Chapter 36.

In the immediate aftermath of the executions, the bell announces the start of Rome’s Carnival, and the scene transforms from death to revelry. Monte Cristo urges Franz and Albert to dress and join the Corso. The count remains composed, then withdraws at the Rospoli Palace, inviting them to use his carriage and windows.

Amid the masquerade, Albert begins a flirtation with women disguised as Roman peasants; a thrown bouquet of violets becomes their token. The day ends without a meeting, but Signor Pastrini secures peasant costumes for the friends. At the theatre, Countess G—— questions them about the enigmatic count, while Monte Cristo continues extending favors, including his box.

The next day, the peasant women appear as harlequins and return the signal with fresh violets. Franz receives notice of an audience with the pope and avoids the Corso; Albert sees the woman unmasked and grows certain of her high status. He asks to use the carriage alone to pursue the intrigue, and Franz agrees to observe from the Rospoli windows.

The flirtation escalates: Albert sends a bouquet with white camellias and receives a refined written rendezvous for Tuesday at 7 p.m. near San Giacomo, with instructions to wear rose-colored ribbons on his harlequin costume. Monte Cristo briefly returns from Civita Vecchia, amiable and generous, again lending his theatre box.

On the final Carnival day, amid races and the chaotic moccoletti candle battles, Albert, wearing the rose ribbons, reaches San Giacomo. A peasant girl snatches his torch as prearranged, and Albert departs arm-in-arm with her through the crowd. As the bell ends the Carnival and all lights extinguish, Franz loses sight of them in the darkness.