The Count of Monte Cristo

CAPÍTULO 108. The Judge

In the wake of Valentine’s death, Noirtier’s violent grief softens into a calm resignation after his conversation with the Abbé Busoni, while M. de Villefort retreats from his family, replaces the household staff and dedicates himself feverishly to preparing the case against Caderousse’s murderer for the opening of the assizes. On the morning of the trial, Villefort observes his father watching his wife with a hate‑filled gaze, and after a sleepless night spent polishing the accusation, he confronts Madame de Villefort, demanding to know where she hides the poison she has used to kill his father‑in‑law, mother‑in‑law, Barrois and his own daughter, and gives her a terrible ultimatum: either she takes her own life before he returns or he will denounce and arrest her, after which she collapses and he leaves the room.

Abbé Busoni and Noirtier

The Abbé Busoni remained alone with Noirtier in the chamber where Valentine’s body lay. The priest’s Christian exhortations, kindness, and persuasive words had restored the old man’s courage, transforming his violent despair into a calm resignation that surprised all who knew his excessive affection for his granddaughter.

The Altered Household

Since Valentine’s death, the entire establishment had changed. M. de Villefort had not seen his father since that morning. New servants were engaged—a new valet for Villefort, a new servant for Noirtier, and two women had entered Madame de Villefort’s service. New faces appeared everywhere, from the concierge to the coachmen, widening the division that had always existed between family members.

Preparing the Caderousse Case

The assizes were about to begin, and Villefort shut himself in his room, working with feverish anxiety on the case against Caderousse’s murderer. The case, like all those involving the Count of Monte Cristo, caused a great sensation in Paris. The proofs were not entirely convincing, resting on words written by an escaped galley-slave on his death-bed. Nevertheless, Villefort was convinced of Benedetto’s guilt and hoped his skill in conducting this case would flatter his self-love.

The Garden Confrontation

Once, during a weary afternoon, Villefort descended to his garden and, in a gloomy mood, began knocking off the dying rose branches with his cane. While walking, he noticed Noirtier at an open window, his eyes fixed intently on something below with an expression of hate, ferocity, and savage impatience.

Noirtier’s Menacing Glance

Villefort followed the direction of his father’s gaze and saw Madame de Villefort sitting beneath linden trees, reading a book while periodically smiling at her son Edward and throwing back his ball. The old man’s glance then shifted from his daughter-in-law to his son, and Villefort submitted to the searching, menacing investigation of those eyes. Noirtier raised his eyes to heaven, as though reminding his son of a forgotten oath.

The Promise of Justice

“It is well, sir,” Villefort replied from below. “Have patience but one day longer; what I have said I will do.” Noirtier seemed calmed by these words and turned his eyes away. Villefort, visibly distressed, entered his study.

The Night Before Trial

The night was cold and still. Everyone in the household had retired except Villefort, who worked until five in the morning, reviewing interrogatories, compiling witness depositions, and completing the deed of accusation.

Dawn of the Assizes

The next morning, dull and gloomy, Villefort saw dim gray light on the red-inked lines he had traced. He had slept briefly while his lamp flickered its last, and he found his fingers damp and purple. Opening the window, he saw a bright yellow streak crossing the sky. In the distance, a lark sang its clear morning song. “Today,” he said, “the man who holds the blade of justice must strike wherever there is guilt.”

The Mysterious Chocolate

A new valet brought Villefort papers and a cup of chocolate. When Villefort asked who had sent it, the valet explained that Madame de Villefort had ordered it, saying her husband would need to speak a great deal in the murder case and should take something to sustain his strength. Villefort drank it at one draught, almost as if hoping it might be mortal and deliver him from a duty he would rather die than fulfill. The chocolate was inoffensive.