The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert Reviews Letters and Plans His Day

Albert examined his letters, selecting two written in small, delicate hands on scented envelopes and reading them with attention. One arrived by post, the other through Madame Danglars’ footman. Albert sent acceptance of a place in Madame Danglars’ opera box, instructed Rosa to be told he would sup with her after the Opera, and ordered six bottles of various wines (Cyprus, sherry, Malaga) and a barrel of Ostend oysters from Borel. He requested one of his mother’s liqueur cabinets—his own being incomplete—and planned to visit her at three o’clock to request permission to introduce someone to her. He then reviewed the papers, making faces at the opera announcements and muttering that papers grow “more and more stupid every day.”

Arrival of Lucien Debray

A carriage stopped at the door, and the servant announced M. Lucien Debray—a tall young man with light hair, clear gray eyes, and compressed lips, dressed in a blue coat with gold buttons, white neckcloth, and tortoiseshell eyeglass. He entered with a half-official air, wearing the Order of Charles III. Albert jokingly expressed alarm at his punctuality, asking if the ministry had resigned.

Albert and Debray’s Conversation

Debray explained that while the ministry tottered, it never fell, and the Spanish affairs would consolidate their position—Don Carlos was being moved to Bourges. He had passed the night writing twenty-five despatches and returned at daybreak. Riding at the Bois de Boulogne, hunger and ennui drove him to Albert’s breakfast. Albert offered cigars, and Debray remarked on Albert’s fortunate idleness. Debray, as private secretary to a minister, managed European cabals and Parisian intrigues, protecting royalty and directing elections. They discussed the ministry’s plans, M. Danglars’ financial success, and the upcoming breakfast. Albert promised to introduce a new acquaintance—a man Debray did not yet know.