The Count of Monte Cristo

Eugénie’s Engagement

Madame Danglars describes Prince Cavalcanti as having a foreign manner recognizable to French people as Italian or German nobility, possessing great kindness and keen wit. M. Danglars assures that his fortune is “majestic.” Eugénie, turning over leaves in Madame de Villefort’s album, adds that her parents have taken a great fancy to the young man. When asked if she shares this fancy, Eugénie responds with her usual candor that she has not the least interest in the man. She declares her wish was never to confine herself to domestic cares or any man’s caprices, but to be an artist, and consequently free in heart, person, and thought. She pronounces these words with such firm resolve that the color mounts to Valentine’s cheeks.

Albert’s Disgrace

Eugénie notes that since she must marry regardless of her will, she should be thankful Providence released her from her engagement with Albert de Morcerf, otherwise she would today be the wife of a dishonored man. Madame Danglars confirms that had not the Morcerfs hesitated, her daughter would have married Albert. The general depended much on the match and even came to force M. Danglars to honor it. Eugénie states that Albert claims and deserves his share of the shame, for after challenging Monte Cristo at the Opera, he apologized the following day. Madame Danglars heard this from M. Debray, who witnessed the explanation. Valentine falls silent, remembering that Morrel waits for her in Noirtier’s room.

Valentine’s Faint

Madame Danglars notices Valentine’s forehead burning and observes she has turned pale and red successively three or four times in one minute. Eugénie also remarks on Valentine’s extreme pallor. Valentine claims she has been so for many days, and Madame de Villefort comes to her aid, telling her to retire and drink pure water. Valentine kisses Eugénie, bows to Madame Danglars, and departs. Crossing through Edward’s room and her own, she descends the little staircase. Three steps from the bottom, while already hearing Morrel’s voice, a cloud passes over her eyes, her foot misses the step, her hands cannot hold the baluster, and she falls against the wall, toppling to the floor. Morrel bounds to the door and finds Valentine stretched out at the bottom of the stairs. He raises her in his arms and places her in a chair. She opens her eyes, blaming her clumsiness and forgetfulness of the three extra steps. Morrel insists she has hurt herself, but Valentine reassures them, though her cheeks remain hot.