The Count of Monte Cristo

Noirtier and Villefort Confer Alone

Following their private conference, Villefort emerges to summon Morrel and d’Avrigny back to Noirtier. His face covered in perspiration and composure shattered, he makes an urgent request: “Give me your word of honor that this horrible secret shall forever remain buried amongst ourselves!” He explains that his father has revealed the culprit’s name and that Noirtier thirsts for revenge as desperately as Morrel.

Villefort Promises Revenge

Villefort pledges that within three days, his revenge for his child’s murder will “make the boldest heart tremble.” He joins the hands of Morrel and d’Avrigny, begging them to “spare the honor of my house” and leave the avenging to him. Noirtier confirms this arrangement with an expression of sinister joy. D’Avrigny offers a feeble assent, but Morrel tears away to press his lips to Valentine’s cold form before departing with a groan of despair.

The Oath of Secrecy

With all servants having fled the house, Villefort requests d’Avrigny manage the arrangements for Valentine’s death. The district doctor—called “the doctor of the dead”—arrives to examine the body. He confirms Valentine’s death with professional indifference. Noirtier, unable to leave his grandchild’s side, watches silently as tears roll down his cheeks. The doctor examines the corpse and leaves his permit on the table.

The Doctor of the Dead

Villefort sends d’Avrigny to summon the priest. When asked if he has a particular priest in mind, Villefort requests only the nearest one. The district doctor mentions a nearby Italian abbé who lives next door, and Villefort entrusts d’Avrigny with the key so he may come and go freely while bringing the priest to Valentine’s room.

Summoning the Italian Abbé

D’Avrigny and the district doctor encounter the Italian abbé standing at his threshold. D’Avrigny explains the service required for M. de Villefort, whose daughter has died. The priest reveals he has already heard of the death and knows the deceased is named Valentine. He offers his prayers and agrees to watch by the dead. D’Avrigny introduces him to the room where Noirtier remains with the body.

The Priest is Left Alone

After d’Avrigny departs, the priest rises to secure the room—bolting not only the door through which d’Avrigny left, but also the one leading to Madame de Villefort’s chamber. Thus left alone with the corpse of Valentine and the paralytic Noirtier, the mysterious Italian abbé prepares to fulfill his sacred mission, with Noirtier’s eyes meeting his in an expression suggesting some particular understanding between them.

KAPITEL 104. Danglars’ Signature

This chapter covers the immediate aftermath of Valentine de Villefort’s death, including funeral preparations, the varied grief responses of her family and Parisian social acquaintances, and the Count of Monte Cristo’s successful scheme to claim five million francs from the banker Danglars by calling in a pre-existing credit line, alongside Danglars’ subsequent deception of a charity official to hide the missing funds. This chapter centers on banker Danglars’ dealings with bank receiver M. de Boville, his secret plans to flee Paris amid reputational and financial complications from the Benedetto affair, and the personal impact of the scandal on his family, including his daughter Eugénie’s decision to enter a strict convent.

KAPITEL 104. Danglars’ Signature

This chapter covers the immediate aftermath of Valentine de Villefort’s death, including funeral preparations, the varied grief responses of her family and Parisian social acquaintances, and the Count of Monte Cristo’s successful scheme to claim five million francs from the banker Danglars by calling in a pre-existing credit line, alongside Danglars’ subsequent deception of a charity official to hide the missing funds.

Valentine’s Funeral Preparations

The morning after Valentine’s death, undertakers complete their work, wrapping her body in a fine cambric winding-sheet she had purchased two weeks prior.

Noirtier’s Calm Grief After Valentine’s Death

Two hired men move Noirtier from Valentine’s room to his own with no resistance; when d’Avrigny visits at 8 a.m., he finds Noirtier sleeping calmly and almost smiling in his armchair, a stark contrast to his previous hypersensitivity to even minor disturbances, which d’Avrigny attributes to grief having stunned him.