Exhausted by grief and gratitude, M. Morrel dismisses his loyal sailors, unable to bear their devotion any longer. He promises they will meet again in better days, though the words ring hollow. Emmanuel escorts the men out, leaving the merchant alone with the Englishman from Thomson & French — the quiet observer who has watched the collapse of a man’s fortunes without a word.

Morrel’s wife and daughter withdraw as well, though Julie pauses to give the stranger a pleading glance. To her surprise, he answers with a faint, compassionate smile — a warmth momentarily breaking through his otherwise severe composure.

When the two men are alone, Morrel resigns himself to ruin. Yet instead of delivering the final demand, the Englishman offers an unexpected kindness. He acknowledges the debt owed to his firm but grants Morrel additional time — more than the merchant dared hope for. What began as an act of accounting turns into an act of grace: three months’ reprieve, freely given.

For the first time in weeks, Morrel feels the fragile return of hope. His honor, for now, has been spared.

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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.