The Count of Monte Cristo

Salon Tobacco and Smoking Collection

In the small salon downstairs, Albert had arranged every species of tobacco—from Petersburg’s yellow tobacco to Sinai’s black, and including Maryland, Porto Rico, and Latakia—displayed in Dutch crackled earthenware pots. Boxes of fragrant wood held puros, regalias, havanas, and manillas ranked by size and quality. An open cabinet contained German pipes, chibouques with coral mouthpieces, and narghiles with long morocco tubes, all awaiting the caprice of smokers. This was the post-coffee contemplation space for modern breakfast guests.

Arrival of Beauchamp

A moment after Debray’s arrival, the servant announced M. Beauchamp. Albert rose to greet him, introducing Debray, who detested him without reading his work. Beauchamp agreed, noting he criticized Debray without knowing what he actually did. The conversation turned to the Order of Charles III and political affairs, with Beauchamp asking whether they would breakfast or dine, as he needed to go to the Chamber. Albert confirmed they would breakfast immediately upon the arrival of two more expected guests.

第四十章 The Breakfast

This chapter opens with a gathering of Parisian elites at Albert de Morcerf’s home, awaiting a delayed breakfast. The group discusses timing constraints for expected guests, political grievances related to M. Danglars’ upcoming public appearances, and circulating gossip about a potential marriage between Morcerf and Mlle. Eugénie Danglars, as they wait for additional attendees to arrive. The chapter centers on a breakfast gathering hosted by Albert de Morcerf, where his friends initially trade rumors and speculation about the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo ahead of his scheduled visit. The count arrives suddenly and silently, impressing the group with his polished demeanor, before engaging in warm interactions with the guests, revealing unusual personal habits, recounting his past connections to Roman bandits, and laying out his unorthodox personal philosophy. Chapter 40, titled “The Breakfast,” is set at the breakfast gathering hosted by Morcerf for the Count of Monte Cristo, joined by Debray, Beauchamp, Château-Renaud, and Maximilian Morrel. Over the course of the meal, the conversation moves through Parisian customs, Morcerf’s engagement, the count’s international banking connections, lodging arrangements, the count’s household staff, French laws on slavery, and ends with the guests departing.