The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 42 summary

What happens

1. Monte Cristo reaches his Paris residence, where Bertuccio reports that the notary waits and the visiting cards are ready.
2. The notary identifies the property as a house in Auteuil, and Bertuccio turns pale and urges another purchase.
3. Monte Cristo signs the deed and pays fifty-five thousand francs, allowing the notary five thousand beyond the stated total.
4. Alone, Monte Cristo matches the address with his private notes and wonders whether terror can produce a trustworthy confession.
5. Despite Bertuccio’s trembling resistance, Monte Cristo orders the carriage and makes his steward accompany him.

What to notice

Monte Cristo’s private question connects the purchase with an investigation involving fear and confession. It gives his apparent indifference toward the house a concealed purpose.

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