonged to her, she refuses, saying her son would not permit it. If Albert consents, however, she will not oppose it, accepting whatever succor heaven sends.

Mercédès Bids Farewell to the Count

Mercédès Bids Farewell to the Count Declaring she is no longer a reasoning creature with a will of her own, Mercédès says she has become passive in the hands of the Almighty, living only because she is not yet ordained to die. When the Count asks if she will not see him again, she solemnly points to heaven and says they shall meet again, proving she still hopes. Pressing her trembling hand upon his, she rushes up the stairs and disappears. The Count slowly leaves the house and turns toward the quay.

Mercédès Watches Her Son’s Ship Depart

Mercédès Watches Her Son’s Ship Depart Though the Count departs slowly toward the quay, Mercédès does not witness his leaving, for she is seated at the little window of the room once occupied by old Dantès. Her eyes strain to see the ship carrying her son across the vast sea. Yet her voice involuntarily murmurs softly, again and again, the name: “Edmond, Edmond, Edmond!”