The Fifth of September (The Count of Monte Cristo — Chapter 30, Part 15)

The final seconds tick away. Morrel raises the pistol, cocks it, and shudders at the sound. Cold sweat covers him; a crushing pain closes around his heart. The staircase door creaks. The clock prepares to strike eleven. His study door opens. Morrel doesn’t turn — he assumes Cocles has come to announce the agent of Thomson & French. And then he hears a cry — Julie’s voice. He turns. She stands in the doorway, breathless, radiant, her hand extended. The pistol falls from his grasp. Julie throws herself into his arms, holding a familiar red silk purse. Inside is the receipted bill for 287,000 francs — paid in full — and a diamond large as a hazelnut, labeled Julie’s Dowry. Morrel stares, stunned. The purse is one he once owned himself, long vanished from his life, now returned in this miraculous moment. He is saved.   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.