The Count of Monte Cristo

Valentine Repeats Her Father’s Derogatory Remarks About the Morrel Family

Valentine repeats the harsh derogatory remarks her father made about the Morrel family after hearing Maximilian’s name: he called the Marseille Morrels violent Bonapartists “good for nothing but food for cannon,” praised the current government for continuing the emperor’s harsh policy of punishing Bonapartist sympathizers, and joked that Algeria would be a useful location to implement this policy.

Maximilian Notes Contrast Between His Father and Noirtier’s Views

Maximilian notes the contrast between the political views of his own father and Noirtier, observing that his father held similarly harsh anti-Bonapartist views, once joking that the emperor should send regiments of lawyers to the hottest battlefronts to die in place of more useful men, showing both men held intolerant views despite being on opposite sides of the political divide.

Valentine Shares Grandfather Noirtier’s Approval of Maximilian’s Honor

Valentine shares that after the conversation, she realized her grandfather Noirtier had been deeply agitated by her father’s and Danglars’ derogatory remarks about Bonapartists; when she asked if he approved of Maximilian’s Legion of Honor appointment, he signaled yes, which Valentine attributed to his strong Bonapartist loyalties and fondness for the young man.

Valentine Is Summoned by a Servant Announcing a Visitor

Valentine is interrupted by a servant who calls out to her from behind the garden trees, telling her that Madame de Villefort is searching for her everywhere because there is a visitor in the drawing-room.