Monte Cristo, part I
Drama in five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1848
Translated and adapted by Frank J. Morlock
Translation is Copyright © 2000 by Frank J. Morlock. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without explicit consent of Frank J. Morlock. Please contact frankmorlock@msn.com for licensing information.
For more information on this play, click here.
To Conrad - Yet another project that would never have come to fruition without your encouragement and support.
Table of Contents
Characters
The bridge of the Pharaoh, the port of Marseille in the background.
EDMOND
Each to his post for the anchoring! Fine -- it looks good to me.
PENELON
Tell me, Mr. Dantes, without being forced --
EDMOND
What is it, my good Penelon?
PENELON
Look who's coming to us, down there in a punt --
EDMOND
Oh -- oh -- it's Mr. Morrel, our owner.
PENELON
The bourgeois doesn't lose any time! He's coming with the Health Inspector.
EDMOND
Damn, you understand -- it's worth the trouble. I am sure that he wouldn't miss his share in this voyage of 5000,000 francs.
PENELON
Five hundred thousand francs! Plague! That's a pretty figure.
GRINGOLE
I bet my share on the voyage won't reach that figure, right, Master Penelon?
PENELON
Shut up, Gringole.
EDMOND
(command)
Start to haul in the top sails, the jib and the spanker -- Act shipshape! What is it Gringole?
GRINGOLE
Lieutenant, the Health Officer.
HEALTH OFFICER
Ahoy, ship -- where are you from?
EDMOND
From Smyrna, Naples and the isle of Elba.
HEALTH OFFICER
Have you been in quarantine?
EDMOND
At Smyrna.
HEALTH OFFICER
Let's see your papers.
EDMOND
Here they are.
(he hands them with tongs)
Good day, Mr. Morrel, a visit shortly, right?
MORREL
Yes, yes, good day, my good friend.
HEALTH OFFICER
It's fine everything in order. You can go aboard, gentlemen of the customs.
MORREL
And I -- ?
HEALTH OFFICER
You, too, Mr. Morrel. And be first. To the gentlemen, all honor.
MORREL
(coming aboard)
Good day, Edmond. Good day my friends. Where is Mr. LeClere? But what's wrong? The ship has an air of sadness which makes me uneasy?
EDMOND
Oh -- we suffered a great misfortune, Mr. Morrel.
MORREL
A great misfortune. You frighten me. What happened?
EDMOND
At Civita Vecchia we lost Captain LeClere.
MORREL
Our poor captain. And how did this misfortune occur, Edmond? Did he fall into the sea?
EDMOND
No, sir. After three days of horrible suffering, a brain fever carried him off.
MORREL
And how did this happen to him?
EDMOND
My God, sir, in the most unforeseen manner. After a long conversation with the Harbor Master, Captain LeClere left Naples in a state of great agitation. Within 24 hours, the fever took him -- 3 days later, he was dead.
MORREL
Truly it's strange.
EDMOND
This misfortune threw us in consternation. Death is terrible anywhere, yet more so, when one is lost in the immensity and is tossed between the sea and the sky.
MORREL
You gave him a proper funeral?
EDMOND
Yes, Mr. Morrel -- he resides softly, wrapped in his hammock off the isle of Giglio with 36 cannon balls at his head and his feet. We bring back to his widow his cross and his sword. It was worthwhile to spend ten years fighting the English and make 3 voyages around the world -- to die in his bed!
MORREL
What do you want my dear Edmond! It's sad, I am well aware. But still, we are all mortal -- the old must make way for the new, without that there would be no progress -- now, Edmond, let us see the invoices.
EDMOND
Hold on, here right now is Mr. Danglars, your accountant, who is just leaving his cabin and who will give you all the receipts you could want. As for me, Mr. Morrel, with your permission, I need to oversee the anchoring and put the boat in ship-shape.
MORREL
Go, my friend, go.
(Edmond goes off.)
MORREL
(aside)
There's a worthy and honest young man. If he doesn't prosper, there is no justice in heaven.
DANGLARS
An irreparable misfortune, sir, that is the word. Where will we find his like again? An old sailor like him -- admirably suited to be entrusted with the interests of a firm as important as yours.
MORREL
I believe you exaggerate, Danglars, not the loss we have suffered, but the difficulty we will have in repairing it. There's no necessity to be an old sailor, you see, to know his job -- and we have Dantes, who does his without the need to consult anyone.
DANGLARS
(with irritation)
Yes, yes, he's young - and he doesn't doubt himself -- still, hardly had Captain LeClere died than he took command of the Pharaoh and cost us a day and a half at Elba instead of returning directly to Marseille.
MORREL
As to taking command of the boat, that was his duty as Chief Mate and he was right to do so. But as for wasting a day and a half at Elba -- he was wrong unless the ship needed repairs.
DANGLARS
The boat was as well as I am and as I hope you are, Mr. Morrel. And the day and a half was lost from pure caprice, for the pleasure of going ashore.
MORREL
You are certain?
DANGLARS
By Jove, I am!
MORREL
(turning)
Dantes! Come here, if you would.
EDMOND
Pardon, Monsieur Morrel, I will be with you in a moment.
(ordering)
Lower the flag to half mast. Put the flagstaff down. Cross the yards.
DANGLARS
You see, he already thinks he is captain, my word of honor.
MORREL
It's all but done.
DANGLARS
Yes, save for your signature, Mr. Morrel.
MORREL
Damnation, why shouldn't I let him have the position? He's young, I am aware, but despite his youth, he appears to me to be very experienced in his job.
DANGLARS
You find him so?
(Edmond comes in.)
EDMOND
There -- now that the ship is anchored here, I am all yours. You called me, I believe?
MORREL
Yes, my friend. I wanted to ask you why you stopped at the Isle of Elba?
EDMOND
I myself do not know, sir.
MORREL
What -- you don't know?
EDMOND
Yes, it was to complete the list recommendation of Captain LeClere who, dying, gave me a package for the Grand Marshall.
MORREL
You saw him, Edmond?
EDMOND
Who?
MORREL
The Grand Marshall.
EDMOND
Yes.
MORREL
Hush! And how is the emperor?
EDMOND
Very well, sire, so far as I could judge by my eyes.
MORREL
You saw the Emperor, too?
EDMOND
He came to the home of the Marshall while I was there.
MORREL
And you spoke with him, Dantes?
EDMOND
Say rather he spoke to me, sir.
MORREL
What did he say to you?
EDMOND
He asked me some questions about the ship from the time of its departure from Marseille, the route it took and the cargo it carried. I think that if it had been empty and if I had been the master of this boat, his intention was to buy it, but I told him I was simply second in command and the boat belonged to the Morrels of Marseille, "Oh, oh! The Morrels," he said, "I know them. They are owners from father to son, and there was a Morrel who served in the same regiment with me while I was in garrison at Valence."
MORREL
By God, that's true, Dantes! That Morrel -- it was my Uncle Policar, who has since become Captain. Edmond, you will tell my Uncle that the Emperor remembered him and you will see him cry, the old grumbler. Come, come, you have done well to follow the instructions of Captain LeClere. But, if it became known you had spoken to the Emperor that could compromise you.
EDMOND
How could it compromise me, sir? I don't know even what I brought, and the Emperor only questioned me in a way he would anyone. But pardon, here comes the customs officer who's making everything go helter-skelter, as he usually does. You will excuse me, won't you?
MORREL
Go ahead, go ahead.
EDMOND
Wait, gentlemen! Wait!
(Edmond goes to the customs officers.)
DANGLARS
(approaching)
Well, Mr. Morrel, he gave you good reasons for his stop at Porto Ferraio, it appears?
MORREL
Excellent ones, my dear, Mr. Danglars.
EDMOND
Ah! So much the better! It's always unfortunate to have a comrade who doesn't know his duty.
MORREL
Dantes knows his, Danglars and it was Captain LeClere who ordered this release.
DANGLARS
Apropos of Captain LeClere, didn't he give you a letter from him?
MORREL
Who? Dantes?
DANGLARS
Yes.
MORREL
For me? No, was there one?
DANGLARS
I thought when he was dying, besides the package, the Captain had given him a letter and I thought the letter was for you.
MORREL
Besides the package.
DANGLARS
The one Dantes took to Porto Ferraio.
MORREL
How did you know he had a package to deliver to Porto Ferraio?
DANGLARS
I was passing before the door of the Captain which was open and I saw him give a package and a letter to Dantes.
MORREL
He didn't mention it to me, if there was a letter he will give it to me.
DANGLARS
Then Mr. Morrel, don't speak of what I have just mentioned to you before Edmond. I was deceived.
(Edmond returns.)
MORREL
Well, my dear Dantes, are you free?
EDMOND
Yes, sir.
MORREL
The thing didn't take long!
EDMOND
No, I gave the customs officers the list of our merchandise and they are now making their inspection.
MORREL
Then you have nothing to do here?
EDMOND
No sir, everything is in order.
MORREL
Then you can come to dine with us?
EDMOND
Excuse me, Mr. Morrel, for refusing the great honor you are doing me; but my first visit must be, you understand, to my father.
MORREL
You're perfectly right, Dantes, you're perfectly right. I know you are a good son.
EDMOND
Do you know if his health has been good?
MORREL
Your father? I believe so, my dear Edmond, although I have not seen him.
EDMOND
Yes, he keeps himself shut up in his little room in the Meilban alley, right?
MORREL
It shows, at least, that he lacked for nothing during your absence.
EDMOND
My father is proud, sir, if he had lacked everything, I doubt he would ask anything of any person in this world, except God.
MORREL
Well, after this visit, can we count on you?
EDMOND
Truly, Mr. Morrel, I am ashamed to reply this way to so much politeness but after this first visit, there is a second which holds me no less by the heart-strings.
MORREL
Oh! It's true, Dantes. I forgot that among the Catalans there is someone who waits you with no less impatience than your father. It's the beautiful Mercedes! Ah! Ah! Nothing surprised me more, Edmond, than that she came 3 times to ask me for news of the Pharaoh.
EDMOND
She came, sir?
MORREL
In person. Plague! Edmond, you have nothing to complain of, and you have a pretty mistress.
EDMOND
She is not my mistress, sir, she is my fiancee.
MORREL
Often it's the same thing.
EDMOND
Not for us!
MORREL
Come, come, my dear Edmond, don't let me keep you. You've done my business so well that I can give you leisure to attend to your own affairs. Do you need some money?
EDMOND
No, sir, I have all my stipends from the trip, earning 3 or 4 months of pay.
MORREL
You are a well-ordered boy, Edmond.
EDMOND
Add that I have a poor father, sir, and that my fiancee is not rich.
MORREL
Go then to see your father and your fiancee, Edmond, go!
EDMOND
Then you will excuse me?
MORREL
Yes, if you have nothing more to tell me.
EDMOND
No, sir -- Penelon -- the small boat!
MORREL
Tell me, Edmond, Captain LeClere, as he was dying, didn't he leave you a letter for me?
EDMOND
It was impossible for him to write, sir. But I recall that I have to ask you for eight days leave.
MORREL
To get married, Edmond?
EDMOND
Yes, sir, first of all, then to go to Paris.
MORREL
Good! You will have the time that you wish. It will take us six weeks to load and unload the boat, and we won't go back to sea for two months. Only in two months, you will have to be there, Dantes. The Pharaoh, cannot, you understand, put to sea without its captain.
EDMOND
Without its captain? Pay attention to what you say there, sir? For you have just answered my heart's most secret hopes. Your intention is to name me captain of the Pharaoh?
MORREL
If I were alone, my dear Dantes, I would offer to shake hands on it, and I would say to you, "Put it there." But for the last 3 or 4 years, I've had an associate, and you know the Italian proverb, "He who has a companion, has a master." But half of the needful is done, since of two votes, you already have one. Count on me to obtain the second, and I will do my best.
EDMOND
Ah, sir, I thank you in the name of my father and Mercedes! Me, captain! My God, Mr. Morrel, you've just spoken a word I didn't expect to hear for four or five years.
MORREL
It's fine, it's fine, Edmond. There's a God in heaven for brave young men. Go see your father, go see Mercedes and come to me afterwards.
PENELON
The boat is prepared Mr. Edmond.
EDMOND
Good, my friend.
(to Morrel)
Would you like me to row you back to shore?
MORREL
No thanks. I will stay to settle my accounts with Danglars. Were you happy with him during the voyage?
EDMOND
It depends on the way you mean the question, sir. If you mean as a good comrade, no! For I believe he looks at me with rancor since the day, at the end of a little quarrel, I had the stupidity to suggest that we make a short stop together at the island of Monte Cristo. If it is an accountant, I believe there is nothing to reproach him with and that you will be content with the manner in which his work was done.
MORREL
But, come, Dantes, be frank. If you were captain of the Pharaoh, would you keep Danglars, with pleasure?
EDMOND
Captain or mate, Mr. Morrel, I will always have the highest regards for those who possess the confidence of my backers.
MORREL
In truth, Dantes, you are in every way an estimable young man. But I won't keep you any longer. I see that you are on burning coals.
EDMOND
I then take my leave.
MORREL
Go, I tell you.
EDMOND
Then goodbye, Mr. Morrel, and a thousand thanks.
MORREL
Till we meet again, my dear Edmond -- good luck!
(to Danglars)
And now, Mr. Danglars, business.
(blackout)
The home of Edmond's father. A little room with a sloping roof, window filled with creeping plants.
LA CARCONTE
So there, father Dantes, you say that my drunken Caderousse isn't here.
DANTES
No, cousin, I haven't even seen him all day.
LA CARCONTE
Go on! He must still be at the cabaret.
DANTES
Let's see -- a little mercy for poor Caderousse, cousin!
LA CARCONTE
Oh! It's that he doesn't do more than that, you see. A man who had such a good situation.
DANTES
Well, but he'll always have it.
LA CARCONTE
Yes, but little by little, he loses all his skill and then they won't give him credit any more for anything.
DANTES
Bah! Cousin, you have some property in Arles and when you wish to leave Marseille.
LA CARCONTE
Ah! That's exactly what I fear.
DANTES
How's that?
LA CARCONTE
Because it will be my death, you see. If I return to Arles, I am lost.
DANTES
Ah, yes, those cursed fevers.
LA CARCONTE
I thought I was dying of it, you know.
DANTES
Poor woman! But things are better, right?
LA CARCONTE
I am cured - and since I cannot retake the same air --
DANTES
You will excuse me, cousin?
(He stand in a chair to attach the blinds to the window.)
LA CARCONTE
Take care. You are high up, it is nothing to joke about.
DANTES
Oh -- don't worry.
LA CARCONTE
I hear a step. It cannot be him.
DANTES
You see quite well it doesn't do like that to think badly of his approach.
LA CARCONTE
It's not him.
(seeing Edmond)
Wait! Wait! Oh -- but --
DANTES
What?
(low to Carconte)
Silence!
LA CARCONTE
Yes, and even
(she gestures that she must go)
Right?
DANTES
Thanks!
LA CARCONTE
He's going to be very happy, father, Dantes.
(Exit La Carconte)
DANTES
(his back turned)
Speak, cousin, since it still isn't him. Who is it then, huh?
EDMOND
It's me, my father.
DANTES
Ah, my God -- my God!
EDMOND
What's wrong with you, father? Are you getting sick?
DANTES
No, my dear, Edmond! No, my child! But I wasn't expecting you -- and the joy -- the shock of seeing you return here so unexpectedly, oh, my God! It seems to me I am going to die.
EDMOND
Well, pull yourself together, Father -- it's I -- it's really me! Everyone says that joy never does ill and that's why I came in without warning. Come on, smile at me, instead of looking at me as you are doing with terrified eyes! I am back, we are going to be happy.
DANTES
Ah! So much the better boy! But how are we going to be happy? You will never leave me again?
EDMOND
Poor Captain LeClere is dead and it's likely I am going to have his place. Do you understand? Captain, with five hundred louis in appointments and a share of the profits. Isn't that more than a poor drudge like myself could hope for?
DANTES
Yes, my son, yes -- indeed -- it's very happy.
EDMOND
Also, I want from the first money I receive, for you to have a small house with a garden where you can plant your flowers. But what's the matter, Father? They were saying you were sick.
DANTES
Patience, Edmond; it is nothing!
EDMOND
Come, come, Father, a glass of wine -- that will revive you -- where have you put your wine?
DANTES
No, thanks -- don't look.
EDMOND
Easily done, father. Tell me where it is.
DANTES
Useless. There is no more wine.
EDMOND
What do you mean? There is no more wine? Could you have been short of money, Father?
DANTES
I lack nothing since you are here, my child!
EDMOND
What, could Mr. Morrel not have transmitted to you the two hundred francs on the day of my departure three months ago?
DANTES
Yes -- it's true. But you forgot a little debt at the home of your neighbor, Caderousse. He reminded me of it saying that if I didn't pay on your behalf, he would go to Mr. Morrel for payment. Then from fear that this would injure you --
EDMOND
Well?
DANTES
I paid.
EDMOND
But it was 140 francs that I owed neighbor Caderousse.
DANTES
Yes.
EDMOND
And you gave him from the 200 francs I left for you?
DANTES
Yes.
EDMOND
So that, for three months, you've had sixty francs to live on?
DANTES
You know how little I need.
EDMOND
Oh, my God, my God, pardon me.
DANTES
What's wrong with you?
EDMOND
Oh, my poor Father, you have broken my heart.
DANTES
(smiling)
Bah! You are here! Now everything is forgotten because everything is fine.
EDMOND
Yes, I am here with a good future and a little money. Here, take, take.
(he tosses his money on the table)
And send a right away to get something.
DANTES
Send for what?
EDMOND
Why for you? Come here, Father, take, take! Buy some provisions. Be happy, poor Father. Tomorrow there will be more.
DANTES
Easy, easy! With your permission, I will employ your purse moderately. People will think if they see me buy many things at once that I was forced to wait for your return to buy them.
EDMOND
Do as you wish, Father, but before all else, get someone to serve you. I have down there in the depth of the hold some excellent coffee and contraband tobacco for you -- you will have some tomorrow. It comes from Smyrna, but hush, someone is here.
DANTES
He, it's Caderousse who will have heard of your arrival and who wishes to congratulate you on your safe return.
EDMOND
Good! Still some lips say one thing while the heart says another. But -- no matter -- he's a neighbor who has helped us in the past -- let him be welcome.
CADEROUSSE
Eh? You've come back, little one?
EDMOND
As you see, neighbor Caderousse, and ready to be agreeable to you in whatever may be.
CADEROUSSE
Thanks, thanks, I have no need of anything -- and rather others sometimes have need of me. I don't say that to you, boy -- I already have ready some money you returned me -- that was done between neighbors and we are quits.
EDMOND
Due is never quits with those who have obliged you, for when you no longer owe them money, you still owe them thanks.
CADEROUSSE
What's the good of speaking of it? What is past is past. Let's speak of your happy return, boy. I had gone to the port to watch some chestnut clothe when I met friend Danglars. "You at Marseille," I asked him, "Eh, yes, all the same," he replied. "I could be there, but I've returned." "And Edmond?" I thought of you right away. "Where is the little fellow? "But with his father, doubtless." And I came straight here to have the pleasure of shaking the hand of a friend!
EDMOND
This good Caderousse! He loves us so much.
CADEROUSSE
Certainly I love you, and esteem you even more. Considering honest men are rare. But it appears that you are returning rich.
EDMOND
Ah! This money isn't mine, neighbor - it is my father's. I was expressing the fear that he lacked something during my absence and to reassure me, he opened his purse. Come, Father, put your money in the moneybox unless neighbor Caderousse has need of it, in which case it is completely at his service.
CADEROUSSE
Not at all, boy, I don't need anything, and thank God the state nourishes its help. Keep your money, keep it, one never has too much!
EDMOND
It was with good intention.
CADEROUSSE
I have no doubt of that. Well, there you are in good with, Mr. Morrel, lucky dog that you are.
EDMOND
Mr. Morrel has always been good to me.
CADEROUSSE
In that case, you were wrong to refuse to dine with him.
DANTES
What -- you refused to dine with him? He had invited you to dinner then?
EDMOND
Yes, Father.
DANTES
And why did you refuse, boy?
EDMOND
To return home to you sooner. I was in a hurry to see you.
CADEROUSSE
I know someone down there behind Fort St. Nicholas who won't be upset that you will be captain?
DANTES
Mercedes, right?
EDMOND
Yes, Father -- and with your permission now that I have seen you, Father, now that I know you are well, I ask your permission to pay a visit to the Catalans.
DANTES
Go, my child, go -- and may God bless you in your wife as God has blessed me in a son!
CADEROUSSE
Never mind, never mind. You would do well to hurry.
EDMOND
Why?
CADEROUSSE
Because Mercedes is a pretty girl, and pretty girls do not lack admirers -- her especially. They follow her by the dozen -- but you are going to be captain, to you she will give preference.
EDMOND
Which means that if I were no --
CADEROUSSE
Eh! Eh!
EDMOND
Come, come, neighbor, I have a better opinion than you of women in general and of Mercedes in particular -- and I am convinced that, captain or not, she will remain faithful to me.
CADEROUSSE
So much the better! So much the better! When one is going to marry it is always good to have faith. But never mind, believe me, little fellow, don't lose any time in announcing your arrival.
EDMOND
I am going.
DANTES
And I, I will accompany you to La Cannebierre -- I want to part with you only at the last possible moment.
CADEROUSSE
I must ask your permission to stay here an instant, Father Dantes. This devil Carconte bored no doubt, that I didn't return, left in her turn -- and she has taken the key -- so that I am locked out.
DANTES
Stay, neighbor, stay. You know you are at home here.
CADEROUSSE
Thanks.
EDMOND
Come, Father.
CADEROUSSE
Give my best to Mercedes, little fellow.
EDMOND
I will add them to those I am going to give her.
DANTES
When you leave, lock the door.
CADEROUSSE
Be easy.
(Dantes and Edmond leave.)
CADEROUSSE
(alone)
I am sure of one thing -- it's that this money was brought by the little fellow -- and that the old boaster hasn't a trace of a sou in the house.
Anyway we are going to see. Ah, they are going down the street to Mellhan. Very Good! For people who are disgustingly rich here's an armoire that's stupidly furnished. Look at it. Yes, it's so! That's a bottle but it is empty. At home with me, there are no empty bottles so long as my purse is full -- and I judge others by myself. A scrap of bread. I am not deceived. The old boy was completely broke and the gold was brought by the little fellow. When one thinks what the proud do!
DANGLARS
Caderousse! Caderousse!
CADEROUSSE
Ah, it's Danglars. To whom I gave a meeting at my home and who found the door locked! Hey, Danglars, come up, come up. No one is here. Come here!
DANGLARS
(entering)
Where are they then?
CADEROUSSE
They left. I am the master of the house.
DANGLARS
Well -- did you see him?
CADEROUSSE
I left him.
DANGLARS
Has he spoken of his hope of being captain?
CADEROUSSE
He spoke of it as if he already was.
DANGLARS
Patience! Patience! He presses a little too much.
CADEROUSSE
It seems the thing has been promised by Mr. Morrel.
DANGLARS
Which makes him very happy?
CADEROUSSE
Meaning that he is insolent. He already offered me his services as if he were a great person.
DANGLARS
Is he still in love with the pretty Catalan?
CADEROUSSE
Madly amorous. He went there -- but either I deceive myself or there will be some disagreement there.
DANGLARS
Explain yourself.
CADEROUSSE
What's the use?
DANGLARS
It's more important than you think. You don't like Edmond.
CADEROUSSE
I don't love the arrogant.
DANGLARS
Well, tell me what you know relative to the Catalan.
CADEROUSSE
Well, I know that every time Mercedes comes to town, she is accompanied by a big stud of a Catalan with a black eye, red complexion -- very brown, very ardent and whom she calls "my cousin".
DANGLARS
Ah, truly! And do you believe this cousin is paying court to her?
CADEROUSSE
I think so. What the devil do you expect of a big boy of 20 and a pretty girl of 17?
DANGLARS
And you say Dantes went to the Catalan?
CADEROUSSE
He left in front of my eyes.
DANGLARS
If we were to go the same way? We would stop at the reserve and drink a glass of Lamalga where we would get some information.
CADEROUSSE
Who would give it to us?
DANGLARS
We will be on the way and we will see from his face what has happened.
CADEROUSSE
Let's go! But you are paying?
DANGLARS
Certainly! Are you coming?
CADEROUSSE
Here I am!
(A stranger enters.)
STRANGER
Pardon, gentlemen.
CADEROUSSE
What is it?
DANGLARS
What do you want?
STRANGER
Is this where the Captain of the Pharaoh lives?
DANGLARS
The mate, you mean!
STRANGER
Captain or mate, so be it! The one who was in charge of the ship during the voyage.
DANGLARS
Yes, sir, this is where he lives.
CADEROUSSE
Or rather his father.
STRANGER
Never mind! And he is not home?
CADEROUSSE
He just went out.
DANGLARS
Is it something in which one can act for him?
STRANGER
I want to ask some information from him.
DANGLARS
About what?
STRANGER
On the course the ship took.
DANGLARS
I can tell you that.
STRANGER
You?
DANGLARS
Yes -- I am comptroller aboard the Pharaoh. What information do you wish?
STRANGER
Ah! Very simple. I wanted to know if, in its course, the boat had stopped at Porto Ferraio.
DANGLARS
Yes, sir.
STRANGER
Thanks.
DANGLARS
Well?
STRANGER
What?
DANGLARS
That's all you wish to know?
STRANGER
Yes.
DANGLARS
What more do you want?
STRANGER
I want nothing else. Good day, gentlemen.
(The stranger leaves.)
CADEROUSSE
Well, there's a character.
DANGLARS
There's something strange in all this, Caderousse. Come, come.
CADEROUSSE
Wait a while.
DANGLARS
The old caitiff didn't he tell me to close his door? As if he had something to lose from this shack -- there!
(They leave.)
(blackout)
The interior of Mercedes' house in the Catalan district.
FERNAND
Let's see, Mercedes, here is Paques who is going to return, it's the moment for a wedding. Answer me.
MERCEDES
I already answered you a hundred times, Fernand, and truly, you are your own enemy in questioning me so much about this.
FERNAND
Well, repeat it again, repeat it forever, so that finally I will believe it. Tell me for the hundredth time that you refuse my love, which your mother approves of. Make me understand very well that you play with my happiness and that my life or my death are nothing to you. Ah, my God, my God, after having dreamed for 10 years of being your husband, Mercedes to lose this hope which was the only object of my life.
MERCEDES
At least I was never the one who encouraged you in this hope. You have not a single coquetry on my part to reproach me with. I've always told you -- "I love you like a brother -- don't exact anything more from me except this sisterly friendship for my heart belongs to another." Didn't I always tell you this, Fernand?
FERNAND
Yes, I know it well, Mercedes. Yes, vis-a-vis me you have the cruel merit of frankness -- but have you forgotten that among the Catalan the sacred law is to marry between themselves?
MERCEDES
You are mistaken, Fernand, it's not a law, it's only a custom that's all -- and believe me, Fernand, you cannot invoke this custom in your favor. You are subject to the draft. The liberty you are given is a simple tolerance. From one moment to the next you can be called to the colors. Once you are a soldier what will you do with me? In other words, a poor sad orphan without fortune who owns only a shack almost in ruins where several used nets hang, a miserable heritage left by my father to my mother and from my mother to me! Think Fernand, in the years since she died, that I almost lived on public charity. Sometimes you pretend I am useful to you, and that to have the right to share your fish with me. And I accept, Fernand, because you are the son of a brother of my mother -- because, above all, it would hurt you if I refused you. But I feel this fish I sell from which I earn the money to buy the hemp that I weave -- I feel indeed, Fernand, that it is only charity.
FERNAND
Eh! And what does it matter, Mercedes, if poor and alone as you are, you appeal to me more than the most proud owner or the most rich banker in Marseille! To us, what should we do? An honest woman and a good manager, where would I find better than you under those two headings?
MERCEDES
Fernand, a women becomes a bad housewife and cannot answer to remain an honest when she loves someone other than her husband. Be content with my friendship for I repeat to you, that is all I can offer you, and I won't promise you what I cannot give.
FERNAND
Yes, I understand -- you support your misery patiently, but you are afraid of mine. Well, Mercedes, loved by you, I will challenge fate -- you will bring me luck and I will become rich and I will better my estate of fisherman, I will enter as a clerk in a counting house, I can, myself, become a merchant.
MERCEDES
You cannot do any of this, Fernand, you are a soldier, and if you stay with the Catalans, it is because there is no war. Remain a fisherman, don't dream dreams which will, if realized be more terrible for you and be satisfied with my friendship since I cannot give you anything more!
FERNAND
Well, you are right, Mercedes, I will be a sailor, in place of the costume of our fathers, which you scorn, I will have a leather hat, a silk shirt, and a blue vest with anchors as buttons. Isn't that the way to dress to please you?
MERCEDES
What are you taking about? I don't understand you.
FERNAND
I mean, Mercedes, that you wouldn't be so hard and so cruel to me if you weren't waiting for someone who is dressed like that. But the one you are waiting for is unfaithful perhaps -- and if he is not, the sea for him!
MERCEDES
Fernand, I believed you to be good and I was mistaken.
FERNAND
You have a bad heart to call the wrath of God to the aid of your jealousy.
MERCEDES
Well, yes, I do not hide it. I am waiting for, and I love the one you speak of, and if he doesn't return, in place of accusing this inconstancy you invoke, I will say he died loving me. I understand, you Fernand you hold it against him that I do not love you; and you would match your Catalan knife against his dagger. What will that get you? To lose my friendship if you are vanquished; to see my friendship change into hate if you are the conqueror. Believe me, to find a quarrel with a man is a bad way to please a woman who loves this man. No, Fernand, don't give yourself over to bad thoughts in this way. You cannot have me for your wife, and you must content yourself with having me for your friend and sister.
And besides - wait, wait, Fernand, you said just now, the sea is perfidious -- it's already 4 months since he left -- for four months I have counted many storms.
FERNAND
Let's see, Mercedes, yet one more time, answer -- is it really resolved?
MERCEDES
I love Edmond Dantes, and no one except Edmond will be my spouse.
FERNAND
And you will love him forever?
MERCEDES
So long as I live.
FERNAND
But if he is dead?
MERCEDES
If he is dead, then I will die.
FERNAND
But if he forgets you?
EDMOND
(from outside)
Mercedes! Mercedes!
MERCEDES
Ah, you can see quite well, he has not forgotten me, since he is here. Edmond! My Edmond! Here I am!
FERNAND
Ah! The demon! It's really him!
EDMOND
(entering)
Mercedes, my well-beloved Mercedes! Ah, pardon, I hadn't noticed we were three. Who is this gentleman?
MERCEDES
The gentleman will be your best friend one day, Edmond, for he is my friend, he's my mother's brother's son. He is Fernand Mondego. That is to say, the man, after you, I love most in the world. Edmond, Won't you greet him?
EDMOND
Ah! For sure! Brother of Mercedes, here is my hand.
(Fernand remains immobile.)
MERCEDES
Fernand!
EDMOND
I didn't know I was coming in such haste to your house to find an enemy, Mercedes?
MERCEDES
An enemy! With me, Edmond? If I knew that I would beg you to take me from Marseille, leaving the house never to return, and if you suffered misfortune, my Edmond, I would go up to the cape of Morgion, and throw myself on the rocks head first. But you are mistaken, Edmond, you have no enemy here! You have only a brother, who is going to shake your hand like a devoted friend.
(Fernand comes forward, as if fascinated by the look of Mercedes.)
FERNAND
Oh -- oh -- it's too much -- I cannot. Goodbye, Mercedes.
(He leaves.)
EDMOND
Mercedes, Mercedes, this man will bring us misfortune.
MERCEDES
Misfortune? Is it a misfortune when we see each other again, my Edmond? No, no, nothing can bring us misfortune now. Let me look at you. How handsome you are in your sailor's costume and you wear your uniform like an admiral! Oh -- you don't know Edmond, how much I suffered for 3 months. I believe there never were so many storms. How many prayers to heaven, my God, when this sea, so calm, so tranquill, so joyous over your return, surges in your absence, and come to break against the rocks! Did you think of me -- speak?
EDMOND
Have I thought of you my well beloved Mercedes? And what do you want me to have thought? Aren't you my Lady of the Storms, aren't you my Lady Protectress? You pray to God, and I, I pray to Mercedes. Have I thought of you? Night and day, evening and morning, at every instant, at each instant. And the proof is that I came only a half hour --it's that I have only taken time to embrace my father who loves me so much and then -- here I am.
MERCEDES
Here you are!
EDMOND
Yes, and rich with good news. Do you understand, Mercedes? Captain -- captain of the Pharaoh!
MERCEDES
You?
EDMOND
Yes, me! I have the word of Mr. Morrel; you know how good he is to me! You know for he has been to see you.
MERCEDES
He told you that?
EDMOND
Yes, he knows of our love; he knows that you are my fiancee; that you are going to be my wife! When will it be, Mercedes, speak?
MERCEDES
Ah -- when you like!
EDMOND
Thanks! I counted on this reply. Oh! I have only to speak two words to my father. He is going to run to the home of Mr. Morrel. They will arrange together -- we won't have to bother with anything, except our love.
MERCEDES
In truth, I cannot believe in our happiness!
EDMOND
Same as me, Mercedes, it seems that I am having a dream -- oh, your face, your heart, your whole being! So that I will know I am not dreaming.
(Morrel enters with Dantes.)
EDMOND
Eh, there Mr. Morrel, look at them.
MERCEDES
Ah -- your father, Edmond!
EDMOND
Mr. Morrel.
MORREL
Well, yes, Mr. Morrel, so? It disturbs you. Cursed Morrel, right?
EDMOND
Oh!
MORREL
You asked a leave from me, Edmond, to go to Paris.
MERCEDES
You -- to Paris?
EDMOND
Yes -- I will tell you about it! The last wish of a dying man.
MERCEDES
Fine! Fine!
MORREL
I have already thought of this --
EDMOND
Listen.
MORREL
I said to myself, "These children really want to get married right away."
EDMOND
Oh! Yes!
MORREL
Unfortunately, it is impossible -- there are formalities, requirements, slow up -- but they can still be engaged.
EDMOND
Without doubt, right, Mercedes?
MORREL
Well, let's engage them.
EDMOND
When will that be?
MORREL
Today.
EDMOND AND MERCEDES
Today!
MORREL
And why not?
EDMOND
Mister Morrel! My God!
MORREL
Besides, as I passed by Pamphile at the Reserve -- right near here, you know --and I bespoke a dinner!
EDMOND
What! Mr. Morrel you concern yourself to this degree with me?
MORREL
And with what were you concerning yourself for 4 months, for a year, for the 10 years, you've sailed for me? You helped to make me rich. I am going to help to make you happy.
EDMOND
Mercedes! Mercedes! I will go mad from all this!
MORREL
Plague, don't do that! It would be a great stupidity, especially at this time -- there, it's ready?
EDMOND
What?
MORREL
In an hour -- the engagement banquet.
EDMOND
Mr. Morrel, you are our master or rather our good genius. What must I do? Order.
MORREL
Nothing -- just love and wait!
MERCEDES
Edmond -- you remember this poor wooden crucifix, before which we prayed at the moment of your departure?
EDMOND
Yes? Well?
MERCEDES
It is still there. Let's go thank God for having given you such a happy return.
EDMOND
Will you excuse us?
EDMOND
Go, Edmond, go! We know what it is to pray, don't we, Mercedes? We -- who were waiting.
EDMOND
Then, in an hour, right?
MORREL
In an hour.
EDMOND
At the Reserve?
MORREL
At the Reserve.
(Edmond and Mercedes leave.)
MORREL
Let's go, Father Dantes -- before the Sunday crowd!
(curtain)
A vaulted room above the court of a cabaret at the Reserve. Danglars and Caderousse.
DANGLARS
There's nothing to be seen yet.
CADEROUSSE
So be it! We'll see something.
DANGLARS
I meant to say there's no sign of Edmond.
CADEROUSSE
No, but Fernand's plainly visible.
DANGLARS
Who's Fernand?
CADEROUSSE
Oh, by God, the rival of whom I told you, the handsome Catalan, the cousin of Mercedes. Would you like me to call him?
DANGLARS
Certainly!
CADEROUSSE
Hey -- the Catalan -- hey! Where are you running like that?
(Fernand comes over.)
CADEROUSSE
Are you in such a hurry, that you haven't the time to say hello to friends?
DANGLARS
Especially, when they have an almost full bottle in front of them.
FERNAND
Good day! You called me, right?
CADEROUSSE
Eh! Doubtless, I called you!
FERNAND
Why?
CADEROUSSE
Because you were running like a madman, and I was afraid you were going to throw yourself in the sea. What the devil! When one has friends, it's not only to offer a cup of wine, but even to prevent you're drinking 3 or 4 quarts of water -- a glass, Father Pamphile.
FERNAND
Ah, my God! My God!
CADEROUSSE
Well, what do you want me to say to you, Fernand. You have the appearance of a discontented lover.
DANGLARS
Bah! A young man with a figure like that? You are joking Caderousse!
CADEROUSSE
I said what I said. Listen rather as he sighs. Come, come, Fernand, look up and reply. It's not very wise not to reply to people who ask news of your health.
FERNAND
My health is fine, thanks.
CADEROUSSE
You see, Danglars, here it is, Fernand, whom you see, who is a good and brave Catalan, one of the best fisherman of Marseille, is in love with a beautiful girl called Mercedes. Unfortunately, it appears that the girl, on her side, is in love with the mate of the Pharaoh -- and as the Pharaoh is arrived in port today, you understand.
DANGLARS
No, I don't understand.
CADEROUSSE
Well, this poor Fernand has received his walking papers.
FERNAND
Well -- and so?
CADEROUSSE
What do you mean "and so?"
FERNAND
Without doubt -- Mercedes is free! Mercedes can love whomever she wishes.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! You take it that way? Good, good, good. That's another matter. I, I thought you were a Catalan -- and they told me that the Catalans are not men to let themselves be supplanted -- they even said that Fernand was terrible in his vengeance.
DANGLARS
The poor boy! What do you want? He didn't expect to see Dantes return, now; he thought he was dead, unfaithful, who knows?
CADEROUSSE
Ah, my word, in every case, Fernand isn't alone from what I hear, that happiness will come to Edmond a contrary way -- right, Danglars?
DANGLARS
No, and I almost dare say it will bring him ill.
CADEROUSSE
Never mind -- in waiting, he marries Mercedes, the beautiful Mercedes -- he is returning for that at least.
DANGLARS
Well, let's drink to Captain Edmond, Dantes! To the husband of the beautiful Catalan!
CADEROUSSE
Come on, enough stupidities! Eh! Eh! Eh! What do I see down there at the bottom of the hill, the devotion of the Catalans? Have a look, Fernand, you have better sight than I do -- and then I think I begin to see trouble. One would say they are two lovers walking side by side, and hand in hand. God pardon me! They cannot doubt that we are watching them and they are embracing.
DANGLARS
Do you know them, Mr. Fernand?
FERNAND
Yes, yes, I know them. It's Mr. Edmond and Miss Mercedes.
CADEROUSSE
Ah -- you see! And I recognize them.
(yelling)
Hey, Dantes! Hey -- pretty girl. Come over here, a while and tell us when the wedding is to be. For here is Mr. Fernand who is so stubborn that he won't tell us.
DANGLARS
Would you please be quiet and let these lovers alone. Wait, look at Mr. Fernand, and follow his example. He is reasonable.
(Mercedes and Edmond enter.)
DANGLARS
(aside)
I can get nothing out of this fool here. I'm greatly worried being caught between a drink and a poltroon. Decidedly, Edmond's destiny is leading him on; he will marry the pretty girl, he will be captain and will make fun of us -- unless -- unless I interfere!
CADEROUSSE
Hey! Edmond -- don't you see your friend? or is it that you are already too proud to speak?
EDMOND
No, no, my dear Caderousse I am not proud, but I am happy and joy blinds, I think, even more than pride!
CADEROUSSE
Good! There's the explanation! Ah, Good day, Madam Dantes.
MERCEDES
(bowing)
It is not yet my name and in this country, it brings bad luck, be sure of it, to call young women by the name of their fiancees before the fiancee becomes their husband. Call me then, Mercedes, I beg you.
EDMOND
He must be forgiven. I am glad to meet you, Mr. Danglars. I am happy to see you, cousin Caderousse!
CADEROUSSE
And why is that? Let's see.
EDMOND
To invite you both to my betrothal which takes place in an hour.
DANGLARS
Where?
EDMOND
Here.
FERNAND
Ah!
DANGLARS
And Fernand, is he invited, too?
EDMOND
The brother of my wife is my brother and Mercedes and I wold profoundly regret to see him separated from us at such a time.
DANGLARS
So today, the betrothal, tomorrow or the day after -- the trip to Paris and on the return, the wedding. The Devil! You are in a great hurry, Captain.
EDMOND
One is always in a hurry to be happy; Mr. Danglars, for when one has suffered for a long while, one has great difficulty in believing in happiness.
DANGLARS
Thus, tomorrow you are going to Paris?
EDMOND
Yes, have you anything for me to do there?
DANGLARS
No, thanks.
EDMOND
And you, Caderousse?
CADEROUSSE
Find out if the King has need of a tailor.
DANGLARS
Yes, yes, I understand.
(aside)
In Paris, to take to his address, without doubt, the letter the great Marshall has given him. By god, this letter gives me an idea! Oh, Dantes, my friend, you are not yet sleeping on the Pharaoh as captain.
(aloud to Edmond)
Well, goodbye Edmond.
EDMOND
In a half hour, right?
DANGLARS
And where are you going now?
EDMOND
Where the happy go -- straight ahead without looking to the rear. See you soon, gentlemen.
(Edmond and Mercedes leave.)
CADEROUSSE
In love or I've never seen it!
DANGLARS
(to Fernand)
Well, there, my dear sir, there's a marriage, which doesn't appear to make everyone happy.
FERNAND
It makes me despair.
DANGLARS
You loved Mercedes.
FERNAND
I adored her.
DANGLARS
For how long?
FERNAND
Since we met; I have always loved her.
DANGLARS
And you are there -- to tear your hair out rather than find a remedy for the thing? What the devil, I don't think this was the way people of your nation behaved. Let's see. You seem to me to be a nice boy, and I wish devil take me, to ease your pain, but --
CADEROUSSE
Yes -- let's see!
DANGLARS
(to Caderousse)
My dear fellow, you are three sheets to the wind, finish the bottle and you will be so completely, and don't mix in what we are doing; because for what we are doing you must have your head screwed on tight.
CADEROUSSE
Me, drunk? Get out, I can drink four more of your bottles -- which are no bigger than a bottle of cologne, Papa Pamphile! Some wine.
FERNAND
(to Danglars)
You were saying, sir?
DANGLARS
What was I saying? My word, I do not recall. This drunk of a Caderousse made me lose the train of my thoughts.
CADEROUSSE
Drunk, if you like. So much the worse for those who fear wine. Those who fear wine never let bad thoughts escape their hearts.
FERNAND
You were saying, sir, that you would like to ease my pain, but you were adding.
DANGLARS
Yes, but I was adding, to ease your pain, it suffices that Dantes not marry the lady you love, and that the marriage can very well be stopped, it seems to me without Dantes death.
FERNAND
Impossible.
CADEROUSSE
You are thinking like a shell fish, my friend, and there's Danglars who is a cheat, a bad fellow, a Greek, who is going to teach you that you are wrong. Show him, Danglars, I have replied for you -- speak -- it is not a necessity for Dantes to die -- moreover, it would be a nuisance if Dantes died, he's a good kid. I love him, Dantes. To your health, Dantes.
DANGLARS
Let him say it, and besides, drunk though he is -- it isn't far from the truth. His absence would wreck everything just as effectively as his death and let's suppose there was between Edmond and Mercedes the walls of a prison, they would be as effectively separated as if it were the walls of a tomb.
CADEROUSSE
Yes, but people get out of prison and when one gets out of prison and your name is Edmond Dantes -- you will seek revenge.
FERNAND
Who cares?
CADEROUSSE
Besides, why put Dantes in prison? He hasn't stolen anything or killed anybody.
DANGLARS
Shut up!
CADEROUSSE
I don't wish to shut up! I want someone to tell why Dantes should be put in prison. Me, I love Dantes -- to your health, Dantes.
DANGLARS
Well, you understand now, there's no need to kill him?
FERNAND
No, surely, if as you said, just now, there's a way to have Dantes arrested -- but is there such a way?
DANGLARS
In looking around carefully, it could be found. But why the devil should I mix in this? Is it my concern?
FERNAND
I don't know if it is your concern, but I know that you have some motive of special hate against Dantes. He who hates himself is not deceived by the motives of others.
DANGLARS
Me -- motives of hate against Dantes? none on my word. I see you were unhappy and your unhappiness interested me, that's all. But from the moment that you believe that I am acting on my own account -- goodbye, dear friend. Extricate yourself from this business as best you can.
FERNAND
(holding him)
No! Stay! It matters very little in the end what you've got or haven't got against Dantes. I've got it in for him. I admit it, I hate him. Find the way and I will do it -- so long as it doesn't involve killing him because Mercedes has said she'll kill herself if Dantes were killed.
CADEROUSSE
To kill Dantes, who's talking of killing Dantes? I certainly don't want to kill him. He's my friend! He offered this morning to split his money with me, as I split it with him. I don't want anyone to kill Dantes.
DANGLARS
Eh! Who spoke to you of killing him, you fool? Its' simply a question of a little joke. Drink to his health and leave us in peace.
CADEROUSSE
(drinking)
Yes, yes, to Dantes health, to his health, to his health, there!
FERNAND
But the means -- the way?
DANGLARS
You sill haven't found it, yourself?
FERNAND
No -- you were working on it.
DANGLARS
Waiter a pen and paper.
FERNAND
(shouting)
A pen, ink and paper.
BOY (waiter)
It's right on the table. Mr. Morrel has just made the dinner menu.
DANGLARS
Fine -- come!
CADEROUSSE
(pointing to the paper)
When one considers that there is a surer way to kill a man than hiding in the woods to assassinate him. I've always been more afraid of a pen than a pistol or dagger.
DANGLARS
The clown isn't as drunk as he seems -- give him a drink Fernand.
CADEROUSSE
(shivering)
Ah, if love turns sour, I will stay at home.
FERNAND
Well?
DANGLARS
Well, I said there. That if, after a voyage which Dantes just completed where he stopped at Naples, then at Elba, suppose someone denounced him as a Bonapartist agent?
FERNAND
I will denounce him myself.
DANGLARS
No, no -- if we decide to do such a thing, it would be better to do it merely with a pen as I am doing now -- to destroy him with ink, and to write with your left hand so the writing cannot be recognized -- a cleverly conceived little denunciation.
FERNAND
(reading)
To the King's attorney.
DANGLARS
To whom should a denunciation be addressed -- to the King's attorney.
CADEROUSSE
(rising and shivering)
I was working so hard and so long that I made my friends --
Live for love and wine
Live for love in the vineyard.
DANGLARS
The King's attorney is informed by a friend of the throne that the man named Edmond Dantes, second mate on the Pharaoh, just landed this morning from Smyrna, having stopped at Naples and Elba, was charged by Murat with a letter for the Usurper and by the Usurper with a letter for the Bonapatriot underground in Paris. One can find proof of his crime by arresting him on his person or with his father or in his cabin on board the Pharaoh.
FERNAND
Ah!
DANGLARS
You understand. Thus your vengeance will have common sense -- for in no way can it be traced back to you and the thing works by itself -- one has to do no more than to fold this letter and address it --
(writing)
To the King's attorney -- all said and done.
CADEROUSSE
Yes -- all said and done -- only it will be a great shame.
DANGLARS
Also, what I said and what I did is a joke and first of all, I would be very angry if something really happened to this good Dantes -- so, that's it.
(He signs the letter and throws it.)
CADEROUSSE
Good! Dantes is my friend and I don't want him done any harm.
DANGLARS
Eh! Who the devil thinks of doing him any harm? Not I nor Fernand!
CADEROUSSE
In that case, let them bring us some wine. I want to drink to the health of Edmond and the pretty Mercedes.
DANGLARS
You have already had too much to drink, you sot, and if you continue --
CADEROUSSE
Well?
DANGLARS
You won't be able to drink any more at the engagement dinner of this dear Edmond.
FERNAND
(aside)
Ah, I cannot suffer that. May God pardon me for what I am going to do.
(He takes the letter and leaves.)
CADEROUSSE
Well, where's he going?
DANGLARS
Where do you expect? To Catalans.
CADEROUSSE
To Catalans? He's going to Marseille! What the devil! I can see clearly he is headed for Marseille. Fernand! Fernand!
DANGLARS
Come on, sit down. You cannot stand on your legs.
CADEROUSSE
Me? I bet I can climb the clock at Aeroules and without balancing, either! It's about this letter.
DANGLARS
What letter?
CADEROUSSE
The letter -- the letter that was there. It was -- it's not there anymore. I want the letter.
(Danglars gives him a glass of wine -- he drinks)
Ah -- how well you know me.
DANGLARS
(aside)
Just in time. Here they are.
(Enter Gringole, Penelon, 4 sailors.)
GRINGOLE
This way, over here everybody. Come on. It's hard to make you happy.
PENELON
Shut up then, so you don't confuse us. What you tell us makes us waste our time.
GRINGOLE
Waste your time, I wasn't able to tell you that. Still, it's possible. You are correct. There's nothing to say. As for me, I'm very handsome and elegant. As for confusing you, boss, I hope you won't put me in the hold for that.
PENELON
Shut up, then.
WORKER
Let's see -- why did you bring us here?
GRINGOLE
(pointing to some ribbons)
Do you know what that is?
WORKER
It's a red and white ribbon.
GRINGOLE
I brought it. All my savings have been spent. It's the throwing of the garter. I am the youngest, it's my honor. Damn, it's expensive, but it's worth it.
PENELON
You are going to the betrothal feast. Shut up then!
GRINGOLE
To the betrothals -- I am invited and I am bringing you.
ROUGHNECK
To whose betrothal?
GRINGOLE
Here -- I was going around the port like a tramp when I saw our lieutenant, Mr. Edmond, pass by. He was flying all sails in celebration. "Gringole," he yelled to me, "Hey, Gringole! Stop!" I stopped. "I'm getting married" and he shone like the sun, and added "I want my betrothal to be a feast for the whole crew of the Pharaoh. Tell the master of my plan -- inform all my good friends and bring them to the Reserve." Two times, five movements. I am emptying my purse on the counter of the shopkeepers, the shirt off my back. So there!
ALL
Bravo, Gringole.
ROUGHNECK
To the betrothal of the Lieutenant.
GRINGOLE
It will be a little stuffy, Mr. Morrel will be there.
PENELON
Mr. Morrel?
GRINGOLE
Witness to the marriage. Nothing more.
PENELON
Shut up then.
GRINGOLE
If you are in doubt, Mr. Penelon, look to the larbord -- the hatch is open, and the sun is shining for the whole world.
SAILOR
Right, there they come now.
GRINGOLE
Eh, what a beautiful betrothal! And how lucky for you that I am come with bodies that I found up in the four corners of Marseille in less than an hour. Ah, there's Mr. Morrel. There's the lieutenant. There's his father, there's everybody! And isn't that the villainous head of the gentlemen?
(bumping into Danglars)
What! Mr. Danglars! What are you doing here?
DANGLARS
You see, my friend. I'm waiting on our friend, Edmond.
GRINGOLE
Ah! Ah! You are part of it, Mr. Danglars. So much the better! So much the better.
(aside)
This is amusing. I certainly wouldn't have invited him.
PENELON
Well -- you shut up!
SAILOR
They are reconciled. They want to break out the other day.
GRINGOLE
Meaning that Mr. Edmond wished to kick out Mr. Danglars but the accountant has cut his knot, and as he's a fine sailmaker, he's seen to reappear under the flat. But silence! Here are the betrothal couple.
ROUGHNECK
Oh! Oh! Is this pretty girl the fiancee?
GRINGOLE
Hold on -- do you mean, Mr. Penelon, that this she has very agreeable prow?
PENELON
Shut up, now!
(The wedding party comes in with guests.)
PENELON
Good evening, children! Mr. Morrel, you allow these five people to join us.
MORREL
Certainly, aren't they your companions?
PENELON
Speak, my friends.
GRINGOLE
(to workers)
You see -- you hear?
EDMOND
Well paper -- the table.
PAMPHILE
It seems to me there's nothing to say. In five minutes everything will be ready.
EDMOND
In five minutes, understand. Not in ten. We are in a hurry.
CADEROUSSE
I hear the voice of Edmond. Where is he, Edmond, hello, Edmond.
EDMOND
Ah, ah, it's you Caderousse! Well, good, you are not late, my friend. And your wife -- did you bring her?
CADEROUSSE
My word, no!
EDMOND
Why not?
CADEROUSSE
Because I haven't left this place.
EDMOND
Couldn't you go find her?
CADEROUSSE
Down here, down here -- Oh, it's too far.
MERCEDES
Oh, how bad that is what you just said.
CADEROUSSE
You think it is, Madame Dantes.
MERCEDES
Oh, not yet married, Mr. Caderousse.
EDMOND
Let's see, Mercedes, it isn't worth the trouble to give the lie to this poor neighbor for so little.
DANGLARS
What do you mean for so little?
EDMOND
Without doubt. Mercedes is not yet my wife, it's true, but in an hour and a half, she will be --
DANGLARS
In an hour and a half -- ?
EDMOND
Oh, my yes, my friend -- thanks to Mr. Morrel's credit -- the man to whom, after God, I owe most in the world; all the difficulties have been smoothed away. We have rented the tables and in two and a half hours the Mayor will meet us at the city hall, so as an hour and a quarter has struck, I do not believe I am deceiving myself much in saying that in an hour and a half, Mercedes will call herself Madame Dantes!
DANTES
It's really a time for action, huh? Has he wanted his time in your opinion? Arriving afternoon, married today at three! Tell me of sailors going roundly to work.
DANGLARS
But the formalities -- the contract -- the paperwork?
EDMOND
The contract is completed. Mercedes has nothing, I have nothing. We will marry under the community property law. That's it. It doesn't take long to write and it won't take long to pay out.
CADEROUSSE
So what we thought was an engagement dinner is really and truly a wedding dinner?
EDMOND
Not yet, neighbor -- and you won't lose by it, rest easy. Tomorrow morning, I am leaving for Paris, four days to go -- four days to get back, one day to perform the commission I have been charged with and on the 4th of March, I will be back. On the fifth and better late than never, the church ceremony and the real wedding dinner.
PENELON
(in a low voice)
Tell me, my lieutenant -- from here to where?
EDMOND
From here to there?
PENELON
Won't there be a short stop?
EDMOND
Hush!
MERCEDES
What's he say?
EDMOND
Nothing, dear Mercedes -- he says that you are pretty and that I love you.
PAPA PAMPHILE
To table, gentlemen, to table.
GRINGOLE
Well, and me?
EDMOND
With the best will in the world, Gringole, there's no seat for you here.
GRINGOLE
Well, I demand precedence at the small table -- no one disputes it. So judged!
EDMOND
Let's sit down.
(he sits)
What's that?
MORREL
Read it, Edmond.
EDMOND
My commission as captain, signed by you and your partner. Oh, Mr. Morrel, oh my father.
MORREL
It's my wedding gift.
EDMOND
My friends, my good friends, thank Mr. Morrel for me. As for me, I have neither the voice nor the words.
ROUGHNECK
Long live our captain!
CADEROUSSE
Life to our captain.
MORREL
And wait, Dantes, here's the finest thanks they can give me, these fine fellows --
PAMPHILE
(to Edmond)
Excuse me, Mr. Edmond.
EDMOND
What?
PAMPHILE
There's a gentleman who wishes to speak to you.
EDMOND
To me?
PAMPHILE
(pointing to the stranger)
Yes.
EDMOND
Continue, my friends. I am yours, Mr. Morrel.
MORREL
Fine, fine -- I accept the Vice Presidency.
DANGLARS
Oh! Oh! It's the stranger who was looking for Edmond. What does he want of him?
EDMOND
You wish to speak to me, sir?
STRANGER
You are the 1st mate of the Pharaoh?
EDMOND
I was before. Now I am the captain.
STRANGER
Small matter! I am informed, sir, and I have learned that your ship put in at Malta, Naples and Elba?
EDMOND
That's true, sir.
STRANGER
I learned, moreover, that Captain LeClere, who was one of my friends, died between Civita Vecchia and Porto Ferraio?
EDMOND
That's true, also.
STRANGER
Now, sir, when succeeding to Captain LeClere's position weren't you given some commission.
EDMOND
For what country?
STRANGER
For the Island of Elba, for example?
EDMOND
Yes, sir.
STRANGER
And from the Island of Elba --
EDMOND
Well?
STRANGER
Weren't you given a second commission which followed from the first?
EDMOND
For what city?
STRANGER
For Paris.
EDMOND
It's true.
STRANGER
This commission -- wasn't it a letter?
EDMOND
Yes.
STRANGER
Weren't you to carry it yourself?
EDMOND
Yes.
STRANGER
And weren't you told only to deliver it to the proper hands?
EDMOND
Yes.
STRANGER
Cog-Heron Street Market.
EDMOND
Number five.
STRANGER
To Mr. --
EDMOND
Say the first, half of the name, and I will finish it --
STRANGER
To Mr. Noir--
EDMOND
--tier!
STRANGER
To Mr. Noirtier, that's right. Well, I am he.
EDMOND
You?
STRANGER
I will give you proof when you wish.
EDMOND
Sir, I don't have the letter here on my person.
STRANGER
Where is it?
EDMOND
In my cabin on the Pharaoh.
STRANGER
Sir, this letter is enormously important to me. And you easily understand, since you were coming to Paris and only to give it to me.
EDMOND
Well, sir, this evening at five o'clock -- prove to me that you are Mr. Noirtier and I will give it to you.
STRANGER
Where?
EDMOND
On board the Pharaoh -- if you will come join me there.
STRANGER
It's fine, sir. I will be there.
EDMOND
While waiting sir, we are having a party and if you wish to join us --
STRANGER
Thanks -- at five, this evening, abroad the Pharaoh!
EDMOND
A done deal.
STRANGER
(to Pamphile)
Serve lunch -- in a private room.
PAMPHILE
Escort the gentlemen to room #5.
(The stranger leaves.)
MORREL
(to Pamphile)
Well?
EDMOND
Well, Mr. Morrel, all happiness comes to me at the same time. It seems likely I won't have to go to Paris.
MORREL
Oh, this gentleman with whom you spoke?
EDMOND
In all probability, this gentleman with whom I spoke is going to spare me a journey to Paris.
MERCEDES
We won't be separated then -- ?
EDMOND
No, Mercedes, not an hour, not a minute, not a second.
LA CARCONTE
(entering)
Oh -- I was sure I'd find you at a cabaret.
CADEROUSSE
And in good company, as you see.
EDMOND
Dear Madam Caderousse, it's not my fault if you were not there -- with your husband, I told him to get you, but I don't dare tell you what he replied to me.
CADEROUSSE
I said it was too far away, that's all.
LA CARCONTE
Oh, I recognize him in that.
EDMOND
But since our good fortune led you here -- come -- come here.
LA CARCONTE
Near you?
EDMOND
Aren't you my neighbor.
LA CARCONTE
Excuse me, Mr. Edmond.
EDMOND
And from what?
LA CARCONTE
Damn, if I'd known this, I'd have dressed up.
EDMOND
Oh! You are charming in your Adesean costume. Come, come --
PENELON
Captain, without asking you, would you permit a song?
EDMOND
You? No! I know your songs and I'm not proud of them.
ROUGHNECK
And Gringole?
EDMOND
Go for Gringole.
ALL
Gringole, yes, Gringole.
GRINGOLE
(singing)
When the sailor leaves the beach, the bottomless sea swallows him.
(The song is interrupted by a commotion at the door.)
GRINGOLE
What's that.
MERCEDES
My God.
GRINGOLE
Police -- a commissar.
MERCEDES
Edmond, I'm frightened.
EDMOND
Of what?
MERCEDES
I don't know, but I'm frightened.
DANGLARS
(aside)
He delivered the letter!
(A police agent, a brigader and 4 gendarmes enter.)
AGENT
Watch the door, gentlemen.
MORREL
(coming forward)
What's it all about? Certainly sir, it's some mistake which brings you here?
AGENT
If it's a mistake, Mr. Morrel, rest assured that this mistake will be quickly set to right. Meanwhile, I bring an arrest warrant, and although it is with regret that I fulfill my duty, I must nonetheless do so! Which of you gentlemen is Edmond Dantes?
EDMOND
(taking a step forward)
It is I, sir.
AGENT
Edmond Dantes! In the name of the law, I arrest you.
EDMOND
You arrest me, sir? And why do you arrest me?
AGENT
I have no idea; but at your first interrogation, you will learn.
MERCEDES
Edmond!
DANTES
Sir, sir, in the name of heaven, you must know why you are arresting him, he's my son, sir, oh, a word, I beg you.
MORREL
Decidedly, sir, there must be an error -- this young man just arrived, this morning; I will answer for him.
AGENT
(to Dantes)
Rest easy, sir, perhaps your son has neglected some formality with customs or the public health and in all probability, when he has given the information desired, he will be released.
MERCEDES
Edmond!
CADEROUSSE
(to Danglars)
Oh -- what does this mean?
DANGLARS
How should I know? I'm like you -- I see what's happening and I remain confounded.
MERCEDES
Edmond --
(She throws herself in his arms.)
CADEROUSSE
Oh -- oh! Is this the result of the little joke you were speaking of before, Danglars? In that case, misfortune to those that did it, it is very sad!
LA CARCONTE
What joke?
DANGLARS
Not at all! You know very well I tore up that paper.
CADEROUSSE
You didn't tear it up, you threw it in a corner -- there, and it isn't there any more.
LA CARCONTE
What paper?
DANGLARS
Shut up -- you didn't see anything -- you were drunk!
CADEROUSSE
Yes, that's what I pretended -- where is Fernand?
DANGLARS
How do I know? At his business probably.
CADEROUSSE
(aside)
Fernand did it.
LA CARCONTE
Did what -- what do you mean?
GRINGOLE
(low to Edmond)
Mr. Edmond, there are six sturdy fellows here -- they ask if they should throw the police out?
EDMOND
No, not a word, not a gesture, my good Gringole. Respect for the law.
GRINGOLE
Oh, Captain -- it could be done so quickly.
EDMOND
Rest easy, my friends, rest easy, the error will be explained. It's probable that I won't even be taken to the prison.
DANGLARS
Oh -- indeed, I will answer for that.
MERCEDES
(to Agent)
Can I follow him, sir?
AGENT
No -- but without doubt you can obtain permission later.
EDMOND
Mercedes, Mercedes, I put you in my father's care. Look, look, they didn't say they were going to kill me.
MERCEDES
(going to Dantes)
My father -- my father.
EDMOND
Goodbye, Mercedes! Goodbye!
MERCEDES
Edmond, my Edmond -- oh, I am dying.
MORREL
Fear nothing, my child, am I not here?
STRANGER
(in the doorway)
Oh -- oh -- what does all this signify? Watch out for yourself.
(curtain)
Villefort's office
VILLEFORT
Well, sir, have we news of what we've been looking for since yesterday?
POLICEMAN
Yes, sir, he's been seen on the bridge from the moment he got out of a boat to walk, then went to the streets of Meilhan -- near the Reserve.
VILLEFORT
And it's indeed the man whose description I gave you? Forty to forty-five years of age, black hair, buttoned coat, the rosette of an officer of the Legion of Honor?
POLICEMAN
It's the same, yes, sir.
VILLEFORT
Then arrest him and bring him here -- what do you want, Germain?
GERMAIN
The ladies are asking if you will take tea with them.
VILLEFORT
Tell, the ladies that I am stuck here for at least one more hour, and that it would be very nice of them to come find me in my bureau. If they accept, you will serve the tea here.
POLICEMAN
Now, in the absence of the King's attorney --
VILLEFORT
One must behave as if he were. Have your whole brigade after the man in the waistcoat. He appears to me to be a very dangerous man and whom we must catch! Go!
RENEE
(entering)
Oh! A frightful job, my friend. Always misfortunes!
VILLEFORT
Speak always of the guilty, Renee.
RENEE
My friend, more than anyone, you should not forget that the criminals of one political epoch are the martyrs of the last.
VILLEFORT
And you too, Renee, you also, as your relatives do, make a crime of my father's opinion?
RENEE
Ah -- how can you believe that?
VILLEFORT
And now, you see, if I am severe to others, I am not less so to myself. My father professes another opinion than myself. After having been a Girondin in 93, became a Senator in 1806. Well -- not only have I broken with my father, but I have almost disowned him. I've separated not only from his principles but even from his name. He's called Noirtier; I am called Villefort, and only my most intimate friends know the indisolvable but secret union that exists between these two names -- now all is broken between us, fortune, family, future. I know he knows my position, but I am completely ignorant of what he does -- and I don't wish to know it. Since the fall of the Usurper, I haven't seen him. I haven't written him, and I haven't received letters from him. Eh! My God! What more can I do?
RENEE
Look, my friend, leave this frightful office for a while and all these horrible papers which speak only of death, of prisons, of cells, and come breathe at my place, the air of the world.
If something happens, someone will inform you. My mother, Madam de Nargone, Mr. de Salview and my father are there.
VILLEFORT
Let's go; it will be nice since you wish it.
(a valet enters)
What is it, Germain?
GERMAIN
From the Secretary of the King's Attorney.
VILLEFORT
A letter and a package. Wait Renee. I'll be right with you. Is there nothing else?
GERMAIN
No, sir.
VILLEFORT
Leave us.
RENEE
You can read that later. Let's see.
VILLEFORT
Wait while I skim this letter at least. Oh -- oh!
RENEE
Something new again?
VILLEFORT
Almost nothing, dear friend. It appears someone's just discovered a Bonapartist plot.
RENEE
Oh, my God!
VILLEFORT
Truly, I have it in for them mortally all these bad French, dear Renee, if only for the terrors they cause you. The letter is short, but it is clear. "The King's Attorney is informed, by a friend of the throne, and of religion that the man called Edmond Dantes, first mate on the Pharaoh arrived this morning from Smyrna after having stopped at Naples and Porto Ferraio, has been charged by Murat with a letter for the Usurper and by the usurper with the Bonapartist underground in Paris. One can find proof of his crime by arresting him. The letter will be found on him or at his father's home or in his cabin on board the Pharaoh."
RENEE
But this letter is only an anonymous letter and besides, it is addressed to the King's Attorney and not to you.
VILLEFORT
Yes, sweetheart, but the King's Attorney is absent and in his absence, the letter goes to his secretary; he opened it, he gave orders for the arrest; and now that the man is arrested, undoubtedly he sends me the letter and the dossier.
GERMAIN
(announcing)
Mr. Morrel.
VILLEFORT
Who is Mr. Morrel?
GERMAIN
He's the owner you ought to know him; he is head of one of the first houses in Marseille.
VILLEFORT
Exactly, he's the owner of the Pharaoh, I believe. Is he alone?
GERMAIN
He is with a young woman dressed as a Catalan.
VILLEFORT
Will you go back to your mother, Renee?
RENEE
Would it be indiscreet if I were to remain? I don't know why but I am interested in this young man.
VILLEFORT
Stay there. I don't see any inconvenience. Bring them in, Germain.
You come very apropos, sir. Perhaps, I would be about to send for you.
MORREL
There, you know already what brings me. Imagine, sir, they have just committed the strangest mistake, the most unheard of. They have just arrested the first mate on one of my ships.
VILLEFORT
I know it, sir, and the affair is very serious.
MERCEDES
Ah, my God!
MORREL
Sir, you clearly don't know of what he's accused. Can you imagine the nicest, most honest man -- and I dare say one of the best officers in the merchant marine.
VILLEFORT
You know, sir, people can be sweet in their private life, honest in their social relations, yet nonetheless politically speaking, great criminals.
MORREL
I beg you, Mr. Villefort, be just as you must be, good as you always are, and release poor Edmond to his father and his fiancee.
MERCEDES
Ah, yes, to his father and his fiancee, sir.
VILLEFORT
And that's who you are?
MERCEDES
Yes, sir, it's me he loves and it is I who beg in my turn, as Mr. Morrel has just done.
VILLEFORT
You don't need to beg me, Miss, if the accused is innocent, you won't have to call uselessly for justice, but if he is guilty --
MERCEDES
He is not, sir, I swear it, I will answer for it.
VILLEFORT
According to the circumstances --
MERCEDES
Circumstances are not proof and you know it. But though appearances are against him, well, sir, you will think won't you? That this young man, who in his life has always been honorable and honored, who always fulfills any vow he makes, who today reached the goal of his desires you will think of his existence which was going to be happy and that an unexpected accusation strikes him in the midst of his happiness.
RENEE
Poor woman!
VILLEFORT
You understand, miss, that a judge cannot be stopped by such considerations.
MERCEDES
Sir, a judge is a man, especially when this judge bears a resemblance to the one he is interrogating, a person who in eight hours was about to fulfill his vows to marry the woman he loves. Oh, think, sir, this couldn't happen to you, I know, but suppose, anyway, that it did -- what would be the despair of your fiancee if from this table where you are seated near her, you were torn and taken to prison? Do you think that she could make this distinction of guilt or innocence? No, no, she would beg you from those who come to judge you as I beg you who are going to judge Edmond. She would say to you, "Sir, the man you've arrested is the one I love, to separate him from me is to separate from me a being united to me. His life is my life! Sir, a word from you will make us eternally happy, or miserable." That's what she would have said. Isn't it true, Madam? Oh, sir, in the name of she who loves you, whose heart I am sure of it, responds like my heart, whose hands join before you as mine join at your feet, sir, you will be a judge tomorrow, but today, be a man!
RENEE
My friend.
MERCEDES
(kneeling)
Oh, at your knees, at your knees, sir!
VILLEFORT
Well, reassure yourself, Miss, you have known how to find a powerful ally; yes, today, I am a man and you have invoked a name which holds the deepest part of a man's heart -- and if there is a way to make you happy --
MERCEDES
Well?
VILLEFORT
Well -- count on me.
MERCEDES
Ah, sir.
MORREL
I told you so.
AN USHER
The prisoner is here.
VILLEFORT
As to the rest, you will know in a quarter of an hour what you face.
RENEE
Come, Miss! You will wait with me. And you, Mr. Morrel, run to reassure the poor father.
(to Villefort)
You promise.
VILLEFORT
Rest easy, dear Renee.
(Renee, Mercedes and Morrel leave.)
VILLEFORT
(to usher)
Bring him in.
(Edmond was brought in.)
VILLEFORT
(to usher)
Leave us alone!
(to Edmond)
What is your name?
EDMOND
Edmond Dantes.
VILLEFORT
Your occupation?
EDMOND
I am the first mate on the Pharaoh which belongs to Mr. Morrel.
VILLEFORT
What were you doing when you were arrested?
EDMOND
I was having my engagement.
VILLEFORT
Continue, sir.
EDMOND
I am to continue?
VILLEFORT
Yes.
EDMOND
To do what, sir?
VILLEFORT
To enlighten justice.
EDMOND
Let justice inform me on what point it desires clarification and I will say whatever I know. Only, I warn you, I do not know much.
VILLEFORT
Did you serve under the Usurper?
EDMOND
No, sir -- I was only going to join the coast guard when he fell.
VILLEFORT
They say you have exaggerated political opinions.
EDMOND
My political opinions, sir? It's almost shameful to admit, but I have never had what is called an opinion. I am destined to play no role. The little that I am, I owe to Mr. Morrel. All my opinions, I would not designate as political, but private born, from three feelings -- I love my father, I respect Mr. Morrel and I adore Mercedes. That, sir, is all I can say to justice; you see it is of little interest.
VILLEFORT
Sir, do you have some enemies?
EDMOND
Me? Enemies? I have the good fortune to be very unimportant, as my position shows -- as for my character, a little excitable perhaps, I have always been kind to my subordinates. I have ten or twelve sailors under my orders. Let them be questioned, sir, and they will tell you that they love and respect me not like a father, I'm too young for that, but like an older brother.
VILLEFORT
But, lacking enemies, perhaps you have some who are jealous of you. You've been given a captaincy at your age, which is an exalted post in your condition. You are going to marry a pretty woman, whom you love, which is a joy rare in all places on earth. These two things are destined to make others envious of you.
EDMOND
Yes, you are right. You must know men better than I know them and it's quite possible. But if the envious are among my friends, I admit to you that I prefer not to know them so as not to be forced to hate them.
VILLEFORT
You are wrong, sir, one must always to the extent possible, see clearly about oneself -- and in truth, you appear to me such a worthy, such a brave sailor, that I am going to deviate from the ordinary ways of justice and help you to shed some light by showing you the denunciation that brought you before me. Do you recognize the paper or the handwriting?
EDMOND
No, sir, I don't recognize this handwriting. It is disguised, and it is of a common kind. In any case, it's the hand of a facile person that has done it. I am indeed happy to be dealing with such a good man as yourself, sir, for this person is a true enemy.
VILLEFORT
And now, let's see, answer frankly not as a suspect before his judge, but as a man in a false position answers to another man who is interested in him. What is true in this anonymous accusation?
EDMOND
As we left Naples, Captain LeClere fell ill with a cerebral fever. As we had no doctor on board, and as he wouldn't stop anywhere, pressed as he was to reach Elba, his illness worsened, to such an extent that towards the end of the third day, feeling he was going to die, he called me to him. "My dear Dantes," he said to me, "swear to me on your honor to do what I am going to tell you; it is an important matter."
I replied, "I swear to you, Captain." "Well, as after my death, the command of this ship belongs to you as first mate, you will fulfill this order, you'll put in at Elba, debark at Porto Ferraio. You will ask for the Grand Marshall, you will give him this letter. Perhaps he will give you another letter and confer some mission on you.
This mission, which was kept from me, Dantes, you will accomplish in my place and all the honor will be yours." "I will do it, Captain, but perhaps I will not be received as easily as you think by the Grand Marshall." "Here," said the Captain, "is a purse which you will take to him and which will alleviate all difficulties." On those words, he gave me a purse. It was just in time; two hours later, the delirium took him. The next day, he was dead.
VILLEFORT
And what did you do?
EDMOND
What I was obligated to do, sir, what anyone would have done in my place. In any case, the last wishes of a dying man are sacred; among sailors, the last wishes of a superior are orders which must be accomplished -- I then sailed for the isle of Elba where I arrived the next day. I ordered everyone to stay on board and alone, landed. As I had foreseen, they made many difficulties about introducing me to the Grand Marshall, but I sent him the purse and all doors opened before me. He received me, questioned me as to the last circumstances of the death of the unfortunate LeClere. As forewarned, the Grand Marshall gave me a letter that he ordered me to take to a person in Paris. I promised it, for it was to fulfill the last wishes of my Captain. On the return to Marseille, I rapidly put all the affairs on board in order, then I ran to see my fiancee whom I found more lovely and more loving than ever.
Then seated, as I told you, at my engagement party, I was going to marry her, an hour later, when this denunciation that you appear to scorn now more than I do, caused my arrest. That's the truth, sir, on my honor as a sailor, on my love for Mercedes, on the life of my father.
VILLEFORT
Yes, yes, all this appears to me to be the truth; if you are guilty it is of poor judgment, still this is excused by the orders of your Captain. Give me this letter that you were given at Elba. Give me your word to appear at the first inquiry and you are free to go to your friends.
EDMOND
Then, sir, I am free?
VILLEFORT
Yes -- only give me this letter.
EDMOND
You must have it, sir, for they took it from me with my other papers that were in my cabin.
GERMAIN
(entering)
Sir.
VILLEFORT
I said I was not to be disturbed.
GERMAIN
It's a stranger who desires to speak to you about the affairs of the highest importance.
VILLEFORT
I am not here to anyone.
GERMAIN
He pretends that you will receive him after you have seen his name.
VILLEFORT
Where is his card?
GERMAIN
Here it is!
VILLEFORT
(aside)
Noirtier! My father! Yes, without doubt, yes -- bring him in.
(to Edmond)
Go in there. We will be finished shortly. Go! Go!
(Edmond goes out. After a moment, Germain brings in Noirtier.)
VILLEFORT
(aside)
My Father! What brings him here? What has he come to warn me about? What does this mystery signify? My God, my God, will I always be hounded by this implacable passé old man?
NOIRTIER
Eh! By God, my son, these are nice manners. Is it the custom in Marseille to keep their fathers waiting in the antechamber?
GERMAIN
Goodness, it's your father!
VILLEFORT
Leave us, Germain.
(Germain exits.)
NOIRTIER
Your valet is curious or so it seems. It's a villainous fault of which you must cure him. Oh well, but you know this is a singular city, your Marseille and very inhospitable.
VILLEFORT
How so?
NOIRTIER
I got here yesterday and I've been surrounded by spies who track me, who spy on me, who pursue me, as if I were a traitor. Let's see, what have I in my face which reveals the conspirator?
VILLEFORT
In your face? Yes in fact, your button down coat, the black color, the rosette of the Legion of Honor -- these whiskers. That's the description.
NOIRTIER
What description?
VILLEFORT
The description I have given myself.
NOIRTIER
You have given my description?
VILLEFORT
The description I gave of a man who is conspiring for the return of the Usurper.
NOIRTIER
What! You already know about the conspiracy here?
VILLEFORT
Then you are conspiring?
NOIRTIER
What the devil do you expect me to do?
VILLEFORT
Truly, sir, your sangfroid makes me tremble!
NOIRTIER
What do you expect? When one has been proscribed by the Mountain and left Paris hidden in a hay cart, and hunted in the land of Bordeaux by Robespierre's blood hounds, that accustoms you well to such things. Well, go on, I am conspiring supposedly.
VILLEFORT
At least, you've been accused.
NOIRTIER
With whom?
VILLEFORT
With the exiles on the Isle of Elba.
NOIRTIER
Oh! What a pretty fable! Who told you this?
VILLEFORT
The police!
NOIRTIER
Truly, my dear, your police are very well informed. I give them my compliments. I didn't think they were that good.
VILLEFORT
Yes, but meanwhile, your description is in the hands of all the agents. You are pursued, tracked.
NOIRTIER
I am well aware of it, since I only escaped them by coming to see you.
VILLEFORT
But you can't stay with me!
NOIRTIER
I know that perfectly well.
VILLEFORT
You will have to leave one day or another.
NOIRTIER
I am planning to leave this evening.
VILLEFORT
But how's that?
NOIRTIER
Truly, my dear, one would think.
(He rings, Germain enters.)
VILLEFORT
What do you intend?
NOIRTIER
You are going to see. What's this valet's name?
VILLEFORT
Germain.
NOIRTIER
Germain, escort me to your Master's chambers.
VILLEFORT
Germain, escort the gentleman.
NOIRTIER
Goodbye, Gerard.
(Germain and Noirtier go out.)
VILLEFORT
(aside)
Let's finish first with this Dantes.
(aloud)
Is the suspect still here?
EDMOND
(off)
Yes, sir.
VILLEFORT
Come in!
EDMOND
(entering
Here I am.
VILLEFORT
We were concerned about this letter, right?
EDMOND
Which was given to me by the Grand Marshall. Yes, sir and you were kind enough to tell me that if I was guilty, it was from bad judgment, and that in any case, this imprudence was legitimated by the orders of my superior.
VILLEFORT
Yes, and I don't withdraw that remark.
EDMOND
Then, I am free.
VILLEFORT
Yes, only the letter --
EDMOND
I told you, sir, you must have it. Ah! Sir, so you can recognize it.
VILLEFORT
Wait -- to whom is the letter addressed?
EDMOND
To Mr. Noirtier, Rue Cog-Heron #5 Paris.
VILLEFORT
To Mr. Noirtier?
EDMOND
Yes, sir -- do you know him?
VILLEFORT
A faithful servant of the King does not know conspirators.
EDMOND
But is it a question of a conspiracy? In any case, sir, I do not conspire. I am entirely ignorant of the contents of the dispatch which I was carrying.
VILLEFORT
Yes -- but you know the name to whom it was destined?
EDMOND
It was on the address.
VILLEFORT
And you have not shown this letter to anyone?
EDMOND
On my honor, sir, to no one.
VILLEFORT
Everyone was unaware that you were carrying a letter from Elba addressed to Mr. Noirtier.
EDMOND
Everyone, except the one who gave it to me, and to whom I was to take it.
VILLEFORT
You have seen Mr. Noirtier?
EDMOND
Yes.
VILLEFORT
And when were you to bring him this letter?
EDMOND
This evening! Yes, my God! What's wrong, sir. You are going to be ill. Do you want me to call, to ring.
VILLEFORT
No, sir, don't budge, don't say a word. I give orders here, not you!
EDMOND
Sir.
VILLEFORT
Listen, the most overwhelming charges result against you from this interrogation. I am not yet able to set you at liberty as I wish to do, while waiting, you saw in what way I behaved toward you?
EDMOND
Yes, sir, and up until the moment you read this unfortunate letter you've behaved more to me as a friend than as a judge.
VILLEFORT
Well, sir, I am going to keep you a little longer as a prisoner, the shortest time I must. The principle charge against you is this letter and you see -- you see -- I am destroying it.
(He burns the letter.)
EDMOND
Oh, sir, you are more than just, you are good.
VILLEFORT
There, after such an action, you understand you must have confidence in me.
EDMOND
Oh, sir, tell me what I must do and I will obey.
VILLEFORT
It is possible that someone other than myself will come to question you. Tell them what you have told me, but not a word about this letter.
EDMOND
I promise you.
VILLEFORT
You understand, sir, we alone now know that this letter even existed. They cannot show it to you. Deny it then, deny it boldly and you will be saved.
EDMOND
I will deny it, sir.
VILLEFORT
It was the only letter that you had?
EDMOND
The only one.
VILLEFORT
Swear it!
EDMOND
I swear it.
(Villefort rings. The Commissioner enters.)
VILLEFORT
(to Edmond)
Follow him.
EDMOND
(expansively)
Thanks, thanks, sir!
(He leaves with the Commissioner.)
VILLEFORT
Oh, my God! What keeps life and fortune together? If the King's Attorney had been in Marseille, if a judge had been called instead of me, I would have been lost and this paper, this cursed paper hurls me into the abyss. Oh! Father! My Father, will you always be an obstacle to my rise in the world, and must my future struggle eternally with your past?
NOIRTIER
(who has changed clothes and shaved his curls)
You were saying?
VILLEFORT
Sir!
NOIRTIER
Ah! Bravo! You don't recognize me yourself.
VILLEFORT
It's you?
NOIRTIER
Doubtless. Didn't you inform me they had my description.
VILLEFORT
Yes.
NOIRTIER
Well, I've changed my appearance.
GERMAIN
(entering)
Sir, the police are here.
VILLEFORT
Which ones?
GERMAIN
Those who gave you the description of the stranger newly arrived in Marseille.
VILLEFORT
Let them wait! Tell them to go.
NOIRTIER
No, on the contrary, let them enter. I much prefer them to be here rather than outside.
VILLEFORT
Right. Let them come in.
(Germain goes out.)
NOIRTIER
Eh. Doubtless, let them come in. My dear, I have always said there is nothing useful in descriptions. Hair and curls, black, buttoned, dresscoat, rosette of the legion of honor -- broad hat -- a cup of tea with me, Gerard.
VILLEFORT
They are here.
NOIRTIER
By God. I recognize them well.
VILLEFORT
Well, gentleman.
MAN
Eh, well, sir, we missed him but not by much. At the corner of the Quai, he was not taken. He must be in some private house about here. We have come to request an order to search every house in the street.
NOIRTIER
My dear Villefort, I don't wish to interfere with your business. Give this order -- give it.
VILLEFORT
But.
NOIRTIER
Give it, my dear. Search, apprehend, it's your duty. Goodbye, my friend.
(to police)
You'll excuse me, gentleman? Goodbye, Villefort.
(He goes out in the midst of the police.)
POLICEMAN
Sir, won't you give us a warrant?
VILLEFORT
Useless. The man we were looking for was taken prisoner in Aix but we have another, here, much more dangerous.
POLICEMAN
Which one?
NOIRTIER
The one who was arrested today at the Reserve. Let him be escorted immediately to the Chateau'd'if. A prison of the most profound secrecy. Here is the order from the governor. Go!
(The agent leaves.)
GERMAIN
Madame is here with this young girl.
VILLEFORT
Tell them that I cannot receive them. And then come meet me at the door. I am leaving immediately for Paris. Go.
(Germain leaves.)
VILLEFORT
(alone)
Napoleon, debarking in three days. Let's see; what must have caused my ruin, will perhaps become my fortune. To work, Villefort, to work!
(curtain)
Edmond's cell in the Chateau d'if.
(Edmond is sleeping on the flagstone.)
JAILOR
Speak up, friend! You don't answer. As you please. Here's your bread and water, you understand bullheaded! He ought to get used to me for I've been working here for four years almost. Hum! I'm of the opinion he won't last much longer. No -- he won't make old bones. While waiting here's bread -- here's water. Here's your bread, do you hear? No, Goodnight, then!
(Jailor goes out.)
EDMOND
(alone, rising)
Oh -- once -- before in my distant past when I was still a man, when free and powerful, I gave commands to other men who executed them, I saw the sky darken; the sea shiver and growl, the storm rising in a corner of the sky and like a gigantic eagle, batter