Edward de Villefort Insults Ali
Madame de Villefort asks her son Edward to thank Ali for saving their lives, but the spoiled, willful child refuses, insulting Ali by calling him too ugly. Monte Cristo translates the comment to Ali, who is internally wounded by the slight despite showing no outward emotional reaction.
Ali Pacifies the Dappled Grays
Monte Cristo arranges for Ali to drive the Villeforts home in his own carriage, and Ali successfully pacifies the previously ungovernable dappled grays. The horses, now docile and sluggish, complete the two-hour journey back to the Villeforts’ Faubourg Saint-Honoré residence at a slow, labored pace.
Madame de Villefort’s Letter to Madame Danglars
After returning home, Madame de Villefort writes to her friend Madame Danglars detailing the accident, the count’s intervention, Ali’s heroism in stopping the horses, and the return of Madame Danglars’ carriage, which is left stupefied by the encounter. She praises the count as an extraordinary figure, asks Madame Danglars to arrange a meeting between them, and notes her husband has promised to call on the count that night.
The Auteuil Adventure Spreads Through Paris
News of the Auteuil adventure spreads rapidly through Parisian society: Albert recounts it to his mother, Château-Renaud shares the story at the Jockey Club, Debray discusses it in ministerial salons, and Beauchamp publishes a glowing account of the count’s gallantry in his journal, cementing the count’s status as a celebrated hero among aristocratic women. Large crowds of visitors call on Madame de Villefort to hear the full details of the romantic incident.
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