Contents
Chapter 76.
Overview
Andrea Cavalcanti consolidates his position with the Danglars, openly courting Eugénie as Albert remains indifferent. News arrives that Franz d’Epinay has ended his engagement to Valentine, deepening the Villeforts’ troubles. Danglars, shaken by Greek intelligence linking Fernand to Yanina, asks Monte Cristo to push Morcerf père for a decisive answer on the marriage.
Summary
Andrea Cavalcanti, buoyed by forged credentials and easy charm, advances quickly in Parisian society and is welcomed at the Danglars’ home, where he openly courts Eugénie under Madame Danglars’ indulgent eye. Monte Cristo visits, observing Andrea’s display and Eugénie’s preference for music with her friend Louise d’Armilly.
Conversing with Madame Danglars, Monte Cristo deflects talk of speculation and learns the Villeforts face new misfortune: Franz d’Epinay has abruptly broken off his engagement to Valentine. Danglars joins, ostentatiously styling Andrea as a “prince,” while Monte Cristo coolly doubts his rank and wealth.
Albert de Morcerf arrives, outwardly unruffled by Andrea’s presence with Eugénie. Danglars tries to provoke jealousy; Albert remains polite and distant. Monte Cristo counsels Danglars not to discard Morcerf lightly, but Danglars, frustrated by Albert’s coolness and Andrea’s apparent advantages, presses Monte Cristo to get a clear answer from Morcerf père about the marriage.
Summoned by urgent news, Danglars exits, then returns agitated by dispatches from Greece. Reading Albert’s presence as inconvenient, he quietly tells Monte Cristo there is a compromising “history” tied to the names Fernand and Yanina, and asks the count to remove Albert. Monte Cristo departs with Albert, leaving Andrea in favor at the Danglars’.
Who Appears
- undefinedObserves Andrea’s courtship, counsels Danglars about Morcerf, learns of Greek reports linking Fernand to Yanina, departs with Albert.
- Baron DanglarsPromotes Andrea to favor, belittles Albert’s indifference, receives alarming news from Greece, urges Monte Cristo to obtain Morcerf’s decision.
- Andrea CavalcantiAdvances in Paris society, flaunts wealth and rank, sings with Eugénie, remains with her after Monte Cristo and Albert leave.
- Eugénie DanglarsCool and self-possessed; prefers music with Louise; receives Andrea’s attentions and greets Albert without concern.
- Albert de MorcerfArrives cheerful and composed; shows no jealousy toward Andrea; leaves with Monte Cristo as Danglars grows suspicious.
- undefinedHosts the gathering, discusses speculation with the count, reports Franz’s broken engagement, ushers guests to tea.
- Louise d’ArmillyEugénie’s friend and music teacher; performs duets with her, sharing the study during Andrea’s courtship.