The Count of Monte Cristo

Arrival at Tréport

The party arrives at midnight at a beautiful estate enclosed by a park. A porter, having been warned by the groom at the last stage, awaits them. By half past two in the morning, Albert is shown to his apartments where a bath and supper have been prepared. Baptistin, who rode at the front of the carriage, attends the Count, while another servant who traveled behind tends to Albert. The swift journey has covered forty-eight leagues in eight hours, and the stage is set for the anticipated respite at this coastal retreat.

A Morning at the Seaside Villa

Albert’s chambers open onto a terrace overlooking the sea, with a small forest and attractive park behind. The Count’s sloop, bearing his arms—a golden mountain on azure sea with a red cross in chief—rests in a nearby creek, surrounded by humble fishing boats awaiting orders like subjects before their queen. Albert discovers his anteroom equipped with hunting guns and accoutrements, while a ground-floor room contains fishing equipment invented by the patient English. The three days pass in hunting and fishing—twelve pheasants killed in the park, as many trout from the stream. They dine in a summer-house overlooking the ocean and take tea in the library. The Count continues designing a conservatory plan with his architect while Albert, exhausted by the invigorating exercises that the Count handles with ease, dozes in an armchair near the window.

The Courier from Paris

On the third evening, the sound of a horse at full gallop announces a messenger. Albert is startled to recognize his own valet de chambre, Florentin, whom he had not brought to avoid inconveniencing Monte Cristo. Fearing his mother is ill, Albert rushes forward. Florentin produces a sealed parcel containing a newspaper and letter from Beauchamp. Albert opens the letter with apprehension and cries out upon reading its contents; his sight dims and legs buckle, requiring Florentin’s support. Monte Cristo observes from nearby and remarks, apparently to himself, that “the sin of the father shall fall on the children to the third and fourth generation.” The Count’s knowing comment suggests awareness of what devastates the young man. Florentin confirms he came in fifteen hours, having been summoned by Beauchamp, given money for the journey, and instructed not to stop until he reached Albert. When Albert asks about the house, Florentin reports that everything was quiet, though he found Madame Morcerf in tears. She sent for him to inquire about Albert’s return, and though she initially reached out to prevent his departure, she ultimately said, “Yes, go, Florentin, and may he come quickly.”