The Count of Monte Cristo

Conversation on Monte Cristo’s Servants Ali and Bertuccio

Conversation on Monte Cristo’s Servants Ali and Bertuccio Beauchamp marvels at the originality and princely nature of this arrangement. Debray asks if the count has a steward who knows Paris, and Monte Cristo replies that his steward is a Corsican whom Morcerf knows. Morcerf identifies him as the excellent M. Bertuccio. Debray teasingly asks how much Bertuccio robs the count each year, and Monte Cristo defends him, saying he answers the count’s purpose, knows no impossibility, and is therefore retained.

Discussion of Monte Cristo’s Slave and French Freedom Laws

Discussion of Monte Cristo’s Slave and French Freedom Laws Château-Renaud remarks that since the count has an establishment, a steward, and a hotel in the Champs-Élysées, he only lacks a mistress. The count replies that he has something better, a slave purchased in Constantinople at greater cost but with nothing to fear. Debray reminds him that the Franks, as King Charles said, are frank by name and frank by nature, and that the moment the slave sets foot in France she becomes free. The count dismisses the concern, asking who would tell her, since she only speaks Romaic. Beauchamp insists they must at least see her, asking if the count also keeps eunuchs, but Monte Cristo says he does not carry brutalism so far. He adds that everyone around him is free to leave and that when they do, they will no longer need him or anyone else—which is perhaps why they do not leave.

Guests Depart the Breakfast Gathering

Guests Depart the Breakfast Gathering They have long since passed to dessert and cigars. Debray rises, noting it is half-past two, and says he must return to the minister’s office, where he will report on the count so that they may soon learn who he is. Morcerf warns him that no one has yet succeeded in uncovering the count’s identity, but Debray declares that the police have three million francs available and fifty thousand for this purpose alone. He promises to tell Morcerf what he learns and departs, calling loudly for his carriage. Beauchamp, declining to go to the Chamber, tells Morcerf he will offer his readers something better than a speech from M. Danglars, but Morcerf begs him not to deprive him of the merit of introducing the count everywhere. Château-Renaud, leaving with Morrel, reminds the count of his promise to visit Rue Meslay, No. 14; the count bows and promises not to fail. After Morrel and Château-Renaud depart, Monte Cristo is left alone with Morcerf.