The Count of Monte Cristo

Franz and Albert Prepare to Visit the Count

With time advancing, Franz prepares to wake Albert, but his friend enters the room already dressed, having been stirred early by anticipation of the Carnival’s pleasures. Franz asks Pastrini whether they may proceed at once to visit the Count of Monte Cristo, and the landlord assures him the count is an early riser and has been up for two hours, taking full responsibility if the visit proves untimely. Both young men agree they are ready to go and present their best thanks for the count’s courtesy.

Franz and Albert Tour the Count’s Luxurious Apartment

Pastrini leads the friends across the landing to the count’s apartments, and a servant admits them into two luxuriously furnished rooms and an elegantly appointed drawing-room filled with rich Turkey carpets, inviting couches, magnificent paintings, trophies of war, and heavy tapestry curtains. As the servant withdraws to announce them, a brief swell of guzla music escapes through a door, and both young men gaze about in astonishment. Albert marvels that their neighbor must be either a successful stock-jobber or a prince travelling incognito, but Franz cautions him to hush, for the count is approaching.

Franz Recognizes the Count as His Prior Mysterious Acquaintance

The tapestry is drawn aside and the owner of these riches stands before them. Albert rises to greet him, but Franz remains spellbound in his chair, for in the person of the count he recognizes not only the mysterious visitant to the Colosseum and the occupant of the box at the Teatro Argentina, but also his extraordinary former host of Monte Cristo.