The Count of Monte Cristo

Review of the Abbé Busoni’s letter and financial provisions

Review of the Abbé Busoni’s letter and financial provisions Monte Cristo reads the Abbé Busoni’s letter aloud, confirming Cavalcanti’s patrician Luccan descent, his ancestral Florentine Cavalcanti lineage, and his half-million income, at which the Major expresses surprise. The letter also mentions the one thing needed for his happiness: the recovery of a son stolen in infancy by either a family enemy or gypsies at the age of five. The Count notes Busoni’s assurance that he can restore this son, and the Major, relieved, confirms belief in the letter to the end. When a postscript is mentioned, the Major grows anxious; the postscript specifies that Busoni has sent a 2,000-franc draft for travel expenses and credited the Major with 48,000 francs owed by Monte Cristo to the Abbé. The Major presses to ensure the postscript is as favorably received as the rest, since he has brought no other funds. The Count agrees to remit the 48,000 francs on the Major’s first request, then offers Alicante wine and biscuits.

Discussion of missing marriage and birth registration documents

Discussion of missing marriage and birth registration documents The conversation turns to Cavalcanti’s past. Although generally believed to be a bachelor, the Major admits a youthful indiscretion he wished to conceal. He describes his secret marriage to a noblewoman of Fiesole, raising moist eyes to invoke “his poor mother.” When Monte Cristo names her—Oliva Corsinari, a marchioness—the Italian is astonished at the Count’s foreknowledge. The Count then asks whether the Major brought the certificate of marriage and the register of his child’s birth. The Major admits he did not bring them, having not known they were necessary. Monte Cristo explains that in France such documents are indispensable: marriage is a civil affair, and without them doubts could be raised that would jeopardize Andrea’s position and ruin any desirable matrimonial alliance.