The Count of Monte Cristo

Mercédès Prepares for the Worst

Scarcely has Albert left than Mercédès summons a confidential servant and orders him to follow Albert wherever he goes that evening, reporting back immediately on what he observes. She then rings for her lady’s maid and, despite her weakness, dresses so as to be prepared for whatever may occur.

Waiting at the Opera House

At ten minutes to eight, Beauchamp arrives, having secured Château-Renaud’s presence in the orchestra. Both men enter Albert’s carriage, and Albert calls out their destination: the Opera. Impatience drives him to arrive before the performance begins. Château-Renaud is at his post, having been apprised of the circumstances by Beauchamp. He finds Albert’s conduct in seeking to avenge his father perfectly natural and offers renewed assurances of devotion. Debray has not yet arrived, though Albert knows he rarely misses an opera performance. Albert wanders through the theater seeking Monte Cristo in the lobby or on the stairs, but the bell summoning patrons to their seats calls him to the orchestra with his companions. Throughout the first act, his eyes remain fixed on the box between the columns, which remains closed.

The Confrontation in the Box

At the beginning of the second act, the door opens and Monte Cristo enters, dressed in black, leaning over the box front to survey the pit. Morrel follows him, searching for his sister and brother-in-law, whom he discovers in another box and greets with a kiss. The count’s survey of the audience meets Albert’s pale, threatening gaze, but Monte Cristo chooses not to acknowledge him, appearing not to notice while maintaining constant observation. When the second act ends, he sees Albert leave with his two friends and knows the approaching confrontation is imminent. The door opens and Albert appears, pale and trembling, followed by Beauchamp and Château-Renaud. Monte Cristo greets Albert with his characteristic benevolent politeness, calling him “my cavalier” and offering good evening. Albert, his trembling voice barely audible, declares they have not come for hypocritical expressions of politeness or false professions of friendship but to demand an explanation. Monte Cristo notes the unusual location and suggests he is little acquainted with Parisian habits if he thinks this an appropriate place for such a demand. Albert replies that since Monte Cristo has shut himself away and cannot be seen during bathing, dining, or sleeping, they must seize the opportunity when he appears in public. The count reminds him that he is not difficult of access and was at his house just yesterday, to which Albert responds that yesterday he did not know who Monte Cristo truly was. This declaration, raised so as to be heard by those in adjoining boxes and the lobby, attracts considerable attention, with murmurs passing through the crowd about Morcerf, who has been the subject of conversation all day.