1. It feels strange to see the count be wrong (in assuming, from the letter, that the intruder-to-be wants to murder him), assume one of his alternate identities in front of us (in donning the attire of Abbé Busoni), and become physically violent (in defending himself against Caderousse). Do these feel like natural byproducts of the stress the count must be under? Or artificial attempts by Dumas to juice the narrative after so much laying of groundwork?

2. If Caderousse is speaking truthfully, about Lord Wilmore having helped him and Benedetto escape confinement, having those two at hand must be part of the count’s plan… but does it seem as though the count is still in control of everything unfolding?

3. Busoni promises to send Caderousse an annuity if Caderousse leaves France for good; does this seem lingering goodwill on the part of the count toward Caderousse? Or merely a ploy to dispense with him?

Final sentence of chapter:

“The door to the hidden stairway flew open, then the little door into the garden, and Ali and his master hurried out, carrying lights.”

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