The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert Receives Secret Letter from His Admirer

The next morning, Franz watches Albert carry an enormous bouquet of white camellias as he travels the Carnival route, and later sees the bouquet in the hands of a harlequin in rose-colored satin, confirming Albert has delivered his love letter to the mysterious woman. That evening, Albert returns triumphantly with a folded reply from his admirer, which he shares with Franz: the letter invites him to meet her at 7pm the next Tuesday (the final day of Carnival) near the Via dei Pontefici, instructs him to tie a rose-colored ribbon to his harlequin costume to be recognized, and emphasizes the need for constancy and discretion.

Franz Notes Count’s Enigmatic Byronic Persona

Franz remains puzzled by the Count of Monte Cristo, who clearly recognizes Franz from their earlier meeting but never references their prior acquaintance. Out of consideration for the count’s past generosity, Franz avoids bringing up their previous interaction. He observes the count’s severe, Byronic features: his pale complexion, stern brow marked by the lines of bitter thought, fiery penetrating eyes, and haughty, disdainful upper lip, noting the count has a natural authority that commands respect from the younger men around him. Franz both admires and feels intimidated by the count, and hopes to avoid being in Paris when the count eventually visits.

Count Gifts Private Theatre Box to Friends

Two days later, after dinner, the Count of Monte Cristo returns from a trip to Civita Vecchia and visits Franz and Albert. He learns the pair were unable to secure a box for the Argentina Theatre, and offers them the key to his own private box, claiming he plans to attend the Palli Theatre so the box would otherwise go unused. The friends initially hesitate out of concern for depriving the count, but accept when he assures them the box would be wasted otherwise. That evening at the theatre, Franz shares the news of Albert’s romantic adventure with the Countess G——, who congratulates Albert, and the group plans to meet at the upcoming Duke of Bracciano’s ball.