The Count of Monte Cristo

Franz’s Sudden Melancholy in Dark Rome

Franz is struck by an unusually sudden, intense shift from joy to sadness as Rome appears to turn into a massive tomb under a dark, demonic night atmosphere; the waning moon does not rise until 11 o’clock, plunging the city streets he travels through into near-total darkness.

Franz Dines Alone Awaiting Albert at the Hôtel de Londres

After a short ride, Franz arrives at the Hôtel de Londres where dinner is waiting, but he dines alone since Albert had told him he would not return soon. When landlord Signor Pastrini asks about Albert’s absence, Franz claims he accepted an invitation the prior evening. Plagued by unease from the sudden end of the moccoletti festival, the replacement of light with darkness, and the silence after the prior night’s turmoil, Franz eats silently despite Pastrini’s repeated offers of assistance. He resolves to wait for Albert as late as possible, orders a carriage for 11 PM, and asks Pastrini to notify him immediately when Albert returns.

Franz Inquires After Albert at the Duke of Bracciano’s

At 11 PM, Albert still has not returned, so Franz travels to the Duke of Bracciano’s palace, one of Rome’s most celebrated homes, hosted by the duchess, a heiress of the Colonnas family. Franz and Albert had brought letters of introduction to the duke and duchess, who immediately ask about Albert’s whereabouts. Franz says he last saw Albert when the moccili were being extinguished, lost him in the Via Macello, does not know where he went but suspects he was heading to a rendezvous. The duke and visiting Countess G (accompanied by the duke’s brother Signor Torlonia) warn that the gloomy night, with the Tiber River near the Via Macello, is dangerous for people out late, and Franz feels his own worries confirmed by their shared concern.