The Count of Monte Cristo

Albert Cites His Mother’s Opposition to the Marriage

Albert confesses that his objection to the marriage is not wholly on his own side. When Monte Cristo presses him, Albert reveals that his mother, the Comtesse de Morcerf, dissents from the union, despite Albert being unable to account for her prejudice against the Danglars. Monte Cristo suggests the explanation may lie in the countess’s aristocratic pride against alliance with one of ignoble birth, but Albert notes that a planned meeting six weeks earlier was postponed because of a sudden attack of indisposition, and the two-month delay expires next week. Albert laments his harassed mind and envies the count’s freedom, while Monte Cristo responds with the significant shrug, “Marry her then.”

Lucien Reveals Danglars’ Haiti Bond Stock Profits

Lucien Debray, ensconced in an armchair with a pencil and account book, reveals that he has been calculating what the house of Danglars must have gained by the last rise in Haiti bonds—from 206 to 409 in three days—producing a profit of 300,000 livres. Morcerf adds that Danglars made a million in Spaniards the previous year. Lucien cites an Italian proverb about money and saintliness and shrugs his shoulders when told such things, prompting Monte Cristo to inquire further about the Haitians.

The Party Discusses French Stock-Jobbing Practices

Lucien explains that Haitians are the écarté of French stock-jobbing—always returning to them even after tiring of other games. He recounts that M. Danglars sold yesterday at 405 and pocketed 300,000 francs, whereas had he waited until today, the price would have fallen to 205, costing him 20 or 25,000 francs instead. When Monte Cristo asks what caused the sudden fall from 409 to 206, Albert laughingly explains that one piece of news follows another, often with great dissimilarity.