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Chapter 36 - The Carnival in Rome

Summary

Franz d'Epinay and Albert de Morcerf participate in the Roman carnival, donning costumes and utilizing the carriage provided by the Count of Monte Cristo, while Albert pursues a flirtation with a mysterious masked woman. After a day of festivities, races, and the ceremonial lighting of moccoli, Albert follows the woman to the Church of San Giacomo, where their intrigue continues as the carnival concludes with the simultaneous extinguishing of all lights. The next day, Franz receives an invitation to an audience with the Pope, while Albert, enchanted by his new romance, plans to meet his beloved again, ignoring Franz's warning about a high-society ball.

Characters

  • Franz (Vicomte) — Franz accompanies Albert through the carnival, observing the spectacle and later visiting the theater box of the Countess. He learns of Albert's romantic developments, attends the ball invitation, and receives a summons from the embassy for an audience with the Pope, resolving to spend his next day in pious reflection.
  • Albert / de Morcerf (Vicomte) — Albert delights in the carnival, chasing a masked woman in a Roman peasant costume and exchanging violets with her. He receives a letter arranging a secret meeting at the Church of San Giacomo, becomes convinced he is in love, and secures the exclusive use of the carriage to pursue his new affection.
  • Signor Pastrini / Pastrini (Signor, innkeeper) — Signor Pastrini welcomes Franz and Albert back to the hotel, informs them that the Count has left for Civita Vecchia, and procures elaborate Roman peasant costumes for the following day despite the short notice.
  • Monte Cristo (Count, Count of Monte Cristo) — The Count of Monte Cristo visits the friends at the hotel, leaves the carriage at their disposal, and engages them in conversation about art and science. He provides them with a box at the Teatro Argentina, claiming he will attend the Teatro Palli instead.
  • G (Countess G) — Countess G— enters her theater box and interrogates Franz and Albert about their new acquaintance, the Count, expressing skepticism about his wealth and origins. She agrees to meet them at the Duke of Bracciano’s ball.