Monte Cristo, part IV, or Villefort
Drama in Five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1851
Translated and adapted by Frank J. Morlock
Translation is Copyright © 2001 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 home of Julie and Emmanuel. A room. To the left front a door. Second door and window further back left. A chimney to the right.
(Maximilian enters in the arms of Julie and Emmanuel.)
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, here I am, sister, yes, here I am, my dear Emmanuel and to spend three months with you again!
JULIE
Oh, my dear Maximilian, how happy we are!
MAXIMILIAN
And so am I! But first this purse that I kiss in memory of our poor father.
EMMANUEL
Ah!
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, my friends, what a strange thing has happened to me!
JULIE
What you told us in your letter?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, you understand that in the midst of the Mediterranean, in a deserted island which is known as Monte Cristo and to find there a nabob and a friend of our family who knew you and who knew Emmanuel -- it's incomprehensible!
JULIE
And this man is coming to Paris -- ? This man is coming to see us?
MAXIMILIAN
He said he'd be in Paris before me and that one of his first visits would be to the little house in the Rue Meslay.
JULIE
How old about?
MAXIMILIAN
Still young; forty years, perhaps.
JULIE
Handsome?
MAXIMILIAN
Handsome, yes, if expression makes for beauty.
JULIE
And rich?
MAXIMILIAN
Millions.
EMMANUEL
Oh -- a carriage is stopping at the door.
JULIE
How strange it would be if it were he.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh! That won't astonish me.
(opening the window)
It's a miracle!
EMMANUEL
Why?
MAXIMILIAN
I announce the Count of Monte Cristo to you.
EMMANUEL and JULIE
The Count of Monte Cristo.
MAXIMILIAN
In person.
JULIE
Oh -- receive him, brother. I must change my dress.
(She escapes.)
EMMANUEL
I need to put on a coat.
(He leaves quickly.)
MAXIMILIAN
Ah, good, good, ah -- Count, so your millions have their effect.
(going to the door)
This way, Count, this way.
(Monte Cristo enters.)
MONTE CRISTO
Well, sir, am I a man of my word? I said that I would arrive before you did.
MAXIMILIAN
Ah, Count, I've been here ten minutes already.
MONTE CRISTO
As for me, I got here several days ago and these several days have been well employed, I swear to you. But they told me you were with your sister and brother-in-law.
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, only at the announcement of your arrival, they escaped but, be easy, they will soon reappear, and in outfits more worthy of you.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah, my dear friend, I see with regret that I have caused a revolution in your family.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, a peaceful revolution! They were both gardening when I arrived and dressed for it. Emmanuel is changing his vest for a suit coat, and Julie her slip for a dress.
MONTE CRISTO
You have a happy family, don't you?
MAXIMILIAN
Oh! Yes, I can answer for that! They are young, they are gay, and they love each other, and with an income of twenty-five thousand francs, which they consider an immense fortune, they feel they possess the riches of Croesus. They are happy.
MONTE CRISTO
And you, Maximilian -- aren't you happy?
MAXIMILIAN
Oh! Me!
(sighing again)
It's different.
MONTE CRISTO
Why do you sigh? Why are you silent? You distrust me? Maximilian, don't you like me?
MAXIMILIAN
Me? Wait, what I am going to say to you is strange, Count, for between men, people don't exchange this kind of confidence. Do I like you? From the moment I saw you, I felt a strange sympathy. I look at you, I try ineffectively to meet you again. Well, although my reason may tell me I never saw you before our meeting on the island of Monte Cristo, it seems to me that we met before; where? I don't know. Suppose the two souls of Euryal and Nisus found themselves in the generations which followed them -- well, my soul near you, would feel something like their souls would have felt.
MONTE CRISTO
Good Maximilian, it is an act of providence, my friend.
MAXIMILIAN
Also, I've wanted to confide in you, Count.
MONTE CRISTO
About what?
MAXIMILIAN
One day when we are quite alone --
MONTE CRISTO
About love?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, my dear Maximilian, take care! When men like you love, they love with all their being, they love with their heart, they love with their soul, their entire being -- their whole future is in their love. Do you think you are loved in return, Maximilian?
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, with a love equal to mine, I am sure.
MONTE CRISTO
Well, then, what's there to ask of me? Ask God that this love last, and so that it will last, disdain men, disdain the world -- live for your love and in your love.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh! None of our sorrows come from each other. It's her relatives who wish to marry her to someone else.
MONTE CRISTO
And you are counting on me to combat this opposition?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes.
MONTE CRISTO
Do I know them?
MAXIMILIAN
Perhaps. Eh, you know everyone don't you -- ?
MONTE CRISTO
With the result that you want?
MAXIMILIAN
Listen, I know what fairy watched over your birth, my dear Count; but she gave you the power of persuasion. Yes, if I am alone, the relatives of the one I love will make great difficulties about giving her to me. If, on the contrary, the Count of Monte Cristo consents to act as my sponsor I am convinced that all difficulties will vanish before him.
MONTE CRISTO
Listen, Morrel, I already told you and I repeat to you, I love you like a son, more than a son. You are right, I can accomplish much when I choose. Well, I choose for you to be happy, and so that you will be happy, I will give not only my fortune, but my blood.
MAXIMILIAN
Ah, Count!
MONTE CRISTO
You know I'm not prodigal with such demonstrations. Come find me at my house in Paris when you wish, #30 Champs Elysees, side by side with the house of Madame de Villefort!
MAXIMILIAN
Door to door, with Madame de Villefort.
MONTE CRISTO
You know her?
MAXIMILIAN
Oh!
MONTE CRISTO
Come when you like. We will lunch together and discuss it further, and you will dispose of your friend in any way you choose.
MAXIMILIAN
You are so good that I want to tell you --
MONTE CRISTO
(seeing Emmanuel enter)
We are no longer alone.
MAXIMILIAN
My brother-in-law, Emmanuel. The Count.
MONTE CRISTO
Come, sir, philosopher, so I can pay you my respect; they present to me a man content with his fortune. I have traveled a lot, Mr. Herbaut, and it's the first time I've met such a prodigy.
EMMANUEL
It's that we've placed our happiness elsewhere, sir.
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, in soft and chaste passions. I know already about that, sir. Also, as just now I was sad and I felt I was on the way to getting worse, I told my coachman, "15 Rue Meslay," for I knew I'd find calm here, and innocence and love. The three sacred plants from whose balm cures all the complaints of humanity.
MAXIMILIAN
(to Julie as she enters)
Come, take your share of compliments, the Count is treating us. Count, if, since you've come to Paris, and don't yet know what a bourgeois of the Marais is -- here's my sister who will teach you.
MONTE CRISTO
Madame, pardon me an emotion which must astonish you, you who are accustomed to peace and happiness such as I meet here -- but for me, the thing is so new, that I cannot stop watching you and your husband.
JULIE
We are indeed happy, in fact, sir, but we have suffered for a long time and few people have paid for their happiness as dearly as we have.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! Truly! If I were more in your confidence, Maximilian, I would ask you to tell me about that.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, it's an entire family history and for you, Count, accustomed to see illustrious misfortunes and splendid joys, it would present little interest. Still, Julie, as you just told him, we suffered many lively sorrows, until they were shut back up in little box.
MONTE CRISTO
And God poured consolation on your suffering?
JULIE
Yes, Count, we can say that, for he did for us what he doesn't do for his elect. He sent us one of his angels.
EMMANUEL
Those who are born in a royal cradle and who have nothing to desire do not know the joy of living, even as those who do not know the price of a pure sky who have never lived their lives at the mercy of four planks, tossed on a sea rolling in fury.
MONTE CRISTO
(rising, emotionally moved)
Yes, you are right, both right.
(He looks at the room.)
MAXIMILIAN
Our magnificence makes you smile, Count --
(Monte Cristo stops before a globe on which is placed the purse Maximilian kissed when he entered.)
MONTE CRISTO
No, I was only considering this purse which on the one side encloses a paper it seems to me and on the other is a beautiful diamond.
MAXIMILIAN
(gravely)
Count, this purse is the most precious of our family treasures.
MONTE CRISTO
In fact, the diamond is very beautiful.
JULIE
Oh, brother, don't speak of the price of the stone, although it's been appraised at one hundred thousand francs, Count. He means to tell you that the objects contained in the purse are the relics of an angel of whom we were speaking just now.
MONTE CRISTO
That's what I was unable to understand, Madame, and now, I don't dare ask you. Pardon me, I have no wish to be indiscreet.
JULIE
Indiscreet? Oh, on the contrary, how happy you would make us, Count, in giving us occasion to be heard on the subject. If we were hiding as a secret the fine action that this purse reminds us of, we wouldn't put it there on view. Oh! We wish we could publish throughout the universe to make our unknown benefactor shiver which would reveal his presence to us.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, truly!
MAXIMILIAN
(taking the purse and putting it to his lips)
Count, this purse, which I kiss with respect and recognition, touched the hand of a man who saved my father from death, us from ruin, and our name from shame -- a man thanks to whom we poor children vowed to misery and tears are now able to listen to others go into ecstacies over our good fortune.
(pulling a letter from the purse)
This letter was written by him in a day when my father had formed a desperate resolve -- and this diamond was given as a dowry to my sister by this generous stranger.
MONTE CRISTO
(opening the letter and reading)
"Come immediately to the alley of Mulhan, go into house #5, ask the concierge for the key to room number five, go into the room from the corner by the chimney, take a red silk purse and take the purse to your father. You promised to obey me blindly; I remind you of your promise. Sinbad the Sailor."
MAXIMILIAN
And in the purse, sir, there was a contract released, a contract for 287,500 francs which was the reason my father was going to blow his brains and also a diamond which is still there with two words written on a little scrap of paper -- 'Julie's dowry'.
MONTE CRISTO
And the man who did this for you remains unknown?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, sir -- we have never had the joy of shaking his hand; but it's not because we did not ask God for this favor.
JULIE
Oh, I still haven't yet lost hope of kissing that hand as I kiss this purse which touched it four years ago. Penelon was at Trieste when he saw on the dock an Englishman who was embarking on a brig. Excuse me, you don't know about Penelon, he was an old sailor manned the Pharo when the Pharo was still voyaging. Well, he recognized the Englishman as the one who came to my father on the fifth of June, 1829 and who wrote me on the fifth of September. He's convinced it was the same person -- unfortunately he didn't dare speak to him.
MONTE CRISTO
An Englishman you say? He was English? Then wasn't this Englishman a man that your father had done some great service to, and who with God's advice, found this way of paying you?
MAXIMILIAN
Sister, sister, remember, I beg you that our father often told us "No it is not an Englishman who has given us this good fortune."
MONTE CRISTO
Your father told you that, Mr. Morrel?
MAXIMILIAN
Sir, my father saw a miracle in this act. My father believed in a benefactor who had returned from the grave to help us. Oh, what a touching superstition, sir, and although I didn't believe it myself, I was far from wishing to destroy the idea in my father's heart. Also, how many times did he dream whispering the name of a dear friend, a name of a lost friend and then near to death, as the approach of eternity gave his soul some enlightenment from the tomb, this thought which had never been questioned became a conviction, and his last words in dying were these, "Maximilian it was Dantes."
MONTE CRISTO
(very moved)
Dantes! Dantes!
JULIE
Maximilian, there's another name unknown to the Count.
MAXIMILIAN
But all these details are of little interest, besides --
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, no, you are mistaken.
MAXIMILIAN
And sir, whoever feels compassion for the wretched cannot remain indifferent to the name I've just mentioned if he knew how much Dantes had suffered.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! This -- this man suffered greatly?
MAXIMILIAN
All that God, inexhaustible in his rage as in his benevolence could pour in sorrows and agonies on a single head.
JULIE
Poor Edmond!
MONTE CRISTO
Truly?
MAXIMILIAN
Edmond Dantes was the first mate on a ship that my father owned. He was twenty, he was the most loyal, most pure, the most happy of men. Life smiled on him; he smiled back at life. Edmond adored his father, a fine old man -- sweet and religious as in ancient times. He was affianced to a young Catalan girl -- the most beautiful woman in Marseille -- and she loved him with all her soul.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah!
JULIE
Wasn't she named Mercedes?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, Mercedes. A charming name, isn't it Count.
MONTE CRISTO
A charming name.
MAXIMILIAN
Edmond, after returning from a voyage had just been named Captain of a ship by my father. He shook hands with old Dantes. He was kissing the hand of his fiancee when police came to arrest him. He had been denounced to a magistrate as being part of a political plot. Denounced by whom? No one knew. They say this magistrate found the evidence against Edmond Dantes so strong that he sent him to the Chateau D'if. Alas, the prisoner was forgotten.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! No one asked after him?
MAXIMILIAN
My father, our friends, all those who were interested in this poor young man. We demanded that he be brought to trial. We offered guarantees.
MONTE CRISTO
And this demand.
MAXIMILIAN
Was forgotten like the prisoner. Time went by. It left its black crepe on the family which had seen itself so happy. Dantes' father succumbed first, every day expecting his son, calling for him every hour. At the end of his resources, too proud to ask, too wretched to wish to live, he shut himself up in his poor deserted house, and one night when the neighbors no longer heard him pacing upstairs, they went up -- he was dead; dead of sorrow; dead of starvation.
MONTE CRISTO
(choking)
Oh!
MAXIMILIAN
As for poor Edmond's fiancee, she succumbed --
MONTE CRISTO
(surprised)
She died?
MAXIMILIAN
No -- she married and she left the province. This poor prisoner, they say he attempted to flee, and that in leaping from the height of the walls of the Chateau D'if, he was broken on the rocks. The sea swallowed his body. God kept the secret of his sorrows! It makes no difference, I am sure, that if Edmond had miraculously escaped from prison, from death, and found under other skies a new life, a new fortune, I am sure that the death of his old father and the betrayal of Mercedes are two memories which would have prevented him from ever being happy.
MONTE CRISTO
That's very true. But what became of the magistrate whose severity caused all these misfortunes?
JULIE
Rich, honored in the first ranks of the magistrates.
MONTE CRISTO
Who is he then, Madame?
JULIE
He's --
MAXIMILIAN
(quickly)
Sister, let's forget, I beg you, sir, don't mention names.
MONTE CRISTO
Mr. Maximilian is correct. That name pronounced aloud would reawaken God's wrath.
MAXIMILIAN
Are you all right?
MONTE CRISTO
It's nothing. The story of this poor man moved me. It's very natural, isn't it, Madame?
(to Emmanuel, bowing)
Sir -- Maximilian, my friends.
MAXIMILIAN
You are leaving?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, but permit me to come some time to pay my respects, Madame, my friendly feelings. I love your house and I am cognizant of your reception; for here for the first time, yes, for the first time in many years, I was able to forget myself.
Goodbye, goodbye!
EMMANUEL
What a strange man!
MAXIMILIAN
Strange or not, he has an excellent heart.
(curtain)
The Garden of the house in Auteuil. To the right, midway back, a pavilion. In the far back -- a gate with a metal grill.
(Monte Cristo and the Notary appear atop the stone steps leading to the house.)
MONTE CRISTO
By God, sir, it is neither handsome nor new, but by spending three or four hundred thousand francs on the place it will be habitable.
NOTARY
I have followed the Count's instructions with great care. He told me to buy at any price the house at No. 28, Rue de la Fontaine in Auteuil, and I bought it.
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, I wanted this house which people told me about in the past. One can indulge a caprice when it only costs fifty thousand francs.
NOTARY
Forty thousand sir.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, I said fifty thousand, because with the expenses of recording the deed and the commissions -- etc., etc.
NOTARY
You are mistaken, sir -- all the expenses added in -- it will only amount to 43,500 francs.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh! What a trickster you are, sir! Wait, there's a draft of fifty thousand francs on the treasury.
NOTARY
But I have the honor to observe to the Count --
MONTE CRISTO
That's all right! If there's a discrepancy it will be for the study. Ali! Ali!
(Ali enters. The Notary bows.)
NOTARY
Count --
MONTE CRISTO
Go, sir!
(after the notary leaves)
Ah, you've often boasted to me of your ability with a lasso?
(Ali makes an affirmation sign)
So with your lasso, you can stop a bull, a tiger, a lion?
(Ali nods again)
More easily even than two runaway horses?
(Ali smiles)
Well -- listen. Very soon a carriage will pass by pulled by two gray horses. Without being squashed, you must make them stop before this door.
(Ali opens the door, removes a stone and draws a line.)
MONTE CRISTO
Fine, the carriage won't go beyond that line. I understand. Get your lasso ready and hold yourself in waiting.
(Ali salutes and goes towards the door where he has traced his line.)
MONTE CRISTO
Mr. Bertuccio! Mr. Bertuccio!
(Bertuccio enters.)
MONTE CRISTO
Mr. Bertuccio! Come when you are called. Oh my God, you are very pale.
BERTUCCIO
Count -- grace.
MONTE CRISTO
Eh, good God -- what's the matter with him?
BERTUCCIO
Excuse me, Excellency, but it's this garden. Oh, I want to go further but it's impossible.
MONTE CRISTO
Huh! What do you mean?
BERTUCCIO
Oh, sir, either it's a plot or it's fate.
MONTE CRISTO
Plot or fate! Those are big words, sir, for such a small person as yourself. Look, in what is there a plot or a fate against Mr. Bertuccio?
BERTUCCIO
But look carefully, Count, it is not a natural thing, that having a house to buy in the suburbs of Paris you should buy exactly at Auteuil and then this house: No. 28 Rue de la Fontaine. Oh, I had a presentment when I heard the Count speak of the desire he had to locate in Auteuil and of the purchase he had made. And then I hoped that the house the Count purchased was a different house from this as there had to be in Auteuil another house than this murderer's house.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, what a villainous word you have just pronounced there, Mr. Bertuccio. Villainous man! Go, thoroughgoing Corsican. Always mysterious and superstitions. Come, come, and if you are afraid of falling sit on this bench.
BERTUCCIO
Never! Never! Sir!
MONTE CRISTO
And why's that?
BERTUCCIO
Because this bench -- this bench is the very one on which he fell before rolling on the ground.
MONTE CRISTO
My dear Mr. Bertuccio, get a hold of yourself, I beseech you. We are not in Sardinia or Corsica. This is not a jungle; it is a garden-badly cared for, without doubt, but no reason to slander it for all that.
(sitting on the bench)
Let's go. Come on, I'm waiting for you.
BERTUCCIO
Never, Milord, never. Oh, would that I had never told you everything before returning to France! That I had never admitted everything before coming here!
MONTE CRISTO
What had you told me? What had you admitted to me? Look, only that true Corsican that you are you've never been able to pardon Mr. Villefort for the death of your brother -- for having condemned him?
BERTUCCIO
My God!
MONTE CRISTO
That you followed him from Nimes to Paris, that at Paris in the midst of a ball you announced the vendetta to him, that the same evening knowing he had an affair in this house you ambushed him there behind this tree?
BERTUCCIO
My God! My God!
MONTE CRISTO
And at the foot of this other tree, where I am, at the moment he was burying his treasure, you struck him with a dagger, after which, being a man who does not lose his head, you ran off with it? Thief!
BERTUCCIO
Oh! But what Your Excellency doesn't know is that this box contained --
MONTE CRISTO
A baby -- eh! My God, yes, I know that.
BERTUCCIO
I never told that to anyone but a monk.
MONTE CRISTO
To father Busoni.
BERTUCCIO
Right, to Father Busoni. But that isn't all. I carried the child off, I brought him up. I counted on making him my own son.
MONTE CRISTO
When he escaped from Rogliana, carrying off neighbor Vasdio's purse. Oh, he was quite a fellow of rare disposition this Benedetto -- Benedetto was his name, wasn't it?
BERTUCCIO
Oh! Excellency, spare me. No, in the truth, the Lord who will judge us one day, the quick and the dead -- well, the Lord is not better informed than you are. And do you know where he is, the wretch?
MONTE CRISTO
But for the last three years hasn't he been in the environs of Toulon, in a philanthropic establishment where justice takes the trouble to itself put a chain on the leg of those who run too fast, and by economy, doubtless, attach the other end of this chain to one of your friends, a certain Caderousse who kept the Port du Guard Inn on the route from Nimes to Beaucaire where during one stormy night he murdered a brave Jew to whom he had just sold a diamond for forty-five thousand francs so that he could have both the diamond and the money? Oh, my word, you have some fine acquaintances, Mr. Bertuccio.
BERTUCCIO
Oh, pardon, Milord, pardon!
MONTE CRISTO
What should I pardon you for? But this was done long ago. Would I have kept you in my service if you were not pardoned?
BERTUCCIO
Oh, Milord.
MONTE CRISTO
And now pay attention carefully to my words, Mr. Bertuccio. To all these faults there are two remedies: time and silence. Let me walk a short while in the garden. What is a poignant emotion for you, actor in this terrible drama, for me will be a sensation almost sweet that will give a double value to this property. The trees, you see, Mr. Bertuccio, please only because they give shade, and shade only pleases because it is full of dreams and visions. Now here I've bought a garden, thinking to purchase a simple enclosure shut in with walls, and now suddenly this enclosure finds itself to be full of phantoms which are not in the contract. Still I love these phantoms, for I have never heard tell that the dead in six thousand years had done as much evil as the living in a single day. Go into the house, Mr. Bertuccio, and sleep in peace -- go, Mr. Bertuccio, go.
(Bertuccio exits.)
MONTE CRISTO
(alone)
Here near this plane tree, the ditch where the child was to be disposed of down there, the gate giving entry to the garden, in this corner the exposed stairway leading to the bedroom. I don't think I need to inscribe all this in my notebooks, for before my eyes, around me, under my feet, the stage is living.
(a great noise can be heard)
What's that? It seems to me that it's our dappled gray pair of horses harnessing which makes it --
(People shouting "Stop! Stop!" Women's screams, thunder of a carriage, then the noise of a carriage overturning.)
MONTE CRISTO
Run, Mr. Bertuccio! You can clearly see something extraordinary is happening behind this door.
(Bertuccio who was going away runs to open the door.)
BERTUCCIO
A woman and child, Count.
MONTE CRISTO
(aside)
Truly, it's them. Ali is a clever rogue.
(to Madame de Villefort who rushes in followed by Ali carrying the fainted Edward in his arms)
Fear nothing, Madame. You are saved.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, I am not afraid for myself, sir, it's for this poor child.
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, Madame, I understand, but rest easy -- nothing's happened to your son and it is only fear which has put him in this condition.
(to Bertuccio)
My box of medicines, Mr. Bertuccio.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Ah, sir, you are not just saying that to reassure me? See how pale he is! My child, my son, my Edward, answer your mother -- ah, sir, a doctor, I beg you, a doctor.
MONTE CRISTO
It's unnecessary, Madame: I am somewhat of a doctor myself and thanks to a few drops of this liqueur --
(He takes a small bottle from the box.)
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, give it to me, give it to me. I beg you --
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, pardon, Madame, I alone know the proper dosage. See, I told you this charming child had only fainted.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, where am I, sir, and to whom do I owe having survived such an ordeal?
MONTE CRISTO
You are, Madame, in the home of a man very proud to have spared you any chagrin -- the home of the Count of Monte Cristo.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
And I, sir, I am the wife of Mr. de Villefort whose name you perhaps know.
(Monte Cristo bows.)
BERTUCCIO
(aside)
The wife of Mr. de Villefort? My God!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Ah, sir, how grateful my husband will be to you for you will have saved his son.
MONTE CRISTO
I admire this maternal sacrifice, Madame. You don't think of the danger to yourself but for this child. You love him dearly, then?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Yes, I love him! Yes, I love my son! Ah, sir, may all the wrongs of mankind strike me down tomorrow, may my heart cease to beat, may everything on earth cease to live -- so let my son be spared! What, wretched in this world I may be cursed again in another, but let my son be happy; let him be rich, joyful, all powerful, be it at the price of my earthly existence, be it at the price of my eternal soul.
MONTE CRISTO
Alas, Madame, I don't have the joy of directly rendering you this service. Now here's your true savior.
(pointing to Ali)
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, I hope you will let me reward this man's devotion.
MONTE CRISTO
Madame, I beg you, do not corrupt him, neither by praise nor rewards. These are habits I do not want him to acquire, Ali is my slave. In saving you, he served me, and it is his duty to serve me.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
But he risked his life.
MONTE CRISTO
I bought this life, Madame, and consequently it belongs to me. A word from me will suffice -- Ali, I am pleased with you.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Edward, do you see this fine servant? He has been very courageous for he risked his life to stop the horses which were running away with our carriage. Thank him, my child, for in all probability, without him we would both be dead.
EDWARD
He's too ugly.
MONTE CRISTO
Do you hear, Ali -- ? This child you just saved says you are too ugly to be thanked.
(to Edward who is playing with the little bottles of liquor)
Oh! Don't touch that, my friend, some of these liquors are dangerous.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
(pulling her son away)
Oh! Dangerous, you say, sir?
MONTE CRISTO
I ought to have said deadly.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
But the liquor you poured a drop of on his lips is not harmful?
MONTE CRISTO
It's the most dangerous of them all.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Ah!
MONTE CRISTO
That's why I so quickly took the bottle away from his hand.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Truly, sir, the more I look at you, the more I hear you --
MONTE CRISTO
The more it seems, Madame, that this is not the first time we have met?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
In fact, sir, it seems that this conversation is only the continuation of a conversation began elsewhere. But I vainly question my memories. I am ashamed of my faulty memory.
MONTE CRISTO
I am going to help you. It was in Perugia in Italy in the garden of the post office. During a burning hot day, you were traveling with Miss Valentine and this child. Edward was running after a peacock.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Ah, I recall it.
MONTE CRISTO
The child was running after a handsome peacock. You, you were half asleep under a vine bower cradle. Miss Valentine was at the other end of the garden. Your son disappeared running after a bird.
EDWARD
Yes, I caught him, and I tore three feathers from his tail.
MONTE CRISTO
You, Madame, you remained under the cradle of vines.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
That's right! That's right!
MONTE CRISTO
Don't you remember more of having a long conversation with someone?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, truly! With a man wrapped in a long silk cloak -- a doctor, I believe.
MONTE CRISTO
Exactly, Madame, I was this man. For fifteen days, I'd been staying in the hostel. I had cured my valet of fever, with the result that they regarded me as a great doctor. We discussed for a long while many things -- art, then from art we passed to science, then chemistry -- you are a chemist, Madame, and a very knowledgeable chemist for a woman. I remember that you had done research on this famous acqua-tofana, which some pretend was the famous poison of the Borgias, and you were told that some people still had retained the secret in Perugia.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Yes, and I was looking in vain.
MONTE CRISTO
When you questioned me in my turn, I had the joy, as I recall, of giving you on the subject of this terrible composition all the information you asked of me.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Yes, you are right, I believe.
MONTE CRISTO
On! This circumstance, you ought to recall -- you took the recipe on a little tortoiseshell notebook ornamented with a cipher in Gold of an H and a V. Herermone de Villefort, isn't that right?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
You have a fine memory, sir, well, yet it's true. The principal studies of my youth were botany and chemistry, and very often, I have regretted, I admit it, not being a man so I could be a famous scientist.
MONTE CRISTO
Moreover, Madame, how certain races, the oriental for example, placed poison on a shield or a dagger. Mithridates --
EDWARD
Mithridates, King of Pontus who lunched every day with a cup of cream laced with poison.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Edward, quiet, you bad child!
MONTE CRISTO
Mr. Edward is reciting his Cornelius and this quotation proves his tutor hasn't been wasting his time with him.
EDWARD
Mama, let's get going. I'm bored, mama.
MONTE CRISTO
He's a charming child, Madame, who would be depriving me very much of the joy of seeing you, but for the hope I have that you will permit me to present myself at your home to have news of you.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
What, sir? But it is I who beg you to come, and if this doesn't suffice, Mr. de Villefort will come ask you himself.
MONTE CRISTO
If he were to accord me such an honor Madame, as I do not wish to make him come to Auteuil, he would find me in my house in Paris, No. 30 Avenue Champs Elysees.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Sir, my carriage is broken and truly, I don't dare.
MONTE CRISTO
Madame, by now they must have, at my order, harnessed your horses to my carriage, and Ali, this ugly boy will take you back to your home, while your coachman remains here to repair your carriage.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, but with the same horses I wouldn't dare to go.
MONTE CRISTO
You are going to see that under Ali's firm hand they are going to become as gentle as sheep.
(opening the gate)
Here!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Since you answer for everything, I will chance it.
(She and Edward go out the gate.)
MONTE CRISTO
Come! Come! Here is fine soil and the grain we sow will not abort. Mr. Bertuccio!
BERTUCCIO
(appearing)
Excellency?
MONTE CRISTO
I was expecting two strangers. Have they arrived?
BERTUCCIO
Yes, Excellency.
MONTE CRISTO
Have you seen them?
BERTUCCIO
No, Excellency. Baptistin greeted them.
MONTE CRISTO
He made them enter by separate ways as I ordered.
BERTUCCIO
Yes, Excellency. They've been waiting for a half hour.
MONTE CRISTO
First have Major Timoteo Cavalcanti in. All honor to all these gentlemen.
A LACKEY
(announcing)
Major Cavalcanti.
(Cavalcanti enters, Bertuccio and the Lackey withdraw.)
MONTE CRISTO
I was expecting you, Major.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Truly, Your Excellency expected me?
MONTE CRISTO
Aren't you the Marquis Timoteo Cavalcanti?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Timoteo Cavalcanti - that's right.
MONTE CRISTO
Major in the Austrian service.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Is it Major or Sergeant?
MONTE CRISTO
Major, Marquis, Major.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Then let it be Major, Count. I am too polite to deny it.
MONTE CRISTO
Besides, you didn't come here by your own accord, did you?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Oh, no, not of my own accord; I would never have dared.
MONTE CRISTO
You wrote me through this excellent Father Busoni.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
At least the letter I received was signed in that name; look!
MONTE CRISTO
It is indeed, "Major Cavalcanti."
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Sergeant.
MONTE CRISTO
Patrician of Lucca, descendant of the Florentine Cavalcanti.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Eh! Eh!
MONTE CRISTO
You are really their descendent?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
A little bit, it's true.
MONTE CRISTO
Enjoying a fortune of three or four millions?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Are there really three or four millions?
MONTE CRISTO
Damn, it's written in so many words.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Go for four millions.
MONTE CRISTO
You don't believe in being so rich?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
My word of honor, no!
MONTE CRISTO
It's because your manager steals.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
You've just enlightened me, my dear sir. I'll put the clown out the door. Continue, I beg you.
MONTE CRISTO
And who lacks only one thing to make him happy?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Oh, my God, yes -- just one thing.
MONTE CRISTO
"To find his adored son."
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
(sighing)
Ach.
MONTE CRISTO
"Raised from his childhood, perhaps by gypsies -- possibly by an enemy of his noble family -- " Poor father.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Ah --
MAXIMILIAN
"But I give him hope and life in announcing to him, Count, that you can help him find this son he has sought in vain for more than fifteen years."
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Ach! Can you do it, sir?
MONTE CRISTO
I can do it.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Then this letter was true?
MONTE CRISTO
From first to last.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Postscript included?
MONTE CRISTO
Ah -- there's a postscript?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
A wretched one!
MONTE CRISTO
"So, as not to cause Major Cavalcanti the trouble of moving some funds from his banker, I am sending a sum of two thousand francs for the expenses of his voyage and credit on you for an additional sum of forty-eight thousand francs." Very good.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
(aside)
He said, "Very good".
(aloud)
So the postscript?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
The postscript?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Is received as favorably as the rest?
MONTE CRISTO
Without doubt.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
With the result that you will give me these forty-eight thousand francs?
MONTE CRISTO
At your first request. But what am I doing? I've been keeping you almost a quarter of an hour.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Pay no attention and from the moment that the postscript --
MONTE CRISTO
Now, would you like to take something? A glass of port or some sherry?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Sherry is my favorite wine.
MONTE CRISTO
I have the most excellent. With a cracker, right?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
With a cracker, since you force me to.
(Monte Cristo strikes twice on the gong. Baptistin appears.)
MONTE CRISTO
Bertuccio isn't around?
BERTUCCIO
Here I am, Excellency.
MONTE CRISTO
A cup of sherry and some crackers for the Major.
(going to Baptistin while Bertuccio goes to the Major)
You have placed Mr. Andrea in the pavilion?
BAPTISTIN
Yes, Excellency!
MONTE CRISTO
Fine! Go!
(to Major)
So you were living in Lucco, you were rich, you rejoiced in the high esteem in which you were held.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
I rejoiced in the high esteem in which I was held.
MONTE CRISTO
So you had everything that can make a man happy -- the only thing lacking to complete your joy was to find your son again.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Yes, that was the only thing I lacked -- but what I lacked was quite a bit.
MONTE CRISTO
Drink then, dear Mr. Cavalcanti, emotion is choking you -- by the way, you brought all your papers in proper form?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
What papers?
MONTE CRISTO
The certificate of marriage with the mother.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Ah! With the mother -- ?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, also the child's birth certificate.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
The child's birth certificate?
MONTE CRISTO
Without doubt, of your son, Andrea Cavalcanti. Wasn't he called Andrea?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
I believe he was.
MONTE CRISTO
What do you mean, "believe?"
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Hell, he's been lost a long time!
MONTE CRISTO
It's true! Still, you have all these papers?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Count, I regret to tell you that not having been warned to arm myself with all these documents I neglected to bring them with me.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! The Devil.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Were they so important?
MONTE CRISTO
Indispensable! You understand -- if they were to raise some doubts on the validity of your marriage, on the legitimacy of your child.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
That's true. They could raise some doubts.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh! It would be irritating to the young man.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
It would be fatal.
MONTE CRISTO
It could make him lose a magnificent marriage I had dreamed of for him.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
A marriage?
MONTE CRISTO
With a banker's daughter.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Rich.
MONTE CRISTO
Millionaire.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Oh! Too bad.
MONTE CRISTO
So you don't have these documents?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Alas, no.
MONTE CRISTO
Happily, I have them.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
You.
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
For goodness sake -- that's lucky!
MONTE CRISTO
Here.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
(taking papers)
Everything is correct on my word.
MONTE CRISTO
Well, now that everything's in order, that your keepsakes done up like new cannot betray you, you have divined doubtless that I want to create a surprise.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Agreeable?
MONTE CRISTO
Ah, the head of a father won't be deceived.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Huh?
MONTE CRISTO
You have guessed that he was here.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Who?
MONTE CRISTO
Your child, your son, your Andrea.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
I divined it.
MONTE CRISTO
I understand your emotion. You must have time to get yourself together. I also intend to prepare the young man for this much desired interview. Go to the other room. I only ask five minutes.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Then you will bring me to him? You will go so far in your kindness as to bring him yourself?
MONTE CRISTO
No, I don't wish to place myself between a father and son. You will be alone, Major.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Apropos, you know I only bought with me the two thousand francs that Father Busoni gave me in Livorno. Since then, I have made this trip, and --
MONTE CRISTO
And you need some money?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Yes.
MONTE CRISTO
That's fine, dear Mr. Cavalcanti, and therefore to start an account, eight notes for a thousand francs each.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Eight?
MONTE CRISTO
I still owe you forty thousand francs.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Your Excellency desires a receipt?
MONTE CRISTO
You will give me a general receipt after getting the entire forty thousand francs from my banker, Mr. Danglars.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Is this the banker who is the father of the young --
MONTE CRISTO
Come, I see it's unnecessary to say something more than once to Mr. Cavalcanti. Now, will you permit me to make a small observation?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Of course, but I solicit it.
MONTE CRISTO
It won't be bad if you were to quit your Polish garment.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Really?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, it's still worn in Lucca, but not in Paris. If you really are attached to it, you can resume it after leaving France.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
But in the meanwhile what will I wear?
MONTE CRISTO
What you find in your trunks.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
What do you mean, what I find in my trunk? I only have a suitcase.
MONTE CRISTO
Because you sent your trunks ahead, but rest easy, your trunks have arrived at the Hotel Princess, Rue de Richlieu -- that's where you are staying.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Very good.
MONTE CRISTO
And now, dear Mr. Cavalcanti, go into this room and strengthen your heart against the very lively sensations which await you, by having some crackers and finishing this bottle. Mr. Bertuccio take these crackers and this bottle into the next room for the Major.
(The Major leaves, as Monte Cristo goes to the door of the pavilion where Andrea is, Bertuccio returns quickly and stops him.)
BERTUCCIO
Excellency?
MONTE CRISTO
Well, what?
BERTUCCIO
They are deceiving you.
MONTE CRISTO
What do you mean, they are deceiving me?
BERTUCCIO
Yes, that man.
MONTE CRISTO
The man just went in that room? Well?
BERTUCCIO
Well, he's not a marquis; he's not a major; he's not of the nobility. He's a wretch that I've seen gambling by the baths of Lucia.
MONTE CRISTO
Well, so have I, so what?
BERTUCCIO
What? His Excellency knows?
MONTE CRISTO
His Excellency knows what he's doing, Mr. Bertuccio and doesn't account for his actions to anyone.
BERTUCCIO
Excuse me, Excellency.
MONTE CRISTO
Go, sir, go.
(Bertuccio leaves.)
MONTE CRISTO
Poor Bertuccio!
(opening the door)
Come in, sir.
ANDREA
I have the honor to speak, I believe, to the Count of Monte Cristo.
MONTE CRISTO
And I to the Count Andrea Cavalcanti?
ANDREA
Yes, sir.
MONTE CRISTO
In that case, you must have a letter which introduces you to me.
ANDREA
From the firm of Thompson and French, of Rome.
MONTE CRISTO
Very well, now, Count, would you have the goodness to give me some information about your family?
ANDREA
Very willingly, sir. I am the Count Andrea Cavalcanti, descendent of the Cavalcanti who are inscribed in the Florentine register of nobility. Our family, still rich, as my father possessed two hundred thousand francs of income, has endured many misfortunes and I myself, sir, was kidnapped and sold to enemies of my family by a faithless tutor. With the result that I have never met my father. I was in despair of ever seeing him when I received the proxy letter from the firm of Thompson and French of Rome to come to Paris, and which authorized me to address myself to you for news of my noble family.
MONTE CRISTO
(aside)
Come, he has learned his part admirably.
(aloud)
Truly, sir, what you are telling me cannot be more interesting and you did well to accept the invitation of Thompson and French, for your father is in fact here and seeking you.
ANDREA
(quickly)
My father! My father, here -- Bertuccio?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, your father, Major Timoteo Cavalcanti.
ANDREA
Ah! That's right. And you say he is here, this dear father?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, sir. You were in the French Midi when you got the letter which introduced you to me?
ANDREA
Yes -- on the shores of the Mediterranean.
MONTE CRISTO
Between Marseille and Algiers?
ANDREA
That's quite right, sir.
MONTE CRISTO
A carriage must be waiting for you at Nice?
ANDREA
And it brought me from Nice to Genoa, from Genoa to Turin, from Turin to Chambery, from Chambery to Lyon, and from Lyon to Paris. It wasn't the shortest way.
MONTE CRISTO
No -- but perhaps it was the safest.
ANDREA
Possibly. Well, here I am, sir.
MONTE CRISTO
And, as you see, you are welcome. A single thing worries Major Cavalcanti.
ANDREA
Which is?
MONTE CRISTO
Damn, it's a delicate thing to say.
ANDREA
Oh, speak!
MONTE CRISTO
You remained for a long while in a sad position. I say nothing of that. I know the philanthropy of the one who rescued you and I asked him no other question. I am not curious.
ANDREA
Ah!
MONTE CRISTO
Well, your father wants to know if you feel yourself to be in a condition to uphold the place in the world that belongs to you.
ANDREA
That's all that he wants to know?
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, my God, yes, and if you yourself tell me that the world which you are about to enter has nothing in it that frightens you --
ANDREA
Nothing, sir. Besides if there's some lack on my eduction, people would, I suppose have the kindness to excuse me in consideration of the wrongs that accompanied my birth and followed me into my youth.
MONTE CRISTO
And then, you know, Count, a great fortune covers many such things.
ANDREA
Major Cavalcanti is really rich?
MONTE CRISTO
A millionaire, my dear sir.
ANDREA
Then, I shall find myself in an agreeable position?
MONTE CRISTO
The most agreeable. He's giving you fifty thousand francs income while you remain in Paris.
ANDREA
In that case, I shall stay here forever.
MONTE CRISTO
Eh! Who can answer for all circumstances? Man proposes, God disposes.
ANDREA
Alas, it is indeed true.
MONTE CRISTO
Now, Count, are you ready?
ANDREA
To do what?
MONTE CRISTO
To embrace this worthy Major.
ANDREA
Do you doubt it, sir?
MONTE CRISTO
In that case --
(opening the door)
Come, Major, come.
ANDREA
You retire?
MONTE CRISTO
From discretion.
(Monte Cristo leaves, the Major enters.)
ANDREA
Ah, sir -- dear father -- is it really you?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Good day sir, and dear son!
ANDREA
Won't you embrace us?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
As you wish.
ANDREA
Then let's embrace, this can't be bad. So -- now we are reunited.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Now we are reunited.
ANDREA
And you are bringing me the papers with the help of which it will be possible for me to authenticate the blood I came from?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
I came three hundred leagues for this sole end.
ANDREA
And these papers?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Here they are.
ANDREA
(looking at the papers)
My, my! But there can't be any galleys in Italy?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
And why is that?
ANDREA
So they can manufacture such documents with impunity! For half of this, my dear papa, in France, they would send you to Toulon for five years -- to take the air.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
(majestically)
What do you mean by that, young man?
ANDREA
My dear Mr. Cavalcanti, how much are you getting annually to play my father? Bah! I am going to give you an example of filial confidence. I am getting fifty thousand francs a year to be your son. Eh! Calm down, we're alone.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Well, they are giving me fifty thousand francs to be your father.
ANDREA
Given in advance?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Given in advance.
ANDREA
It's not been paid yet?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
No matter! I find this all very nice.
ANDREA
My dear Major, do you believe in fairy tales?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Before, no. But today, I must.
ANDREA
Have you any proofs?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
(pulling out his bank notes)
Palpable!
ANDREA
Real notes?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
An installment.
ANDREA
And they are not like your papers?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Young man!
ANDREA
Then you are coming from Lucca?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
And you from?
ANDREA
And I from -- I prefer not to say --
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Why's that?
ANDREA
Because then you would know as much as I do -- which is not necessary.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
And who advised you to return?
ANDREA
A letter.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Same as me.
ANDREA
Let me see your letter.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
On the condition you will show me yours.
ANDREA
(pulling his letter out)
Give it to me! Here's yours.
(Each passes his letter to the other.)
(reading)
"You are poor; a wretched old age awaits you. Would you wish to become, if not rich at least independent? Go this minute to Paris, and go to reclaim from the Count of Monte Cristo, No. 28, Rue de la Fontaine, Auteuil, a son you must have had by the Marchesa Olivia Corsinari. This son was kidnapped from you when he was but five years old and named Andrea Cavalcanti. So that you will not be in doubt that the intention of the undersigned is agreeable to you, you will find joined to this: First a gift of two thousand Tuscan pounds, payable at Mr. Gozzi's Banker, in Livorno; second, a letter of introduction to the Count of Monte Cristo which gives you credit in him to the amount of fourty-eight thousand French francs. Be at the Count's on July 26 at 1 p.m. -- Father Busoni."
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
You will permit me, in my turn?
ANDREA
Certainly!
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
(reading)
"You are poor, you have only a wretched future. Would you like to have a name, to be free and rich? Take the post chaise that you will find all harnessed leaving Nice by the Genoa Gate. Go to Turin, Chambery, Lyon. Don't stop until you get to Paris and have yourself escorted to the #28, Rue de la Fontaine in Auteuil, the home of the Count of Monte Cristo on the 26th of July at 1 p.m. There ask for your father. You are the son of Major Timoteo Cavalcanti and of the Marchesa Olivia Corsinari, as will be shown by the papers which you will be given by the Major himself, and which will allow you to present yourself in the world. As for your rank, an income of fifty thousand francs will permit you to sustain it. Attached to this is a gift of two thousand francs down on Mr. Torrea, banker at Nice, and a letter of recommendation to the Count of Monte Cristo charged with underwriting your needs -- your agent of the firm of Thompson and French."
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
This is very fine!
ANDREA
Isn't it?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Do you understand something of this?
ANDREA
My word, not I.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Only that someone is to be made a dupe of all this.
ANDREA
It's not you nor I.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
No.
ANDREA
Well, then come on -- to the very end and play cautiously.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
So be it! We will see if I am worthy to play the role with you.
ANDREA
I have no doubt of it, my very dear father.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
You do me honor, my very dear son.
ANDREA
Hush!
(they look at each other and throw themselves into each other's arms)
Ah!
MONTE CRISTO
(entering)
Well, Major, it appears you have found a son according to your heart?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Ah! Count, I am choking with joy.
MONTE CRISTO
And you, young man?
ANDREA
Ah, Count, I choke with happiness.
MONTE CRISTO
Happy father! Happy child! And now look young man -- confess.
ANDREA
Confess -- ? To what?
MONTE CRISTO
But to your father. Tell him the state of your finances.
ANDREA
Ah, sir, you touch a nerve.
MONTE CRISTO
Do you hear, Major?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Without doubt, I hear him.
MONTE CRISTO
Well?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
What do you want me to do about it?
MONTE CRISTO
Why to give him some money, by God!
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Me?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, you.
(passing between them)
Here, my dear Count.
(giving some notes to Andrea)
ANDREA
What is this?
MONTE CRISTO
Your father's response. He ordered me to give you this.
ANDREA
Ah, dear, papa!
MONTE CRISTO
Silence! You can clearly see he doesn't want you to know what he's just done.
ANDREA
I appreciate this delicacy.
MONTE CRISTO
That's well. Go now.
ANDREA
And when will we have the honor of seeing you again?
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Ah, yes and when will we have that honor?
MONTE CRISTO
The same day next week, if you like. I will, on that day, be giving a dinner here for Mr. Danglars -- a banker.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
A banker? Ah! The devil!
MONTE CRISTO
And to Mr. de Villefort, an illustrious magistrate.
ANDREA
A magistrate? The devil.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
Then formal dress?
MONTE CRISTO
Full dress -- uniform, brocades, short shoes.
ANDREA
And me?
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, you -- very simply, black pants, patent leather shoes, white vest, black dress. The less you parade your pretensions in dress, being rich as you are, the better it will go. If you buy horses get them at Deveraux's; if you buy a carriage get it at Baptistin's. Not too many diamonds, a solitaire worth two or three thousand francs on the little finger, that's all I permit you.
ANDREA
That's fine, sir, and at what time can we present ourselves?
MONTE CRISTO
But at 6:30.
MAJOR CAVALCANTI
That's fine -- we will be there, Count. Come my dear son.
ANDREA
Come my dear father.
(They lock arms going out.)
MONTE CRISTO
There, in truth, are two great rascals. It's really a shame they are not father and son.
BERTUCCIO
(rushing in)
Count! Count!
MONTE CRISTO
Well, what the devil is wrong with you this time, Mr. Bertuccio?
BERTUCCIO
Count, that young man --
MONTE CRISTO
Well?
BERTUCCIO
That young man that you think is named Andrea Cavalcanti.
MONTE CRISTO
Well?
BERTUCCIO
That you believe to be the son of the major --
MONTE CRISTO
Well?
BERTUCCIO
That you think has come from Italy.
MONTE CRISTO
Well?
BERTUCCIO
He's Benedetto -- my son, or rather the son of Mr. de Villefort, and who escaped from the galleys.
MONTE CRISTO
Where he was attached to the same chain as your friend, Caderousse. It's possible.
BERTUCCIO
What do you mean?
MONTE CRISTO
My dear Mr. Bertuccio, you have a bad habit of recognizing people who wish to remain unknown.
BERTUCCIO
My God!
MONTE CRISTO
Wait, there's a beggar at the gate asking alms. Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he was also someone you are acquainted with.
(The gate opens and a beggar appears.)
BEGGAR
(aside)
No. 28, Rue de la Fontaine. A Savoyard told me there was a good lord here, very generous --
(perceiving Monte Cristo)
Ah, my good Lord, charity if you please -- !
MONTE CRISTO
Wait, Mr. Bertuccio -- here's a gold piece, take it to the poor devil. "He who gives to the poor lends to God", so a great poet said.
BERTUCCIO
(going to the beggar)
Here my friend.
(looking at him)
Caderousse!
CADEROUSSE
Bertuccio! Ah.
(Caderousse escapes.)
BERTUCCIO
(shivering)
Ah! I will go mad!
(curtain)
A garden in the home of Mr. de Villefort. To the right, a wall with a hole in it. Center a grove.
MAXIMILIAN
(at the hole, Valentine is near him)
Fear nothing, Valentine, from here I can see to the end of the street leading to your house. If someone comes I will warn you. Fear nothing.
VALENTINE
It is indeed imprudent for me to have left the room, to have left my grandmother, who is suffering, and who may be astonished at my absence. Oh, it's more than imprudent, it's wrong.
MAXIMILIAN
Valentine! Don't reproach me in the few minutes you've given me.
VALENTINE
And you, too. If someone from over there sees us.
MAXIMILIAN
From over there? From there? Valentine over there is mine.
VALENTINE
What do you mean, yours?
MAXIMILIAN
I've been renting this deserted area since this morning. If I wish, I can erect a cabin. I can spend the day here. I can spend the night, I can, at any hour, without fear, ceaselessly watch you, wait for you, see you, speak to you, tell you that I love you, that I live by you, for you!
VALENTINE
Is it possible?
MAXIMILIAN
What joy! Oh! Valentine! How good God is!
VALENTINE
Too good, Maximilian.
MAXIMILIAN
Why do you complain of everything that conspires to make us the happiest people in the world, even the misfortunes that strike you? Isn't it the frightful misfortune that the death of your grandfather, Mr. de Saint Meran that gives us a five month respite? These plans for your marriage which had nearly driven me mad, have been interrupted by your mourning. For the last three months, we haven't heard that Mr. Frantz d'Epinay was destined to be Valentine's husband. For the last three months Mr. D'Epinay has been in Italy.
VALENTINE
You want me to believe in happiness, Maximilian? You want me to revive my hope? Oh, it is so sweet to love, it is so sweet to hope, that you won't have any great trouble to convince me, to make me say with you, "God is supremely good! Blessed be God for the goodness he does! But let's not tempt fate. Let's not abuse it. Now that we are going to be free, very free, let's protect ourselves from a sense of security that may destroy us.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, you are unjust. Was there ever a slave more submissive than me? You haven't allowed me to speak to you, to look at you, you've given me this wall as a limit. This wall, ridiculous obstacle to my youth and strength, have I ever crossed it? Have I ever touched your hand? Stroked the edge of your dress? I don't know, Valentine, if you will ever be loved by someone more than you are loved by me. I defy you to be respected more.
VALENTINE
Good Maximilian! Wait, at the moment, you resemble those beggars who complain so they will get twice their alms. Well, what then?
MAXIMILIAN
Valentine! Someone's coming down the path.
VALENTINE
Quick! Quick!
MAXIMILIAN
I had so many things to tell you.
VALENTINE
It's Barrois.
MAXIMILIAN
I am going to wait till he leaves.
VALENTINE
So be it, go.
MAXIMILIAN
And Madame de Villefort with him.
(He leaves.)
VALENTINE
Madame de Villefort! What's she here for? Does she suspect me? What's she got in her hand?
BARROIS
(arriving first)
Miss! Miss! Ah, you here, Miss! I was sure that I would find you here.
VALENTINE
I know Mr. de Villefort likes to come here to take his coffee after dinner.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
It's true. Barrois, put down that tray.
VALENTINE
Yes, Barrois, put the cup on this table. By the way, does my grandmother have everything she needs?
BARROIS
Miss knows that Madame de Saint Meran only drinks chicory water.
VALENTINE
Will grandmother come down?
BARROIS
She said she will do her best to come.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Fine, Barrois, go back to the house and make sure Madame de St. Meran has everything.
(Barrois leaves.)
VALENTINE
Have you something to say to me, Madame?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Yes, Valentine, something very important.
VALENTINE
Ah!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
A thing which interests your fortune and I am a friend to you, almost a mother, I wanted to speak to you first, and know your thoughts.
VALENTINE
What's it all about, Madame?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Read.
VALENTINE
A letter from Mr. D'Epinay.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Addressed to your father, Valentine, and which I wanted you to know about before I gave it to him.
VALENTINE
Ah! My God!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Well, why don't you read it?
VALENTINE
Oh, Madame, I can guess.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Your mourning is over -- M. D'Epinay reclaims his reward. He will be in Paris tomorrow.
VALENTINE
(aside)
Poor Maximilian! We were rejoicing too soon!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
What? You are pale -- you have tears in your eyes.
VALENTINE
I, Madame? Why --
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Why? Look, we are alone, I have some right to your confidence. My actions will prove it to you. Open your heart to me, tell me what you think.
VALENTINE
What I think, Madame is that I am very chagrined.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Valentine, you have nothing about me to complain of, I think.
VALENTINE
Oh, Madame.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Your grandmother loves you with all her soul --
VALENTINE
Grandmother is very sick, Madame, since the death of my grandfather.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
This malady will cease. It's not what is bothering you. Your sorrow has another cause.
VALENTINE
No.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
This marriage, perhaps. You know, Valentine that the idea did not come from me but from your father. You know he wants to get you settled and that he himself chose your future spouse. I didn't influence Mr. de Villefort; you don't think so, at least.
VALENTINE
Madame, I don't accuse you.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
"I don't accuse you." Truly, Valentine, you are strange with me, who tries hard to be very affectionate to you. It's unjust.
VALENTINE
Ah! Madame, I beg you don't put a bad interpretation on my words, and especially don't repeat them to my father; he is already cold and indifferent to me, and it's very natural -- because of the love he has for you.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
What! You think that Mr. de Villefort takes from you the affection he gives me?
VALENTINE
No, Madame, I don't suppose anything. I said that because my father loves your son, Edward, so tenderly --
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
My son, Edward! But he's your brother. He's the son of your father -- can't he love his son?
VALENTINE
All this angers you Madame; what I've done wrong I cannot understand! Madame, understand me. I have a great deal to complain of, go! I had my mother, who loves me very much, I lost her; my grandfather, Saint Meran is dead, grandmother, alas! I am afraid she won't last too long. I have no one left but her, you see. No one will love me after she is gone, no one! My father has too many duties to fulfill; he is so grave, so severe! As for you, I am nothing to you. You have your son. Well, am I not alone in the world? Isn't the future dark for me? Don't I have my mother's and grandfather's tomb behind me -- and ahead of me another tomb? Oh, Madame, admit it, you who just now called yourself my friend, when all my joy in this world is suspended by this frail existence of my old grandmother, admit, I have the right to tell you I am destined to misfortune.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
If I admit that, Valentine will you also admit that the duty of grandfather and grandmother is to give a protector to a young girl who herself says she's being abandoned? What better protection for her than a husband?
VALENTINE
Oh!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
It's the opinion of your grandmother herself. Again the other day she said in front of you --
VALENTINE
Oh, it isn't only grandma who forcing me into this marriage.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Forcing you. They are forcing you then? Who's forcing you then? Is it me? But, what interest can I have? Valentine be sincere.
VALENTINE
I am.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Confiding!
VALENTINE
Confiding.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Tell me if you have some dislike for Mr. D'Epinay, tell me you have other thoughts, other sympathies.
VALENTINE
Madame.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Well?
VALENTINE
I assure you you are mistaken.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Fine, I will forget that you do not call yourself my daughter, and that you have secrets which you keep from your grandmother.
VALENTINE
Madame!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Goodbye, Valentine; forgive me if I have been indiscreet. I will return to take this letter from Mr. D'Epinay to my husband. He received our word for the fifteenth of the month. Today is the fifth. Goodbye.
(She leaves.)
VALENTINE
(alone)
This marriage, this hate, that I feel strong and threatening under her eternal smile. Ah -- good grandmother, will you be strong enough to protect your child from this woman? But, I was forgetting, I still have a protector, I still have a friend.
(calling at the gate)
Maximilian! Maximilian! The misfortune is great, but there's a brave heart which will help me, to bear at least half of it.
MAXIMILIAN
(entering)
Here I am.
VALENTINE
Come, Maximilian, come!
MAXIMILIAN
Near you? There?
VALENTINE
Yes.
MAXIMILIAN
(jumping into the garden)
Well, it's a day of joy, a day of intoxication, the happiest day among the others.
VALENTINE
It's a day of misfortune and despair, Maximilian, it's a day of sorrows, so fatal that the young girl herself calls you to her side and tells you: Come. Look at me! Hold the hand you've never touched; in a few hours you will never see me again, in a few hours, this hand will no longer be yours.
MAXIMILIAN
Valentine --
VALENTINE
Mr. D'Epinay arrives tomorrow; he will marry me in ten days.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh! Oh!
VALENTINE
The blow is mortal, isn't it? You are annihilated as I am.
MAXIMILIAN
Valentine, hear me, answer me, as someone who waits for life or death from you: What do you plan to do?
VALENTINE
Me?
MAXIMILIAN
There are people who bow their heads to misfortune; others who struggle.
VALENTINE
Struggle against the will of my father, against the word he gave, against the vow of my dying grandmother? Ah! Maximilian!
MAXIMILIAN
I am not a gentleman, but I am a good soldier, son of brave people, I have a future in the army, I have a fine fortune -- why shouldn't I ask you of your father?
VALENTINE
Because you are from a family whose political opinions my father abhors, because he wants Mr. D'Epinay for a son-in-law, and because what he wants, he does. Ah, Maximilian, if this way of reuniting us had been possible, I would have said so. Everything separates us -- don't struggle! God preserve me from it; it would be a sacrilege! To afflict my father, trouble the last moments of my grandmother? Never! Never!
MAXIMILIAN
So, you sacrifice yourself. Thus you sacrifice me rather than make an effort! It would be a sacrilege to save us for each other. You're right, perhaps, Miss.
VALENTINE
Miss! Is this the way you speak to me?
MAXIMILIAN
Thus, surrounded by egoists, surrounded by enemies, alone, you seek no support, no advice from the one you just now called your friend.
VALENTINE
Counsel! Support! But what?
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, I see clearly I was speaking in vain, much better for me to be quiet.
VALENTINE
You torture me for pleasure. Time is passing. It's going to come; we will have to separate and you say nothing to me!
MAXIMILIAN
Look, my friend! My only love! Life is long for despair, it can also perhaps be long for happiness. What I am going to tell you, Valentine, God hears it; he knows my respect, he knows my religion for you, Valentine. The advice you ask of me: here it is: You ought not to marry Mr. D'Epinay. You ought to flee the misfortune they are preparing for you -- you have in your father, Valentine, a mortal enemy, oh, I am sure of it. Follow me to my sister's, she will love you like a sister, and on the memory of my father, Valentine, I swear to you, before my lips have touched your face, you will be my wife.
VALENTINE
No.
MAXIMILIAN
We will go to England, to America, we will wait until the obstacles have smoothed out.
VALENTINE
No.
MAXIMILIAN
You refuse?
VALENTINE
What would you say if someone gave your sister the advice you are giving me?
MAXIMILIAN
You are right, I was a fool. Pardon me.
(He goes off.)
VALENTINE
What are you going to do?
MAXIMILIAN
You are expecting so much joy that you don't even have a regret for me and choke on the memory of a love you did not share. Adieu.
VALENTINE
I don't love him!
MAXIMILIAN
Goodbye!
VALENTINE
Where are you going? Why are you leaving me?
MAXIMILIAN
(returning)
Have you changed your mind?
VALENTINE
You know quite well that I cannot.
MAXIMILIAN
Goodbye, then --
VALENTINE
Oh, you won't go like this. I can see frightful plans in your face.
MAXIMILIAN
Don't be afraid. I won't blame, Mr. D'Epinay is he guilty? No.
VALENTINE
Then I'm guilty? So it's me you wish ill?
MAXIMILIAN
The one loved is sacred. You don't blame her, Valentine.
VALENTINE
Then it's you --
MAXIMILIAN
Doubtless --
VALENTINE
Maximilian!
MAXIMILIAN
What have I done? I wait; I hope; Mr. D'Epinay could change his mind; he might die on his trip. You could, if he returned, resolve to do what I proposed. Instead, he returns, and you accept him as your husband.
VALENTINE
I accept him -- ! Oh!
MAXIMILIAN
Assuredly. Well, I have no more to do in this world, nothing keeps me here except you, I lose you -- it's finished.
VALENTINE
You are going -- ?
MAXIMILIAN
I am going to write to my sister, to my brother-in-law, the only two friends that I have, and tomorrow when you are betrothed to Mr. D'Epinay in the corner of some woods, on the bank of some ditch, on the bank of some river, as surely as I am the son of the most honest man in France. I am going to blow my brains out. Goodbye, Valentine.
VALENTINE
Ah! From pity! From pity! Live!
MAXIMILIAN
No.
VALENTINE
I beg you, I beg you, I beg you.
MAXIMILIAN
No.
VALENTINE
My friend! My brother! My lover! Be courageous! Submit to the sorrows of this world, we will be reunited in heaven.
MAXIMILIAN
Goodbye!
VALENTINE
My God! You see him! I have done all that I can to protect the honor and respect of my relatives, I have resisted, I have begged, I have implored on my knees! My God -- I swear to you that he has doubted my courage and my love and that I persisted but I cannot let him die -- right, my God? It would be a crime! You really want me to die of shame, you don't want me to die of remorse! I give up, live Maximilian, I won't be Mr. D'Epinay's, I will be yours. I will follow you. At what time? At what moment, is it right away? Speak, order me, here I am, I am ready.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, it is with these tears, with this despair that you tell me to live, Valentine, if you spare me only from humanity leave me, leave me, I prefer to die.
VALENTINE
In fact, who loves me in the world? Him! Who has consoled me in all my sorrows? Him! On whom do my only hopes rest? On him! Oh, you are right in your turn, Maximilian, for you, I will leave my paternal home for you, I will leave my grandmother, all, all.
(crying)
My grandmother -- oh! Ingrate that I am.
(She sobs.)
MAXIMILIAN
Dear, dear Valentine!
VALENTINE
Listen. Love has persuaded me. I will no longer struggle. But I have all my reason. Listen.
MAXIMILIAN
Speak! Speak!
VALENTINE
A last effort to protect both your honor and mine. My grandmother is coming here. I am going to throw myself at her feet. I am going to tell her everything; she loves me so much. She will pardon; she will protect me perhaps. I am her heir, she is rich and my father tries very hard not to displease her who knows? Perhaps she will be able to obtain it for me.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh! Valentine, if she refuses, if she obtains nothing?
VALENTINE
Maximilian in two hours I will have made the attempt. In two hours I will know from Madam de Saint Meran what we may hope for. Return in two hours my friend. If I have been granted my prayers, I can stay here, you need not fear; if they have rescued me.
MAXIMILIAN
Well?
VALENTINE
I have only one promise as I have only one heart, Maximilian and this heart is yours and this promise, I give it to you.
MAXIMILIAN
Thanks! Thanks!
VALENTINE
They are coming! Flee!
MAXIMILIAN
(scaling the wall)
Goodbye, my wife.
VALENTINE
Your wife, yes! Goodbye!
MAXIMILIAN
In two hours -- here?
VALENTINE
In two hours! Here's Edward, quick, quick. Pardon me, my God, you will pardon me, won't you?
EDWARD
(running to the hole)
(singing a nursery rhyme)
London bridge is falling
Falling down --
VALENTINE
(stopping him)
Edward.
EDWARD
Ah! A sparrow in the tree.
(He takes a stone and throws it in the garden.)
VALENTINE
Edward! Edward, what are you doing?
(Villefort and Monte Cristo appear.)
VILLEFORT
Valentine, my daughter, Count --
(presenting Monte Cristo to Valentine)
The Count of Monte Cristo.
EDWARD
King of China! Emperor of Indochina!
VILLEFORT
Take away this child, Valentine.
VALENTINE
Come!
EDWARD
I don't wish to go.
VALENTINE
Edward, obey.
(The child goes off crying, biting his sister.)
MONTE CRISTO
Ever charming, that child.
VILLEFORT
Pardon for not having kept you company during the time of your visit, Count, but you know my work is serious, not a moment belongs to me.
MONTE CRISTO
You are accomplishing a noble task, sir, and now I came in the hope of taking you away from your work for several hours. In five or six days I am opening a little house I bought in Auteuil. Can I have the pleasure of counting you amongst my guests?
VILLEFORT
I am a sad guest, sir, and do little to brighten up a meal. But no matter. I will do myself a true pleasure by responding to your invitation. In what street is your house located, sir?
MONTE CRISTO
But you ought to know this house, sir, for my notary told me it once belonged to Mr. de Saint Meran.
VILLEFORT
Could it be, sir, you who bought house #28?
MONTE CRISTO
Rue de la Fontaine, yes, sir.
VILLEFORT
(troubled)
In that case, sir, I cannot accept your invitation.
MONTE CRISTO
Could you have reasons for not wishing to return to this house?
VILLEFORT
None, sir, no.
MONTE CRISTO
Then, I can count on you?
VILLEFORT
You can count on me, sir.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh! It's because, as the notary told me, you've never been seen in Auteuil since I don't know what injury. Weren't you nearly murdered, sir?
VILLEFORT
Yes -- but no matter, sir, I have no motive, no reason --
MONTE CRISTO
Then next Tuesday.
VILLEFORT
Till next Tuesday.
MONTE CRISTO
Should something happen.
VILLEFORT
Count on me.
(He wants to escort Monte Cristo out.)
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, I beg you.
(He leaves.)
VILLEFORT
There's a strange man. I must learn who he is and where he comes from.
VALENTINE
(under the trees, to Madame St. Meran)
Are you all right here, grandma?
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
I will be fine wherever I can talk peacefully with you and your father.
VALENTINE
(aside)
Will she anticipate my wishes?
(aloud)
You hear, father, my grandmother wishes to talk with you.
VILLEFORT
(approaching)
How are you, Marquise?
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Badly, sir, badly. That's why a conversation becomes urgent.
VILLEFORT
You have only to call us to your room, Madame.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
No, not in a room -- in a room there are doors, tapestries, one thinks one is alone and one isn't.
VALENTINE
(low)
You, here, Barrois, my grandmother suffers; go without saying a word and get our doctor, Mr. D'Avrigny; let him come for a friendly visit.
BARROIS
I understand, Miss, fine.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Barrois, bring me my chicory water.
BARROIS
Here it is, Madame.
VALENTINE
Is it fresh?
BARROIS
It was prepared just now.
VALENTINE
Go, Barrois, go.
VILLEFORT
Well, we are alone, Madame.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Sir, I won't employ circumlocutions nor detours and I will frankly grapple with what I wish to say to you. I would like, before my death, for this child to marry.
VALENTINE
Oh, grandma!
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Quiet child, and let me continue.
VILLEFORT
Before your death, did you say Madame? But then we have plenty of time before us, I hope.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
You mistake, sir, when death enters a family, it doesn't leave it, as easily as you say. Look, it's been a year since Mr. de St. Meran died. He also thought he still had many years to live. Well, I feel that I won't be long in joining him.
VILLEFORT
You wrong yourself, Madame.
VALENTINE
Grandma, you make yourself uneasy for no reason.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Sir, I tell you you must hasten to marry this child so that at least her grandmother can bless her marriage. I am the only one remaining on my dear Renee's side, whom you have so quickly forgotten, sir.
VILLEFORT
Eh! Madame, you don't realize it was necessary to find a mother for this child who no longer had one.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
A step-mother is not a mother, sir! But that's not the issue at hand. Valentine is the question. Let the dead alone. Return then to what I said. I want to see my Valentine married, before dying, you understand! But well married I wish it.
(Madame de Villefort crosses the garden and comes to listen.)
VILLEFORT
Well, this falls out marvelously, Marquise! Mr. Frantz D'Epinay has just arrived today from Italy.
VALENTINE
(leaning against a tree for support)
My God!
VILLEFORT
And, as we were waiting for his return --
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
There, let him come this evening; I wish to meet him, I wish to order him to make my little girl happy -- I want to make him take a terrible oath, after which I will have the right to rise from the grave, if he is not all that he should be for that child.
VILLEFORT
Marquise, put aside these exalted ideas which go beyond life. The dead, once placed in their tombs sleep there without ever rising again.
VALENTINE
Oh, yes, calm yourself, grandmother, calm yourself.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
And I, sir, I tell you it isn't as you think. Tonight, tonight, I was sleeping a terrible slumber, for I saw myself sleeping in a way as the soul sees the body it has departed from. My eyes, that I forced myself to open, closed despite me -- and then, oh, I know quite well, it will appear impossible to you, especially to you, sir, well, with my eyes closed I saw, coming from the corner of my room where there's a door giving on Madame de Villefort's dressing room -- I saw a noiseless white form enter.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
(aside)
She saw me.
VALENTINE
Oh!
VILLEFORT
It was your fever which agitated you, Madame.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Doubt, if you wish, incredulous man, but I know what I have seen; I saw a phantom, I tell you. Who would come in my room but a phantom?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
(aside)
She didn't recognize me.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
And, and as if God feared that I give up the witness of a single of my senses I heard my glass move, the same one which is near the carafe, and which was on the table near my bed.
VALENTINE
Oh, grandmother, it was a dream.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
It was so little a dream that I extended my hand towards the bell, and then the shade disappeared. Well, this shade was that of poor Renee, sir, who came to warn me to watch over her daughter.
(Barrois reenters.)
VALENTINE
Well?
BARROIS
The doctor is following me.
VILLEFORT
Oh, Madame, don't abandon yourself to such thoughts, you will for a long while still be with us.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
And I tell you, that I probably haven't got twenty-four hours to live. So, Barrois! Barrois!
BARROIS
Madame?
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Go find my notary.
VILLEFORT
Your notary?
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Yes, right away. I want the marriage contract to be signed this evening, I want to be sure my will is in proper form, and that everything will go to Valentine.
VALENTINE
Grandmother, grandmother, you are feverish. You need a doctor, not a Notary.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
A doctor? I am not in pain; I am thirsty, that's all -- give me something to drink, Barrois.
VALENTINE
Here, grandma.
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
Thanks.
VALENTINE
Are you better?
MADAME DE SAINT MERAN
This is strange, instead of calming me, it seems this drink makes me burn -- oh! some water, some fresh water taken from a well, a fountain, Valentine, my child, my God! my God!
VALENTINE
Granny, grandmother! Help, Barrois! Mr. D'Avrigny!
BARROIS
He's here! He's here!
VALENTINE
(to her father)
Father, take grandmother to her room.
(Doctor D'Avrigny comes in.)
D'AVRIGNY
Well, Madame, here I am! What is bothering you? What do you want? Come Madame, come!
(He helps her out. They all leave.)
(Madame de Villefort comes from the corner where she was hidden on tiptoe, empties the chicory water from the carafe and disappears.)
MAXIMILIAN
(at the hole)
Valentine! Valentine! It seemed to me I heard some shouts -- someone calling for help. Oh! Has something bad happened to her? Yes, yes, it seems to me there's great activity in the house. Oh! I cannot resist this uncertainty, I must know I have to see for myself.
(he comes through the wall)
Besides, no one will come here, they are all busy inside the house. Oh, these lights which run from window to window as if lost. Something terrible is happening. It resembles those houses in which death has just entered. Valentine!
(taking several steps)
Oh, what I am doing is senseless -- but never mind. Valentine! Valentine! Ah, the door is opening -- someone!
(He retreats to a clump of bushes.)
VILLEFORT
(entering with doctor)
Oh, dear doctor, heaven is decidedly declaring itself against our house. What a blow! Don't try to console me. There is no consolation for such a misfortune, the wound is very deep and sore. Dead! Dead!
MAXIMILIAN
(to himself)
Dead? Who can it be?
D'AVRIGNY
My dear, Mr. de Villefort, I didn't lead you here to console you -- on the contrary.
VILLEFORT
What do you mean to say?
D'AVRIGNY
I mean that behind this misfortune, there lies perhaps a still greater misfortune.
VILLEFORT
Oh, my God!
D'AVRIGNY
Are we quite alone, my friend?
VILLEFORT
Yes, quite alone, but what does all this caution signify?
D'AVRIGNY
It signifies that I have a terrible confidence to place in you.
VILLEFORT
Let's sit down, my legs are weak. Speak, doctor.
D'AVRIGNY
Madame de St. Meran was quite old, but in excellent health, right?
VILLEFORT
Heartache killed her, doctor! Since the unexpected death of her husband -- death has struck her, too, unexpectedly.
MAXIMILIAN
(breathing)
Ah!
D'AVRIGNY
It's not heartache, my dear Villefort. Heartache doesn't kill for months -- in a year, in ten years.
VILLEFORT
Then?
D'AVRIGNY
You are still there hanging in agony.
VILLEFORT
Yes, for you have told me nothing to relieve me of it.
D'AVRIGNY
Did you follow this agony in its states?
VILLEFORT
Yes, certainly, the illness came on in three successive stages. A few seconds between them and each more rapid and more grave. At the third she expired. Since the end of the first crisis I recognized tetanus and you confirmed me in that opinion.
D'AVRIGNY
Yes, before the others, but now that we are alone --
VILLEFORT
What are you trying to tell me, my God!
D'AVRIGNY
That the symptoms of poisoning by certain substances are absolutely present.
VILLEFORT
(rising)
Doctor, are you convinced what you are telling me?
D'AVRIGNY
So convinced that, in my conviction not only do I say, Madame de St. Meran died poisoned, but I will even go so far as to say what poison killed her.
VILLEFORT
Sir! Sir!
D'AVRIGNY
Madame de Saint Meran succumbed to a strong dose of poison which by chance, by error perhaps, was administered to her.
VILLEFORT
Oh, this is impossible, I am dreaming, my God! It's frightful to hear such things said by a man like you. In the name of heaven, I beg you, dear doctor, tell me you could be mistaken
D'AVRIGNY
Doubtless, since I am a man, but --
VILLEFORT
But?
D'AVRIGNY
I am not mistaken.
VILLEFORT
But Madame Saint Meran had only her chicory water there -- just now.
D'AVRIGNY
Here, you say?
VILLEFORT
Yes, the carafe ought to still be there.
D'AVRIGNY
She drank it all?
VILLEFORT
Hardly a cup.
D'AVRIGNY
And the carafe? Where is the carafe?
VILLEFORT
There, I tell you, here -- here it is.
D'AVRIGNY
Let me see it.
VILLEFORT
Empty! It is empty!
D'AVRIGNY
That's that! The poisoner has had time to make evidence of the crime disappear.
VILLEFORT
My friend! My friend, in my place what would you do? Only reflect before answering me. I know very well that my duty as head of the family is to make an inquiry. But, doctor, to introduce scandal into my house after mourning. Oh! my wife and daughter will die of it. And as for me, doctor, you know that a man doesn't get where I've gotten, a man doesn't fulfill the severe duties I've been charged with for twenty-five years without amassing a number of enemies. I have many, I know it, noising this affair around will be a triumph for them which will make them shiver with joy -- and I -- I will be covered with shame. Doctor, pardon these worldly ideas. If you were a priest I wouldn't dare speak to you of this -- but you are a man, you know mankind. Doctor, doctor, you've seen nothing, you said nothing to me, right?
D'AVRIGNY
My dear Mr. de Villefort, my first duty is to humanity. If I could have saved Madame de Saint Meran, if it had been within the ability of science to do it, I would have done it even if it had ruined all of you. She's dead. My duty is to the living, let's bury in the depths of our hearts this terrible secret. Only you have been warned, Villefort. Madame de Saint Meran died of poisoning.
VILLEFORT
Oh!
D'AVRIGNY
Madame de St. Meran died of poisoning.
VILLEFORT
Oh!
D'AVRIGNY
You don't want any rumors, any scandal, any inquest. If another person dies --
VILLEFORT
Well?
D'AVRIGNY
Well, sir, in that case, it is you who killed them.
VILLEFORT
Sir!
D'AVRIGNY
I've promised not to speak, and I won't. Come!
VILLEFORT
(aside)
Could all this be a punishment of God?
(They go out.)
MAXIMILIAN
(alone)
Oh! Valentine, I understand, why you didn't come! God is protecting us in a terrible way, Valentine.
(curtain)
A room in Caderousse's house.
ANDREA
(putting his head in the door)
What do you say, big mama?
MADAME GRIGNON
(putting some fruits in a newspaper)
What's up, my pretty boy?
ANDREA
No. 3, above the arch?
MADAME GRIGNON
You've got it.
ANDREA
Mr. Pailletin, retired butcher.
MADAME GRIGNON
He's here.
ANDREA
Is he home?
CADEROUSSE
(entering)
A little bit.
MADAME GRIGNON
Wait, here's your dessert, Mr. Pailletin.
CADEROUSSE
How much do I owe you?
MADAME GRIGNON
Five sous.
CADEROUSSE
Service included?
MADAME GRIGNON
Jokes!
CADEROUSSE
Here's twenty-five cents.
MADAME GRIGNON
Here's a lodger who doesn't like clamoring debts, he pays everything together.
CADEROUSSE
And now, Madame Grignon, as this is the gentleman I was waiting for and since I am not waiting for anyone else, I have no further need of you --
MADAME GRIGNON
So -- you send me away?
CADEROUSSE
Not at all, I will escort you.
MADAME GRIGNON
Thanks for the trouble -- don't bother!
(Caderousse locks the door after her and turns toward Andrea.)
ANDREA
Now we are alone; what do you want from me?
CADEROUSSE
Well, just a little good day to old acquaintances.
ANDREA
Look, why have you come to disturb my peace?
CADEROUSSE
But, you my poor boy, why are you always so mistrustful of me?
ANDREA
In what way am I mistrustful of you?
CADEROUSSE
In what way you ask me? Thanks to the Englishman who befriended us, who gave us a file and whose purse you stole, we escaped together. We fled together just to the bridge at Var you told me you were going to Piedmont and on the contrary you come to Paris.
ANDREA
It upsets you then, that I am in Paris?
CADEROUSSE
Patience! I came to Paris on my part. I didn't dare to stay here, you must be rich to live in Paris. I exploit the outskirts, I reach Auteuil. I spoke to a Savoyard about the conditions in the country. It seemed this Savoyard was posted expressly to give me some information. He indicated to me that a great Italian Lord lived at #28 Rue de la Fontaine, that is said to be very generous. I went there, I watched who came and went from this great Lord, who was so generous? Who was leaving? You, my little Andrea. With whom? I don't know how, but with a handsome gentleman dressed in Polish fashion to whom you said as you left, "That's fine we will meet at the Princess Hotel since we will be lodging together. I said to myself -- "Bravo" if the little fellow is lodging at the Princess Hotel, it means he is rich and if he is rich, I am no longer in need of anything.
ANDREA
Well, you wrote me at the Princess Hotel, you gave me a rendezvous at the telegraph office. I was there. You asked for five hundred francs a month to live and I gave you two hundred, right?
CADEROUSSE
Right.
ANDREA
What did you reply? Come on, look, what did you reply?
CADEROUSSE
I said, "You are indeed good." I am going to rent a room in an honest house and I've already found the room number fifteen, Rue des Deux-Eus. I dress decently. I shave everyday, go to read the papers at the cafe. I go to the theater with a ticket. I seem like a retired butcher. It's my dream. Everyone has one. Your dream was to have a monkey, wasn't it?
ANDREA
Your dream is fulfilled. You have got your money, you have your room, you seem like a retired baker, so -- what's the meaning of this letter I got yesterday.
CADEROUSSE
(taking the letter and reading)
"You know where I'm staying. I will be waiting for you tomorrow at 9:00." Well it means that I would be expecting you.
ANDREA
And so?
CADEROUSSE
And then, since you are here, I'm no longer expecting you.
ANDREA
Look -- what do you want from me?
CADEROUSSE
Just to see you, little fellow, nothing else. Come, look at the nice little lunch we have, nothing except things that you like.
(he starts to peel some onions)
What's it seem to you? Doesn't it smell embalmed with oil?
ANDREA
If it's for lunch with you that you've upset me and forced me to wear my groom's livery, may the Devil take you.
CADEROUSSE
(sententiously)
My son, in eating one talks, and in talking one learns. But don't you feel any pleasure in seeing your friend? I cry.
(He drys his eyes.)
ANDREA
Shut up, you hypocrite. You -- you love me?
CADEROUSSE
Come on. If I don't love you is it because of the wretched life you make for me? Look a little. You are wearing on your back, the clothes of your servant -- then you have a servant. Me, I have none. In fact, I have to peel my own vegetables myself -- you scorn my cuisine because you dine at the Princess Hotel or the Cafe de Paris -- well, I too, I would like to have a servant, I too, I would like to dine where I please. Well, why am I deprived? For not making trouble for my little Benedetto. Come, only admit that -- I could do it, okay.
ANDREA
Good! Let's say you love me.
CADEROUSSE
But you came to lunch, right, well, let's have lunch. Ah, yes, you look at my room, my four straw chairs, my ten penny picture. Damn, what do you expect, it's not the Princess Hotel.
ANDREA
Come, so this is distasteful to you, you who only asked to seem like a retired baker?
CADEROUSSE
A retired baker, my poor Benedetto, is rich, he's got income.
ANDREA
By God you've got income.
CADEROUSSE
Me?
ANDREA
Yes, you, since you made two hundred francs a month.
CADEROUSSE
And you reproach me for them! Truly this is humiliating to receive money given against one's will which could fail from one day to the next.
ANDREA
What do you mean from one day to the next?
CADEROUSSE
Eh! My friend! Fortune is fickle, as the regimental chaplain said. And your prosperity may not last. I know very well that it is immense, you scum. You are going to marry Danglars' daughter.
ANDREA
What do you mean Danglars' daughter?
CADEROUSSE
Eh! Certainly Danglars' daughter. Must I tell you of Baron Danglars as if I were speaking of Vicomte Benedetto.
ANDREA
Come on! Jealousy is making you see rainbows in the sky, Caderousse.
CADEROUSSE
That's good, that's good. They know what they are speaking of -- perhaps one day he'll put on his Sunday clothes and say at the coach stand, "The rope, if you please." While waiting for that, put yourself there and let's eat. Ah! Ah! It seems that you are patching things up with your Hotelkeeper?
ANDREA
My word, yes.
CADEROUSSE
And you find this good, rogue?
ANDREA
So good, that I don't understand how a man who cooks so well and who eats such nice things can find life bad.
CADEROUSSE
You see, my happiness is ruined by a single thought.
ANDREA
Which is?
CADEROUSSE
It's that I live at the expense of a friend. I, who have always bravely earned my living.
ANDREA
Oh! Don't let that bother you, I have enough for two.
CADEROUSSE
No, but you can believe me if you will, at the end of every month I feel remorse.
ANDREA
Good Caderousse!
CADEROUSSE
And then I had an idea.
ANDREA
Ah!
CADEROUSSE
You see, it's wretched to always have to wait till the end of the month.
ANDREA
And I, isn't my life spent by waiting for the end of the month? Well, I take patience.
CADEROUSSE
Yes, because instead of waiting for two hundred miserable francs, you expect five or six thousand, perhaps ten, perhaps even twelve, for you are a sly one, you are. Down there, you had small purses, money boxes which you tried to keep from poor friend Caderousse. Happily, he has a fine nose, the friend Caderousse in question.
ANDREA
Come, you are going to get off the subject again.
CADEROUSSE
You are right. Let's get back to business. I mean to say that if I was in your place, I would --
ANDREA
Well, what would you do?
CADEROUSSE
I would realize.
ANDREA
What would you realize?
CADEROUSSE
Yes, I'd ask a half year in advance, under the pretext of wanting to become eligible, then with my half year, I would decamp.
ANDREA
Well, that's not so badly thought of, well, why don't you take the advice you've giving me -- why don't you realize a half year, a year even, and why don't you retire to Brussels? Instead of seeming like a retired baker, you would seem to be a bankrupt, exercising his duties, its' a very well brought off.
CADEROUSSE
And how the devil to you expect me to retire with twelve hundred francs? Impossible! But look, retire with fifty thousand francs and take me along.
ANDREA
I would be committing a foolish mistake. A very foolish mistake.
CADEROUSSE
In taking me along.
ANDREA
No, in retiring.
CADEROUSSE
How's that?
ANDREA
Because in retiring with fifty thousand francs I would lose a capital of five hundred thousand.
CADEROUSSE
Of five hundred thousand?
ANDREA
Yes, and I have to wait.
CADEROUSSE
For what?
ANDREA
His death.
CADEROUSSE
Whose death?
ANDREA
The death of my prince -- the one who gives me income, the one you saw the other day at the telegraph.
CADEROUSSE
He has put you in his will.
ANDREA
You have said it.
CADEROUSSE
Truly.
ANDREA
Word of honor.
CADEROUSSE
Not possible.
ANDREA
Caderousse, you are my friend.
CADEROUSSE
For life, till death.
ANDREA
But hush!
CADEROUSSE
Quiet as a mouse.
ANDREA
Well, I think --
CADEROUSSE
Have no fear, we are alone.
ANDREA
I believe I have found my father.
CADEROUSSE
You've already told me that.
ANDREA
But my true father.
CADEROUSSE
Not Papa Cavalcanti, then.
ANDREA
No, since he's going to leave again.
CADEROUSSE
Then the real one, the real one?
ANDREA
Yes.
CADEROUSSE
And this father is?
ANDREA
Well, Caderousse -- he's the Count of Monte Cristo.
CADEROUSSE
Bah!
ANDREA
You understand, he cannot tell me openly, after the misfortunes which have befallen me, but he's had me recognized by Mr. Cavalcanti, to whom he's given fifty thousand francs for doing that.
CADEROUSSE
Fifty thousand francs to be your father! Why didn't you think of me, ingrate. I would have done it for half the price.
ANDREA
Did I know it? All this had been arranged when I arrived in Paris. I am sure that it was he who helped us escape down there.
CADEROUSSE
And you say that by his will.
ANDREA
He's leaving me five hundred thousand francs.
CADEROUSSE
You are sure of it?
ANDREA
He showed it to me; but that is not all.
CADEROUSSE
That's not all?
ANDREA
There's a codicil.
CADEROUSSE
And in this codicil?
ANDREA
He recognizes me as his son, and he leaves me his house in Paris -- for he's bought a house in Paris.
CADEROUSSE
Where's that?
ANDREA
No. 30, Avenue Champ Elysees. Next to that of Mr. Villefort.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! What a funny idea he has like that to leave you a house so near a man who -- from one day to the next could issue an order to arrest his neighbor.
ANDREA
It's true, but no matter, he's leaving it to me.
CADEROUSSE
Oh, what a fine father, what a good father, what an honest father! And is the will signed?
ANDREA
Signed and sealed before a notary.
CADEROUSSE
With the result that, if one wished to do it, today a great stroke could be struck.
ANDREA
Caderousse, to the health of the Count of Monte Cristo.
CADEROUSSE
And he is very rich?
ANDREA
Very rich! He cannot count his fortune.
CADEROUSSE
It is possible!
ANDREA
Listen, the day before yesterday, there was a bank teller who brought him fifty thousand franc notes in a pouch as big as your leather bag; yesterday, a banker who brought him fifty thousand francs in gold.
CADEROUSSE
And you go into this house?
ANDREA
When I wish.
CADEROUSSE
And he lives, you say, on the Avenue Champ Elysees?
ANDREA
No. 30, a beautiful house with a courtyard and garden. You don't know it.
CADEROUSSE
Possibly. But it's not the exterior that occupies my thoughts.
ANDREA
It's the interior, right.
CADEROUSSE
The beautiful furniture he must have there?
ANDREA
Have you seen the Tuilleries?
CADEROUSSE
No.
ANDREA
Well, it's more beautiful than the Tuilleries.
CADEROUSSE
Say, you should take me there one day.
ANDREA
Impossible -- under what pretext?
CADEROUSSE
You are right, but still I've got to see it.
ANDREA
No stupidities, Caderousse.
CADEROUSSE
I will present myself like a floor scrubber.
ANDREA
There are rugs everywhere.
CADEROUSSE
Try at least to let me understand the arrangement, okay?
ANDREA
What do you mean?
CADEROUSSE
By making me a little plan; missed my vocation. I should have been an architect.
ANDREA
I will need ink, pen, paper.
CADEROUSSE
Wait, I am going to get you all this.
ANDREA
(aside)
He's taken in.
CADEROUSSE
There --
ANDREA
Wait, you see -- there's the garden, there's the house.
CADEROUSSE
Big walls in the garden?
ANDREA
No, eight or ten feet at most.
CADEROUSSE
That isn't very prudent; what's in the garden?
ANDREA
Some oranges in boxes, some grass, some thickets, some flowers,
CADEROUSSE
No traps? Let's see the first floor.
ANDREA
The first floor isn't interesting.
CADEROUSSE
Not interesting?
ANDREA
No!
CADEROUSSE
Let's pass to the second floor -- a stairway?
ANDREA
Two -- a large and a small.
CADEROUSSE
Some windows?
ANDREA
Magnificent! We could both pass together through the same pane of glass.
CADEROUSSE
What good are two stairs when there are such windows?
ANDREA
What do you want: luxury?
CADEROUSSE
But the shutters?
ANDREA
Which are never used. An original, this Count of Monte Cristo! He loves to see the heavens at night.
CADEROUSSE
And the servants? Where do they sleep?
ANDREA
They have their own house.
CADEROUSSE
Apart from the main house?
ANDREA
Yes, with bells corresponding to the rooms.
CADEROUSSE
Ah! Devil! Bells.
ANDREA
What are you saying?
CADEROUSSE
Me? Nothing; I say it costs a lot to set up, these bells -- and what does it serve, I ask you? And no dogs?
ANDREA
No -- he said it died.
CADEROUSSE
Not prudent! Not prudent!
ANDREA
That's what I told him yesterday, "Count, when you go to sleep at Auteuil you take your servants and the house at the Paris empty-- not prudent."
CADEROUSSE
And what did he reply?
ANDREA
"Not prudent." "Why?" "Because one day they will rob you." "Well," he said, "what do I care if they rob me?"
CADEROUSSE
Andrea, he has some mechanical desk.
ANDREA
Mechanical desk.
CADEROUSSE
Yes, which catches the thief in a cage and plays with him in the air. They told me they had one like that at the last exposition.
ANDREA
He -- he has a fine mahogany desk.
CADEROUSSE
And this desk is on the second floor?
ANDREA
Yes.
CADEROUSSE
Make me a plan of the second floor, little one.
ANDREA
It's easy! See, here's an antechamber salon, bedroom, dressing room. The famous deck is in the bedroom.
CADEROUSSE
And the windows?
ANDREA
One there.
CADEROUSSE
Giving?
ANDREA
On the garden.
CADEROUSSE
Does your Count often got to Auteuil?
ANDREA
Two or three times a week, a day after tomorrow for instance, he ought to spend the night there.
CADEROUSSE
And you are sure of it?
ANDREA
He invited me to go to dine there.
CADEROUSSE
You will be going?
ANDREA
Yes.
CADEROUSSE
And when you go to dine, you sleep there, too.
ANDREA
When I please to, I am as if were at home with the Count.
CADEROUSSE
Tell me, Benedetto, the day when you receive your inheritance.
ANDREA
One will remember one's friends.
CADEROUSSE
Yes, with what you have for a memory!
ANDREA
What do you expect? At first I thought you wanted to blackmail me.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! What an idea, I who only give you a friend's advice. Ah, but you intend to get us caught, wretch.
ANDREA
What's that?
CADEROUSSE
Because you come to see me in disguises, and with such a diamond on your finger. A diamond worth two thousand francs.
ANDREA
The devil. You estimate very correctly. Why don't you become an appraiser?
CADEROUSSE
It's that I know diamonds. I had one.
ANDREA
Yes, I advise you to boast of that.
CADEROUSSE
I hope that you are not going to go with that one.
ANDREA
No -- you prefer me to leave it here, right.
CADEROUSSE
I believe it's more prudent. Is it false?
ANDREA
Try it on a glass pane. Try.
CADEROUSSE
(trying the diamond on a glass)
What do you want! These thieves of jewelers imitate so well real diamonds these days that no one dares to steal from them anymore. Yet another branch of commerce paralyzed.
ANDREA
Well -- do you keep it?
CADEROUSSE
Since you have given it to me.
ANDREA
Do you have something else to ask of me -- do you need my topcoat? Do you want my hat? Don't be shy, gallows bird that you are.
CADEROUSSE
No -- you are a good comrade at bottom.
ANDREA
I can go then?
CADEROUSSE
Whenever you wish, wait, I'll show you out.
ANDREA
It's not worth the trouble.
CADEROUSSE
Yes, it is necessary.
ANDREA
Why's that?
CADEROUSSE
Because there's a little secret to the door. It's a measure of precaution that I thought I must add. Lock by Huret and Ficket, reviewed and corrected by Gaspard Caderousse. I will be your jack of all trades, when you are a capitalist.
ANDREA
It's said and done; I will warn you eight hours in advance.
(He leaves.)
CADEROUSSE
This dear Benedetto! I believe he won't be upset to inherit and whoever advances the day when he pockets his five hundred thousand francs won't be his worst enemy.
(He leaves.)
(curtain)
Same as second act less the pavilion. The house looks like new.
MADAME DANGLARS
(aside)
Oh, I am not mistaken! My God! My God! After the house, the garden.
DANGLARS
Well, what's wrong with you, Madame?
MADAME DANGLARS
Nothing.
DANGLARS
Then come.
MONTE CRISTO
(coming in with Maximilian and Debray)
Excuse me, Madame, but it's on the doorstep I should have received you. I was taking the sun with these gentlemen. But what's wrong with Madame Danglars, Baron?
DANGLARS
How would I know?
MONTE CRISTO
She seems to be suffering.
DANGLARS
She has her nerves, probably.
MONTE CRISTO
Sit down, Madame.
MADAME DANGLARS
Thanks.
BAPTISTIN
(announcing)
Major Cavalcanti, the Count Andrea Cavalcanti.
DANGLARS
Here are the two Italian Lords of whom I was speaking to you. Be nice to them, I beg you.
MADAME DANGLARS
I will do what I can, sir.
MAXIMILIAN
(to Debray)
Cavalcanti! Plague! A handsome name whose genealogical tune comes from the Divine Comedy.
DEBRAY
It's true, these Italians are well named, but they dress poorly.
MAXIMILIAN
You are very severe, Mr. Debray; their clothes are all brand new.
DEBRAY
Hush! Here they are.
MONTE CRISTO
(to Madame Danglars)
Indeed, would you permit me to infringe on the rights of the baron in presenting to you the Cavalcantis, who are trying to devour without success a fabulous fortune?
DANGLARS
Madame, has already been warned that these are clients that we hope will become our friends.
MAJOR
We ask nothing better, Baron. I have only seen you once before, but you received me in such a manner.
DANGLARS
Bah, I think I counted you out forty thousand francs.
MONTE CRISTO
Forty-thousand francs. A mere nothing for the major!
MAJOR
That's true, that's true, but I don't care to have too much money about the house.
ANDREA
This dear father is always afraid of thieves. Someone told me that Paris was a city fertile in disastrous events with the result that he locks everything up.
DANGLARS
But the young vicomte speaks French very well.
MONTE CRISTO
He was brought up in a college in the Midi -- at Toulon, I think -- In any case, if your father is afraid of thieves, Count, I am going to put him in relations with a magistrate.
ANDREA
Ah! Ah!
MONTE CRISTO
To whom he can denounce them; he's the terror of these gentleman.
BAPTISTIN
(announcing)
Mr. and Mrs. Villefort.
(The Villeforts.)
MONTE CRISTO
Precisely -- here he is.
(to Villefort)
Come, sir! Although you positively promised I didn't dare to count on you. And your wife accompanies you. In truth this is a surfeit of joy.
VILLEFORT
Count, you ought not to doubt the pleasure we take in coming to assure once more of our recognition.
MAXIMILIAN
(to Debray)
Oh, my God, the Villeforts here! But it's hardly three or four days since Madame de St. Meran died.
DEBRAY
Madame de Saint Meran was nothing to them. Madame de Saint Meran was merely the mother of Renee de St. Meran, first wife of de Villefort and mother of Miss Valentine.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
(to Monte Cristo)
Oh, charming retreat that you have established here, sir!
MAXIMILIAN
And in eight days. It's a prodigy! In eight days the Count turned an old house into a new one.
DEBRAY
Oh! It's really true. I recall having been ordered to visit it by one of the ministers who had classic tastes and who wanted to have a house where Boileau had one; it was three or four years ago when Madame de Saint Meran had it rented out.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Ah! Madame de Saint Meran!
(to Villefort)
This then is the house which belongs to you, sir, to which you've never wanted to bring me. So you've sold this house, sir? But it is very charming.
DEBRAY
Listen, I declare to you that Mr. de Villefort was right. You judge the house by what it is and not by what it was. Nothing more sad than this dwelling with its shutters closed, its windows closed, its garden uncultivated, its weeds growing in the courtyards. In truth if it hadn't belonged to the father-in-law of a magistrate one might have taken it for one of those cursed houses where a great crime was committed.
MONTE CRISTO
Well, it's bizarre, sir, but the same idea came to me the first time I entered. So much so that I wouldn't have bought it if my supervisor hadn't made the choice for me -- and then --
VILLEFORT
And then -- ?
MONTE CRISTO
Well, sir, I acquired a strange certitude. It's that I wasn't mistaken.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Be careful, Count! Don't speak too loud of crime: We have Mr. de Villefort here.
MONTE CRISTO
Well, since this has happened, Madame, I will profit from the circumstance to make my declaration.
VILLEFORT
Your declaration?
MONTE CRISTO
In the presence of witnesses, even.
DEBRAY
All this is very interesting, you know ladies? And if there really was a crime our dinner will be complete.
MONTE CRISTO
I repeat, there was a crime. Come Mr. de Villefort, for a declaration to be worth something it must be made to competent authorities.
MADAME DANGLARS
(aside)
My God! My God! What's he going to say?
MONTE CRISTO
Imagine you were here, in this place. To rejuvenate these old trees I had them dug up and put in humus. Well, my workers in digging up have unearthed a coffin or rather the iron bands of a coffin, in the midst of which was the skeleton of a newborn infant.
DEBRAY
A newborn infant? Devil! This is becoming serous.
VILLEFORT
But? a crime.
MONTE CRISTO
What! A living infant buried in this garden is not a crime? By what name would you call it, Mr. de Villefort?
VILLEFORT
But who says he was buried alive?
MONTE CRISTO
Why bury a dead child there? This garden is not a cemetery.
MAJOR
What's the punishment for infanticide in this country?
MONTE CRISTO
I don't know, Major. I am not French.
DANGLARS
By God! They chop off the head right away.
MONTE CRISTO
Ask Mr. de Villefort; he knows.
VILLEFORT
Yes, they are punished by death.
MADAME DANGLARS
Oh, gentlemen, no more of these horrible stories, I beg you! They overwhelm me.
MONTE CRISTO
(to Madame de Villefort)
Haven't you some smelling salts, Madame?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
What's that?
MONTE CRISTO
See the Baroness -- she's ready to be ill.
VILLEFORT
(low to Madame Danglars)
I've got to speak to you.
MADAME DANGLARS
When?
VILLEFORT
As soon as possible.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
What's the matter, my dear friend?
MADAME DANGLARS
Nothing, a faintness but I feel better.
MONTE CRISTO
Would you like to make a tour of the conservatory, Baroness? The perfume of the flowers will make you feel better.
MADAME DANGLARS
Thanks. Go -- I will rejoin you.
MONTE CRISTO
(to Madame de Villefort)
Will you accept my arm, Madame?
(They go off.)
DANGLARS
(to Major)
They say, Major, that there's going to be a railway from Livorno to Florence with a branch going to Pisa.
MONTE CRISTO
(turning)
I believe it, indeed! The Major is in it for three millions.
DANGLARS
Truly! Then it's a good business?
MAJOR
Excellent!
ANDREA
(aside)
The Count of Monte Cristo has just told a story which devilishly resembles mine.
DANGLARS
(to Madame Danglars)
Do you need me?
MADAME DANGLARS
No, leave me, I beg you.
DEBRAY
(as he leaves)
You came on a really fine horse, Mr. Morrel!
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, Medea -- you've noticed. She's a magnificent animal.
(They go out except for Villefort and Madame Danglars.)
VILLEFORT
Are you alone? Yes, did you hear? And you, did you understand?
MADAME DANGLARS
Did I understand! Look at me sir, see me pale and trembling.
VILLEFORT
It's really true that all our actions leave their traces, some dark, others light, on the way we've travelled. It is really true that our steps in this life resemble the course of a reptile in sand and leave a furrow. How has it occurred, this terrible thing, how from the depths of the tomb and the depths of our hearts, has it just escaped like a ghost to make our cheeks pale and our faces red?
MADAME DANGLARS
Chance, without doubt.
VILLEFORT
Undeceive yourself, Madame; there's nothing of chance about this!
MADAME DANGLARS
Wasn't it chance that the Count of Monte Cristo bought this house? Wasn't it chance that he excavated the ground, wasn't it by chance again, that this wretched child, poor creature, our child, sir, to whom I was never able to give a kiss, but for whom I had shed many tears, has been found there where you had confided him to the earth? Oh, all my soul flew before the Count when he spoke of these dear remains shrouded by flowers.
VILLEFORT
Well, Madame, that's the very terrible thing I have to inform you, no child has had its body disinterred. No use to cry, to cry is too little. You must shiver and tremble.
MADAME DANGLARS
What are you trying to say, sir?
VILLEFORT
I mean to say that the Count of Monte Cristo, while excavating under the trees couldn't have found the skeleton of a child nor the ribs of a coffin, for the reason that there was neither the one nor the other.
MADAME DANGLARS
Then it wasn't here you disposed of this child, sir? Then why deceive me, to what end. Speak! Explain!
VILLEFORT
Listen to me, I will be brief. For they can return from one moment to the next, and I want you to know everything.
MADAME DANGLARS
You overwhelm me, but no matter -- speak, speak!
VILLEFORT
You recall that night of sorrows, right? That night, punishment of our guilty love. You sought asylum in this pavilion. You were going to become a mother alone. I assisted you in this terrible moment. The child was born, and I took him. He wasn't moving, breathing or crying - we thought he was dead.
MADAME DANGLARS
He wasn't then?
VILLEFORT
Listen! We believed him dead. I put him in a coffin instead of the cradle which ought to have held him. I went to the garden. I stuffed him in hastily. At that moment, the arm of our enemy lay in wait for me. The arm of a Corsican extended towards me. I saw as a shadow rose up, like a light shining. I sensed a pain. I wanted to cry. An icy shiver ran through my body. I thought I was dead -- I fell dying.
MADAME DANGLARS
At that moment, hearing your cry, I jumped from my bed and I ran.
VILLEFORT
Yes, and I will never forget your sublime courage! It was you who having so much need of care yourself, it was you who watched over me, but silence must be kept over that terrible catastrophe; you had the strength to return to your house, a duel was the pretext for my injury. Against every attempt, we kept the secret; but one thing tormented me, across the veil of blood which covered my eyes, it seemed to me that I saw the assassin stoop down, take the coffin and flee with it! Hardly had I the strength to get around at night, I returned this garden, despite my repugnance. The shrubs, during the three months which elapsed had been pushing up, none the less, a place less filled up indicated where I had disturbed the earth. I put myself to work and excavated this place. Nothing. I found nothing. I continued to excavate, to enlarge the trench. Nothing! Always nothing! The coffin wasn't there anymore.
MADAME DANGLARS
The coffin wasn't there anymore?
VILLEFORT
I kept digging until daybreak. Day came. I dug some more but nothing! Always nothing!
MADAME DANGLARS
Oh! This is maddening!
VILLEFORT
I wasn't so lucky as to go crazy, on the contrary, I recalled all my ideas, all my reason.
MADAME DANGLARS
Well?
VILLEFORT
Well, a frightful idea come to me, that in carrying off the coffin, the assassin thought he was carrying off a treasure, and when he opened this coffin, he found a child -- not dead, but living.
MADAME DANGLARS
A living child! But then my child is alive, sir? Sir, if he's alive --
VILLEFORT
Well, Madame, if he's alive we are lost, that's all.
MADAME DANGLARS
How's that?
VILLEFORT
If he's alive, someone knows it. This someone has our secret, and since the Count of Monte Cristo bought this house, since he invited us to come here, since he spoke of a disinterred child in front of us, here where this child simply cannot be -- he's the one who has our secret.
MADAME DANGLARS
Just God! God the Avenger!
VILLEFORT
Silence! Here he comes.
(Monte Cristo and the others come back. Madame de Villefort, the Mayor, Andrea, Maximilian, Debray.)
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Well, dear friend, do you feel better?
MADAME DANGLARS
Oh! Fine, perfectly fine.
BAPTISTIN
(on the steps)
His Excellency is served.
BERTUCCIO
(bringing a letter to Monte Cristo)
Very urgent, Excellency.
MONTE CRISTO
Morrel, offer your arm to Madame de Villefort, Mr. Villefort, please be cavalier to Madame Danglers -- Mr. Danglars, I recommend you to the Cavalcanti.
(Each takes his place and goes up the steps. To Bertuccio who brought this letter.)
BERTUCCIO
A commission agent -- but he said it was very urgent.
MONTE CRISTO
(reading)
"The Count of Monte Cristo is warned that tonight, a man will get into your house in Paris, to extract important papers which he believes are kept in the desk in the bedroom. They know the Count of Monte Cristo is brave enough to do himself justice without the aid of the police whose intervention would gravely compromise the person who is giving this information." This is fine. Mr. Bertuccio everyone is sleeping here this evening. I will spend the night at my house in Paris with only Ali.
(going in)
Oh, the Devil! Here's an occurrence that I didn't foresee.
(curtain)
Monte Cristo's home. On one side, the bedroom, on the other the office.
MONTE CRISTO
(in his office)
They don't wish to steal from me, they intend to assassinate me. They are not thieves, they are murderers -- so be it. I don't wish the chief of police to meddle in my private business. I am rich enough to reduce to nothing the budget of his agency. Is that you, Ali?
(Ali nods)
Put the weapons there ... fine. Tie the hooks of this door. Ah! Ah! The clock strikes. It must be eleven o'clock.
(Ali comes to Monte Cristo and points to a window at the left.)
MONTE CRISTO
Ah, yes, a man, a man hidden in the corner of the alley. Doubtless, that's our thief.
(Meanwhile one hears a windowpane break. Ali signs for Monte Cristo to go into a side room.)
MONTE CRISTO
Ah, there's two of them!
(He shuts the door from which Ali has taken the hooks and lifts the corner of a hanging drape which permits him to see from one room to the next. Caderousse pushes a roll of paper through the pane, forces it in, puts an arm through, opens the window and enters.)
MONTE CRISTO
Well, here's a bold rogue, for sure! He's the one who acts, By Jove, the other keeps watch.
(He makes a sign to Ali not to lose sight of the one outside.)
CADEROUSSE
Ah, ah! Here we are! The plan from the little one was exact. No traps, no dogs, on the first floor a bedroom: here we are in the bedroom. Let's see is it here? The desk to the left, same side as the window, eh! Here it is!
MONTE CRISTO
Decidedly -- is he an assassin? Is he a thief?
CADEROUSSE
Let's see -- let's begin by closing the doors. Once the doors are closed, one is at home.
(he goes to push the bolts, not seeing that the bolts have been removed, he thinks he's closed the door)
Now, as there's no key we must play a tune on this little lock.
MONTE CRISTO
It's only a thief.
CADEROUSSE
Decidedly, we could use a little light.
(Takes a dark lantern from his pocket and examines his lock picks.)
MONTE CRISTO
But I am not mistaken -- it's --
(Ali gives a weapon to Monte Cristo.)
MONTE CRISTO
Don't budge and leave your hatchet there, we have no need of weapons here.
(He quickly removes his coat and his vest, and takes from an armoire, a soutane, a priest's hat and puts on the costume of Father Busoni.)
CADEROUSSE
I believe this will do my business. Ah, ah, let's see little lock, sweetheart, don't be too difficult, it's a friend, see! Ah! That's not nice. You know I don't want to get angry.
MONTE CRISTO
(putting on the clothes)
Yes, yes, go on, you will use one after another before you succeed.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! Oh! Whoever made this lock was a nasty one. I will sing his commission whenever he likes. But damn, it won't open. This cursed lock.
MONTE CRISTO
Stay here, and whatever happens, whatever noise you hear, don't enter and don't show yourself unless I call you by your name.
(Monte Cristo, disguised as a monk, a candle in his hand, goes into the room where Caderousse is working. Caderousse sees the room brighten up and turns around.)
CADEROUSSE
(turning)
Father Busoni!
MONTE CRISTO
Well, without doubt, Father Busoni, himself in person. And I am very glad you recognize me, my dear Mr. Caderousse -- it proves you have a good memory; for if I am not deceived, it's almost ten years since we saw each other.
CADEROUSSE
Father! Father!
MONTE CRISTO
Well, we've come to steal from the Count of Monte Cristo.
CADEROUSSE
Father, I beg you to believe -- Father, I swear to you --
MONTE CRISTO
A pane of glass broken, a dark lantern, a bag of lock picks, a desk half-forced; come! I see you are always the same -- Mr. Murderer! -- you did your time, so that I see you're on the way to going back from where you came.
CADEROUSSE
Father, I haven't finished doing time.
MONTE CRISTO
What are you doing here instead of being there -- in Paris instead of Toulon?
CADEROUSSE
Father, I was delivered by someone.
MONTE CRISTO
Someone has done a wonderful service to society. So you forcibly escaped?
CADEROUSSE
Alas, yes, Father.
MONTE CRISTO
Bad recidivist! This will lead you very rightfully to the place St. Jacques, my dear Mr. Caderousse.
CADEROUSSE
Father, I gave in to a temptation.
MONTE CRISTO
All criminals say that --
CADEROUSSE
Need --
MONTE CRISTO
Give it up! Need cannot lead a man to break into a desk! And when the jeweler Jannes had just given you forty-five thousand francs in exchange for the diamond that I gave you, and you killed him to have both the money and the diamond, was that also need?
CADEROUSSE
Pardon, Father! You've already saved me one time; save me a second.
MONTE CRISTO
This doesn't encourage me, you understand that!
CADEROUSSE
Are you done, Father, or do you have police here ready to take me?
MONTE CRISTO
I am alone, and I still have pity on you, and I will let you go, at the risk of new misfortunes that will follow from my weakness -- if you tell me the entire truth.
CADEROUSSE
Oh, Father, I can indeed say that you are my savior!
MONTE CRISTO
How did you escape from the galleys?
CADEROUSSE
Well, like this. We were working our way to St. Mandrier, near Toulon. Do you know St. Mandrier?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
CADEROUSSE
Well, while everyone slept, between 12:30 and 1:00 --
MONTE CRISTO
Some slaves were having a siesta. These jolly fellows complain.
CADEROUSSE
Damn -- you cannot always work, they're not dogs.
MONTE CRISTO
Happily, for the dogs.
CADEROUSSE
While they slept, we separated ourselves a little, we sawed off our irons with a file given us by an Englishman, and we escaped swimming.
MONTE CRISTO
And what became of your companion?
CADEROUSSE
Benedetto?
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! His name's Benedetto.
CADEROUSSE
Yes. What has become of him, I don't know. We separated at Hyeres and we haven't seen each other since.
MONTE CRISTO
You lie!
CADEROUSSE
Father!
MONTE CRISTO
This man is still your friend, your accomplice perhaps.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! Father!
MONTE CRISTO
Since you left Toulon, how have you lived? Answer?
CADEROUSSE
I've managed.
MONTE CRISTO
You lie! You've received money that he has given you.
CADEROUSSE
Well, it's true. Benedetto has become the son of a great lord.
MONTE CRISTO
And what's the name of this great lord?
CADEROUSSE
The Count of Monte Cristo, the one whose house we are in.
MONTE CRISTO
Benedetto, the son of the Count?
CADEROUSSE
Damn, you must believe it, since the Count has found a false father for him, since the Count gives him four thousand francs a month, since the Count leaves him a half million in his will.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! Ah! I begin to understand. And what name does he use?
CADEROUSSE
He calls himself Andrea Cavalcanti.
MONTE CRISTO
Then he's the young man the Count receives in his home and who is going to marry Madame Danglars?
CADEROUSSE
Exactly.
MONTE CRISTO
And you suffer this, wretch, you who know his life and his infamies?
CADEROUSSE
Why would you expect me to prevent a comrade from succeeding?
MONTE CRISTO
It's true! It's not for you to warn Mr. Danglars; it's me.
CADEROUSSE
Don't do that, Father.
MONTE CRISTO
And why?
CADEROUSSE
Because you will take bread from our mouths.
MONTE CRISTO
And you think, to preserve bread for wretches like you, I ought to make myself the accomplice of your crimes?
CADEROUSSE
Father!
MONTE CRISTO
I will tell all.
CADEROUSSE
To whom?
MONTE CRISTO
To Mr. Danglars.
CADEROUSSE
(striking Monte Cristo with a knife)
Damn it, you will say nothing -- ah! Ah, damnation, he's wearing armor.
(Monte Cristo bends Caderousse under him and puts his foot on his neck.)
MONTE CRISTO
I don't know that prevents me from breaking your skull, you scoundrel.
CADEROUSSE
Grace! Grace! God! What a punch you've got, Father!
MONTE CRISTO
Silence! God gives me the power to tame a ferocious beast like you -- remember that, wretch, and sparing you in this moment is still to serve the designs of God.
CADEROUSSE
Ouf!
MONTE CRISTO
Take this pen and this paper and write what I am going to dictate to you.
CADEROUSSE
I don't know how to write.
MONTE CRISTO
You lie. Take this pen and write.
CADEROUSSE
I am writing.
MONTE CRISTO
(dictating)
"Sir, the man to whom you intend your daughter is a former galley slave who escaped with me from the galleys of Toulon. He was number 59; I was number 58. He's named Benedetto, but he doesn't know his true name, never having known his parents." Sign.
CADEROUSSE
But you want me to ruin myself.
MONTE CRISTO
If I wanted to ruin you, I would take you to the police. Besides, at the time which this letter is sent to its address, it is probable you have nothing to fear.
CADEROUSSE
(signing)
There.
MONTE CRISTO
The address now, "To Baron Danglars, Rue de la Chaussee d'Antrin".
(takes the letter)
That's fine. You can be on your way.
CADEROUSSE
Which way?
MONTE CRISTO
By the way you came.
CADEROUSSE
Why do you want me to leave by this window?
MONTE CRISTO
You came that way.
CADEROUSSE
You are meditating something against me, Father.
MONTE CRISTO
Imbecile! What do you think I should be planning?
CADEROUSSE
Why won't you open the door for me?
MONTE CRISTO
What's the good of awakening the concierge?
CADEROUSSE
Father, say that you don't want my death.
MONTE CRISTO
I want what God wants.
CADEROUSSE
Swear that you won't strike me while I am going down.
MONTE CRISTO
Fool and coward that you are.
CADEROUSSE
Tell me right now what you intend to do to me.
MONTE CRISTO
I wanted to make a man happy and I only succeeded in making an assassin.
CADEROUSSE
Father, give me one last proof.
MONTE CRISTO
So be it! You know I am a man of my word.
CADEROUSSE
Oh, yes!
MONTE CRISTO
Listen -- if you get home safe and sound.
CADEROUSSE
At least it's not you I have to fear?
MONTE CRISTO
If you get back home safe and sound, leave Paris, leave France, and wherever you may be, so long as you live honestly, I will send you a little pension -- for if you return home safe and sound.
CADEROUSSE
Well?
MONTE CRISTO
I will believe that God has pardoned you -- and I will pardon you, too.
CADEROUSSE
Truly! You make me die of fear, Father!
MONTE CRISTO
(pointing to the window)
Come, get going!
(Caderousse puts his foot on the ladder.)
MONTE CRISTO
Now -- go down.
(He approaches Caderousse and lights his way.)
CADEROUSSE
What are you doing! If a patrol should pass!
(Caderousse is gone. Ali touches Monte Cristo on the shoulder. They go into the office and watch through the window.)
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, I doubt it, this other man is watching, Andrea, it's he who wrote me, hoping I would kill the thief without any explanation, and thus he would be relieved of an accomplice and as I have not killed him, he himself is going to --
CADEROUSSE
(outside)
Help! Murder! An assassin! Ah!
MONTE CRISTO
Ali, go find the man and bring him here.
(Ali goes out.)
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, Providence! Providence!
(Ali returns with Caderousse.)
CADEROUSSE
Ah, help me! Help!
MONTE CRISTO
What's wrong with him?
CADEROUSSE
Help me! Help! They've murdered me. Oh, such blows -- oh, how much blood!
MONTE CRISTO
Ali, go get Mr. Villefort and at the same time, bring a doctor.
(Ali leaves.)
CADEROUSSE
Yes, a doctor, a doctor! I know very well he won't save my life, but perhaps he will give me the strength to make my declaration, I wish to make my declaration.
MONTE CRISTO
About what?
CADEROUSSE
About my assassin!
MONTE CRISTO
You know him then?
CADEROUSSE
Yes, I know him, it was Benedetto. Oh, let someone come to whom I can denounce the wretch.
MONTE CRISTO
Do you want me to write out your deposition? You can sign it.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! Yes! Yes!
MONTE CRISTO
(writing)
"I die, murdered by my companion on the galley, at Toulon -- known as #59. His name is Benedetto."
CADEROUSSE
Hurry! Hurry! I cannot sign much longer.
(he signs)
You will tell the rest, Father, for you know all.
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, I know everything.
CADEROUSSE
And you didn't warn me! You knew that I was going to be killed as I left here, and you didn't warn me.
MONTE CRISTO
No, for in the hand of Benedetto I saw the justice of God.
CADEROUSSE
Oh! The justice of God! You believe in the justice of God.
MONTE CRISTO
If I had the misfortune not to believe in it till today, I would believe in it seeing you.
CADEROUSSE
(raising his fists to heaven)
Oh!
MONTE CRISTO
You deny Providence! Well, the proof that there is one is that you are there on your back desperate, foreswearing God, and that I am on my feet before you, rich, happy safe and sound, joining my hands towards God, whom you try not to believe in and who terrifies you in the depth of your heart.
CADEROUSSE
But who are then?
MONTE CRISTO
(coming closer with the candle near his face)
Look carefully at me.
CADEROUSSE
Well, Father Busoni, so?
MONTE CRISTO
(removing his monk's attire)
Look!
CADEROUSSE
The Count of Monte Cristo, whom I saw at the telegraph.
MONTE CRISTO
I ought not to be for you either Father Busoni or the Count of Monte Cristo. Look carefully -- look deep into your memory -- look! Look!
CADEROUSSE
In fact, it seems to me I've seen you -- a long while ago, that I knew you once, that of --
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, you saw me, yes, you knew me, yes, you betrayed me.
CADEROUSSE
Well wait - the alleys of Meilhan -- the Inn of the Reserve -- the Pharo -- you are -- you are -- you are Edmond Dantes.
MONTE CRISTO
Do you believe now?
CADEROUSSE
I believe! I believe! My God, Lord pardon me, for having foresworn you. My God, Lord you are indeed the father and the Judge of men on Earth. My God, my God, Lord pardon me. I am dying, I am dying!
(He falls dead.)
MONTE CRISTO
Dead!
VILLEFORT
(entering with D'Avrigny)
You had us called, Count?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, but you get here too late.
D'AVRIGNY
Dead.
MONTE CRISTO
This is what he wrote before dying -- here.
VILLEFORT
(after reading it)
Caderousse! This man's named Caderousse.
MONTE CRISTO
So it appears. Do you know him, Mr. de Villefort?
VILLEFORT
No! No!
(aside)
Yet another memory of the innocent I condemned in Marseille.
(aloud)
Make your statement, Mr. D'Avrigny. I am going to give orders for the pursuit of the murderer.
(exit)
MONTE CRISTO
(watching him)
My God! Your justice seems to wait sometimes, but when it descends from heaven it is only more complete.
(curtain)
(Monte Cristo is seated at a table on which is spread a map. Bertuccio is standing near him.)
MONTE CRISTO
Sir, the business that brought me to Paris is proceeding; it may be necessary for me to leave from one moment to the next, I want to be able -- from today, to be able to count on six relays every six leagues on the Northern route and likewise on the route through the Midi except that I don't yet know which route of the two I intend to take.
(Bertuccio meets Baptistin)
What's wrong?
BERTUCCIO
Mr. de Villefort has come to ask if His Excellency is visible.
MONTE CRISTO
Come, there's your trembling taking you again! Go this way, look, I have pity for you.
(he makes Bertuccio leave by a side door to Baptistin)
Introduce, Mr. de Villefort.
VILLEFORT
(entering)
I ask your pardon, Count, for disturbing you. But you understand after the event of which you were almost the victim, I need once more to return to you for your information.
MONTE CRISTO
Sir, I am at your orders.
VILLEFORT
I am not disturbing you?
MONTE CRISTO
No, sir, you see, I am traveling.
VILLEFORT
On the map. Sir, I wanted to ask you if you cannot give more information about the man who murdered your intended murderer -- which will aid us to identify him.
MONTE CRISTO
Don't the police have him yet?
VILLEFORT
They are on his tracks, sir.
MONTE CRISTO
Devil, sir! His tracks can lead far away if the murderer has been running since the moment of the murder, I think that, thanks to two letters which were written by the dying man, it would be an easy thing to put your hand on the young Coriscan.
VILLEFORT
Two letters, sir. I know of only one; did he write two?
MONTE CRISTO
What! Didn't I give you two letters?
VILLEFORT
No, I swear to that.
MONTE CRISTO
Excuse me, sir, doubtless I was troubled. What could I have done with it? But I am certain that there was a second letter, a letter containing the address of the young man -- for he is a young man.
VILLEFORT
Oh, sir, this letter is of the greatest importance, you understand, quite well, this letter must be found.
MONTE CRISTO
What then! Also, it will be rediscovered, I am very sure of it -- I will search for it, sir. But pardon, I think they are calling for me.
VILLEFORT
Go ahead, sir, go ahead.
MAXIMILIAN
(entering)
Count! Count!
MONTE CRISTO
Morrel, what's wrong?
MAXIMILIAN
Ah, Count, if you knew -- what a misfortune.
VILLEFORT
A misfortune! You are coming from my house.
MAXIMILIAN
(stupefied)
Mr. de Villefort.
VILLEFORT
Speak, sir, speak.
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, sir, I was at your home, I came --
VILLEFORT
Well?
MAXIMILIAN
Sir! Barrois, the old servant -- he's called Barrois.
VILLEFORT
Barrois, yes.
MAXIMILIAN
He was suddenly taken ill. He fainted, he's dead.
VILLEFORT
Dead! Dead! Oh!
(he starts to rush out.)
MAXIMILIAN
But it's not all, sir, it's not all.
MONTE CRISTO
What's wrong then?
VILLEFORT
It's not all?
MAXIMILIAN
Another person.
(to himself)
Oh! My God, why is he here?
VILLEFORT
Another person, you say?
MAXIMILIAN
Miss Valentine, sir. She just lost consciousness. She fell senseless.
VILLEFORT
My daughter, my daughter, too.
(aside)
Oh, what can I say?
(pulling himself together)
From fright doubtless, a fainting spell.
MAXIMILIAN
I don't know, sir, but for Barrois and Miss Valentine, the same symptoms, vertigo, excruciating pain, convulsions. Miss Valentine suffers greatly, sir.
(He chokes.)
VILLEFORT
Oh, but this is too much! Isn't it gentlemen? Three deaths, blow after blow on this house. And Valentine, Valentine is suffering! One would say my house is cursed. Excuse me, gentlemen, excuse me. I don't know what I'm saying -- I don't know what I am doing! Goodbye!
(He leaves wildly.)
MONTE CRISTO
The work proceeds! Well, Maximilian, what's wrong? Your face is running with sweat.
MAXIMILIAN
Count, we are alone, aren't we?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
MAXIMILIAN
Before the wretched father, I could not tell you, Count -- Barrois was poisoned, Valentine was poisoned.
MONTE CRISTO
Are you mad, Morrel?
MAXIMILIAN
I tell you that all these deaths are not natural; I tell you there is in all this some infernal action, of which no one has the secret except Mr. de Villefort, Mr. d'Avrigny and myself.
MONTE CRISTO
What you, Morrel?
MAXIMILIAN
Listen, the evening of the death of Madame de Saint Meran, the same evening you were in the house, I was hidden in some shrubbery; I heard Mr. D'Avrigny say --
MONTE CRISTO
Well?
MAXIMILIAN
Say that the death had to be attributed to poison.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! And Mr. de Villefort lets them poison them like that in his home without further investigation? I thought he was more strict than that, our magistrate.
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, but this time, doubtless he's going to do something, for this time, Mr. D'Avrigny not only stated out loud the kind of death, but even named the poison.
MONTE CRISTO
And what poison did he name?
MAXIMILIAN
For fear of forgetting I wrote it in my notebook. Read.
MONTE CRISTO
Ah! Devil!
MAXIMILIAN
This poison is then very dangerous, Count?
MONTE CRISTO
Mortal!
MAXIMILIAN
Mortal! Oh, my God! What are you telling me?
MADAME DANGLARS
What does it matter to you, Morrel? The miseries that strike Mr. de Villefort. An exterminating angel seems to design this house for the wrath of God; who says it is not the wrath of God, or rather his justice which stalks this house? Maximilian, Maximilian, turn your head away -- believe me and let the justice of God pass.
MAXIMILIAN
But Count, Count, understand I am come to you, on the contrary to save what remains living of this wretched house -- to save Valentine who is going to die.
MONTE CRISTO
To save Valentine? What's it matter to me that a young girl that I don't know, that I've hardly seen lives or dies? What matter -- assassin or victim -- in the house of Mr. de Villefort, I have no preference.
MAXIMILIAN
But I, I, Count, I love her.
MONTE CRISTO
(jumping)
You love who?
MAXIMILIAN
I love her to my ruin, I love her senselessly, I love as a man who would give all his blood to spare her a tear, I love Valentine de Villefort who they are murdering at this moment. Do you understand clearly? I love her and I ask of God and you how she can be saved?
MONTE CRISTO
Oh! Wretch! Wretch! You love Valentine, this daughter of a cursed race. Oh! Oh! Oh! You didn't warn me!
MAXIMILIAN
Count! Count! I don't know you.
MONTE CRISTO
Oh, I who looked on as an impassive and curious spectator, I who looked on the development of this lugubrious tragedy, I who like a bad angel laughs, perhaps, at the evil men do, now it's my turn, I sense myself wounded by the serpent whose twisted progress I watched -- wounded from the heart.
MAXIMILIAN
Count!
MONTE CRISTO
Come, let's not lose any time -- tell me how this happened; tell me where Valentine is?
MAXIMILIAN
A half hour ago, Valentine asked for a glass of sugared water which was brought to her by the chambermaid of Madame de Villefort. She hardly wet her lips and finding a bitter taste gave it back to the chambermaid, who put it in the vestibule. In that moment, Barrois returned from an errand, he was very hot, he found the glass, he emptied it. At that very moment he died and now the other is perhaps going to die, too.
MONTE CRISTO
Nothing is lost, since he lives.
MAXIMILIAN
Pay attention, Count, that you said nothing is lost.
MONTE CRISTO
Go home, quietly, Maximilian. I command you not to attempt any action, not to let a shadow of your preoccupation show on your face.
MAXIMILIAN
Ah, my friend, save Valentine.
MONTE CRISTO
I need to be alone, go!
(Maximilian goes. Monte Cristo raps twice on a gong.)
MONTE CRISTO
Bertuccio! Mr. Bertuccio, call my architect, he has the plan of the house next to his. Let him make a door for me behind this picture. The rest is my concern. I want the thing done in two hours, you understand?
BERTUCCIO
(bowing)
Yes, Count.
(curtain)
Valentine's bedroom.
Valentine is asleep. Madame Danglars enters.
MADAME DANGLARS
Rest easy, I am only staying five minutes, just time to ask her her news, and to pay her Eugenie's compliments -- but where is she then?
VALENTINE
(parting the curtain around her bed with her hand)
Here, dear Madame.
MADAME DANGLARS
Still in bed, my beauty! Oh, my God --it's what they told me. So I wanted, late as it is to come in and hug you. But what's wrong with us, huh?
VALENTINE
Since the last visit you were good enough to make us, I've been suffering.
MADAME DANGLARS
You've got a fever?
VALENTINE
Sometimes even delirium. Oh, it's a strange state. It seems to me that at night I see the people I'm used to seeing in the day time -- also the furniture becomes mobile -- the doors open noiselessly, the walls themselves seem to creak. I see shadows enter and approach my bed as they leave, some seem threatening, others with a smile on their lips.
MADAME DANGLARS
But are you asleep or awake during these visions?
VALENTINE
I don't know, Madame. My state seems to be both awake and asleep at the same time.
NURSE
(entering)
Miss, here's your medicine for the night. It's Mr. D'Avrigny who sends it to you, he prepared it himself and you see the seal is intact.
VALENTINE
Thanks.
MADAME DANGLARS
Oh! What precautions, my dear child!
VALENTINE
You know how much Mr. D'Avrigny loves us. And he absolutely wants me to survive.
MADAME DANGLARS
He's quite right! And we too, my child, we want you to live. Hurry and get cured, and while waiting instead of all those villainous dreams you've had, sleep dear child, sleep.
NURSE
Have you any further need of me, Miss?
VALENTINE
Nor for the night, Madame.
MADAME DANGLARS
Good night, dear Valentine.
VALENTINE
Good evening.
(The Nurse and Madame Danglars leave.)
VALENTINE
(alone)
Good night! Yes, night will be good, if in place of all these shadows which fever stirs up around me, I were to see my poor Maximilian appear. Why then all these precautions by Mr. D'Avrigny; these seals, these potions prepared by himself alone. Eleven-thirty, my God, my God. Now the fever is gripping me. This library door is opening, it seems to me that someone is coming out; that a shadow comes towards my bed. Let's drink! When I've drunk, for an instant I suffer less.
(Monte Cristo has opened the door from the library and comes toward the bed. He stops Valentine's hand.)
MONTE CRISTO
Wait!
(tastes the potion and then gives her the glass)
Drink now.
VALENTINE
Oh! This is the first time one of my visions has spoken to me. Who are you?
MONTE CRISTO
(finger on his mouth)
Silence! Don't call, don't be frightened, don't even in the depths of your heart have a suspicion or a shadow of uneasiness. The man you see before you -- for this time, you are right, Valentine, and it's not an illusion -- the man is the most tender father and the most respectful friend you can ever dream of.
VALENTINE
My God.
MONTE CRISTO
Listen to me, or rather look at me, see my red eyes, see my face paler than usual, it's because for three nights I have not shut my eye for a moment, for three nights I watch over you, I protect you, I preserve you for our friend, Maximilian.
VALENTINE
Maximilian! He's told you everything then?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, when he left you in the garden at the moment of poor Barrois death, it was to come to me, it was to tell me everything, for he loves me; poor Maximilian! And he believes my power is superhuman. Yes, he told me everything of your virginity, your angel's heart. He told me that your life was his life, that if you were to die, he would kill himself and I promised him that you will live.
VALENTINE
You promised him that I will live?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
VALENTINE
You just spoke to me of protection and vigilance. Are you a doctor?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes, and the best that heaven can send you a this time, believe me.
VALENTINE
You say that you have watched, where from? How is that. I've never seen you.
MONTE CRISTO
Behind the door of this library.
VALENTINE
In fact, this door which gave you passage. How's that -- this door?
MONTE CRISTO
I bought the next house, and this door -- I had it opened.
VALENTINE
Sir, what you've done is --
MONTE CRISTO
Valentine, during this long watch, I saw several people come to you, what food they prepared for you, what drinks they served you, then when the drink appeared dangerous to me, I entered as I have just entered, I emptied your glass and I substituted for poison a healthful beverage that instead of death, that was prepared for you, made life flow in your veins.
VALENTINE
Poison! Death! What are you saying, sir?
MAXIMILIAN
Hush! That's why you have survived for three nights, Valentine, but how have I lived? Oh, the cruel hours you made me pass, oh, the frightful tortures you made me suffer when I saw mortal poison put in your glass, when I feared that you might have the time to drink it before I poured it from the window.
VALENTINE
But if you saw someone put poison in my glass, you must have seen the person that put it there?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
VALENTINE
You saw them?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
VALENTINE
Oh! What you tell me is horrible, what you make me believe is hellish. What, in my father's home what! In my room! What on my bed of suffering they continue to try to murder me? Oh -- go away, sir, you tempt my conscience, you blaspheme against the divine goodness. It isn't so!
MONTE CRISTO
Are you the first struck by this hand, Valentine? Haven't you seen fall about you, Mr. de St. Meran, Madame de Saint Meran, Barrois? Look, don't you know the person who's after your life?
VALENTINE
No. Why would anyone desire my death?
MONTE CRISTO
You don't suspect anyone?
VALENTINE
No.
MONTE CRISTO
(listening)
You are going to know then.
VALENTINE
How's that?
MONTE CRISTO
Because, this evening you have neither fever nor delirium. Because this evening, you are indeed awake, because midnight is striking and that's the hour of the assassins.
VALENTINE
(drying her eyes)
My God! My God!
MONTE CRISTO
Valentine, summon all your strength, restrain your heart in your breast, stop your voice in your throat, feign sleep. You will see! You will see!
VALENTINE
I hear some noise, it seems to me.
MONTE CRISTO
Not a gesture, not a word, let them think you are asleep, without that, they might kill you before I have time to help you.
(He goes back into the library.)
(Silence. Midnight strikes on the clock. At the last tone, Madame de Villefort's door opens and Madame de Villefort appears. Valentine rises on her elbow and falls back on her pillow then waits. Madame de Villefort approaches, pours in the glass the contents of a small bottle. Valentine makes a movement. Madame de Villefort quickly pulls away from the head of the bed. After a moment, she pokes her head forward, looks at Valentine, then step by step, almost backwards, she retires.)
(As the door of Madame de Villefort shuts, that of Monte Cristo opens and the Count reappears.)
MONTE CRISTO
Well, do you still doubt?
VALENTINE
Oh! My God!
MONTE CRISTO
You've seen?
VALENTINE
Alas!
MONTE CRISTO
You've recognized?
VALENTINE
Yes, but I couldn't believe it.
MONTE CRISTO
Then you prefer to die and let Maximilian die.
VALENTINE
But can I just leave the house? Can't I escape?
MONTE CRISTO
Valentine, the hand that pursues you will strike you everywhere. See, if you had drunk what Madame de Villefort just poured in this glass, Valentine, you'd have been lost.
(He throws the contents of the glass out the window.)
VALENTINE
Oh, my God, why does she pursue me thus? I have never done anything wrong to her.
MONTE CRISTO
But you are rich, Valentine! You have two hundred thousand francs -- you are taking them from her son.
VALENTINE
Edward, wretched child! Is it for him she commits all these crimes? Poor Edward, Oh! Let this not fall back on his head.
MONTE CRISTO
You are an angel, Valentine.
VALENTINE
And it is in the soul of a woman that such a project has been born? Oh! My God! My God!
MONTE CRISTO
Valentine, your enemy was vanquished from the moment that we found her out. You will live to be happy and to make a noble heart happy -- but to live Valentine, you must have complete confidence in me.
VALENTINE
Order me -- what must be done?
MONTE CRISTO
Take blindly what I will give you.
VALENTINE
Well, sir, dispose of me. My God! My God! How will it end?
MONTE CRISTO
Something will happen, Valentine, you mustn't be frightened, if you suffer, if you lose your sight, don't be afraid; if you wake up without knowing who you are, have no fear -- should you, in waking find yourself in some sepulchral vault or nailed in a coffin -- someone is watching over you.
(A storm begins -- pale and unusual lighting -- distant thunder.)
VALENTINE
Let me pray a moment.
(she prays)
Give it to me now.
(Monte Cristo gives her a lozenge in a candy box.)
MONTE CRISTO
My child, believe in my devotion to you. Believe in God's goodness and in the love of Maximilian.
VALENTINE
(she takes the lozenge to her lips)
It must be done.
MONTE CRISTO
Yes.
(Valentine chews the lozenge.)
MONTE CRISTO
You are saved.
(He goes back into the library.)
VALENTINE
(alone)
The Count didn't say if the effect of this drug will be slow or rapid. Should I call him back? Oh, all the confidence he inspired in me disappears with him. Here I am alone -- alone, with a terrible sleep, with a sleep which is truly the brother of death. Oh it seems that my heart is numb, it seems that my vision is confused. I touch objects and I don't feel them anymore. My God, if the Count was deceived, if instead of sleep it was death this light -- which watches, I no longer see it except though a fog. Oh, I feel I am dying. I don't want to die. Some air! Some air! Help me, help.
(she rings in despair, the bell falls from her hands)
Max-i-mil-ian.
(Lightening, thunder, she falls fainting on her bed.)
(Madame and Mr. de Villefort each enter by a different door. Villefort goes to the right of Valentine's bed. Madame de Villefort looks at the glass on the table.)
VILLEFORT
(entering)
You are calling, my child? You rang. You need something? I was working. Here I am Valentine! In the name of Heaven! Answer me, Valentine.
(he touches her)
No voice, no breath -- her heart doesn't beat anymore! Dead! Dead! Dead!
(He falls overwhelmed on the bed.)
SERVANTS
Dead.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
But you still have son, sir. Come!
(They leave -- at this moment, the storm breaks with fury. The window opens noisily and Maximilian, pale, beside himself appears.)
MAXIMILIAN
No news for three days! These last people who flee, I can't contain myself anymore. Valentine, pardon me, Valentine! It was too much to suffer! She's sleeping! Valentine.
(perceiving the body)
Ah! Ah!
(he falls in an armchair, rises, goes to the bed, looks at the face of the young girl in frightening silence, then coldly)
Valentine is dead!
(a hand of the young girl hangs from the bed)
(he takes this hand and kisses it with a heart-rendering sob, then he rises)
Goodbye, Valentine! See you soon. Now it's my turn!
(He takes his pistols, which he placed by the chimney when he entered.)
MONTE CRISTO
(appearing)
Maximilian, don't die.
MAXIMILIAN
You here! You said I believe that I should not die. Who will prevent me?
MONTE CRISTO
Me!
MAXIMILIAN
You! You who lured me with an absurd hope, you who kept me deluded, sleeping with vain promises, you who presented all the resources of intelligence; all the powers of matter; you who play or rather who seemed to play the role of Providence; and who lack even the ability to give an antidote to a young poisoned girl, and you just told me this in the presence of Valentine's cadaver? Sir, you would make me pity you if you didn't horrify me!
MONTE CRISTO
(tearing the pistol from him)
And I, I repeat to you, you will not kill yourself!
MAXIMILIAN
But who are you then to arrogate yourself with such rights over me?
MONTE CRISTO
I am the only man in the world who has the right to say: Morrel: I do not wish the son of your father to die today.
MAXIMILIAN
And why speak of my father? Why bring the memory of my father into what is happening to me?
MONTE CRISTO
Because I am the one who saved the life of your father when he wanted to kill himself, as you wish to kill yourself today. because I am the man who gave the purse to your young sister and returned the Pharo to old Morrel, because I am Edmond Dantes, who let you play on my knees when you were a child.
MAXIMILIAN
Edmond! Edmond Dantes! Ah!
(He throws himself at Monte Cristo's feet.)
MONTE CRISTO
Silence! Silence! Look, can you be a man again, Maximilian?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, for I've begun to suffer again.
MONTE CRISTO
Look at me, Morrel, yes, look at me. I have no tears in my eyes, no fever in my veins, no bruises in my heart. And now, I see you suffer -- you, Maximilian, you whom I love like I would like my own son. Well, if I beg you, if I order you to live, Morrel, it's in the conviction that one day you will thank me for having preserved your life.
MAXIMILIAN
But are you forgetting that I've lost Valentine?
MONTE CRISTO
Hope Maximilian!
MAXIMILIAN
What can I hope? But, if you persuade me, you will make me lose my mind; you will make me believe that I can get this angel back. My friend, my father, you will make me believe in supernatural things.
MONTE CRISTO
Hope, my friend, if I don't cure you in a week, hour by hour, day by day, remember my words well, Morrel -- I will give you your pistols fully loaded, and by a stroke more certain than Italian poison, with a poison more prompt, trust me, than the one which killed Valentine.
MAXIMILIAN
You promise me that?
MONTE CRISTO
In a week -- and the date is sacred, Maximilian. I don't know if you have thought -- today's the fourth of September - the same day ten years ago that I saved your father.
(Maximilian takes the Count's two hands and kisses them.)
MONTE CRISTO
So here then, in return, you promise me to live.
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, Count, I swear to you -- but also --
MONTE CRISTO
Enough, my son! Put a last kiss on this pale face.
(Maximilian obeys.)
Wait -- and hope!
(He leads Maximilian off.)
(curtain)
Villefort's office.
VILLEFORT
(looking up as a servant enters noisily)
What is it?
SERVANT
It's a lady who insists on entering despite your orders, sir.
VILLEFORT
A lady?
SERVANT
Here's her card.
VILLEFORT
Baroness Danglars. Let her come in.
(Baroness Danglars enters.)
VILLEFORT
Excuse my servants, Madame, they are frightened by a terror that I cannot blame them for. As they are suspected, they have become suspicious.
MADAME DANGLARS
Ah, you too, sir, you now have miseries in your turn?
VILLEFORT
Yes, Madame.
MADAME DANGLARS
Then you pity me?
VILLEFORT
Believe it, very sincerely. But the denunciation was positive, and I ought to be able to arrest the informant. Besides, could I let you complete this alliance between your daughter and an escaped galley slave?
MONTE CRISTO
No, doubtless, you couldn't let my daughter become the wife of such a man. Yes, doubtless you ought to make the arrest, but perhaps you ought not to have made the arrest in my home, at the very moment we had just announced the marriage; my house is dishonored. Isn't it enough to be our ruin?
VILLEFORT
I had to arrest the guilty man where and as I could, Madame.
MADAME DANGLARS
Oh! What a frightful misfortune!
VILLEFORT
When I hear misfortunes spoken of Madame, I have taken the irritating habit of thinking of my own, and then this egoistic operation of parallelism sets to work in me. Which is why, besides my own misfortunes yours seem to me a misadventure, which is why, compared to my funereal position, yours seems one to envy. But let's leave that. You were asking Madame?
MADAME DANGLARS
I was asking, my friend, where is this impostor's affair going?
VILLEFORT
Impostor! Decidedly, Madame, his was a role taken in your home to palliate certain things and to exaggerate others. Impostor. In fact you deceive yourself Madame, Mr. Benedetto is an out-and-out assassin.
MADAME DANGLARS
So be it, sir. But think of it, the more you proceed severely against this wretch, the more you strike my family. Look, think of what is happening, Mr. Villefort and have more pity.
VILLEFORT
Yes, I know what you would say. You allude to these rumors spread in the world, that all these deaths over the last four months which have dressed me in mourning, that this last death, even, to which Valentine has just succumbed, that all these deaths are not natural.
MADAME DANGLARS
No, I wasn't thinking of that.
VILLEFORT
In fact, you were thinking of it, Madame, and you were saying under your breath in looking at me, "You who pursue criminals, look, why is crime all around you, near you, even in your house, crimes which remain unpunished?" You were saying this, weren't you, Madame?
MADAME DANGLARS
Well, yes, I admit it.
VILLEFORT
I am going to reply: There are crimes which remain unpunished because the criminal is unknown, and one fears to strike an innocent instead of a guilty head. But when the criminals are known, by the living God! Madame, whoever they are, they will die! And now after the oath I have just taken and to which I will carry out, dare to ask me mercy for this criminal.
MADAME DANGLARS
Eh! Sir, are you completely certain he is entirely unworthy of pity? Some are criminals through circumstances, if he was born without parents to watch over his youth, he had been an example to the society which repressed him, and he brings down on himself the care of magistrates and the rigors of the law.
VILLEFORT
For God, Madame, never ask from me pity for a criminal! What am I if not the law which you just spoke of, and that society invokes to guarantee its security? Does the law have eyes to see your sadness? Does the law have ears to hear your soft voice? Does the law have a memory to apply your delicate thoughts? No, the law orders and what it orders it enforces. You may tell me that I am a living being and not a code, look at me, Madame, look around me. Do men treat me as their brother? Have they loved me? Have they been kind to me? Have they spared me? Since I have failed myself even, and more profoundly than others, I admit it, well, since that time, I have worn the vestments of authority to find the ulcer, and I have always found it, this hidden perversity of humanity for each man that I perceive as guilty, seems to me a living proof, a new proof that I was a hideous exception. Alas! Alas! Alas! All the world is evil, Madame, let's prove it, and let's destroy the evil ones!
MADAME DANGLARS
But they told me that this young man was a vagabond, an orphan, abandoned by everyone.
VILLEFORT
So much the better, Madame; his father won't blush for his shame; his mother won't weep for his death.
MADAME DANGLARS
But it's to prey on the weak, sir.
VILLEFORT
The weak who commit murder.
MADAME DANGLARS
His dishonor will rebound on my house.
VILLEFORT
Doesn't death inhabit mine?
MADAME DANGLARS
Ah, sir, you are without pity for others, well, I tell you this, there will be no pity for you.
VILLEFORT
So be it! It's a long while since I took up the challenge. I will keep up the fight till the end.
MADAME DANGLARS
But at least remit the case to the next session; that will give six months for it to be forgotten in.
VILLEFORT
Not at all, Madame. The guilty man has been arrested. Today the case begins. Today in this very office I will interrogate the offender. There are fifteen days here before the next sessions. It's more time than needed for him to appear and be judged. And, I too, Madame, I must forget. Well, when I work there are moments when I do not remember anymore and then I am happy, happy in the manner of the dead, it's true, but that's much better than suffering. Today I will interrogate him, in fifteen days he will be indicted, his trial will take place and he will be condemned.
(Mr. D'Avrigny enters during these last words.)
MADAME DANGLARS
Ah! You don't tell me what they say about us. Goodbye, sir.
VILLEFORT
Goodbye, Madame.
(She leaves.)
VILLEFORT
Come! Come! Ten thieves, four arsonists, a murderer! It will be a terrible session.
D'AVRIGNY
Yes, especially if you add four poisonings.
VILLEFORT
Four poisonings! Oh, Doctor, doctor. I was forgetting and there you go making me remember.
D'AVRIGNY
Yes, for I believe, sir, that it is time we acted. I believe it is time we opposed a dam to this torrent of mortality which spreads over your house and when I said that it is time, I ought to say it is very late.
VILLEFORT
Doctor!
D'AVRIGNY
As for me, sir, I don't feel myself capable of keeping such secrets much longer without hope of doing something soon for the vengeance of society and the victims. Look, be a magistrate, interpret the law and honor yourself by a complete immolation.
VILLEFORT
You make me shiver, doctor, an immolation?
D'AVRIGNY
Listen! Death strikes at your door. She enters, she goes not like a blind woman, but intelligent creature that she is, she goes from room to room. Well, I have traced her and I recognize her track.
VILLEFORT
Speak, doctor, I will have courage.
D'AVRIGNY
Well, sir, you have in your home, in your house, one of those monsters that each century exhausts itself in producing.
VILLEFORT
Doctor!
D'AVRIGNY
I suspected Valentine.
VILLEFORT
Oh, you suspected her, the chaste and pure virgin.
D'AVRIGNY
Alas, death itself came to me to tell me I was mistaken and I could only obstinately repeat "Qui Beno -- who profits?"
VILLEFORT
And you found?
D'AVRIGNY
Follow the path of the criminal. First the murder of Mr. de St. Meran.
VILLEFORT
Doctor!
D'AVRIGNY
Murdered, I tell you, he murdered Mr. de St. Meran; he murdered Madame de Saint Meran; then he murdered Valentine -- listen, listen carefully.
VILLEFORT
Oh, I am not missing a word although each word breaks my heart.
D'AVRIGNY
Valentine inherited from Mr. and Madame de Saint Meran. It was necessary to kill them both for the entire fortune to be reunited on the head of Valentine, and -- once that was done, to kill Valentine in her turn.
VILLEFORT
But why do that?
D'AVRIGNY
So that you would inherit from your daughter, Valentine, and that your son, Edward, could inherit from you.
VILLEFORT
Oh, pity, D'Avrigny, pity!
D'AVRIGNY
No pity, sir! Do you, when you ask pity for yourself, give it? Didn't you just now, when Madame Danglars asked for pity, reply "I am the law?" No, besides a doctor has a sacred mission -- it's to fulfill that he goes back to the sources of life and that he descends into the mysterious shadows of death. When crime has been committed and when God, doubtless dismayed, turns away from the criminal it's the doctor who says -- there he is.
VILLEFORT
Oh, mercy, mercy for her.
D'AVRIGNY
Oh! You see quite clearly you know who.
VILLEFORT
Doctor, I no longer resist, I no longer defend myself, I believe you, but from pity, spare her life, spare my honor.
D'AVRIGNY
Mr. de Villefort, if your wife was only at her first crime, and I saw her planning a second, I would say to you, "Stop her, punish her, let her spend the rest of her life in a cloister, in a convent, praying and weeping," but she's witnessed one after another four death throes, she has contemplated four dying people, and she has kneeled for four bodies. To the executioner with the poisoner! To the executioner!
VILLEFORT
Well, so be it, doctor, only swear to me that the terrible secret will remain between us.
D'AVRIGNY
If she dies, yes, if she is punished.
VILLEFORT
She will be punished; she will die!
D'AVRIGNY
That's fine. I know you won't engage your word in vain. The secret protects you, my friend.
(Villefort rings.)
VILLEFORT
(to a servant who entered)
Tell Madame to come down and that I wish to speak to her.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
(entering)
Here I am, sir. Oh, My God! Why are you so pale? You will kill yourself, sir, with this incessant and nocturnal work.
VILLEFORT
Edward, go play in the garden, I have to speak to your mother.
EDWARD
Tell me papa, what are they going to do to Mr. Benedetto?
VILLEFORT
Go to the garden, Edward, I already told you, do you hear me? Go.
EDWARD
Mama!
(Villefort takes the child by the arm and leads him to the door giving on the garden.)
VILLEFORT
Go, my child.
(to Doctor)
Goodbye, my friend.
D'AVRIGNY
Remember your oath.
VILLEFORT
Rest assured, what is sworn is sworn.
(He closes the door and returns somber and pale to his wife.)
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, my God, what's wrong?
VILLEFORT
Madame, where did you put the poison you are in the habit of using?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
What are you saying, sir? I don't understand you.
VILLEFORT
I am asking you in what corner you hide the poison with which you killed my father-in-law, Mr. de St. Meran, Madame de Saint Meran, Barrois, and Valentine.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh! My God, what are you saying to me?
VILLEFORT
It's up to you to answer, not to ask question, Madame.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
But to whom must I reply, sir? To a husband or to a judge?
VILLEFORT
To the judge, Madame, to the judge!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, sir, I beg you, don't believe in appearances.
VILLEFORT
Oh! I've doubted too long, Madame, since my doubt left you time to kill Valentine.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Sir, I swear to you.
VILLEFORT
Are you a coward, Madame -- ? Truly, I've noticed it -- poisoners are cowards! Are you a coward, you who had the awful courage to see die before you three old folks and a young woman murdered by you?
VILLEFORT
Oh, sir!
VILLEFORT
Are you a coward? You who counted one by one the minutes of four deaths, you who so cleverly made your infernal plans, you who compounded your infamous mixtures with a facility and precision so marvelous? Have you forgotten to calculate a single thing, that could lead you to reveal your crimes? No, you thought of everything and you carefully concealed a poison so sweet, so subtle, more murderous than others to escape punishment that was your due. You have done that, I hope at least?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Well, yes, yes, sir, all this is true and I am indeed guilty, but since I admit.
VILLEFORT
Yes, yes, admit, but the admission is its own judge, the admission creates its last moment, the admission comes when denial is impossible, this admission in no way diminishes the punishment inflicted on the malefactor.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Punishment, sir, punishment! You've used that word twice already.
VILLEFORT
Doubtless. Do you think to escape because you are guilty four times over? Is it because you are the wife of the one who requires this punishment that you thought the punishment would be spared your head? Be she who she may, the scaffold awaits the poisoner.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
My God, sir, pardon, but I still doubt that it is to me that you address these terrible words. What do you mean to say? And what do you demand?
VILLEFORT
I mean to say, Madame, that the wife of a magistrate cannot foul with her infamy a name that till today is without blemish, and cannot dishonor by the same act her husband and her child. Where is the poison which you usually use, Madame?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
No, no, you don't want it.
VILLEFORT
What I don't wish, Madame, is for you to perish on the scaffold, do you understand?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, sir, pity!
VILLEFORT
What I want is for justice to be done! I am on earth to punish. To any other guilty woman like you, were she a queen, I would send her to the scaffold. But to you, I said "Where is your poison? Answer quickly, Madame, where is your poison?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Oh, for our child, in the name of our child, oh! Let me live!
VILLEFORT
No, no, no! If I let you live, one day, you will poison him like the others.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Me, kill my child? Me, kill Edward? Oh, you are mad, sir!
VILLEFORT
Think of it, Madame! There is one guilty, less guilty than you. If in ten minutes, that is to say when I have interrogated him, if justice has not been done, the guards who escort this murderer will take you both away.
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Impossible, sir, impossible.
VILLEFORT
You doubt it?
(he goes to the door at the right and opens it)
Enter.
(The police enter, holding between them, Benedetto who has handcuffs on.)
VILLEFORT
(going to his wife)
If, after the questioning of this man is completed, I find you still alive, you will sleep in prison tonight. Go!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Ah, Edward, my Edward!
(She rushes into the garden.)
BENEDETTO
Oh, oh, say, looks like I came at a bad time.
VILLEFORT
(at his desk)
Come here and answer me.
BENEDETTO
Ah, it's Mr. de Villefort with whom I had the honor to dine at Auteuil at the home of Count of Monte Cristo. Your servant, Mr. de Villefort.
VILLEFORT
Were you unaware that it was I who would have to question you?
BENEDETTO
I thought so and I will admit to you, I was sort of hoping for it.
VILLEFORT
Silence! And let's stop the familiarities, I am no longer Mr. de Villefort since as you are no longer the Count Andrea Cavalcanti. You are a suspect, and I represent justice. Approach and reply.
BENEDETTO
Very well said, Mr. de Villefort; but, if you want me to speak you'll have to question me without witnesses. I have lots of things to tell you -- word of honor! -- and you won't be upset when I've told you these things, to have heard them alone.
VILLEFORT
Accused, your name?
BENEDETTO
I've already had the honor of telling you that I won't answer in front of these gentlemen.
VILLEFORT
And why?
BENEDETTO
Because I have revelations to make to you.
VILLEFORT
Revelations! And about whom?
BENEDETTO
About a very highly placed individual.
VILLEFORT
All interrogations must be public.
BENEDETTO
Eh! What prevents you from making it public if you wish. But first of all what do you want to do? Interrogate me face to face, I have a great malefactor to denounce to you.
(he advances to speak these words, police officers rise to restrain him)
Eh! Don't be afraid.
VILLEFORT
Leave me alone with this man.
(the police officers hesitate)
Go, I tell you. If he attempts some violence.
(He takes two pistols from his desk which he places near him.)
BENEDETTO
Go! Go! I've seen people who weren't as brave as that. This makes me proud.
(The police go out.)
VILLEFORT
Now, you see we are alone. Will you reply now? Your name?
BENEDETTO
Do you mind beginning with my age? I want to answer you first by what I know best.
VILLEFORT
Your age then?
BENEDETTO
I'm twenty-one years old, or rather I would be in several days.
(Villefort writes)
Having been born on the night of 27-28 September, 1817.
VILLEFORT
What are you saying then?
BENEDETTO
The pure truth.
VILLEFORT
(aside)
It's a coincidence.
(aloud)
Where were you born?
BENEDETTO
In Auteuil, near Paris.
VILEFORT
In Auteuil! Your name?
BENEDETTO
Ah, my name, I cannot tell you because I don't know it, but I can tell you the name of my father.
VILLEFORT
Of your father? Well -- speak --
BENEDETTO
His name's Gerard? Yes, that's right. He's got several names, you see, and I'm afraid of getting mixed up.
VILLEFORT
Gerard?
BENEDETTO
Gerard Noirtier de Villefort.
VILLEFORT
Young man, you lie.
BENEDETTO
Oh -- you know very well that I don't.
VILLEFORT
But in the information before me, you declared your name to be Benedetto, you said you were an orphan and you gave Corsica as your home.
BENEDETTO
What do you want! At this period I didn't know any more than the others. But, since then, a brave man from Corsica, a kind of father that I had, really wanted to put me "au courant" of all these little things, which he considered might be of use to me -- so I repeat to you, I was born on the night of 27-28th of September, 1817. I was born in Auteuil, #28 Rue de la Fontaine, I am the son of Mr. Gerard Noistier de Villefort. Now, do you want other details? I am going to give them to you. I was born in the second floor of the house, in a room hung with red drapes. My father took me in his arms, telling mommy I was dead, and took me into the garden where he buried me alive. Do you want still more proofs? Well, look in a mirror and see how pale you are!
VILLEFORT
Well, yes, it's true I am pale, well, yes it's true you were born in house #28, well, yes, it's true you are my son. Now, what have you to hope and what do you wish to come of it?
BENEDETTO
Oh, it's very simple, I am saying to myself, "When I'm in a tete-a-tete with my father, when he sees that he has only to remove my cuffs and to open the garden door for me to decamp, well, he will remove my cuffs and open the garden door and I will decamp.
VILLEFORT
You were saying that to yourself?
BENEDETTO
My word, yes.
VILLEFORT
And you didn't think I might have another way of getting rid of you?
VALENTINE
No, and yet I am not lacking in imagination. That's what I believe.
VILLEFORT
You didn't think for example, I could blow your head off with a pistol shot, and say you attempted to flee.
(he puts the pistol to his face)
And thus let your secret and mine disappear in a whiff of smoke.
BENEDETTO
(terrified)
Help me! Help!
VILLEFORT
I would have time to kill you ten times, wretch, before they came in answer to your voice, for mine alone commands here. But I've said I won't kill you, and I won't let you escape. I am not a man, I am the law -- heavy, blind, implacable to all that is criminal for myself as well as for others. Guards!
(the police return)
Take the accused back to his prison -- and keep watch over him. He's a great malefactor, go!
BENEDETTO
Ah, my word, he is still much stronger than I.
(Benedetto leaves with the police.)
VILLEFORT
(alone)
Well, so be it, justice for all. The expiation will make the crime forgotten; the honor of the judge will cover the infamy of the murderer. Ah, only I need to hold on to something -- my son, my child! My Edward!
(He rings. A servant enters.)
VILLEFORT
Find my son! And bring him to me!
SERVANT
Do you know where he is, sir?
VILLEFORT
No, call him! Find him!
SERVANT
Madame took him to the garden about a quarter of an hour ago more or less. Madame took him to her rooms and we haven't seen him since.
VILLEFORT
Madame took him with her and you haven't seen him since?
SERVANT
No, sir, but we can go to Madame's rooms.
VILLEFORT
No, leave me, I will go myself.
(The servant leaves.)
VILLEFORT
Oh! My child! What has she done to my child?
(going to the door)
The door's locked! Open, Hermione, open!
(The door opens, Madame de Villefort is on her feet, cold and pale.)
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Sir, what do you want now? I have obeyed.
VILLEFORT
You've obeyed.
(she lets a small empty bottle fall)
And my son, where is my son?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
There.
VILLEFORT
What do you mean to say?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
There!
(She points to the next room. Villefort rushes in and brings back the lifeless child.)
VILLEFORT
My son! My son! Oh, he's fainted! Help! Help!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
Useless.
VILLEFORT
What do you mean?
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
You know how I loved my son, since it is for my son that I became a criminal.
VILLEFORT
Well?
MADAME DANGLARS
Well, a good mother does not leave without her child.
VILLEFORT
Ah!
MADAME DE VILLEFORT
(tearing the child from his arms)
Come, Edward.
(She rolls on the ground with the child -- both dead.)
VILLEFORT
(becoming mad)
Edward! My child! Edward!
(he rings)
Come, come everyone.
(the servants enter)
Where is Edward? Oh, I will find him, give me a spade.
(the servants look on dismayed)
Yes, a spade, a spade! It's useless for you to pretend you haven't buried him. Give me a spade and I will find him. I will find him even if I have to search till the day of the last judgment.
ALL
(with horror)
He's mad.
(curtain)
The island of Monte Cristo, moonlight.
MONTE CRISTO
This way, Morrel, this way.
MAXIMILIAN
Have we finally arrived?
MONTE CRISTO
Yes -- do you recognize this grotto?
MAXIMILIAN
Yes, it's the one where I first saw you; yes, Count, I recognize it.
MONTE CRISTO
These eight days of absence, of voyaging have not consoled you?
MAXIMILIAN
Here, take my hand, Count, put your finger on the vein, count the pulsations, you will see that it beats neither more nor less slowly than usually. You have spoken of waiting and hoping. Do you know what you have done, wretched sage that you are? I've waited, that is to say I've suffered. I've hoped. Oh, man is a poor and miserable creature. What have I hoped? I don't know. Some unknown thing, absurd, senseless, a miracle! What? God alone can say it. But I loved that poor dead girl so much, this poor angel that I've lost, lives so obstinantly in my memory, in my hopes, that for eight days I am tired of finding my Valentine in life, she that I can only find again in the arms of death. Today the delay you demanded expires, my friend. Today is the fifth of October. It is eleven o'clock in the evening. I still have an hour to live. The idea that in a hour I won't have to suffer any more is soothing to my poor heart.
MONTE CRISTO
You regret nothing of this world?
MAXIMILIAN
No.
MONTE CRISTO
Not even me?
MAXIMILIAN
Count!
MONTE CRISTO
What! there remains a regret to you and you will die?
MAXIMILIAN
Oh, I beg you, not another word! Oh -- don't prolong my misery.
MONTE CRISTO
Well, you wish it, Morrel, you are inflexible; so being profoundly miserable, you deserve that a miracle to make you happy. Look!
(A veiled figure mounts the rocks in the distance, approaching slowly, raising her veil, Valentine is recognized, crowned with white roses.)
MAXIMILIAN
Is heaven opening for me? This angel resembles the one I lost.
VALENTINE
Maximilian! Maximilian!
MAXIMILIAN
Valentine! Valentine!
VALENTINE
Maximilian, my beloved!
MONTE CRISTO
Valentine, henceforth you have no right to separate from the one who is here, for to find you again, he threw himself in your tomb. Without me, you would both be dead. I give you to each other. My task is accomplished. I have punished wrong-doers. I have rewarded the good. My God, if I've been mistaken, have mercy on me -- and let the good I have done outweigh the evil in your infallible scales, O my God!
(curtain)