The Guests — The Count of Monte Cristo

On the morning of May 21, Albert's pavilion on Rue du Helder is ready for the Count's visit. The young man lives in a small house beside his parents' mansion. He has street windows to watch the world, a secret side door his mother does not know about, and rooms filled with music, art, and fencing gear. Germain lays out every kind of tobacco and cigar on the table.

At a quarter to ten the valet brings letters. Albert accepts a box at the opera and plans a late supper. He tells Germain to be ready at half past ten exactly, because the Count promised to come on time. Lucien Debray arrives early from the ministry. He is hungry, bored, and full of political gossip about Spain, the Bourse, and a new medal on his coat.

Beauchamp joins them next. The friends drink sherry, smoke cigars, and trade jokes about newspapers and government dinners. Albert mentions his planned marriage to Eugénie Danglars. Debray says two million francs are just social capital. Beauchamp says the Morcerf family is too proud for a banker match. Albert laughs and says he is waiting for two more guests before breakfast can begin.

The clock moves toward half past ten. Albert has promised the Count a punctual welcome, and his friends are curious about the mysterious stranger none of them has met yet.