The Count of Monte Cristo

KAPITEL 73. The Promise

After exchanging vows, Valentine flees and later sends Morrel a letter informing him that her family has fixed the signing of her marriage contract to Franz for that evening at nine o’clock, and that she will meet him at a quarter to nine at the gate so they can escape together. Morrel prepares for their flight by hiding ladders in a clover-field and arranging a servantless cabriolet, but when he positions himself at the appointed place and the appointed hour passes without Valentine appearing, his anxiety gives way to dread. Driven by fear that something terrible has happened, he scales the wall into the Villefort garden, where he conceals himself among the trees and overhears the procureur speaking with Doctor d’Avrigny about the sudden death of Madame de Saint-Méran; the doctor confides that her symptoms are consistent with poisoning by brucine or strychnine, and suggests that the old servant Barrois may have mistakenly given her a dose prepared for the paralyzed M. Noirtier, leaving Villefort paralyzed with grief and torn between the need for a discreet inquiry and his dread of scandal.

Valentine’s Farewell to Morrel

Valentine bids Morrel a tender farewell through the garden gate, exchanging a kiss before fleeing through the avenue. Morrel listens to her retreating footsteps, then gazes heavenward in gratitude for being so loved, before disappearing himself.

Morrel Receives Valentine’s Letter

Morrel waits at home for a day and a half without word from Valentine. The following morning, as he sets out to visit the notary, the postman delivers a small billet he recognizes as Valentine’s handwriting—her first letter to him.

Valentine’s Promise and Contract Terms

Valentine’s letter reveals that tears and fervent prayer at Saint-Philippe-du-Roule have failed to alter the family’s decision: the marriage contract is to be signed that evening at nine. She pledges her promise and heart to Morrel alone and instructs him to meet her at a quarter to nine at the gate, signing herself as his betrothed, Valentine de Villefort. A postscript notes her grandmother’s worsening delirium and that the signing is being kept secret from grandpapa Noirtier.

Morrel Confirms Contract Signing

Morrel visits the notary, who confirms the contract signing will occur that evening. He then calls on Monte Cristo, who reports that Franz has announced the ceremony and that Madame de Villefort has excused the count from attending due to the death of M. de Saint-Méran and the dangerous illness of his widow, who rose briefly to receive Franz before being forced back to bed.

Morrel Withholds Secret from Monte Cristo

Morrel’s agitation does not escape Monte Cristo’s notice; the count is unusually affectionate, nearly drawing the secret from the young man several times. But Morrel recalls his promise to Valentine and keeps silent. He reads her letter twenty times that day, renewing his vow to make her happy and marveling at the courage of her resolution.

Morrel Prepares Escape for Valentine

Morrel carefully arranges Valentine’s escape: two ladders are hidden in the clover-field, and a cabriolet without a servant or lights is ordered. Lamps will be lit only at the first street turning to avoid attracting police attention. He imagines the moment of catching her as she descends the wall and holding her in his arms for the first time.

Morrel Awaits Valentine at Hideout

As afternoon deepens, Morrel seeks solitude, unable to bear even a friend’s question. He paces his room, glances over a book without comprehension, and reviews his plan. His restless tampering with the clocks makes them strike eight at half-past six, and he departs early, reaching the clover-field while Saint-Philippe-du-Roule strikes eight, concealing the horse and cabriolet behind a small ruin.

Morrel Fears Valentine Has Fainted

The garden darkens and Morrel emerges with a beating heart to peer through the gate. No one appears. As the half-hour passes, he grows increasingly frantic, watching the unlit house with dread. When the clocks indicate half-past nine, then ten—well past Valentine’s appointed time—his anxiety peaks, and he tremblingly sets the ladder against the wall.