The Guests — Debray Arrives Before the Count’s Appointment (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 39 – Part 5)

In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon fills as the appointed hour approaches. Albert sends word to the countess, idles through letters and newspapers, and waits for the half-past ten meeting.   A carriage arrives early, and Lucien Debray enters, composed and precise, bringing talk of politics and the latest movements known in Paris. Their conversation turns to affairs beyond the house, while the morning continues toward the fixed hour.   The gathering begins, just before the Count’s arrival.   ⸻   New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com   Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm   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.