Chapter 53.

Paris gathers at the Académie Royale for Robert le Diable. Albert de Morcerf and Chateau–Renaud discuss the races, where an unknown horse “Vampa” and jockey “Job” won; Albert links the names to Monte Cristo and notes a prize cup sent to Countess G—— signed “Lord Ruthven.” Albert visits the countess and confirms Monte Cristo’s involvement.

Monte Cristo arrives with Haidee, whose beauty and jewels captivate the audience. In Madame Danglars’s box, the baroness, Eugenie, Debray, and Albert debate the count’s origins, wealth, and Haidee’s status. Albert goes to draw Monte Cristo; in the lobby the count jokes about Parisian curiosity, discusses his notoriety, Vampa, and hashish, and promises to call on the baroness.

The Count of Morcerf joins Madame Danglars’s box. Monte Cristo soon enters, accepts thanks, and is introduced to Eugenie. Speaking of Epirus, Morcerf boasts he served Ali Tepelini at Yanina and owes him his fortune. Monte Cristo positions Morcerf at the front of the box as Haidee looks up and, recognizing him, turns pale and nearly faints.

Monte Cristo attributes Haidee’s collapse to nerves and scents, departs, and returns to her. In private, Haidee seizes his hand and declares Morcerf is the wretch who sold her father to the Turks, enriching himself by treachery. Monte Cristo, intrigued, asks for details later; at her insistence, they leave during the fourth act, prompting Countess G—— to note his unconventional exit.