XLVI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Supernatural and the Unknown

  The Count's rational skepticism clashes with the family's superstitious fears about the north apartments.

• Grief and Melancholy

  Emily reflects on Valancourt's unworthiness and the loss of her parents, yet finds solace in returning to La Vallée.

Characters to notice

• Count De Villefort

  Determined to watch in the north apartments to solve the mystery of Ludovico's disappearance.

• Blanche

  Entreats her father not to watch in the north apartments.

• Emily St. Aubert

  Receives news of Montoni's death and her inheritance; plans to return to La Vallée.

• Montoni

  Reported dead in a mysterious manner after imprisonment in Venice.

• Monsieur Quesnel

  Sends news of Montoni's death and offers to assist Emily with her inheritance.

• Ludovico

  Still missing; the Count has searched and offered rewards without success.

Key passages

• “The keys of the north apartment I have not suffered to be out of my possession, since he disappeared, and I mean to watch in those chambers, myself, this very night.”

  I have kept the keys to the north apartment with me ever since he vanished, and I intend to keep watch there myself tonight.

  Count de Villefort's determination to confront the mystery directly.

• “An increase of fortune seemed to have awakened this sudden kindness in M. Quesnel towards his niece, and it appeared, that he entertained more respect for the rich heiress, than he had ever felt compassion for the poor and unfriended orphan.”

  M. Quesnel's newfound kindness toward Emily seemed motivated by her inheritance, showing he valued wealth more than her earlier suffering.

  Critique of Quesnel's mercenary character.