The Count of Monte Cristo

Villefort Meets the Accused

Villefort Meets the Accused After Morrel departs, Villefort enters his house and passes through the antechamber filled with police agents andgendarmes. In their midst stands the prisoner Dantès, carefully watched but calm and smiling. Villefort casts a sidelong glance at him and takes a packet of documents before disappearing to conduct the examination. Though his glance is rapid, Villefort notes the intelligence in Dantès’s high forehead, courage in his dark eye and bent brow, and frankness in his thick lips revealing pearly teeth. His first impression is favorable, though he reminds himself to mistrust initial impulses. Dantès enters Villefort’s office pale but composed, saluting his judge with easy politeness and looking around for a seat as if in Morrel’s salon. The deputy begins by requesting Dantès’s identity, and the young man replies calmly that he is Edmond Dantès, mate of the Pharaon, belonging to Morrel & Son. When asked his age, Dantès answers nineteen. The examination begins with questions about his background and circumstances of his arrest.

The Interrogation and the Anonymous Letter

The Interrogation and the Anonymous Letter When asked what he was doing at the moment of his arrest, Dantès reveals he was at the festival of his own wedding, his voice tremulous at the contrast between that happy moment and his current ordeal. The coincidence strikes Villefort—he too is about to be married—and this sympathetic chord momentarily softens his demeanor. Villefort then asks about Dantès’s political opinions, inquiring whether he served under “the usurper.” Dantès explains he was about to be mustered into the Royal Marines when Napoleon fell, and that at nineteen he has no political opinions, only three sentiments: love for his father, respect for Morrel, and adoration of Mercédès. When Villefort asks if Dantès has enemies, the young man admits his position is not elevated enough for enemies, though his disposition may be hasty. He notes that his ten or twelve sailors love and respect him as an elder brother. Villefort then produces the anonymous accusation letter, asking if Dantès recognizes the handwriting. Dantès reads it, sees a cloud pass over his brow, and declares he does not know the writing, though it is tolerably plain. He expresses gratitude at being examined by such a fair magistrate, not knowing this same letter will seal his fate.