Benedetto’s Accusation
Benedetto’s Accusation Once silence returns, Andrea explains he had no intention of insulting the court or causing disturbance. He reiterates his claims: born at Auteuil on September 27, 1817, son of M. de Villefort. He promises to provide proof and explanations. There is an energy and conviction in his manner that silences further tumult, causing all eyes to turn toward the traumatized procureur.
A Tale of Burial
A Tale of Burial Andrea provides further details of his origin. He claims he was born in No. 28, Rue de la Fontaine, in a room hung with red damask. His father allegedly took him in his arms, told his mother the child was dead, wrapped him in a napkin marked with H and N, and carried him into a garden where he buried him alive. The assembly shudders as Benedetto’s confidence increases in proportion to Villefort’s growing terror.
The Corsican Upbringing
The Corsican Upbringing Andrea continues his story, explaining that a man who had sworn vengeance against his father had been concealed in the garden that night, witnessed the burial, and stabbed Villefort before discovering the child still living. The man carried him to a foundling asylum, where he was registered as number 37. Three months later, a woman traveled from Rogliano to Paris, claimed him as her son, and raised him in Corsica.
Madame Danglars’ Collapse
Madame Danglars’ Collapse Andrea explains how his perverse disposition led him to crime, and how his adopted father told him the crime belonged to his real father, who consigned him to hell or misery. He reveals his mother thought him dead and is not guilty. Upon hearing this account, a lady in the crowd falls into violent hysterics. She is carried out of the hall, and Madame Danglars is recognized as her thick veil drops off.
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