The Count of Monte Cristo

The King’s Attorney’s House

The chapter opens at M. de Villefort’s residence, following the departure of Madame Danglars and her daughter. M. de Villefort enters his father M. Noirtier’s room accompanied by Madame de Villefort, both greeting the old man and his faithful servant Barrois, who has served Noirtier for twenty-five years.

M. Noirtier’s Room

M. Noirtier sits in a wheeled armchair positioned before a large mirror that reflects the entire apartment, allowing him to observe all who enter and everything occurring around him without being able to move. Although almost as immobile as a corpse, his eyes retain quick and intelligent expression.

The Paralytic

Despite being completely paralyzed, Noirtier’s eyes and hearing remain his only functioning senses. His white hair flows over his shoulders while his eyes, shaded by thick black lashes, contain all the activity, address, force, and intelligence formerly distributed throughout his body. His expressive eyes serve as his sole medium for communication—commanding, expressing thanks, and conveying anger or joy. Only three people can understand his mute language: Villefort, his granddaughter Valentine, and the old servant Barrois. Due to Villefort’s rare visits and lack of effort to connect, all the old man’s happiness centers on Valentine, who has learned through love, patience, and devotion to read every varied feeling in his gaze.

The Marriage Announcement

Villefort dismisses Valentine to the garden, sends away Barrois, and announces that Valentine is to marry M. Franz de Quesnel, Baron d’Épinay—whom he describes as possessing fortune, high social rank, and personal qualifications. Noirtier displays no emotion at this news. Madame de Villefort explains that Franz’s parents died when he was two years old, leaving him to choose his own path. When Madame de Villefort pronounces Franz’s name, Noirtier’s eyes dilate and he darts an angry glance at her and his son. Villefort understands this reaction stems from the political hatred that formerly existed between Noirtier and the elder d’Épinay, but feigns ignorance. Villefort adds that the marriage will occur in less than three months and that Noirtier will live with the young couple, ensuring Valentine’s continued care for him.