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We will now relate what was passing in the house of the king's attorney after the departure of
Madame Danglars and her daughter, and during the time of the conversation between Maximilian
and Valentine which we have just detailed.
M. de Villefort entered his father's room, followed by Madame de Villefort.
Both of the visitors, after saluting the old man and speaking to Barrois, a faithful
servant who had been twenty-five years in his service, took their places on either side of the
paralytic.
M. Noirtier was sitting in an armchair which moved upon casters, in which he was
wheeled into the room in the morning, and in the same way drawn out again at night. He was
placed before a large glass which reflected the whole apartment, so that without any attempt to
move, which would have been impossible, he could see all who entered the room and everything
which was going on around him.
M. Noirtier, although almost as immovable as a corpse, looked at the newcomers with a quick and
intelligent expression, perceiving at once by their ceremonious courtesy that they were come on
business of an unexpected and official character. Sight and hearing were the only senses
remaining. They, like two solitary sparks, remained to animate the miserable body which seemed
fit for nothing but the grave. It was only, however, by means of one of these senses that he
could reveal the thoughts and feelings that still occupied his mind, and the look by which he
gave expression to his inner life was like the distant gleam of a candle which a traveller sees
by night across some desert place, and knows that a living being dwells beyond the silence and
obscurity.
Noirtier's hair was long and white, and flowed over his shoulders; while in his eyes, shaded by
thick black lashes, was concentrated, as it often happens with an organ which is used to the
exclusion of the others, all the activity, address, force, and intelligence which were formerly
diffused over his whole body; and so although the movement of the arm, the sound of the voice,
and the agility of the body, were wanting, the speaking eye sufficed for all. He commanded with
it; it was the medium through which his thanks were conveyed. In short, his whole appearance
produced on the mind the impression of a corpse with living eyes, and nothing could be more
startling than to observe the expression of anger or joy suddenly lighting up these organs,
while the rest of the rigid and marble-like features were utterly deprived of the power of
participation.
Three persons only could understand this language of the poor paralytic. These were Villefort,
Valentine, and the old servant of whom we have already spoken. But as Villefort saw his father
but seldom, and then only when absolutely obliged, and as he never took any pains to please or
gratify him when he was there, all the old man's happiness was centred in his granddaughter.
Valentine, by means of her love, her patience, and her devotion, had learned to read in
Noirtier's look all the varied feelings which were passing in his mind. To this dumb language,
which was so unintelligible to others, she answered by throwing her whole soul into the
expression of her countenance, and in this manner were the conversations sustained between the
blooming girl and the helpless invalid, whose body could scarcely be called a living one, but
who, nevertheless, possessed a fund of knowledge and penetration, united with a will as
powerful as ever although clogged by a body rendered utterly incapable of obeying its impulses.
Valentine had solved the problem and was able easily to understand his thoughts, and to convey
her own in return. Through her untiring and devoted assiduity, it was seldom that, in the
ordinary transactions of every-day life, she failed to anticipate the wishes of the living,
thinking mind, or the wants of the almost inanimate body.
As to the servant, he had, as we have said, been with his master for five and twenty years.
Therefore he knew all his habits, and it was seldom that Noirtier found it necessary to ask for
anything, so prompt was he in administering to all the necessities of the invalid.
Villefort did not need the help of either Valentine or the domestic in order to carry on with
his father the strange conversation which he was about to begin. As we have said, he perfectly
understood the old man's vocabulary, and if he did not use it more often, it was only
indifference and ennui which prevented him from so doing. He therefore allowed Valentine to go
into the garden, sent away Barrois, and after having seated himself at his father's right hand,
while Madame de Villefort placed herself on the left, he addressed him thus: --
"I trust you will not be displeased, sir, that Valentine has not come with us, or that I
dismissed Barrois, for our conference will be one which could not with propriety be carried on
in the presence of either. Madame de Villefort and I have a communication to make to you."
Noirtier's face remained perfectly passive during this long preamble, while, on the contrary,
Villefort's eye was endeavoring to penetrate into the inmost recesses of the old man's heart.
"This communication," continued the procureur in that cold and decisive tone which seemed at
once to preclude all discussion, "will, we are sure, meet with your approbation."
The eye of the invalid still retained that vacancy of expression which prevented his son from
obtaining any knowledge of the feelings which were passing in his mind. He listened, nothing
more.
"Sir," resumed Villefort, "we are thinking of marrying Valentine." Had the old man's face been
moulded in wax it could not have shown less emotion at this news than was now to be traced
there.
"The marriage will take place in less than three months," said Villefort. Noirtier's eye still
retained its inanimate expression.
Madame de Villefort now took her part in the conversation and added -- "We thought this news
would possess an interest for you, sir, who have always entertained a great affection for
Valentine. It therefore only now remains for us to tell you the name of the young man for whom
she is destined. It is one of the most desirable connections which could possibly be formed. He
possesses fortune, a high rank in society, and every personal qualification likely to render
Valentine supremely happy. His name, moreover, cannot be wholly unknown to you. It is M. Franz
de Quesnel, Baron d'Epinay."
While his wife was speaking, Villefort had narrowly watched the old man's countenance. When
Madame de Villefort pronounced the name of Franz, the pupil of M. Noirtier's eye began to
dilate, and his eyelids trembled with the same movement that may be perceived on the lips of an
individual about to speak, and he darted a lightning glance at Madame de Villefort and his son.
The procureur, who knew the political hatred which had formerly existed between M. Noirtier
and the elder d'Epinay, well understood the agitation and anger which the announcement had
produced; but, feigning not to perceive either, he immediately resumed the narrative begun by
his wife.
"Sir," said he, "you are aware that Valentine is about to enter her nineteenth year, which
renders it important that she should lose no time in forming a suitable alliance. Nevertheless,
you have not been forgotten in our plans, and we have fully ascertained beforehand that
Valentine's future husband will consent, not to live in this house, for that might not be
pleasant for the young people, but that you should live with them; so that you and Valentine,
who are so attached to each other, would not be separated, and you would be able to pursue
exactly the same course of life which you have hitherto done. Thus, instead of losing, you will
be a gainer by the change, as it will secure to you two children instead of one to watch over
and comfort you."
Noirtier's look was furious. It was very evident that something desperate was passing in the
old man's mind, for a cry of anger and grief rose in his throat, and not being able to find
vent in utterance, appeared almost to choke him, for his face and lips turned quite purple with
the struggle. Villefort quietly opened a window, saying, "It is very warm, and the heat affects
M. Noirtier." He then returned to his place, but did not sit down.
"This marriage," added Madame de Villefort, "is quite agreeable to the wishes of M. d'Epinay
and his family. Besides, he had no relations nearer than an uncle and aunt, his mother having
died at his birth, and his father having been assassinated in 1815, that is to say, when he was
but two years old. It naturally followed that the child was permitted to choose his own
pursuits, and he has, therefore, seldom acknowledged any other authority but that of his own
will."
"That assassination was a mysterious affair," said Villefort, "and the perpetrators have
hitherto escaped detection, although suspicion has fallen on the head of more than one person."
Noirtier made such an effort that his lips expanded into a smile.
"Now," continued Villefort, "those to whom the guilt really belongs, by whom the crime was
committed, on whose heads the justice of man may probably descend here, and the certain
judgment of God hereafter, would rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded of bestowing such a
peace-offering as Valentine on the son of him whose life they so ruthlessly destroyed."
Noirtier had succeeded in mastering his emotion more than could have been deemed possible with
such an enfeebled and shattered frame. "Yes, I understand," was the reply contained in his
look; and this look expressed a feeling of strong indignation, mixed with profound contempt.
Villefort fully understood his father's meaning, and answered by a slight shrug of his
shoulders. He then motioned to his wife to take leave.
"Now sir," said Madame de Villefort, "I must bid you farewell. Would you like me to send Edward
to you for a short time?"
It had been agreed that the old man should express his approbation by closing his eyes, his
refusal by winking them several times, and if he had some desire or feeling to express, he
raised them to heaven. If he wanted Valentine, he closed his right eye only, and if Barrois,
the left. At Madame de Villefort's proposition he instantly winked his eyes.
Provoked by a complete refusal, she bit her lip and
said, "Then shall I send Valentine to you?"
The old man closed his eyes eagerly, thereby intimating that such was his wish. M. and Madame
de Villefort bowed and left the room, giving orders that Valentine should be summoned to her
grandfather's presence, and feeling sure that she would have much to do to restore calmness to
the perturbed spirit of the invalid.
Valentine, with a color still heightened by emotion, entered the room just after her
parents had quitted it. One look was sufficient to tell her that her grandfather was suffering
and that there was much on his mind which he was wishing to communicate to her.
"Dear grandpapa," cried she, "what has happened? They have vexed you, and you are angry?" The
paralytic closed his eyes in token of assent. "Who has displeased you? Is it my father?"
"No."
"Madame de Villefort?"
"No."
"Me?" The former sign was repeated. "Are you displeased with me?" cried Valentine in
astonishment. M. Noirtier again closed his eyes.
"And what have I done, dear grandpapa, that you should be angry with me?" cried Valentine.
There was no answer, and she continued. "I have not seen you all day. Has anyone been speaking
to you against me?"
"Yes," said the old man's look, with eagerness.
"Let me think a moment. I do assure you, grandpapa -- Ah -- M. and Madame de Villefort have
just left this room, have they not?"
"Yes."
"And it was they who told you something which made you angry? What was it then? May I go and
ask them, that I may have the opportunity of making my peace with you?"
"No, no," said Noirtier's look.
"Ah, you frighten me. What can they have said?" and she again tried to think what it could be.
"Ah, I know," said she, lowering her voice and going close to the old man. "They have been
speaking of my marriage -- have they not?"
"Yes," replied the angry look.
"I understand. You are displeased at the silence I have preserved on the subject. The reason of
it was that they had insisted on my keeping the matter a secret, and begged me not to tell you
anything of it. They did not even acquaint me with their intentions, and I only discovered them
by chance. That is why I have been so reserved with you, dear grandpapa. Pray forgive me." But
there was no look calculated to reassure her; all it seemed to say was, "It is not only your
reserve which afflicts me."
"What is it, then?" asked the young girl. "Perhaps you think I shall abandon you, dear
grandpapa, and that I shall forget you when I am married?"
"No."
"They told you, then, that M. d'Epinay consented to our all living together?"
"Yes."
"Then why are you still vexed and grieved?" The old man's eyes beamed with an expression of
gentle affection.
"Yes, I understand," said Valentine. "It is because you love me." The old man assented. "And
you are afraid I shall be unhappy?"
"Yes."
"You do not like M. Franz?" The eyes repeated several times, "No, no, no."
"Then you are vexed with the engagement?"
"Yes."
"Well, listen," said Valentine, throwing herself on her knees and putting her arm round her
grandfather's neck, "I am vexed, too, for I do not love M. Franz d'Epinay."
An expression of intense joy illumined the old man's eyes.
"When I wished to retire into a convent, you remember how angry you were with me?" A tear
trembled in the eye of the invalid. "Well," continued Valentine, "the reason of my proposing it
was that I might escape this hateful marriage, which drives me to despair."
Noirtier's breathing came thick and short.
"Then the idea of this marriage really grieves you too? Ah, if you could but help me -- if we
could both together defeat their plan! But you are unable to oppose them -- you, whose mind is
so quick and whose will is so firm are nevertheless, as weak and unequal to the contest as I am
myself. Alas, you who would have been such a powerful protector to me in the days of your
health and strength can now only sympathize in my joys and sorrows without being able to take
any active part in them. However, this is much, and calls for gratitude and heaven has not
taken away all my blessings when it leaves me your sympathy and kindness."
At these words there appeared in Noirtier's eye an expression of such deep meaning that the
young girl thought she could read these words there: "You are mistaken. I can still do much for
you."
"Do you think you can help me, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine.
"Yes." Noirtier raised his eyes, it was the sign agreed on between him and Valentine when he
wanted anything.
"What is it you want, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine, and she endeavored to recall to mind all
the things which he would be likely to need; and as the ideas presented themselves to her mind,
she repeated them aloud. Then, finding that all her efforts elicited nothing but a constant
"No," -- she said, "Come, since this plan does not answer, I will have recourse to another."
She then recited all the letters of the alphabet from A down to N. When she arrived at that
letter the paralytic made her understand that she had spoken the initial letter of the thing he
wanted.
"Ah,"
said Valentine, "the thing you desire begins with the letter N. It is with N that we have to
do, then. Well, let me see, what can you want that begins with N? Na -- Ne -- Ni -- No" --
"Yes, yes, yes," said the old man's eye.
"Ah, it is No, then?"
"Yes." Valentine fetched a dictionary, which she placed on a desk before Noirtier. She opened
it, and, seeing that the odd man's eye was thoroughly fixed on its pages, she ran her finger
quickly up and down the columns. During the six years which had passed since Noirtier first
fell into this sad state, Valentine's powers of invention had been too often put to the test
not to render her expert in devising expedients for gaining a knowledge of his wishes, and the
constant practice had so perfected her in the art that she guessed the old man's meaning as
quickly as if he himself had been able to seek for what he wanted.
At the word "Notary," Noirtier made a sign to her to stop. "Notary," said she. "Do you want a
notary, dear grandpapa?" The old man again signified that it was a notary he desired.
"You would wish a notary to be sent for then?" said Valentine.
"Yes."
"Shall my father be informed of your wish?"
"Yes."
"Do you wish the notary to be sent for immediately?"
"Yes."
"Then they shall go for him directly, dear grandpapa. Is that all you want?"
"Yes."
Valentine rang the bell and ordered the servant to tell Monsieur or Madame de Villefort that
they were requested to come to M. Noirtier's room.
"Are you satisfied now?" inquired Valentine.
"Yes."
"I am sure you are. It is not very difficult to discover that," and the young girl smiled on
her grandfather as if he had been a child.
M. de Villefort entered, followed by Barrois. "What do you want me for, sir?" demanded he of
the paralytic.
"Sir," said Valentine, "my grandfather wishes for a notary."
At this strange and unexpected demand M. de Villefort and his father exchanged looks. "Yes,"
motioned the latter, with a firmness which seemed to declare that with the help of Valentine
and his old servant, who both knew what his wishes were, he was quite prepared to maintain the
contest.
"Do you wish for a notary?" asked Villefort.
"Yes."
"What to do?"
Noirtier made no answer. "What do you want with a notary?" again repeated Villefort. The
invalid's eye remained fixed, by which expression he intended to intimate that his resolution
was unalterable.
"Is it to do us some ill turn? Do you think it is worth while?" said Villefort.
"Still," said Barrois with the freedom and fidelity of an old servant, "if M. Noirtier asks for
a notary, I suppose he really wishes for a notary. Therefore I shall go at once and fetch one."
Barrois acknowledged no master but Noirtier, and never allowed his desires in any way to be
contradicted.
"Yes, I do want a notary," motioned the old man, shutting his eyes with a look of defiance
which seemed to say, "and I should like to see the person who dares to refuse my request."
"You shall have a notary, as you absolutely wish for one, sir," said Villefort; "but I shall
explain to him your state of health and make excuses for you, for the scene cannot fail of
being a most ridiculous one."
"Never mind that," said Barrois. "I shall go and fetch a notary, nevertheless," -- and the old
servant departed triumphantly on his mission.
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