The Count of Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo and Albert Coordinate an Excuse for Albert’s Absence

Albert thanks Monte Cristo for his candor and accepts the exclusion, agreeing that his father will be equally angry. Monte Cristo suggests the Danglars will think him ill-mannered for not inviting Albert and recommends that Albert establish a credible prior engagement, communicated in writing since bankers require written documents. Albert devises a better plan: he will tell Danglars that he and his mother are leaving for Tréport tomorrow, and the excuse must account for the fact that Lucien saw him at the count’s house—Monte Cristo will claim he invited Albert on the spot and Albert immediately declined on account of the trip.

Albert Invites Monte Cristo to a Private Family Dinner

Albert, delighted with the arrangement, goes further and invites Monte Cristo to dine with him and his mother alone that very evening, an opportunity to observe the remarkable Comtesse de Morcerf more closely, converse about travels, and discuss the beautiful Greek slave. He promises his mother will be grateful and calls Monte Cristo adorable if he accepts.

Monte Cristo Declines, Citing a Prior Engagement with the Cavalcantis

Monte Cristo declines the invitation, citing a most important prior engagement, despite Albert’s playful demand for proof of the pre-engagement. He rings for Baptistin, who confirms the count’s orders: the door was to be closed to visitors at five o’clock, and only Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti and his son were to be admitted that evening. Monte Cristo introduces the Cavalcantis—ancient Italian nobility celebrated by Dante, with millions behind them—and their son Andrea, a young man about Albert’s age. The count confesses that he wishes to do away with his mysterious reputation and live openly, and he asks Albert to assist him in introducing the young Cavalcanti to Parisian society.