第三章 The Catalans
Chapter 3 continues the scene in the Catalan village, where Danglars, Fernand, and Caderousse observe the engagement of Edmond Dantès and Mercédès. The chapter develops the jealous scheming of Danglars, the drunken intrusions of Caderousse, the restrained rage of Fernand, and the happy couple’s plans for an imminent wedding, culminating in Edmond’s announcement of a sacred Paris commission that sparks Danglars’ plotting.
Danglars Taunts Fernand’s Jealousy of Edmond
Danglars observes Fernand’s silent suffering as he watches Edmond and Mercédès together and begins to needle him with the question, “Do you know them, Fernand?” Caderousse drunkenly leans from the arbor and calls out to the couple, demanding to know the wedding date, while Danglars feebly pretends to restrain him and sarcastically urges Fernand to follow the lovers’ example and be “well-behaved.”
Caderousse Hails the Engaged Couple
Caderousse, with the tenacity of a drunkard, hails Dantès and the “lovely damsel” from the arbor. Dantès responds warmly that happiness, rather than pride, blinds him. When Caderousse addresses Mercédès as “Madame Dantès,” she gently but gravely rebukes him, explaining that in her country it bodes ill fortune to call a young girl by her betrothed’s name before marriage. Dantès diplomatically excuses his neighbor’s mistake.
Mercédès Deters Fernand’s Attack
Stung beyond endurance by Danglars’ provocations, Fernand rises as if to dash headlong at his rival. At that moment Mercédès turns and looks at them with her clear, bright eyes, reminding Fernand of her vow to die if Edmond died. The memory of her threat causes him to collapse heavily back into his seat, overwhelmed and paralyzed. Danglars surveys the broken men with contempt.
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