The Fifth of September (The Count of Monte Cristo — Chapter 30, Part 13)

Morrel tells Maximilian to leave him and keep Madame Morrel and Julie away. Maximilian, clinging to the faintest hope that seeing Julie again might change his father’s mind, asks whether Morrel will see his sister once more. Morrel refuses gently: he has already said his farewell that morning. Maximilian then asks if his father has any final instructions. Morrel gives him one sacred command: the house of Thomson & French — the only firm that showed compassion in his ruin — must be repaid first when the family’s fortunes are rebuilt. Its agent, arriving within minutes to collect the impossible bill, must be treated with respect. Maximilian promises. Morrel dismisses him a final time, telling him the will is in the bedroom secretaire and that he must leave him alone. Maximilian stands frozen, unable to move, until Morrel invokes the metaphor of a soldier ordered into certain death: honor demands obedience even when the outcome is fatal. Maximilian, weeping, embraces his father with desperate force and at last obeys, rushing from the room. Once he is gone, Morrel remains motionless for a moment, staring at the door through which his son disappeared. Then, extending his hand with final resolve, he pulls the bell to summon Cocles — the next step in his preparations.   Links Explore every chapter and insight: https://countdownofmontecristo.com Join the reader community on Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm Support the project and unlock bonus readings: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod Watch daily readings on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@countdownofmontecristo   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.