Contents
Chapter 97.
Overview
In the wake of Andrea’s exposure, Eugénie rejects her arranged marriage and Parisian society. She cuts her hair, assumes a male identity with a passport from Monte Cristo, and elopes with Louise. They outwit household surveillance and depart Paris, redirecting their route to avoid betrayal, leaving Danglars bereft.
Summary
After Andrea Cavalcanti is unmasked and the guests flee the Danglars mansion, chaos leaves only a few behind: Baron Danglars with the gendarmes, Madame Danglars in terror, and Eugénie Danglars with Louise d’Armilly. In her room, Eugénie rejects marriage and society, declaring her plan to pursue an independent artist’s life.
Eugénie and Louise finalize a long-prepared escape. They review a male passport for “Léon d’Armilly,” procured via Monte Cristo, count their funds and jewels, and divide responsibilities. Eugénie changes into men’s clothes and, without hesitation, cuts off her hair to complete the disguise.
Moving stealthily through the house, Eugénie uses her contralto voice to deceive the porter and slip out with Louise and their portmanteau. They rendezvous with a prearranged laundress, hire a post-chaise and horses, and prepare to depart.
To avoid betrayal, Eugénie orders the driver first toward Fontainebleau, intending to change course and reach the Belgian frontier via alternate routes. As the carriage passes the barrier and leaves Paris, their abduction by consent is complete; Danglars, stunned by scandal and loss, effectively loses his daughter.
Who Appears
- Eugénie DanglarsDefies marriage and society; cuts her hair, disguises as a man, and orchestrates an elopement with Louise.
- Louise d’ArmillyEugénie’s companion; anxious but supportive, helps pack, carries funds, and flees with Eugénie.
- Baron DanglarsReels from scandal; remains with gendarmes as his daughter secretly escapes.
- undefinedTerrified and secluded, unaware of Eugénie’s immediate flight.
- undefinedAsleep, then unwittingly opens the gate for the disguised Eugénie.
- undefinedPrearranged contact; provides access to the post-chaise and facilitates the departure.
- undefinedDrives the post-chaise; directed toward Fontainebleau as a ruse.