A Son’s Inventory
Albert methodically arranges his Turkish arms, English guns, Japanese china, silver-mounted cups, and artistic bronzes. He examines every cupboard, placing keys in each and gathering all pocket money and fancy jewels into a drawer of his secretaire, which he leaves open. He creates an exact inventory of everything, placing it prominently on the table after clearing away accumulated books and papers. His servant arrives despite orders not to disturb, explaining that Count de Morcerf has summoned him to question him about the morning’s duel.
The Father’s Inquiry
Albert instructs his servant to tell his father only the truth—that he apologized to the Count of Monte Cristo. As Albert completes his inventory, he observes his father departing in a carriage. With the house temporarily empty, Albert proceeds to his mother’s room, where he discovers Mercédès engaged in similar preparations. The countess has been arranging laces, dresses, jewels, linen, and money in drawers, carefully collecting keys—paralleling her son’s own meticulous preparations to leave.
Mother and Son United
Mother and son stand face to face, both having independently resolved to abandon their home. Mercédès and Albert embrace as Albert exclaims “My mother!” An artist capturing their expressions would have created a beautiful painting. These proofs of their shared energetic resolution move Albert, who expresses concern for his mother’s welfare rather than his own fate.
Shared Resolutions
Albert asks his mother what she is doing, and she replies by asking the same of him. When Albert reveals he intends to bid farewell to the house and to her, Mercédès reveals she too is leaving, having hoped Albert would accompany her. Albert insists he cannot share his fate with her—he must live without rank or fortune, beginning a hard apprenticeship and borrowing from friends like Franz to survive. Mercédès begs him not to speak of poverty and hunger, but Albert remains firm, citing his youth, strength, and newly discovered willpower.
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