Chapter 50 - The Morrels

Summary

The Count of Monte Cristo visits the residence of Maximilien Morrel and his sister Julie at 7 Rue Meslay, where he is warmly welcomed by the reunited siblings. Maximilien recounts the history of how his sister and brother-in-law Emmanuel Herbault chose to close their successful business to preserve their father's honor, leaving them with a modest but contented life. The conversation turns to the crystal globe containing the silk purse and diamond gifted by their anonymous benefactor, signed 'Sinbad the Sailor.' When the Count questions the identity of the benefactor, Maximilien reveals that their father believed it was Edmond Dantès who had returned from the dead to save them. Stricken by this revelation and the emotional display of gratitude, the Count feigns ignorance regarding the identity of 'Lord Wilmore,' becomes visibly pale and overwhelmed, and departs the house hastily, leaving the family puzzled but convinced of his benevolence.

Characters

• The Count / Edmond Dantès (Count of Monte Cristo) — The Count arrives at the Rue Meslay residence and is greeted by Maximilien. He listens to the family's history and is deeply moved by the sight of their happiness and the relics of their benefactor. Upon hearing that Maximilien's father believed their savior was Edmond Dantès, his face turns pale and he struggles to hide his emotion. He evades direct questions about his identity, claiming to know only a 'Lord Wilmore' who is likely gone forever, and leaves the house in haste.
• Maximilien Morrel (Monsieur Morrel, the young officer) — Maximilien greets the Count enthusiastically and shows him around his home. He narrates the story of his parents' bankruptcy and his sister's and brother-in-law's decision to close their business to honor their father. He proudly displays the silk purse and diamond left by their benefactor and reveals his father's dying belief that Edmond Dantès had returned to save them.
• Julie / Emmanuel (Madame Herbault, Mme Herbault) — Julie is seen pruning roses in the garden and later receives the Count in the drawing room. She expresses the family's enduring gratitude for their unknown benefactor and shows the Count the crystal globe containing the gift. She questions the Count about the identity of 'Sinbad the Sailor' and 'Lord Wilmore,' hoping to find her savior, and is moved to tears by his description of the man.
• Emmanuel (Monsieur Herbault, the brother-in-law) — Emmanuel Herbault is reading his newspapers in the garden when the Count arrives. He changes into a frock-coat to receive the visitor and later greets the Count in the drawing room. He confirms the details of his and Julie's business closure and expresses hope that they might one day find their benefactor.
• Coclès (the concierge, old Coclès) — The one-eyed concierge opens the gate for the Count's carriage but fails to recognize him due to his weakened sight.
• Penelon (the old sailor, the gardener) — Penelon is digging a bed of roses in the garden. He is called by Julie to inform Emmanuel of the visitor's arrival. He still refers to Julie as 'Mademoiselle Julie' and is identified as the former bosun who recognizes the Count's emissary from a past encounter in Trieste.
• Baptistin — Baptistin leaps down from the carriage seat to ask the concierge if the Morrels and Herbaults will receive the Count of Monte Cristo.