The Count of Monte Cristo XLII Summary

Summary

The chapter opens with the Count of Monte Cristo arriving at the house Ali has chosen for him on the Champs-Élysées, attracting curious onlookers by the display of his carriage and horses. The residence is described: an isolated house with a central clump of shrubs, two carriage alleys, a double portico and porcelain vases; it has a second entrance on the Rue de Ponthieu. The Count is greeted by Ali and Bertuccio; Bertuccio acts with evident deference and unusual agitation. A notary is waiting in the small salon to complete the sale of a country house the Count intends to purchase. The Count behaves with casual detachment, revealing he has only just arrived from Cadiz and has never been to Paris before, surprising the notary.

The notary tells him the property is at Auteuil, which visibly terrifies Bertuccio. The Count pretends he bought it on a whim, taken in by the advertisement calling it a "country house," but decides to keep it. He signs the deed quickly, pays the notary, and dismisses him. Alone, he consults a locked book of notes that confirms the deed's address—Rue de la Fontaine, No. 28—and reflects that he will soon learn more. He summons Bertuccio, who reveals nervousness about the environs of Paris and particularly about Auteuil. The Count insists Bertuccio accompany him that evening to the new property; Bertuccio, though clearly disturbed, follows his master's orders and prepares to go, delivering the carriage and taking his place with Monte Cristo for the short drive to Auteuil.

Key events

1. The Count arrives at his new Champs-Élysées house and is received by Ali and Bertuccio.
2. A notary completes the sale of the 'country' house the Count purchased; it is revealed to be in Auteuil.
3. Bertuccio reacts with visible terror when Auteuil is named.
4. The Count signs the deed, pays the notary, and keeps the property despite its proximity to Paris.
5. The Count consults his locked notebook and confirms the exact address.
6. Monte Cristo orders Bertuccio to accompany him to Auteuil; Bertuccio obeys, though shaken.

Analysis

This chapter functions as a pivot: it anchors Monte Cristo in Paris and introduces a clear point of tension around Auteuil and Bertuccio's reaction. The narrative juxtaposes the Count's composed, controlling exterior with Bertuccio's nervousness, suggesting hidden history connected to the purchased house. The scene reinforces Monte Cristo's power and meticulousness—he moves with speed, commands servants, signs deeds without hesitation, and keeps a locked notebook of private information. Dumas uses setting description (isolated house, shrubbery, dual entrances) to underline the Count's desire for controlled privacy and appearances; the 'country house' advertised for Auteuil serves as an ironic symbol of appearances versus reality.

Structurally, the chapter moves the plot from public spectacle to private investigation: the crowd that marvels at the carriage contrasts with the intimate unease in the salon. The notary's comic astonishment and Bertuccio's pallor provide character contrast and foreshadow that the Auteuil property will reveal buried secrets. The locked book motif and the Count's habit of consulting written evidence emphasize the novel's recurring reliance on documents, records, and deliberate planning. Narrative technique blends detailed description, dialogue, and a discreetly omniscient narrator who allows small gestures (a gesture, a faltering step) to reveal inner states, signaling that the quiet domestic scene will have greater significance.

Important quotes

““Thanks, M. Bertuccio,” said the count, springing lightly up the three steps of the portico; “and the notary?””

Monte CristoIntroduces the Count's arrival and his immediate, familiar command of his steward Bertuccio.

““It is not yet too late,” cried Bertuccio, eagerly; “and if your excellency will entrust me with the commission, I will find you a better at Enghien, at Fontenay-aux-Roses, or at Bellevue.””

BertuccioShows Bertuccio's urgent desire to prevent the purchase of the Auteuil property and his anxiety about its location.

““It is more —it is magnificent.””

the notaryThe notary's flattering description reflects the salesman's attempt to secure the Count's purchase and highlights the Count's superficial acceptance of the property's appeal.

Characters in XLII

• Monte Cristo
• Bertuccio
• Ali
• Baron Danglars
• the notary
• the concierge
• the coachman
• the French footman