The Count of Monte Cristo

第七十三章 The Promise

Chapter 73. The Promise depicts a pivotal encounter between Maximilian Morrel and Valentine de Villefort at the gate under the chestnut-trees. Morrel arrives tormented by premonitions of misfortune following the return of Madame de Saint-Méran and the death of the marquis, fearing that his attachment to Valentine will be undone. Valentine discloses that her family intends to finalize her engagement to Baron Franz d’Épinay as soon as he arrives, with the contract to be signed the following day. Morrel confirms d’Épinay’s arrival in Paris after witnessing his entrance at Monte Cristo’s home. Desperate, Morrel urges Valentine to resist the forced marriage, offering to take her abroad and marry her, but she initially refuses to defy her dying grandmother and father. When Morrel then calmly announces his intention to take his own life rather than endure her loss, Valentine breaks down and capitulates, swearing she will flee with him if the contract signing cannot be prevented. The two exchange solemn vows—Valentine promises to resist the marriage and meet Morrel at the gate if necessary, while Morrel agrees to wait for her signal—thus sealing their secret pact.

Morrel’s Foreboding Visit to the Villefort Gate

Maximilian Morrel arrives pale and trembling at the gate under the chestnut-trees at M. de Villefort’s residence. Driven by a lover’s instinct and uneasy forebodings following Madame de Saint-Méran’s return and the marquis’s death, he senses that something is about to occur regarding his attachment to Valentine. Valentine, unaware of the cause of his distress but drawn to the spot by accident or sympathy, runs to meet him when he calls.