Danglars Plots Against Edmond
Danglars concludes privately that he will get nothing from “these fools” — dismissing Caderousse as a drunkard and Fernand as a coward — even as he notes the Catalan’s vengeful, Spanish-like eyes and the tailor’s ox-crushing fists. He reflects that Edmond’s star is ascendant and that he will marry Mercédès and become captain, “unless” Danglars himself takes a hand in the affair, a sinister smile crossing his lips as the plot forms.
Wedding Plans and Invitations Are Discussed
Dantès announces that the preliminaries will be arranged today at his father’s and the wedding festival held tomorrow or the day after at La Réserve. He invites Danglars and Caderousse, and when Caderousse chuckles about Fernand, Dantès warmly proclaims Mercédès’ brother as his own. Fernand tries to speak but his voice dies on his lips. Danglars remarks on the haste, and Dantès answers that those who have suffered long hurry toward happiness.
Edmond Announces His Paris Commission
Pressed on his urgency, Dantès explains he must go to Paris to fulfill the last commission of the deceased Captain Leclere, calling it a sacred duty he will complete quickly. Danglars, in a low aside, deduces that Dantès is delivering a letter given to him by the grand marshal, and a “capital idea” sparks in his mind — that Dantès is not yet “registered number one” aboard the Pharaon. He cries a pleasant journey as the joyful lovers walk on, unaware.
第四章 Conspiracy
This chapter depicts the aftermath of Edmond Dantès and Mercédès’s departure from the tavern, revealing the jealousy and plotting of those left behind. The scene establishes the central conspiracy that will drive much of the novel’s plot, as three men—Fernand, Danglars, and Caderousse—react to the announcement of Dantès’s impending marriage and promotion to captain of the Pharaon.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.