"Do you think I like being the Count of Monte Cristo?" "He's a terrifying man - ruthless and cold..." "I didn't want to become that man." "I was happy just being Edmond Dantes..." "I expected nothing more from life But they ruined it..." "Villefort, Morcef, Danglars and even that worn Caderousse." "Who knew all but said nothing..." "By killing the sailor who asked for nothing they created the avenger who's back for his dues." "Too bad for them..." "I don't want your soup." "Don't bring me any..." "I don't want to eat any more." "I want to die..." "Don't be afraid." "Help me..." " Who are you?" " Father Faria." "And you?" "I'm Number 34." "But my name used to be Dantes." "Edmond Dantes." "How long have you been here?" "I don't know any more." "In the beginning." "I counted the days..." "But I don't know any more..." "Today is 11th February." "11th February?" "Yes, It's February." "That's why I'm cold." "February, but what year?" "1833?" "I've been here for 18 years." "They robbed me of the sunlight." "They stole my love my youth my future." "Edmond Dantes?" "Edmond Dantes?" "I have a warrant for your arrest by Mr. De Villefort, Crown Prosecutor... in the name of the law follow me." "My friends, carry on enjoying yourselves." "I'll be right back..." "Easy..." "This letter denouncing you is anonymous..." "Any idea what you're accused of?" "None at all Prosecutor." "I can't see what harm I could have done..." "I'm just back from a long trip to the East Indies on Morrel's Pharaon..." "Where you served as first mate?" "How did you come to take command?" "As I said in my last report." "The captain died of fever off Gibraltar." "Surely I'm not accused of killing him." "No, of disembarking on Elba." "Did you?" "Yes Where's the harm?" "The ex-emperor Napoleon's aide gave you a letter?" "Didn't you know contact with the former tyrant is forbidden?" "I acted on my captain's orders." "Before he died, he made me swear to fetch the letter." "I didn't want to..." "You're not a Bonapartist?" "I'm a sailor." " I'm never in France long enough to care about politics." "How could I deny a dying man his last wish?" "He was the sole master, after God of the ship on witch I served." "Maritime law demands strict obedience." "Good defence." "I'm not defending myself." "The truth does." "I believe you, young man." "It's settled." "We know what to think of anonymous letters I get a dozen a day." "Unchain him." " Am I free?" " Better, you're innocent." "Justice can't reproach your compassion for a dying man..." "I'm returning you to your fiancee." "I'm going back to my own engagement party." "What a strange coincidence." "All my best wishes." "Our fiancees may become friends." "They'll ruin us at the same dressmaker's." "One more thing, Captain." "This letter from Elba do you still have it?" "Certainly." "Do you remember the name and address on it?" "Of course." "I intended to deliver it myself." "A certain Mr. Noirtier, 13 rue du Coq-Heron." "I think." "I intend to flee and reclaim power." "Eliminate Condenance my most dangerous adversary..." "You have my complete trust, Napoleon." "Edmond Dantes." "I must arrest you." "What?" "But you just said..." "Take him to the Chateau d'If." "Isolate him." "You have no right." "Quiet Very serious accusations hang over you." "Stop." "Damn you, Villefort." "One day I'll kill you." "Villefort's reaction and sudden change of mind was caused by..." "The name of the man to whom I was to deliver the letter." "Noirtier, rue du Coq-Heron, Paris." "The name isn't familiar?" "No, I sailed off the coasts of Africa rounded the Cape of Good Hope, put into Colombo and Bombay." "I've never been to Paris." "I don't know anyone." "Noirtier's full name is Noirtier de Villefort, the Crown Prosecutor's father." "He's reputed for his Bonapartist sympathies." "The letter must have been compromising for Villefort's father." "That makes sense." "That explains why they let me rot here without so much as a trial." "But Napoleon is dead." "Bonapartist conspiracies are meaningless." "For Villefort, danger is everywhere." "If you're tried." "You'll talk about the letter." "For his father and career, Villefort didn't hesitate to sacrifice me and bury me alive." "Remember the other letter." "The anonymous letter denouncing me as the Emperor's courier." "Since I've been in this hole I haven't stopped turning things over in my mind." "I find it hard to accept the truth." "But for me today, ...that letter... isn't anonymous." "Don't be ashamed Jesus cried when he was betrayed." "People think they were tears of fear." "The fear of torture." "Maybe he cried because Judas betrayed him." "Judas was his friend." "Look what he did." "Jesus didn't take revenge." "He was God and had duties." "But you're a man and you have rights." "We'll report his death after our shift." "The night round can take him to the cemetery." "We'll put him in a bag or the animals will start eating him." "I sought and found Faria." "The most beautiful treasure." "Freedom, Faria." "I found it." "He's heavy for an old man who was just skin and bones." "It's the ball." "We should have weighed him down at the cemetery." "Are they after you?" "I can hide you." "We could have some fun." "I've no money." "They say I smell like the sea and move like a mermaid." "How about it." "Sailor?" "I'm not expensive." "I've a woman waiting for me." "Father, open up please It's Edmond." "I'm in danger." "Excuse me, isn't Mr. Dantes here?" "Not for a long time." "Has he gone elsewhere?" "Yes, elsewhere." "Far away?" "Very far away." "He's dead, They arrested his son and threw him in jail so the old man died." "Of hunger." "When his son was taken away he stopped eating He just wanted to die." " it can't be" " To be with his dear Edmond." "with God." "Edmond wasn't dead." "He must have been." "Many people enquired about him." "No one seemed to know anything." "It was so long ago What's the point of digging it all up?" "You look like a sailor." "Show us your papers." " Of course" " Hurry up." "I've had to show them three times." "I can't remember where I put them." "What do you want with my grandson?" "He's never hurt anyone." "Your grandson?" "Without him." "I'd have died long ago." "Maybe I should have done..." "You mustn't talk like that." "Forgive us." "We weren't to know." "We're after a escapee..." "You won't find him here." "All we hide is our poverty." "Why did you do that?" "I don't know who you are." "I'd rather lot." "But I did that because earlier, you defended the memory of old Dantes." "I'm looking for Senorita Mercedes." "I knocked on her door but she's not in." "You must know her." "Mercedes Igualada." "She's Catalan." "Where have you been?" "She's been gone for almost 20 years." "Gone where?" "They talked of Paris at the time, I think." "She never came back." "What about Fernand Mondego, her cousin?" "Maybe he knows where she is." "He's gone too." "He joined the army." "Well, my friend you're eating like a rat." "What ship are you on?" "No boat." "I was on a sailing ship in Malta but it was wrecked." "It happens." "The Jeune Amelie is a strong ship and I'm a good boss." "An offer?" "One of my men was arrested and I've a meeting off the coast tonight." "With this wind and a small crew, I could use a hand." " Contraband?" " Mind your business and I'll mind mine." "Will you do it?" " Where are you going?" " Italy." "That's all you need to know." "The wind is astern, Captain." "We need a square sail." "Square?" "Yes." "And slacken the jibs There's not enough belly." "Sea bass stuffed with minced langoustine and sea urchins grilled over fennel and flanbe with aniseed liqueur." "Covered with a tomato veloute spiced with saffron." "Bertuccio is a hopeless sailor, but a wonderful chef." "Before joining us he was chef to Count Fariatti." "A rich Tuscan." "You know them." "Always imagining they're being robbed or tricked." "Your chef's a thief?" "And you?" "Who are you?" " There's a beacon to starboard" " Steady?" "No." "Here one secunde, gone the next." "That's the signal." "All on deck." "I smell Turkish tobacco." "Monte Cristo Island?" "An island?" "That's a big name for a piece of rock." "Can you leave me there?" "On Monte Cristo?" "It won't be much of a detour." "I don't want to lose a good sailor like you." "You'd be mad to leave now." "Until I sell the tabacco we loaded tonight." "I can't pay you." "Ali I want is to be left on the island for a week until you return from Italy." "What can a man like you do on that rock?" "When Lazarus rose from his grave, no one asked questions." "The silence of the dead must be respected." "May God forgive me for turning His son into a knife." " This will give you strength" " It's too late." "Before I go, I want to give you something." "To reveal a secret no one ever believed." "But you will... as you believe in God." " Do I believe in God?" " It's like my secret." "Until you see it, you have doubts." "But when you do, you'll be dazzled." "A treasure Because I'm rich." "My child." "Immensely rich." "Over there." "An island." "An island?" "What island?" "Monte Cristo." "The island of Monte Cristo." "It's surrounded by reefs." "I can't risk getting closer." "I'm a good swimmer." "See you in a week, You'll miss my cooking." "That's not all." "Don't you know who he is?" " Remember the Chateau d'If cannon?" " So?" "That's why I wanted to keep him on board." "But he could have fled in Italy." "He can't escape from Monte Cristo." "in Italy I'm wanted by the police." "Don't worry." "You're not worth a noose." "He's different." "Chateau d'If prisoners aren't lowly scum." "They're the cream." "A cave." "Faria." "Give me a sign." "I'll do the rest." "Don't abandon me." "Show me." "The treasure belonged to Count Spada who was poisoned by Cesare Borgia." "Help me." "I'm a descendent of the Spadas." "The treasure was too well hidden." "... eve for a Borgia." "Poor old man." "He didn't know what he was saying." "It's only natural." "I was delirious too." "Anyway." "...What would I have done with that treasure?" "Faria, what would I have done with that treasure?" "A cave with gems buried in the night." "But you I'll release them from the night." "You I'll make them shine brighter than the sun." "They will be yours, All yours." "Are you really sure?" "It's that one." "You're sure that's Monte Cristo Island?" "Sir, it's Bertuccio." "Sir." "Don't hide." "Don't hide." "I've come to save your life." "Save me?" "What's all this?" "I swear it's true." "The captain wanted to turn you in to the French for the reward." "So you want that reward." "How many are you?" "You're wrong." "Stay away." "I'm alone apart from Jeppe, the fisherman who brought me here." "Tell him to disembark, I'll take his boat ad you'll be my sailor." "He earns his living with his boat." "He's a poor man." "He's rich now." "Why didn't you want old Jeppe?" "You two could have got rid of me." "I know you." "Who am I?" "A cook who doesn't even have a knife." "A thief who looted his master." "But you wont get me." "You're obsessed by being attacked." "Why?" "Do you have a fortune in there?" "Don't try to be mysterious." "It's clear." "...if not to collect the loot he hid before his arrest?" "It's not loot." "It's an inheritance." "You just gave yourself away." "You came back out of greed." "Not charity." "You don't have a knife." "But I do Back to the sails." "You're mistaken." "Even if your chest is full of diamonds as big as the one you gave Jeppe I'm not interested in the least." "Bertuccio's word." "Ali I ask is for you to take me as your servant." "I don't need anyone." "We're not headed for France." "Well spotted." "We're going to Italy." "Forgive me but I'm not sure I understand." "Who do you work for?" "I have the honour of being my own master and living off my fortune." "And you claim to be in a position to acquire... 51% of the capital of your bank, Why 51%?" "To have the freedom to act as I please wherever inspiration leads me." "Do you see?" "No." "He doesn't see." "This joke has gone on long enough." "Listen." "May friend..." "Count." "Pardon?" ""My friend" isn't offensive but you should say "Count"." "Count?" "Yes, Count of Monte Cristo." " That's you?" " Yes." "If you don't wish to deal with me." "Say so now." " I'll go elsewhere" " Elsewhere?" "To buy another bank?" "Please excuse me." "Before our meeting, I left a chest in your strong-room." " You may have it opened" " I already have." "Have you examined the contents of the chest?" "Yes, but..." "But what?" "There's a lot of silver, gold." "Jewellery..." "Thank you." "Leave us." "What I've just heard is incredible." "Quite simply stupefying." "Why have we never heard of..." "Monte Cristo?" "That's because I've hardly ever left my castle." "Your castle?" "Of course." "It must be splendid." "Where is it?" "On an island." "Far away in the East." "Might I know, Count... what great honour made you choose us?" "Doesn't Morrel." "The shipowner from Marseille, bank with you?" "For me, that's a reference." "It seems Mr Morrel... has been the victim of unfortunate circumstances lately." "He has lost a lot of ships." "He only has one left the Pharaon..." "The future or." "More realistically, the survival..." "Of Morrel and Son depends entirely on the success of this voyage." "A long voyage which will take a year." "During which you'll suspend Morrel's debt repayments." "That seems imprudent." "The greatest imprudence, dear sir... is to question my orders." "is to question my orders." "Quickly, to Marseille." "Please." "Father..." "What can Father Busoni do for you?" "I let you settle in first Restoring this house can't have been easy." "With Goïs help you can do anything." "My poor old legs won't carry me to the church to confess." "You absolve me?" "And my sins?" ""That which you do to the least among you is done unto me" The Lorïs words." "it's God who owes you." "It works, Bertuccio The old woman was fooled." "She wanted to confess to me." "It may be the last time I say "I forgive you"." "Father Busoni requires more work." "The nose is fine and the voice good enough." "But there's something missing in the eyes." "You see I tell you everything." "Maybe too much." "I hope I'm right to trust you." "After all, you're a chicken thief punishable by jail or even hard labour." "So don't betray me or my vengeance will be," "Terrifying I know." "Let me tell you something." "To live among free men again." "You must learn to give your trust." "To me at least." "Who is heartedly I'll confess something." "To prove your trust is well-founded and to place myself at your mercy I'll tell you my name." "The man the police want is called Viscoli." "My real name is Benedetto Francesco Viscoli." "I suppose you expect the same from me." "I'm a chef who hides his recipes so you don't have to divulge your secrets." "I'll give you some sort of credit." "When you ask, I'll tell you who the Count of Monte Cristo is." "God bless you." "How far is the Pont du Gard inn?" "A league, Father." "But I wouldn't stay there." "Why not?" "They say the innkeeper and his maid are scoundrels." "You look flustered." "Someone important is coming." "In Father Busoni, You're Caderousse." "Aren't you?" "You know me?" "By reputation." "You ran La Posada Inn near the Catalan village?" "Yes." "But I chose to leave Marseille." "Yes, its a dangerous town isn't it?" "Where its easy to fall into bad company." "Carconte." "Can't you see he's starving." "Would you like some excellent wine from Beaucaire?" "With pleasure." "Take a seat." "But I didn't come here." "...for your food or wine." " hat for, then?" " For your memory, Mr. Caderousse." "Do you remember a certain Edmond Dantes?" "Edmond Dantes?" "Do I know Edmond Dantes?" "Yes." "A little." "He used to come to La Posada for a glass of Bamdol." "I haven't seen him for ages." "You wont again now he's dead." "He's dead?" "I gave him the last rites and heard his final confession." "De Profundis as you people say." "But he cant have had much to confess." "A better man never walked the earth." "I see you liked him." "He liked you too." "Just before he died he begged me to find the only true friends he had." "whom he'd always loved." "Fernand Mondego Eugene Danglars and you my dear Caderousse." "Why find us if he's dead." "What do you mean?" "Don't ask me how he came by this diamond." "It's a confessional secret." "But the fact is this gem is valued at 50.000 francs." "Dantes asked me to distribute the proceeds from its sale among his friends such as you." "Even divided between three it's a considerable sum." "Undoubtedly." "Father." "But maybe we should think twice before sharing it." "Of course he couldn't have known." "Known what?" "Fernand Mondego." "Eugene Danglars whom Dantes thought his friends..." "You'll accuse me... of slander." "Speak up." "My friend." "You can speak." "They wrote the letter that put him in jail." "Well." "You seem to know a great deal." "You know When you serve people." "You can't help hearing what they say." "But I had nothing to do with their dirty plot." "You can see for yourself I'm still poor." " And them?" " Them?" "It seems there's no justice here below." "I hey didn't hang around after Dantes was arrested." "Danglars went to Paris and made millions." "He founded a bank." " He's now a baron" " Him?" "Fernand did better." "He joined the army and served under Ali Pasha... who made him a rich general." "He too lives in Paris now as Count of Morcerf." "He's a peer of France." "I see." "I hope you see it would be wrong to share the diamond with them." "I hey don't deserve it." "It's not like me and my poor maid." "Aren't you well?" "Yes I'm fine." "But I'll be on my way What do I owe you?" "Nothing." "You bring me a diamond worth 50.000 francs I won't ask you to pay." "It's Father Busoni who had your wine." " And your chicken" " That's 2.40." "Here's 3." "Keep the change." "Dantes had friends." "Or so he thought." "But le also had a sweetheart." "Mercedes Igualada." "A beautiful girl." "T heard shed left Marseille." "She's now Countess of Morcerf." "Bolt the door in case he regrets leaving me the gem." "Leaving us the gem." "I'm not a traitor to man or God so I'm warning You." "You didn't see fit to exercise divine justice, so I'll do it my way." "I shall be ruthless and devastating." "I'm Brother Barnabe of the Order of Saint Francis." "I'm surprised a priest with such a fine horse should stop in such a wretched place to seek God." "I don't seek God I cane to vain Him I'm taking His place." "For repairs to your door." "Pray for me." "I was starting to worry and not just because I almost burned the dinner." "It would have been a pity." "It's a fine meal." "Tomatoes with anchovies." "Spaghetti..." "Earlier." "I spent 50,003 francs on a meal that ruined my appetite for days." "Have no time." "Were leaving." " Where to?" " The East." "I need to learn." "Faria didn't teach me everything." "He was too good." "What will you learn?" "Refinement, Bertuccio All aspects of it." "Especially refinement in revenge." "Marseille." "One year later." "What is it." "Maximilien?" "It could be the Pharaon." "It could be." "But were not certain." "It must be It has to be." "May God hear you." "If the Pharao and its cargo have sunk, bankruptcy is inevitable." "I o think you made me wear that 'cake on my head all this time." "You too must be in a hurry to change." "Yes I have an appointment." "Who do you want to be now?" "Monte Cristo, Father Busoni?" " Doctor Malzenstein, Lord Wilmore?" " Lord Wilmore." "Will that pass for an English nose?" "I learnt about the English on the Pharaon." "Their ships are better than ours and their Empire "bigger" than our kingdom." "Why not their loses?" " And your Turks?" " What about them?" "Who am I?" "Aladdin?" "How do I keep your caravanserai in this tiny place?" "Buy a house for them moneys no object, It must be big and sumptuous." "Sumptuous?" "These men are only slaves." "No." "I bought them my employees must be treated as well as I treat myself." " Cone in" " The Pharaon must be arriving." "Mr Morrel, a Lord Wilmore is here to see you." "He says he's from the bank." "Yes its Thomson  French." "That was inevitable." "Show him in." "I his meeting promises to be trick y." "I have several loans with that bank which are now due It's a lot of money." "Unfortunately our coffers are empty." "Father don't despair." "If it is the Pharaon coming in..." "Mr Morrel the Thomson  French bank with whom you do business..." "I don't wish to be discourteous by interrupting..." "But this meeting must be as painful for you as for me." " With your permission." "Lets be brief" " As you wish." "Here is a statement of our accounts." "Firstly you have loans for 200,000 francs." "I hey were suspended for a year but are now due." "We must add 32.500 francs at the end of this month." "And for the end of next month." "About 55000 francs." "I hats it." "Exactly." "You're not questioning the amount due." "So how do you intend to pay it?" "I must say the bank is worried." "I've always honoured my signature." "I know it's rumoured that Morrel and Son is incapable of meeting its debts." "But as soon as the Pharaon's arrival... is announced..." "I came to Marseille on the Louqsor which carried the Pharaon's survivors." "I he Pharaon is no more." "Maximilien." "Run to the harbour." "Go and comfort our poor sailors." "Bring them here." "I'll see them once I'm done." "How many survivors." "All the crew of the Pharaon were saved." "T hank you I hats the main thing." "Rumour has it you've never lost a crew member." "Is it true?" "No it's not." "I lost a captain a long time ago." "I never got over it." "Which ship was he on?" "He wasn't aboard a ship." "He was taken by something unspeakable." "I never understood." "To honour his memory." "I can tell you his name." "It was Edmond Dantes." "Dantes." "You say?" "I he young man whose father you generously helped until his death?" "Generously." "My lord?" "So they say." "I'm sorry about the Pharaon." "hats it to you?" "What's a ship to bankers?" "Figures." "The value of the cargo?" "You can't understand." "I he Pharaon was out finest and oldest ship Now Morrel and Son will sink too." "I know what you want." "What do you do with all the money?" "We turn it into ships." "Voyages, free men, curry, vanilla." "Silk and dreams." "Our money flies on the wind." "It travels the seas." "What you say is rather lovely." " Go on laugh at me" " We have just given your father another three months... to honour his loans." "After that period." "I will have the pleasure of meeting you here at midday on the dot." "I he situation will be the same." "If not worse, save a miracle." "But thank you for that small reprieve." "Most consider it a privilege to know the day and the hour of their death." "Nice carriage, Bertuccio." "But once in Italy." "Buy matching horses." " Refinement." "Bertuccio" " We're going back to Italy?" "Tomorrow at dawn We'll travel day and night." "Aren't the best shipbuilders in your country?" "Yes." "But the best police too." "I hope you're not having a boat built." "What for?" "I o go back in time and triumph over it." "I his is exactly what I want." "Except for a few details." "I he poop deck is too high It spoils the line, The deck houses are too big." "As for this ridiculous banister rail..." "Ridiculous?" "Now to essentials What wood will you use for the deck?" "The usual pine." "I want white beech." "Lets use pine to plank the hull on an oak frame fined with copper." "I think it will need about 100,000 rivets." "It seems you've spent your whole life building ships." "I here was one I loved I knew her by heart." "From the keel to the top of the masts." "Some nights I have rebuilt her." "Rib after rib." "It's a mental exercise like any other to stop yourself going mad." "Three months is much too short to..." "If you start running out of time." "Double, triple or quadruple your teams." "I'll pay the cost." "Count." "A fortune gives rights..." "My rights don't cone from my fortune." "But my misfortune." "...hite beech, an oak frame lined with copper..." " Are you the Count of Monte Cristo?" " At your service." "My dear architect." "I'm counting on you." " At your service" " Viscount Albert." "...of Morcerf." "It is I who an at your service..." "What name?" "I'm the son of General Fernand." "Count of Morcerf." "Peer of France." "So your mother is..." "Countess of Morcerf." "Mercedes of Morcerf?" "Do you know her?" "You seem troubled." "It's the Italian sun." "This terrible torpor." "The heat is unbearable." "Would you like a drink?" "I wanted to ask you a favour." "You're not drinking?" "Here it is." "Have you heard about am execution?" " Pardon?" " There's an execution in two days." "Rocca Priori." "Or Peppino." "Will die for being in Luigi Vampa's gang." "One of Italy's most famous bandits." "Why does that concern you?" "I he Italians have strange executions." "I'm learning about Italy and its customs." "I must see this." "Alas T left it too Tate to get seats." "Mr. Pastrini." "Who runs this place said you wouldn't have been so careless." "And you'd invite me to the balcony you rented for the show." "Show?" "You call a man's death a show?" "Its punishing a bandit." "Punishment is a terrifying word." "Don't use it as if talking about opera." "I don't understand Isn't justice..." "It can be mistaken and when it is, it becomes the most vile." "Repugnant thing." "It shames those who dispense it." "I have no balcony." " Who is it?" " Me." " Is the house on fire?" " Worse." "It's terrible." "Pastrini just lit a candle to St Rita, saint of desperate causes." "Only she can save the boy Her or you." "What do you mean?" "T he Viscount of Morcerf was kidnapped." "Kidnapped?" "How?" "Luigi Vampa did it for an exorbitant ransom." "If its not paid he'll have the boy's throat cut." "You want to know how much?" "He's greedy, this Vampa But no need to panic." "Let Pastrini advance the money." "The Morcerf's will pay him back." "Pastrini doesn't have that sum." "You could help." "You have the money." "You came for that?" "I thought you'd agree." "I he Count of Monte Cristo says 'no." "I wont spend a farthing on a Morcerf." "I'd love to ask you for ink." "A pen and paper..." "To give myself the satisfaction of informing Morcerf he just lost his son..." "How can you say something so dreadful?" "I cant believe you'd do that." "I here were things I couldn't believe either." "But they were true." "Fernand will see what it is to lose a son." "T he suffering that caused my father's death." "He too must suffer." "Bring me wine I'll drink to Luigi Vampa's health." "I'm rejoicing over Gods justice." "I he boy is innocent." "What if they cut his throat?" "He wanted to see torture He'll have a font seat." "No?" "You dont understand." "And his mother?" "Don t worry about her, She recovers quickly." "She overcame her first misfortune in a few months." "So you know this unfortunate lady?" "Yes." "Sir." "You do know her." "And she made you suffer." "T hats why you're rejoicing that she will suffer now." "I cant deny it." "So that's it." "You want revenge." "Take it." "Then." "But not on an innocent who wasn't born at the time of your tragedy." "I was innocent too." "All the more reason." "If you remember all you suffered... don't let injustice strike another innocent." "You want me to save Albert." "I do." "I demand it even." "You demand?" "You dare to?" "In the name of what?" "In the name of the debt you owe me." "You've forgotten that one." "I haven't." "You said I had credit with you." "I hat was to tell you my story, my name." "I don't care who you are." "What matters s what you are You're a good man." "What makes you say that?" "I have a bran." "I think." "You know why you're spending a fortune on a ship?" "Because I was a sailor and I love boats." "No, you'll never set foot on that boat." "I know what and who its for." "You're a fearsome creditor." "Very well you win." "I will settle my debt." "You'll pay the ransom?" "No, I won't." "Since I cant have revenge, let me at least have some fun." "Run and drag Pastrini from his prayers." "I ell him I want to meet Luigi Vampa before dawn." " I hats more like it" " One more thing." "Find out everything about the judge who sentenced Vampa's man." "Good evening, Mr Vampa." "Thank you for meeting me." "Get your men away." "Do it yourself." "It's all right." "You have the money?" "No." "I came empty-handed." "Then Albert of Morcerf will be killed." "I think not." "Who's going to stop me?" "Rocca Priori, known as Peppino, your friend." "Why does his death concern you?" "I can stop it." "By snatching him from the executioner?" "It's impossible." "I'll get him pardoned in exchange for Morcerf's life." "One life for another." "I hat's fair, isn't it?" "Do we have a deal?" "Are you sure?" "Before an execution, the judge always goes to the opera." "His way of salving his conscience." "He has a rather strange night in gallant company." "His Excellency Judge Simonetti?" "My dear child." "I'm not asking for much." "If I begged you to make love to me, I'd understand, but all I ask is..." "To kiss my feet?" "To lick them and bathe them slowly and adoringly." "I wouldn't mind you punishing me with a whip." "You disgust me." "I don't understand you." "Only I shall be humiliated, punished and condemned and happy to be so." "Little fool." "May I speak to you." "Judge." "No I'm sorry." "Not tonight." "Tonight everything is atrocious." "The orchestra." "The soprano..." "Especially that little goose." "When one asks a young lady for strange and fascinating pleasure... one must offer another form of fascination in return." "What fascinates young ladies today is this." "Its a beautiful gem." "I'm glad you like it." "Its yours." "Mine?" "Why?" "Who are you?" "Come with me I'll explain." "In fact, this is a deal." "A deal?" "It will earn you the gratitude... of the charming child with the delicate feet." "What do you take me for?" " An easily corrupted judge?" " I don't want to corrupt you." "Just help you to satisfy... a very innocent desire compared to so many others." "What's to stop me arresting you?" "Passion is stopping you." "You love young women to hurt and humiliate you..." "Why not, even if I don t share your taste?" "One woman made me suffer and men humiliated me." "All this has left me with an immense feeling of helplessness." "But each to his own dreams." "I certainly won't judge yours." "I'd mount this diamond as a pendant." "A diamond looks so pure on a young breast." "As for the ruby and emerald, the young lady will use them well." "Geese aren't as stupid as they look." "I his form of torture is a mazzolata It's uniquely Italian." "See that club?" "I he executioner will use it to crush Peppino's skull." "I hen hell cut his throat with the knife." "I hen he'll trample his belly to expel the blood." "How barbaric." "Don't worry." "This is the last mazzolata." "After that, the Italians will be civilised and only cut off heads." "Free Peppino!" "I have a message for the officer." "By order of his Excellency Judge Simonetti a pardon has been granted for Rocca Priori known as Peppino." "My dear Viscount, after all that you couldn't attend your mazzolata." "Not too disappointed." "I hope?" "My father my dear mother and especially I..." "You're alive, the weathers fine and Italy is a charming country." "Enjoy it." "Until next time, Viscount." "Calm down." "We must talk." "Your restlessness wont change a thing." "Hell be here at midday and I..." "No, you cant kill a man over money." "I won't harm." "...Lord Wilmore." "It's you..." "Give me that." "Who cares what we owe him?" "One doesn't die for a bank." "What I owe Thomson  French won't ruin them." "For them, my debt is probably a drop in the ocean." "You see?" "Think of me." "I'm only thinking of you." "Of your future." "Of your chances of gaining the trust of investors who will help you found a new firm." "There's one thing I don't want said about you." "See that young Maximilien?" "His father couldn't even honour his signature." "Beware... of him'." "I wont be a shipowner." "So what?" "I'll be a sailor." "And sign the muster?" "I've disgraced your name." "Do you know what a signature is?" "Do you know what it is." "Its the extension of a hand." "My hand is me And I am you." "Off you go." "Leave me alone." "Let me do what I must." "How can I leave you?" " I'll only return to find you..." " Asleep." "Gone to sleep a little suddenly." "But just asleep." "Sleep is good for you." "You'll see when you're old." "Every night I think that." "Ah, to close my eyes at last." "To close my eyes." "I love you, my little boy." "I love you." "Off you go Leave me alone." "Its nearly midday." "Go on." "To Lord I Wilmore. 5th March." "I am putting an end to my days." "If you are the man, think you are." "You will understand." "But by committing this act which people other than you will call evasion or cowardice Am paying myself." "am settling the account with myself." "a buying back my honour." "Are you the Morrel boy?" "Maximilien Morrel." "I was told to give you this before midday." " Who gave you this" " A saintly man." "Father Busoni." "Father." "Don t do it." "Look." "Enough to cover our debt." "And more." "I know this purse." "It belongs to a Father Busoni." "No, you're mistaken." "It belonged to old Dantes." "Sometimes a few notes They're less noisy." "He was a proud man." "Come in." "Here I am as agreed." "I've something extraordinary to tell you." "It's a miracle." " You can..." " Honour my signature and more." "I thought as much." "The Pharaon is back." "That'll change things for you." "Forgive me." "But you must be mistaken." "Mistaken?" "What about?" "The Pharaon." "You know very well my ship sank." "You told me yourself three months ago." "I'm a man of finance - used to hard numbers and cold facts." "I really was aboard the ship which rescued the Pharaons survivors." "I was on the deck of the Louqsor." "I saw those men swim with the strength born of despair." "I saw the wild sea smash and swallow up what was left of your unfortunate ship." "If you have a Bible, give it to me." "I'll swear right hand on the sacred Book that I saw the Pharaon disappear into the depths of the sea." "But I'll also swear before God that as I came along the quays a crowd cheered." "I he same Pharaon flying your colours was sailing majestically." "...into Marseille on its return from Italy." "Its holds are full of olive oil, wheat citrus fruit, wine, Chianti..." "Parmesan." "It would be..." "But if the word miracle exists in our language it must describe a fact." "At least from time to time." "A miracle." "So, you had fun?" "Its perfect." "Our Pharaon is so like the old one even Morrel was taken in." "It still smells of fresh Italian wood." "But to notice such a detail." "Only a sailor like..." "Edmond Dantes." "Who's Dantes?" "You know him?" "No, its just a name that came to mind." "Make sure it goes away just as quickly." "I've forgotten already." "What was it?" "Valdes?" "Bourges?" "It's awful having such a bad memory." "Talking of which I forgot this." "A lunch invitation from young Morcerf for 21st June the first day of summer." " You're unwell?" " It's nothing." "It must be the shock." "I'm so happy." "...it's proof that God really exists." "And so do we." "Let's go to Paris." "Good evening." "Your Lordship I mean Your Highness, Your Grace." "My friend, I'm just a starving man..." "BARBIZON POST HOUSE." "Use this." "You're right." "I mustn't let my manners betray my true identity." "Since you worked for a count." "Teach me high society's customs." "A rich count like you must never show he's hungry." "All right." "Can't I help myself to wine?" "Yes, but with moderation." "Like this." "With great moderation and even a touch of disdain as if it were vinegar." "Laughing is allowed." "Isn't it?" "A true count laughs discreetly as if coughing." "High society people are meant to be bored to tears by life." "What idiots." "You take your napkin." "Just the corner." "Delicately, like this." "You're going to teach me good manners." "Give me lessons on deportment." "Attitudes and habits." "Teach me to be an imbecile, or to pretend." "Hello Beauchamp." "Here's the last edition." "Everything on today's trial." "Death for Gervaise Rebuffet." "But Villefort is summing-up this afternoon." "He'll request death and get it, as ever." "And tomorrow Valentine will wear her usual blue ribbons." "Why not?" "Miss de Villefort is ravishing." "I met her a few times in Marseille when she was visiting her grandmother." "When's lunch?" " We're waiting for Monte Cristo" " Who?" "His Excellency, the Count of Monte Cristo." "This is the man who saved my life He hardly gave me a chance to thank him." "I'm happy to do it today before you all." "You never told me how you managed to tear me away from my abductors." "I negotiated, Viscount." "Money buys everything." "Even a mans life." "Maximilien Morrel from..." "From Marseille." "Are you a soothsayer?" "Of mine, Lord Wilmore." "I just heard your name from a friend of mine." "Lord Wilmore." "If he's your friend..." "He's just a business contact." "He sometimes advises me on my fortune witch is considerable." "Does he only care about money?" "My servants and I chased them with our scimitars and the camels disappeared behind the dunes." "We returned to our tents and." "Under the starry desert sky we shared the most delicious 'roast sheep'." "You're an amazing storyteller." "I suppose he'd have thrown me in jail." "Is that all?" "You clearly know nothing of jail." "And you do?" "During the July revolution, I was..." "July revolution?" "Forgive my ignorance but I was away from France for so long." "Three days of riots which put Louis-Philippe on the throne... on the throne." "Beauchamp's paper sided with the rioters." "He was arrested." "Like a common thief." "I spent three days and nights in jail." "You can imagine what I endured... for 72 hours." "Without wishing to belittle your ordeal I knew someone who was plunged into the darkness of a dungeon for 175.200 hours." "Good Lord." "Tell us more." "I'll write an article..." "Yes." "Tell us..." "You're too happy and carefree." "...to understand despair." "You think so?" "What about two people whose love is thwarted?" "Come on." "I'd rather tell you about Benghazi camel drivers." "One day." "I decided to buy a white female camel." "You won them over They find you extraordinary." "Even Beauchamp says Paris will be at your feet." "After you've met my parents who want to express their gratitude." "Especially my mother." "You mentioned me?" "What did she say?" "She's anxious to meet you." "Me too." "My father loves horse racing." "I can't see how anything could surpass such a magnificent animal unless..." "Unless?" "Nothing." "May I introduce the Count of Monte Cristo?" "At last." "I had given up all hope of ever meeting you." "We owe you..." "Nothing." "What I did was very little." "Anyone would have..." "Come closer." "We drew the curtains because of the heat, but let me see you in the light." "Please." "Leave the curtains as they are." "Bright light burns my eyes." "I'm like an owl these days." "The sunlight on the Arabian desert sands has damaged my eyesight." "You travelled in the East?" "I lived there." "For how long?" "Over twenty years." " Fascinating place" " Yes, but cruel too." "Yes, their tortures are so sophisticated." "In France too." "Thank God we abolished torture." "to make a man suffer." "since we can prolong them..." "Less violent, but worse since we can prolong them... for years." "What a conversation." "We're here to rejoice." "Count." "Would you like a cup of coffee?" "What's wrong?" "Are you unwell." "Mother?" "You're so pale." "It's nothing." "Just the heat." "This late-summer heat is stifling." "I hope you've chosen to reside on the banks of the Seine." "The river is so cooling." "At least when it doesn't bring its stench." "Where are you living?" "Hotel Monte Cristo." "What address?" "An excellent address which I have yet to find." "Leave it, sir I always lose anyway." "I only play to make Fernand happy..." "You dislike chess?" " My wife thinks games take for ever..." "That's true." "I started one twenty years ago." "It's not finished?" "It will be soon." "In fact." "My opponent is already checkmated, but doesn't know it yet." "It's the best part of the game." "Come in." "For the Count of Monte Cristo from M, Bertuccio..." "He's my steward." "Excuse me The Plain of Monceau." "Pardon?" "You asked for my address The Plain of Monceau." "It's almost the countryside." "Solitude." "I'm used to it." "But you might lessen it." "...with the odd visit." "Forgive me, but I must go to the lawcourts." " I must hear Villefort's summing-up" " Villefort?" "He left Marseille?" "He was appointed in Paris in." "How long ago?" "Nearly twenty years." "Twenty years already." " Would you like to hear him?" " I dared not." "Ask." "I hope your discomfort has eased." "My God, yes." "Who's this Gervaise Rebuffet on trial today?" "An abortionist." "But what does the crime matter?" "Justice is like Spanish bullfighting." "The bull is only there to glorify the fighter." "This woman..." "What am I saying this 'woman'?" "Does she still deserve to be called a woman?" " This child killer" " You can't say that." "The word 'child is wrong." "I remind the court that the Rebuffet woman isn't accused of infanticide." "But of being an 'angel maker'." "Too nice a term for this evil crime." "Gervaise Rebuffet... has killed children in the most revolting way." "She put them to their deaths In their mothers' wombs." "This temple of life which she profaned." "This most sacred of havens she violated." "How many times have you savagely destroyed what is, for me at least." "The most precious thing?" "A child?" "Even if you'd only done it once." "It would have been once too often." "The fact remains that when the guillotine strikes you it won't make you an angel." "For you belong in hell." "If you wish to attend the execution." "I can obtain a pass for you." "But you'll have to be up early." "It must be wonderful to see justice at work." "You've honoured your reputation again." "the way I feel about children." "It was easy the way I feel about children." "Villefort." "Crown Prosecutor." "Excuse me, I must collect a document... regarding an important matter." "But of course." " Who cleans here?" " Pardon?" "Who cleans the courtroom?" "Housekeepers I imagine Why?" "Yes." "To soften the jury but it was no use." "I feel sorry for the one who has to mop up her tears." "They dry quickly." "The Chateau d'If." "The most dreaded jail in the kingdom." "When I was in Marseille I sent people there." "Why did you leave Marseille?" "You didn't like it?" "Embarrassing question." "But I'll forget my modesty and answer you." "I was promoted." "For services rendered?" "Of course." "To whom?" "To justice." "What other cause would I serve?" "Forgive me if I seem indiscreet." "It's the first time I've met a prosecutor." "You're in awe?" " Lt's only natural" " I'm intrigued." "You inflict such terrifying sentences haven't you ever had any doubts?" "Doubts?" "Any regrets?" "The acussed should have doubts." "Not I..." "Never any regrets?" "Never..." "You're not afraid to appear before Gods court to be judged in your turn?" "Well..." "My conscience s clear." "I'm the same." "I'm not afraid of death." "Except if it comes too early and stops me from fulfilling the great task I've set myself." "A great task?" "You'll find it amusing." "Lt's to see justice done." " You?" " Me." "You can't." "Sir." "What confusion if anyone could control justice." "Not that you're just anyone." "But justice is the magistrates' job." "Rest assured I've no intention of replacing men's justice." " There's no other" " Yes." "Yes, there is." "The one we were discussing just now." "Gods justice." "Please forgive me." "Valentine, the Count..." "To what do I owe this surprise visit?" "I've just heard such unexpected news." "I don't know whether..." "You can speak in front of the Court." "He intends to replace God." "God knows everything..." "So nothing you say will surprise him." "Is it true Franz dEpinay." "Who was to serve another year in Algeria will soon return to Paris?" "It's true that I used my contacts to obtain his early return." "You're the first to know..." "That my daughter and Viscount Franz dEpinay will soon be engaged." "Don't let me stop Miss de Villefort from expressing her joy." "My apologies to the Count of Morcerf." "What are you doing here, young Morrel?" "At your age, men prefer cabarets to lawcourts." " Are you in trouble?" " No." "Not at all." "At your service." "Count." "What's happening?" "The worst thing." "Franz dEpinay is returning from Algeria Go." "Be careful." "Sir." "I beg you." "He's all I have." "Don't kill him." "Have mercy on him." " What did she want?" " Mercy for her son who'll die tomorrow." "Don't let that upset you." "Welcome home, master." "Your new home is beautiful." "Bertuccio has done well." "I made you travel far." "I'd hate you to regret it." "The only sad one is young Hassan." " Why?" " Because he can't see the sea." "Tomorrow hire some labourers to dig a pond." "I want it as large as possible." "I want papyrus growing on the banks." "Like the ones in Alexandria ...and blue water full of fish." "Like the Bible:" ""God created land and sea'." "It's for young Hassan I try to be God." "He misses the sea." "This is very different from Marseille." "You have thirty rooms here." "The kitchen has a chef, a sauce cook." "A pastry chef and seven kitchen boys." "Take note." "My people will have one day off a week." "A whole day?" "In Paris, the custom..." "In my house, people will live by my rules." "People will wonder." "I hope so." "I came to Paris to surprise, astonish." "Amaze, fascinate and astound." "Shut the door." " You know who I am" " If you want me to, yes." "But if you don't..." "Say my name." "My real name." "I haven't heard it for so long." "Are you sure?" "You won't regret it?" "Please..." "Say it." "Captain Edmond Dantes, I'm at your command." "Captain Edmond Dantes." "So good to hear." "Dangerous too." "What if someone recognized you?" "The mask is perfect." "Even Villefort didn't know." "What about your voice?" "Having ignored Edmond Dantes' cries Villefort wouldn't know Monte Cristo's voice." "Villefort maybe." "But she?" "She?" "Captain Dantes' former fiancee." "Mercedes is as beautiful as she was." "Maybe more." "Suffering can make people more beautiful." "Did she suffer, even a little?" "She seems so at ease with that lavish life to which she wasn't destined." "The way she ran barefoot in the wilderness with her hair untied like a little savage." "Where has the southern sun gone?" "How dark the night is over Paris." "Here, the stars are theatre chandeliers brasserie lights, carriages that light up the streets." "I need a woman." "You want me to find you one?" "A woman I'll take to theatres and brasseries and help to carriages." "You gave me the idea, if not the desire." "I talk too much." "It's an Italian fault." "Isn't a pretty woman essential for a rich foreigner on holiday in Paris?" "Can I be credible without a woman?" "I don't know your tastes." "The only thing I demand is that nothing about her reminds me of Mercedes." "I need a blonde." "And more doll-like than wild." "Her eyes will be blue." "She could have an accent." "But not Spanish." "And lastly, she mustn't be a countess." "Nice day, isn't it?" "My name's Bertuccio." " Can we chat?" " What about?" "I've found an interesting option." "Baroness Caroline de Jouy-Maubert?" "You're calling her an option?" "Baroness?" "Perfect." "Countess is no good." "But baroness is fine." "She's my employer, you scoundrel." "Stop it." "You'll scare the horses." "My compliments, Baroness." "And my regrets." "What a pity." "You'd have been perfect." "Baron, how can a great banker like you be so timid?" "Danglars." "Everyone knows the railway is the future." "Mr. Arago disagrees and he's the greatest physician of our time." "He says that when your railways disappear into a tunnel at 30km an hour the pressure will kill the passengers." "The Danglars bank won't contribute to such atrocities." "I'm an honest, scrupulous and responsible man." "Who's talking about such mad speed?" "The current 17km an hour..." "Only on slopes." "I'm in a meeting." "The gentleman won't wait more than ten minutes." "Let him go." "Then." "Count of Monte Cristo?" "Never heard of him." "I have." "I hear he's some Italian aristocrat..." "I see." "Another poor immigrant." "Napoleon wanted to invade Europe Now we're invaded." "Wrong." "The fortune of that Monte Cristo is reputedly colossal." "Absolutely colossal." "Does he intend to entrust it to our bank?" "That changes everything." "Excuse me." "We'll resume later." "Naturally." "Your reputation has reached my ears." "It's an honour and a pleasure to welcome you." "Now down to business." "What amount do you intend, to invest?" "No amount?" "I'm not bringing you money." " I'm asking you for some" " From me?" "Well." "Yes." "Aren't you a banker?" "Yes, of course." "This letter from Thomson  French... gives me unlimited credit with your bank." "Unlimited credit?" "What does that mean?" "I think it's quite clear." "It means that during my stay in Paris, which is planned to last a year I can withdraw as much as I please." "That's unheard of." "If Thomson  French brought me here ...they trusted your establishment." "However, sir if your bank lacks the capacity to meet this credit I will inform Thomson  French and take my business to another bank." "Wait, don't rush into anything." "We can't displease Thomson  French out largest correspondent in Europe." "But the word "unlimited"." "How much do you think you'll need?" "Right now?" "I'd say..." "I'll be generous." " One million?" " One million?" "It's a lot." "But you're with Thomson  French..." "One million?" "Don't thank me." "It's enormous, but we're a young bank and need to build our reputation." "Six." "Six what?" "Six million." "Six million francs?" "To start with." "Six million?" "I want 500.000 of it immediately." "Half gold." "Half notes." "500.000 right now?" "Just as the words 'unlimited credit' have a meaning so has the word 'immediately'." "You meet one of the worlds richest men and instead of filling your safes he empties them." "You'll be a laughing-stock." "You know nothing of high finance, my dear." "To you I'm good for nothing." "Not even to give you a son." " You've told me enough" " I never asked for a son." " A girl would have delighted me" " Don't be a hypocrite." "I know you wanted a son to take over from you." "Of course I'm sad at the thought of the bank passing to strangers." "Don't worry." "Young Morcerf will buy it." "His father can afford such a toy." " The Morcerf's aren't really strangers" " Meaning?" "It's handy for a banker to be friends with a peer of France." "Someone with whom you had fun in Marseille." "What fun?" "Come to bed." "Hermine." "We're due at the Jockey Club tomorrow." "Will your Monte Cristo be there?" "I imagine so." "Is he racing?" "I gave him his six million today." "By tomorrow he can't buy a horse." "Train it, hire a jockey..." "Monte Cristo may be rich but he's not God." "Did Father Faria teach you chemistry?" "It's all the more to his credit that we had no way of checking our formulae." "Our laboratory was up here." "What will you do with all this?" "First I'll humiliate Morcerf by beating him in the Jockey Club race." " With what horse?" " Noiraud." "You'll enter him as Pharaon." "A new name wont make him faster." "He won't last ten meters." ", into his trough." "What is it?" "A tonic?" "You're holding an elixir capable of turning a mere spark into a shining star." "Who owns this Pharaon?" "An Englishman Lord Wilmore." " Did you see him?" " He didn't attend the race." "Wonderful." "Beaten by an invisible Englishman whose horse looks like a skeleton." "It wasn't your horse's fault." "I'm sorry I know how much this race meant to you." "Not just me." "Danglars bet 3,000 francs on my horse." "Villefort bet on me too I was humiliated." "Stop grooming." " Tomorrow he'll be put down" " But sir..." "That's the way it is To be beaten by a nag..." " Take him to the abattoir" " It's not fair." "He wasn't bad Pharaon was just better." "Get rid of him or I'll kill him myself." "I'm going out." "Where to?" "It's almost time for dinner." "You've ruined my appetite." "Incredible." "Do we stop here, Countess?" "We're going." "Where to?" "Wherever." "But drive fast The air is stifling tonight." "The Countess certainly is beautiful." "Your father clearly intervened to bring Franz dEpinay back early ...to hasten your wedding." "This wedding won't take place." " It's you I'll marry" " Your father won't consent." "He's ambitious for you I'm too poor." "You're not that poor Aren't you a shipowner?" "Misfortune has struck our firm." "Our boats have sunk one by one I only have one left, the Pharaon." "Buy more." "With what money?" "I saw Danglars about my plans..." "Forget him We have an ally." "My grandfather." "To him." "Epinay is a cursed name." "He'll stop me having it." "What can he do?" "Your love for Mr. Noirtier makes you forget he's paralysed and can't speak." "He makes himself understood by blinking." "My last chance is Monte Cristo." "He's rich and generous." "He likes me He might lend me the money..." "Not him." "His wealth may be too blatant to be totally honest." "My father has ordered an investigation." "Be careful." "Don't compromise yourself with a man who may soon be arrested." "In a different way." "Madame de la Richardais isn't bad either." "Who is she?" "You sent me on a mission to find you a..." "A mistress Let's speak frankly." "Your future mistress..." "I mean your potential future mistress is 31." "Camille de la Richardais is blond and very virtuous." "Oh." "Women's virtue..." " She's very faithful" " What do we do with her husband?" "No, she's faithfull to the memory of her husband." "She's a widow." " At 31?" " A duel gone wrong." "She's an angel shut in her home and only goes out on Fridays to confession." "Let's go and see your angel." "Domimus vobiscum dear colleague." "How did you get in?" "The door was open." "As is right in Gods house." "Your Friday penitent, Madame de la Richardais." "The dear child's uncle is a priest?" " A Jesuit" " My word." "May I replace you to hear her confession?" "Of course." "I never know what time your niece will come to be reconciled with the Lord... and with my rheumatism, waiting in this damp church..." "It's settled." "Go and read your breviary by the fire." "Thank you, my dear colleague." "If you get bored waiting for your niece, you'll find some books in here." "I don't know where to put them." "I particularly recommend ...this monograph I wrote on Varaha the Boar in the Hindu tradition according to its hyperborean origins." "It's amusing." "You'll see." "You also have 'Le Messager' newspaper." "I would gladly consult the year 1815." "That's the year I was ordained." ""The mystery of General dEpinay's murder." ""Suspicion had first surrounded M, Noirtier from rue du Coq-Heron..." ""Epinay had sworn to stop ex-Emperor Napoleon..." ""...from ever returning to France"." "Faria was right That's what the letter from Elba Island was all about." "Villefort thought I'd read the letter." "He threw me in jail, killing two birds with one stone." "He protected his father and did the monarchy a favour." "A favour which was very well rewarded." "Forgive me for I have sinned." "You're not alone." "Good day, your honour." "So, Boville..." "How's the investigation going?" "Cautiously." "Sir." "We mustn't arouse Monte Cristo's suspicion." "I'm gathering as many details as I can." "From whom?" "My agents have identified a man who seems to know him well." "A Jesuit priest called Busoni." "I'll see him this evening." "A priest?" "Be careful with priests." "The Crown Prosecutor only answers to the King." "Priests answer to God." "Everybody knows God is only an idea." "We must beware our ideas don't catch up with us." "You won't absolve me, will you?" "I know the sin of greed I commit in my dreams is abominable." "But I can't resist..." "It's not a sin..." "You love roast lamb, fricassee of game and eel." "You can't resist a dozen oysters." "You weep for joy before a grilled sausage or cherry clafoutis." "So what?" "Who the devil, if I dare say, do you think God is?" "He's no killjoy." "He put so much beauty in the world He can't be sad or narrow-minded." "Naturally He's interested in your soul." "But He really doesn't care what you put in your mouth." "Especially such a lovely mouth." "Father!" "I'm sorry to bother you." "I'm not here for money." "All I'm asking is that you talk to Baron Danglairs so he reconsiders his position." "He will, my boy." "I assure you." "We'll ask dear Mr. Danglars to reconsider many things." "It's late." "You must get ready." "I forgot." "Every night is a party for you." "You're so lucky." "What is it tonight?" "The opera?" "Tonight, I'm playing." "You're risking a lot at that game." "What if Boville arrests you?" "To arrest me." "He would have to know who I am." "If he recognizes you?" "Because he sometimes inspected the Chateau d'If?" "If Mercedes didn't recognize me, Boville won't." "She's a woman in love." "A policeman is different." "A woman in love?" "If she'd loved Edmond." "She wouldn't have married Fernand." "So you want to know who the Count of Monte Cristo is?" "Who he really is?" "Supposing you know yourself." "The Count is one of my penitents." "Interesting." "Extremely interesting." "But I'm bound by the confessional." "Very annoying." "But I can reveal one thing." "Excellent." "One word will suffice." "That man is the devil." "I don't really believe in the devil." " Are you shocked?" "No, but you surprise me I thought you'd met him." "The devil?" "The damned." "Have you never descended into hell?" "When you did your rounds of the jails don't you remember the cries..." "Like all the others." "Do you have a short memory?" "How do you know these things?" "I was one of those damned." "Your name?" "Father Faria." "Faria?" "That rings a bell." "The Chateau d'If." "You will pay for the Chateau d'If For your indifference to suffering." "One day you will pay." "Not to me." "But God." "God doesn't exist I'm sure he doesn't." "Dinner is served." " What is it?" " We'd planned ...watercress soup partridge fricassee and rhubarb compote." "But partridge is so dear in Auteuil madam will have to make do with the watercress and rhubarb." "I'll pretend it's Lent, that's all." "The Count of Monte Cristo begs your forgiveness..." "For this very bold visit." "Since he's been in Paris." "He has heard about you every day." "Fearful of never meeting you at the Opera or at court" "How can I go out?" "I'm a poor widow, I've had to sell my jewels and dresses." "The poor count simply had to make your acquaintance." "So he decided to try an Eastern custom." "To reach an unapproachable person one takes one's caravanserai to their door." "Madam my caravanserai, Please forgive its humbleness." "To be honest." "I don't understand." "But since all these lovely things await us, shall we eat?" " Sophie, serve us" " Don't worry." "I've thought of the service too." "What Is this?" "I'm dying to try it." "Can I have this black thing in the metal bowl?" "Caviar." "The bowl is vermeil." "Won't you eat?" "At first some flavours are disconcerting... but then it's absolutely delicious." "I'm devouring you with my eyes." "Lt's enough." "To think I was reduced to watercress and rhubarb." "I've told you, to know you better." "I'm too poor to interest you, When you know who I am, you'll be disappointed." "My only disappointment is that you haven't tried the ortolans." "Bertuccio." "Come on get up." "It's still dark." "It's going to be a busy morning." "Send Camille the best dressmaker hairdresser and jeweller, Money's no object, I have unlimited credit." "Does it mean dinner was suitable?" "It was exquisite and so was she." "Come on, a bit more energy." "The telegraph network has over 534 stations towers, pigeon houses or church steeples Creating a relay between 24 major French towns." "As you can see, I'm in charge of the last relay before Paris." "Progress is a great thing, You must be proud to work here." "Yes, except I have to climb up there One of these days." "I'll break my neck." "When the winter wind blows through the tower ...chest infections are rife." "I can imagine." "But aren't you paid for such risks?" " How much do you earn?" " 1000 francs." "Of course I have accommodation and a plot of land to grow my vegetables." "But 1000 francs is a starvation wage." "When I can no longer climb up, how will I live?" "I suppose the management will pay you a pension." "Some pension!" "What if I offered you 25000 francs?" "That's a fortune." "What do you want in exchange?" "To send a telegram I'll dictate." "Impossible, I'm only allowed to transmit messages from another station." "30,000?" "35,000?" "Come on, No more steps." "No more north wind." "Is it at least decent, your telegram?" "Lt's about justice, not decency." "Madame Sevenet." "Are you still happy about the hat shop?" "I told you it was a good deal..." "Dear M, Tucherer making a fortune with hoops and skipping ropes?" "Hello, Beauchamp." "A telegram just arrived at my newspaper." "I thought." ""This is for Baron Danglars." "How much this time?" "I've started seeing a dancer, She's absolutely adorable." "But she's a bit... 200 francs will be ample to keep her." "She's perfect all over." "Except her teeth." "She's money-hungry." "You can stretch to 500." "She might as well walk the streets." "They all do it." "Give me that telegram." ""Exiled King Carlos is returning to Spain." "Catalonia is at war." ""Barcelona..."." "Is rebelling in support of King Carlos." "Spain is sliding into chaos." "I have 500.000 in Spanish shares." "When my paper publishes the news they won't be worth anything." "I'll have sold them by then." "Thank you." "Danglars." "You really rule the Stock Exchange..." "He started a deluge by selling his Spanish shares." "What intuition!" "Who could have predicted all this upheaval in Spain?" "What if king Carlos fails To take the throne back from Isabella II?" "The information I received leaves no doubt." "Tonight, Carlos will be over the Sierra de Guadarrama." "He'll make a triumphant entrance at the Escorial." "Congratulations, Baron." "In your haste, I hope you didn't sell all your Spanish shares at a loss." " I did but the loss is minimal" " Really?" "Nothing compared to the hammering that'll strike the poor wretches who still have their shares." "I must talk to you." "My dear Beauchamp." "Is your dancer happy?" "This isn't about her, I have the latest edition of 'Le Messager'." "With a denial, King Carlos never left Bourges." "What do you mean?" "But then..." "Then nothing." "Carlos is in Bourges and Isabella II in Madrid." "Spaniards still play castanets." "Serene and peaceful under the sun." "That's a joke, You had a telegram..." "That was a fake." "It seems the telegraphist had a fit of dementia..." "He ran away leaving his station unattended." "Lt's all here." "Spanish shares are going back up." "I'm buying." "Is something upsetting you?" "In one hour Spanish shares have recovered and probably doubled yesterday's value." "With what I lost selling them and the lost profit due to their rise I will lose a million francs at best." "That's the wealthy Italian count." "Monte Cristo isn't Italian He comes from the island of Malta." "Are you sure?" "I heard he was Turkish." "To think Father was invited to the King's box." "I wish I'd been too, Don't you madam?" "Valentine don't call me madam, I've been your fathers wife long enough..." "For us to act like best friends, I know." "I saw Monte Cristo." "He already has his own box?" "No." "And since we're in his debt for saving our son... , I invited him to share ours." "Les Huguemots." "Music by Meyerbeer." "Libretto by." "M, Scribe." "Oh yes Les Huguenots, I feel this is going to be another hilarious evening." "Have you anything juicy to tell me?" "I'm responsible for your justice not entertainment." "Under my predecessors people had more fun." "Today, France's only obsession s to get rich." "I don't govern ...the French, I breed fatted calves." "Always the same thick necks and plump shoulders." "At last someone new." "Who's that man in Morcerf's box?" "A foreigner who just moved to Paris." "I'll gladly introduce him once we have the results of the investigation." "The investigation?" "A mere formality." "We just want to find out where his huge fortune comes from." "...how fortune is incompatible with virtue." "Why always suspect people because of their wealth?" "I'm wealthy too." "But you're the King." "That's what they said to Louis XVI." "Leave the Count of Monte Cristo alone." "He's Morcerf's guest." "Isn't that good enough for you?" "It is for me." "The King knows you?" "Don't be jealous." "You know me better." "It's only the third time we've met." "Too late." "The tragedy is starting." "Thank you." "I'm so happy to be here." "You deny me the opera the one night the King attends." "Losing a million is like losing a loved one." "One has the decency to stay at home." "You think you're more important than you are." "Who cares about your million?" "I'll get it back." "With this." "Lord Wilmore sent me this letter." "He suggests I invest in the goldmines of Zacatecas in Mexico." "At the source of the Aguanaval river." "You know this Wilmore?" "Not personally." "Don't worry, Wilmore is a major shareholder of Thomson  French." "A bank we can fully trust." "When you introduced me to the King I was so flustered." "Why?" "A king is just like any man." "You're not." "Everyone is fascinated by you." "And how do you see me?" "With infinite gratitude." "However." "Take this back." "I was happy and proud to wear it, but it's far too beautiful for me." "This necklace is yours, If you don't want it, sell it." "And use the money to fix your roof." "Why was my poor husband so obsessed he got into debt to buy it?" "I think he was proud to live in the Saint-Merans home." "The Saint-Merans from Marseille?" " You know them?" " By name." "It's an old and great family which has always loyally served the Crown." "Helene de Saint-Meran was Villefort's first wife." "That man with the cold gaze in the King's box." "Villefort lived here?" "He probably only used it as a country house." "Won't you come in to warm up before going back to Paris?" "Sophie must have lit a fire." "It's a bit early to play with fire." "You're right, especially since today is Thursday." "That means tomorrow is Friday, witch is the day I go to confession." "You may have less to confess if I don't give in to the temptation to come in." "Were you going to steal?" "I caught you red-handed, you scum." "Maybe you wanted to kill someone." "No." "I'm not so stupid as to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs." "I came to talk business." "Who with?" "The nasty fellow who lives here." "You have the wrong address." "I have a secret worth its weight in gold." "Who do you think we are?" "I'll knock your head off." "Leave him alone." "You see?" "Stand up." "You have a secret to sell?" " Interested?" " Tomorrow go to the address I'll give you." " You'll be very well paid" " An address?" " The police station?" " No." "A priest." "Busoni." "Father Busoni, I knew I was being sent into a trap." "Have mercy." "In the name of Jesus." "Don't send me..." "To jail?" "Last time we met I made you rich with a diamond worth 50,000 francs." "It should have been enough for a decent life." "She tried to take it from me, I had a knife handy..." "Quiet." "Lt's always the same story, Meanness." "Treachery, infamy." "You make me sick." "All of you." "Come on." "Caderousse, I hear you've a secret to tell." "It's not for you." "Lt's only good for blackmailing someone." "Speak or I'll hand you to men's justice while you wait for Gods." "I'll have to accuse a judge." " Well a prosecutor" " Villefort?" "You guessed?" "Never mind, Continue." "He did as he pleased undisturbed." "What did he do?" "Things priests don't do." "He made love." "Who with?" "Hermine Danglars a banker's wife." "They had a secret love child." "Without Danglars knowing?" "He didn't notice?" "When the child came the lovers thought it dead." "It suited them fine." "No baby." "No scandal." "Villefort put the baby in a box and buried it in the garden at night." "He thought no one knew." "But a passing thief thought it was a treasure." "So once Villefort had gone..." "He found the baby, revived him and brought it up as his own." "How do you know all that?" "That child was with me in the Toulon jail." "His adoptive father had told him about his birth." "And Toussaint told me." "Toussaint?" "I suppose he was found on All Saints' Day." "But why was he in jail?" "He'd visited a few beautiful houses uninvited." "Amusing for a prosecutor's son." " We escaped together" " How much?" "Lt's worth a fortune, Villefort and Madame Danglars would pay up to..." "But I'm a poor priest, I won't buy your story." "I'll hire it." "How?" "For 500 francs a month." "For six months Toussaint and you must keep quiet." "After that." "Do as you wish." "Well my dear..." "Have you heard?" "I received the same thing an hour ago." ""Madame de la Richardais requests the pleasure of your company for lunch"." "It's only natural she should invite you." "She's poor and you're married to a banker." "But she doesn't know me." "She doesn't know anyone." "She must have made her list at random." "She's a peasant her husband didn't have time to refine or get pregnant." "Queen of Spades on king of Hearts." "Certainly not." "I never play the Queen of Spades." "It signifies death." "I won't go to that lunch." "Seeing that house again is more than I cam bear." "I'm sure you understand." " But you will have to go" " Never." "It could be a trap." "How could this little Richardais set a trap for us?" "She's an innocent." "Lunch in the country." "How charming." "Full of little people we don't know?" "This Richardais is a nobody." "Her husband didn't even have the Legion of Honour..." "You're wrong." "We'll know averyone." "...since we're the only guests." "What do you mean, "we"?" "We." "The people from Marseille, The happy gang from the old days." "The only outsider will be Monte Cristo." "The tables will be under a canopy." "What colour?" "White the colour of innocence." "And the menu?" "Exactly the same buffet as the one prepared in Marseille for Edmond and Mercedes' engagement." "Same dishes same wines." "Same flowers." "We had mimosa." "Why do this?" "They'll recognize you." "How could they know I'm Edmond Dantes?" "Sometimes I even doubt it myself, It's like a dream, a book another life altogether." "Anyway." "This day has to come some time." "...will be worse for them than for me." "I've just thought of something crazy." "What's that?" " I don't know your first name" " My first name?" "Yes sir." "Anatole, Charles, Edouard or Paul." "All men have a first name." "What's yours?" "You've never told me." "Really?" "Really what is it?" "I could say Athanase." "Or Chrysande." "The truth?" "My parents must have been absent-minded." "They forgot to name me." " That's awful" " No, madam." "It's wonderful." "Call me whatever you wish." "You mean I can christen you?" "Yes, What name do you choose?" "Guess, It starts with 'E'." "Why 'E'?" "To match what you are." "'E' for excellent, eccentric, extraordinary exhilarating." "'E' for exceptional." "For expectation." "For Eric, Ernest." "Etienne." "Or Edmond." "That's my choice." "No, I can't be seen." "You're not saying anything?" "Don't you like my dress?" "You're dazzling, Maybe too dazzling for lunch with this little Richardais." ""Little"?" "Is she so charming that she sparks such affection in you?" "What's wrong?" "I only said "little" to stress her insignificance." "The other night, I heard she wore a ravishing gown." "I didn't see it but the Ladies' Gazette published sketches." "She had the grace of a coat-hanger." "We don't have to go to this lunch." "I'll send a footman with an apology." "We'll go." "Monte Cristo's presence will make it bearable." "I'm sure he'll amuse us He's such an eccentric." "The sash of the Order of Saint Louis?" " You didn't say..." " The King's reward." "I attach little importance to such things." "I do, I'm so proud of you." "You're impressed?" "Tell your mother to hurry the carriage is ready." "You look radiant." "Isn't life wonderful?" "This isn't the day for a scene." "I'm not making a scene." "But if you will play the Stock Exchange, use your own funds." "You know how much your last speculations cost me?" "You never speculate?" "I don't improvise I use the cleverest... the most informed advisor." "Thanks to Monte Cristo, I'm the only French banker to invest in Zacatecas." "So far, it's not much of a goldmine." "Women are such impatient creatures." "Give them time to dig a bit deeper, then you'll see." "Zacatecas is only a starter." "Monte Cristo convinced me to invest . a million into Russian sturgeon farms." "That'll be our main course and we'll have a feast." "They're coming." " I'm so nervous" " There's no need." "If my husband could see me, His poor Camille with such important guests." "You look so solemn too." "Why would I be solemn?" "A country lunch is such a happy occasion." "Come and see what fun we'll have." "They're spiced fish eggs you eat with a touch of olive oil and pepper." "They're delicious on toast." "Countess look at this wonderful dish." "For delicate palates we have eel with celery." "Tomato and bitter orange zest." "I see the Baron has noticed our marinated sardines and red mullet." "Do taste, Baron." "What a strange idea, this Marseillais menu." "It's the Count's idea." "Don't you like it?" "...something more original than pork pie and salmon." "I throught you were being nostalgic." "Nostalgic..." "To be nostalgic." "I would need to know Marseille." " You don't?" " I know it as well as anyone stopping over before sailing to the East." "Come and admire my pond." "The Count gave me Amazing water lilies from the imperial gardens of Kyoto..." "I never go near ponds I don't like mosquitoes." "But don't let me deprive your other guests of this enchanting sight." "Your childhood must have been hell." " Why?" " The mosquitoes." "I hear they're ferocious in the South." " You left Marseille because of them?" "I left to follow my husband." "Madame de la Richardais would do the same." "Wherever you go, she'll follow." "Don't deny it." "At the opera, your feelings for her were very clear." "I approve." "You won't find a lovelier young lady." "You were right to wait to fall in love." "At twenty One makes mistakes." "Let's drink to your happiness." "No, thank you." "Don't you want happiness?" "Yes, I have a right to it like others maybe more." "So you're refusing the wine." "If I want something I'll help myself." "You lived in the East." "Isn't the custom there for people who've shared food to be friends for ever?" "By refusing the wine I'm offering are you saying you refuse my friendship?" "Why would I?" "What would be the reason for that?" "Thanks to the Count's generosity I was able to make this gloomy home more cheerful." "I've changed the tapestries and furniture." " Except in the bedroom" " You can't show..." "On the contrary." "I'm sure they'll be fascinated." "Something terrible happened in there, I dissuaded Camille from changing it." "Why try and hide the past?" "It always reappears especially when branded by horror." "You're not well?" "It's the heat I think, I'll go out for some fresh air I'll be fine." " I'll take her" " Your legal duty comes before chivalry." "If there was a crime." "You should go and see." "Words can't describe it." "On this bed where she so often surrendered to her lover imagine a woman gasping for breath." "Her hair sticky with sweat." "Contorted by the pain of childbirth." "Next to her on a sheet, a baby." "It's not moving or crying." "The baby was dead?" "Who knows?" "No doctor or midwife was called, The birth was a complete secret." "If the child is stillborn." "Scandal cam be avoided." "He grabs the inert baby." "He looks around for something that can be used as a coffin." "He notices a small trunk." "He places the child in it and closes the lid." "All this unnatural father has to do is go to the garden." "It has rained all night the soil is loose, the grave will be easy to dig." " What do you say to that." "Villefort?" " Me?" "He's horrified." "Understandably upset." "Such a monster deserves a trial and severe punishment." "From a brute, one might understand." "But the Count says he was an eminent person." "Which makes it harder to forgive." "Sorry." "I don't believe a word of this fable so cleverly told." "I'd be relieved if you were right." "All old houses have their legends concocted by servants dismissed for drunkenness and seeking revenge by spreading slander." "Not at all." "This story is true, I can prove it." "I defy you." "You missed something The Count told us..." "A spine-chilling tale." "Come on." "Come and hear the end at least." "Mind your head." "I had the garden dug up." " And here." " You had no right to desecrate..." "No, sir." "I desecrated nothing, We didn't find the child's remains." "As I said, it's a fable." "But have a look at this." "The cook playing grave-digger?" "I felt I should put back what we had dug up." "I know the law doesn't like people to destroy or burn any evidence." "It's empty." "Empty indeed." "Empty today, But was it empty the night it was buried?" "Surely not." "Why bury an empty trunk?" "I agree." "I think there was a child in the trunk." " Can you prove it?" " I can't." " But you..." " Why me?" "It's your job to prove things." "Even if you have little to go on." "If the child wasn't dead..." "It was buried alive." "And may still be alive Today." "Next to this evil couple Gervaise Rebuffet who lost her head was an angel." "You must find and punish the monsters who committed this unspeakable act." " Careful." "It's hemlock" " I know." " Careful it's hemlock" " I know." "It's poisonous throw it away." "And wash your hands carefully." "Don't worry." "I'm used to it." "Poisons can be controlled, like everything." "Take hemlock, for instance." "Mixed with clay and vinegar, it's perfect for beautiful hair." "Mixed with salt it restores the shine of old silver." "You're an expert." "My husband has often prosecuted poisoners." "You learn fascinating facts from the files of a trial." "And this?" "You know this?" "Digitalis purpurea." "It contains digitalin which slows down the heartbeat." "It can cause death in the right quantity." "To be efficient." "It should be picked from two-year-old plants." "Flowers and death have always gone hand in hand." "They say "garden comes from an old word for paradise"." "...which means the beyond." "The truth is I'm terrified of death." "Why play with it?" "Therapy for torment." "It reassures me to put death in jars, to make powders and cream from it." "I feel in control." "It's at my service." "Except death can't be caged like a lion." "Can you always control it?" "Absolutely." "From time to time." "I check it's obeying me." "I experiment on slugs, caterpillars, stary cats, pigeons..." "Therefore we have the cleanest garden in Paris." "Dear child..." "Stop fidgeting like an excited little girl." "By autumn you may be married." "Madame de Saint-Meran wrote to me, Your grandmother will attend your wedding." "I'd love to see her." "But this wedding might not happen." "There's nothing to stop it now." "Franz dEpinay and I finally agree on everything." "He quibbled over your dowry." "But I stressed he was entering the most upright family." "That's worth more than a huge fortune." "You're just like me." "Weddings always make me cry more than funerals." "I'm not to be disturbed." "I thought about it all night." "Its little face turned blue its tiny chest that didn't even heave." "So he wasn't dead?" "Apparently not." " How could that be?" "I'm not a doctor." "He must have been in that state called deep lethargy." "A sort of sleep where vital functions are suspended." "Someone who saw you bury the trunk dug it up and you didn't notice a thing?" "Notice what?" "I came back to you, You were so upset." "A stranger took our child." "Revived it." "Held it tight and took it away?" "Is that it?" "Yes." "That's probably what happened." "And now?" "What will you do?" "What about?" "What about?" "But it's my child, my son." "You must find him." "Let's see." "If he were still alive, he'd be about twenty." "With only this piece of information, you want me to find him?" "France is swarming with twenty-year olds." "Of course a miracle might lead me to him." "What would his reaction be?" "Joy at knowing his real parents." "You're married to a rich man." "I'm hardly destitute myself." "I'm sure greed would prevail over the joy of reunion." "He'd call us to account." "Could you tell Danglars you gave another man the son he always wanted from you?" ""Give two million to this boy who isn't yours or he'll say..." ""..." "I cheated on you"." "What do you take men for?" "For what they are." "Cash registers." "Believe me." "Just as we've forgotten each other forget this too." "If you're ever in a church don't pray for the return of a ghost." "You say that to a mother?" "Don't exaggerate, You were a mother like I was a father." "By accident." "You've become indifferent to me." "Why are you like this?" "Is it because my stupid husband is in a tricky situation?" "You're ashamed to be friends with Danglars wife?" "'Tricky' is an understatement." "Your husband is close to bankruptcy..." "Let's hope it doesn't involve fraud..." "I would hate to have to prosecute him." "Farewell." " Think about your marriage" " What marriage?" "It was destroyed firstly by your insistence to make me your mistress." "And then yesterday when they dug up that awful little trunk all covered in earth." "I have nothing left." "Of course you have." "A lot of money." "At least for now." "At our age it's what matters..."