Chapter 55 - Major Cavalcanti

Summary

Bartolomeo Cavalcanti arrives at the Champs-Elysées residence, where the Count of Monte Cristo verifies his identity through a letter from Abbé Busoni. The Count reads the letter detailing the Major's supposed fortune and his search for his son Andrea, then provides him with forged marriage and birth certificates along with cash to settle a debt to the Abbé. The Count instructs the Major to change into city clothes and await his son, who is waiting in the next room, before leaving him to compose himself.

Characters

• Cavalcanti / Bartolomeo Cavalcanti (the Major, Marquis Bartolomeo Cavalcanti) — The Major arrives in a green frock-coat and wide trousers, presenting a letter from Abbé Busoni to verify his identity. He is delighted by the news of his half-million income and the prospect of finding his son, eagerly accepting the forged papers and cash provided by the Count while trying to suppress emotion over the memory of his late wife.
• Count of Monte Cristo (Monte Cristo, the Count) — The Count welcomes the Major, verifies his identity using Abbé Busoni's letter, and reads the contents aloud, highlighting the Major's fortune and lost son. He produces forged certificates for the Major's marriage and Andrea's birth, gives him eight thousand francs, and instructs him to change clothes before leaving to prepare Andrea for their reunion.
• Baptistin (the valet) — Baptistin answers the door, recognizes the visitor, and announces him to the Count. He later brings a tray of alicante and biscuits to the Major upon the Count's whispering order, serving the drink before returning to the Count's side.