The Count of Monte Cristo's new friends, or rather, old acquaintances, lived on Rue Meslay street. They were Maximilian, his sister Julie, and her husband Emmanuel. Just thinking about visiting them brought a rare smile to the Count's usually stern face. After the intense confrontation with Villefort earlier that day, the prospect of spending time with these kind people felt like a breath of fresh air in the middle of a storm.
Even Ali, the Count's faithful servant, noticed the change. As he left his master's presence, Ali walked on tiptoe toward the door, hardly daring to breathe. He didn't want to disturb whatever pleasant thoughts were making the Count look so unexpectedly happy.
