In this chapter of The Count of Monte Cristo, the plot thickens as M. Andrea Cavalcanti, who is actually Benedetto in disguise, visits Baron Danglars with a proposal to marry his daughter, Mademoiselle Danglars. Cavalcanti skillfully presents his case, highlighting the wealth and noble status of his supposed father, promising an annuity of 150,000 livres upon marriage. Danglars, who had been expecting such a proposal, listens attentively, but initially expresses concern over Cavalcanti’s youth. However, when the financial advantages of the match become clear, Danglars begins to warm to the idea, particularly when Andrea hints at the possibility of a substantial inheritance from his mother, Leonora Corsinari. The conversation, initially about marriage, subtly shifts into a business negotiation, with Danglars considering the financial benefits of the alliance.
After securing Danglars’ tentative approval for the marriage, Andrea leaves with an advance of 80,000 francs from Danglars, ostensibly to cover upcoming expenses. However, Andrea's real purpose for leaving is to avoid an encounter with the dangerous Caderousse, who has been pestering him for money. Upon returning to his hotel, Andrea finds that Caderousse has left a letter demanding a meeting the next morning. Recognizing the threat Caderousse poses, Andrea disguises himself in a servant’s livery and heads out to meet him.
The meeting with Caderousse takes place in a shabby apartment where the two engage in a tense and manipulative exchange. Caderousse, who is aware of Andrea’s true identity and past, pressures him for money and reveals his knowledge of Andrea’s plans to marry Mademoiselle Danglars. Andrea, initially resistant, eventually agrees to increase Caderousse’s allowance, but Caderousse, driven by greed, hatches a plan to secure even more money. He suggests that Andrea draw a detailed plan of the Count of Monte Cristo’s house, revealing the layout and locations of valuable items, under the pretext of simple curiosity. Andrea, recognizing the danger but unable to refuse, complies.
As the chapter closes, Caderousse, now armed with detailed knowledge of Monte Cristo’s home, begins to formulate a plan that could spell disaster for Andrea. The chapter highlights the themes of greed, deception, and the corrupting influence of money, as both Andrea and Caderousse continue down a dark path driven by their desire for wealth and power.