Chateau-Renaud, Beauchamp and Debray meet up in the courtroom, just as the audience is settling in to watch Benedetto's trial. They have a quick chat, discussing current events like the Danglars' bankruptcy and the string of deaths in the Villefort family. Beauchamp speculates that the Villeforts have a poisoner in their ranks - Edouard. Madame de Villefort's absence in the courtroom is noticed by them, as well as a strange veiled woman. The Count of Monte Cristo is also noted as absent. The chapter ends with the start of the trial.

Discussion Prompts:

1. The men discuss Benedetto/Andrea's former princely status within Parisian society. Do you think the men still view him as an aristocrat like themselves? Do you think the Count will fall under further scrutiny for his involvement in Andrea's introduction to Paris? Do you think Benedetto's acceptance into high society with effect the verdict?
2. We left Benedetto in prison, awaiting Bertuccio's next visit in order to discover the identity of his father. Do you think we will see this scene later?
3. What do you think of Beauchamp's theory that Edouard is the poisoner? Is this line of thinking (accusing a child) a product of it's time or is Edouard just known for being a freaky kid?
4. Debray mentions liking Madame de Villefort. Do you think she's on his list for the next married woman he wants to have an affair with?
5. Do you find the Count's apparent absence at Benedetto's trial anti-climatic? Why isn't he there to watch Villefort try to work while his world falls apart?
6. Do you think the trial will go smoothly? Why or why not?

Final Sentence:

Gentlemen! All rise!

The next reading discussion will go up on Saturday.