The Count of Monte Cristo

第四十章 The Breakfast

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.

Morcerf Describes Prosaic Parisian Life to Monte Cristo

Morcerf Describes Prosaic Parisian Life to Monte Cristo Morcerf warns Monte Cristo that Paris will disappoint him after his adventurous life. He humorously compares Parisian landmarks to grander natural features, naming Mortmartre as their Chimborazo, Mount Valérien as their Himalaya, and the plain of Grenelle as their Great Desert, where an artesian well is being bored. Morcerf notes that thieves fear policemen more than lords, and France—excluding Corsica—has eighty-five departments with telegraphs on every hill and police-installed gaslamps in every grotto. He offers the count his services in introducing him to society, gaining knowledge of Parisian habits, and finding suitable lodging, while acknowledging his own egotism prevents him from sharing his rooms.

Discussion of Morcerf’s Betrothal to Eugénie Danglars

Discussion of Morcerf’s Betrothal to Eugénie Danglars Monte Cristo recalls Morcerf mentioning a projected marriage in Rome and offers congratulations. Morcerf replies that the affair is still in projection, though Debray wryly observes that “in projection” means already decided. Morcerf explains that his father is anxious for the match and hopes to soon introduce the count to his betrothed, Mademoiselle Eugénie Danglars. When Monte Cristo asks whether her father is Baron Danglars, Morcerf confirms he is a baron of a new creation. Beauchamp adds that Danglars, although a Liberal, negotiated a six-million-franc loan for Charles X in 1829 and received the barony and Legion of Honor in return, prompting Morcerf to beg Beauchamp to spare his future father-in-law.