The Count holds a reception for the Morcerfs, Danglars, and Villeforts at his newly acquired estate at Auteuil in Boulogne, where he also introduces the Marquis Andrea Cavalcanti. The Count claims that an evil aura in the mansion emanates from a certain room, and suggests that his guests form search parties to reach it. He eventually reveals his contracted disease to Albert, telling him to keep it a secret from the others.