Notary Arrives to Draft Noirtier’s Will
After Barrois departs to summon a notary, Noirtier signals for Valentine to remain in the room with an expressive, calculating glance that unsettles Villefort. The young girl comprehends her grandfather’s intent to keep her present during the proceedings. Villefort takes a seat to await the notary’s arrival, his expression darkening with evident displeasure at whatever scheme Noirtier is orchestrating. Barrois returns three-quarters of an hour later, accompanied by the legal officer, setting the stage for the extraordinary testamentary proceeding that follows.
Valentine Proves She Can Interpret Noirtier’s Signals
When the notary expresses doubt about proceeding with a client who cannot speak or move, questioning how he can verify approval or disapproval, Valentine steps forward with a solution. She explains she has spent six years learning her grandfather’s communication system: closing his eyes means “yes” while winking means “no.” She offers to teach the notary this simple language and demonstrates by asking Noirtier to confirm the signs. The old man’s eyes convey tender gratitude toward his granddaughter, and when questioned by the notary, Noirtier verifies through his eye movements that he indeed wishes to make his will and requires the notary’s services.
Notary Proceeds Despite Villefort’s Objections
Villefort attempts to persuade the notary that Noirtier’s physical shock must have impaired his mental faculties, but the legal officer finds the difficulty lies merely in wording questions clearly. Valentine counters by asserting her six years of experience have enabled her to understand every thought Noirtier has wished to express. When the notary asks if Noirtier accepts Valentine as his interpreter, the old man signals his assent. The notary then asks what document Noirtier wishes to have drawn up, prompting Valentine to name letters of the alphabet alphabetically until reaching W, at which point Noirtier’s eye signals her to stop, revealing his intention to create a will.
Noirtier’s Mental Capacity and Fortune Are Verified
The notary, now assisted by a colleague brought by Barrois, conducts a formal examination of the testator’s mental capacity. Noirtier successfully responds to questions confirming he understands he is making a will, recognizes the gravity of the act, and can accurately state his fortune. When asked if his fortune exceeds various increasing amounts, Noirtier stops the notary at 900,000 francs. Upon further inquiry, Noirtier indicates this fortune is held in stock rather than landed property. Barrois produces a casket containing 900,000 francs in bank scrip, which the notaries examine and confirm matches Noirtier’s stated wealth, establishing that his mind retains full force and vigor despite his physical paralysis. The notary calculates this capital should yield approximately 40,000 livres in annual income.
Noirtier Rejects Valentine as Will Beneficiary
When Madame de Villefort suggests the fortune should logically go to Valentine, who has tended her grandfather devotedly for six years, Noirtier’s eye reveals he is not deceived by this false display of concern. The notary asks directly whether Noirtier leaves his 900,000 francs to Valentine, and the old man’s decisive wink in token of dissent shocks everyone present. Despite Valentine having nursed him through his affliction and securing his affection, Noirtier explicitly refuses to make her his residuary legatee. Valentine, though struck dumb with astonishment, receives his gaze of tender affection and declares that whatever fortune he withholds, he still leaves her his love.
Noirtier Disavows Son and Grandson as Beneficiaries
Madame de Villefort, emboldened by the revelation that Valentine is disinherited, suggests the fortune will go to young Edward. Noirtier’s response—a look of hatred and a most decided, terrible wink—immediately eliminates this possibility. When the notary asks if the inheritance goes to Villefort himself, Noirtier again refuses with equal certainty. The two notaries exchange glances of mute astonishment as the real intentions of the testator remain completely hidden. Valentine, puzzled by her grandfather’s apparent rejection of the entire family, asks what they have done that he no longer loves any of them.
Noirtier Reveals Will Ties to Valentine’s Marriage
Noirtier fixes his intelligent gaze on Valentine’s hand, leading her to suddenly understand the true meaning behind his actions. She asks if he means her marriage to Franz d’Épinay, and Noirtier’s eye lights up with joyful gratitude at her correct guess. When she asks if he is angry with them regarding this marriage, the old man’s response is emphatic affirmation. Valentine realizes her grandfather’s inheritance decisions are directly connected to preventing her marriage to Franz, and she demands he explain himself, noting she has never coveted his fortune and is already wealthy through her mother’s estate. Noirtier gazes at her with unutterable fondness as the truth emerges.
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