The Count of Monte Cristo

d’Avrigny Observes Noirtier’s Suspicion of Madame de Villefort

As d’Avrigny examines Valentine, he notices Noirtier’s intense, joyful focus fixed on Madame de Villefort, and realizes the old man clearly suspects her of being responsible for the harm befalling Valentine.

d’Avrigny Forbids Unauthorized Treatment for Valentine

D’Avrigny orders that Valentine be put to bed, but explicitly forbids anyone from giving her any food, drink, or treatment of any kind unless he has personally authorized it.

KAPITEL 94. Maximilian’s Avowal

Chapter 94, “Maximilian’s Avowal,” focuses on the aftermath of the poisoning attack on Valentine, as Dr. d’Avrigny races to save her life and uncovers the hidden foresight of her grandfather Noirtier. After prescribing medicine and dispatching Villefort to fetch it personally, d’Avrigny conducts a private interrogation of Noirtier, learning that the old man had been gradually acclimating Valentine to brucine as a defense against poison. Once convinced the medicine is safe—having tested it on himself—d’Avrigny proceeds to Valentine’s room. The chapter closes with a new subplot thread: an Italian priest named Giacomo Busoni rents the house adjoining Villefort’s and immediately begins extensive repairs, his true purpose yet unknown.

Valentine’s Condition After the Poisoning Attack

Valentine’s Condition After the Poisoning Attack Valentine is carried away after the poisoning attack, having revived but left barely able to move or speak, so severely shaken is her frame. She manages to give one final look to her grandfather Noirtier, for whom losing her seems tantamount to surrendering his own soul. Dr. d’Avrigny follows the invalid, writes a prescription, and orders Villefort to personally fetch the medicine by cabriolet and wait in Valentine’s room, reiterating that no one is to give her anything in the meantime.

D’Avrigny Interrogates Noirtier About the Poisoning

D’Avrigny Interrogates Noirtier About the Poisoning D’Avrigny descends alone to Noirtier, secures the doors, and begins a careful, pointed interrogation about Valentine’s illness. Through a series of questions and Noirtier’s yes/no responses and subtle expressions, d’Avrigny confirms that the old man had anticipated the attack, suspected Barrois was poisoned rather than dying naturally, and believed Valentine was struck by the same hand. When pressed on whether Valentine will die, Noirtier answers with a triumphant “No,” signaling that he possesses a hidden hope the doctor has not yet grasped.

Noirtier Reveals His Brucine Acclimation Plan for Valentine

Noirtier Reveals His Brucine Acclimation Plan for Valentine Following the direction of Noirtier’s fixed gaze toward a bottle of his daily mixture, d’Avrigny deduces the old man’s scheme: Noirtier has been gradually accustoming Valentine to brucine so her system could resist the poison now used against her. Noirtier’s delight at being understood confirms the strategy, and d’Avrigny exclaims that without this precaution Valentine would surely have died. He concludes that the dose, though excessive, has only shaken her, and assures the overjoyed, grateful Noirtier that Valentine will not die this time.

Villefort Delivers the Prescribed Medicine to D’Avrigny

Villefort Delivers the Prescribed Medicine to D’Avrigny Villefort returns with the prescribed medicine he personally obtained from the chemist. D’Avrigny questions him closely, asking whether the medicine was prepared in his presence and whether it ever left his hands. Villefort answers affirmatively to both, establishing an unbroken chain of custody before the doctor accepts the bottle.

D’Avrigny Tests the Medicine Before Attending to Valentine

D’Avrigny Tests the Medicine Before Attending to Valentine Not content with Villefort’s assurances, d’Avrigny pours a few drops of the mixture into the palm of his hand and swallows them himself, personally verifying its safety. Satisfied, he invites Villefort to accompany him to Valentine’s room, where he will give precise instructions and ensure that no one deviates from them.

Giacomo Busoni Rents the Adjoining House to Villefort

Giacomo Busoni Rents the Adjoining House to Villefort While d’Avrigny and Villefort return to Valentine’s room, an Italian priest of serious demeanor named Il Signor Giacomo Busoni rents the house adjoining Villefort’s hotel. The departure of the three previous tenants is unexplained, and rumors soon spread that the building’s foundation is unsound. Undeterred, Busoni signs a lease for three, six, or nine years and pays six months’ rent in advance, moving in his modest furniture the same day by five o’clock.