The Count of Monte Cristo

Public Curiosity

Many who had known the accused remembered him as amiable, handsome, and liberal, leading them to suspect he was the victim of a conspiracy. In their view, large fortunes frequently excite malevolence and jealousy from unknown enemies, and Benedetto’s apparent affluence had clearly attracted such resentment from some quarters.

The Fallibility of the Law

In many observers’ eyes, Benedetto appeared as an instance of the law’s fallibility. His father, the supposed Marquis Cavalcanti, had been seen in Paris and was expected to reappear to claim his illustrious son. His respectable appearance and gentlemanly bearing impressed many, though this noble facade tended to crumble when he attempted arithmetic or made substantial statements.

The Crowd at the Assizes

An autumn day of remarkable beauty brought enormous crowds to the courthouse. From seven o’clock in the morning, people gathered at the iron gates, and the hall was filled with privileged attendees an hour before proceedings began. The atmosphere resembled a drawing-room where acquaintances recognized each other and conversed freely.

A Meeting of Friends

Among the attendees were Beauchamp (renowned press figure), Château-Renaud, and Debray (minister’s secretary), who had secured prime positions through a sympathetic sergeant-at-arms. These well-connected gentlemen passed the time before the trial with characteristic wit and social commentary.

The Fate of Benedetto

The friends discussed Benedetto’s likely fate. The court president had privately assured Debray that despite Benedetto’s reputation for cunning and subtlety, he was in reality a commonplace, foolish rascal, unworthy of the phrenological experiments planned after his execution. While Château-Renaud detected aristocratic qualities in the accused, Beauchamp remained skeptical of the entire Cavalcanti pretense.