A quick note about this chapter that might be relevant depending on which edition you are reading. Some English editions omit exactly half of one chapter. If the next chapter after this one in your book is called “The Past,” then you are reading the full book. If the next chapter after this one is called “The House on Allées de Meilhan,” then your version is missing the half chapter. In those versions of the book, the current chapter, “The Departure” is cut in half, and some of it appears in the next chapter. I don’t want to spoil the next chapter, so I’ll explain in more detail in the next discussion. But for now, if your version goes on to “The House on Allées de Meilhan" instead of "The Past," I advise you read it full chapter here, in the Gutenberg version that’s online.

A quick summation in case you’ve read ahead:

The count picks up Maximilian from his sister’s house and takes him down to Marseilles, although the count himself intends to head for Rome. When they reach Marseilles, the pair sees Mercedes waving goodbye to Albert as he departs for Africa. Max goes to weep at his father’s grave, and the Count goes to his former home where he speaks to Mercedes.

Discussion Topics:

1. The count's opinion of himself seems to be conflicting to me. At the start of the chapter, he warns Emmanuel not to think too much of him, which implies he feels guilty over the death of Edward. But then later when he talks to Mercedes he again acts like he did God’s will. What do you make of this? Has he repented? Does he realize that he’s gone too far?
2. I wasn’t a huge fan of how Mercedes speaks to him, about how great he is. It feels a little weird to me. Also, for anyone who was hoping the count would get back with her, how did this scene play for you? How do you feel about how Mercedes ends up?

Last line:

“Edmond, Edmond, Edmond!”

The next chapter discussion will be posted on Wednesday

Link to the last discussion