The Breakfast — Guests Depart as the Count Remains (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 40 – Part 24)

In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder breakfast draws to a close as the conversation turns to the Count’s household and the laws of France. He replies that those around him remain by choice, even as the guests question the freedom of his servants and slave.   One by one, the company departs—Debray to the ministry, Beauchamp to his paper, Morrel after offering his card—each remarking on the Count’s singular character. The gathering breaks, leaving Monte Cristo alone with Albert.   The table clears, and the encounter narrows to two.   ⸻   New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com   Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod   Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A   ⸻   The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.