The Count of Monte Cristo

第六十章 The Telegraph

Upon returning home, M. and Madame de Villefort find the Count of Monte Cristo waiting for them in the drawing room, and the count quickly perceives that Villefort is troubled despite his attempts to mask his feelings. Villefort explains that his father, the paralytic M. Noirtier, is in the process of disinheriting their daughter Valentine by 900,000 francs as punishment for her intended marriage to the young Baron Franz d’Épinay, the son of a man whom Noirtier detests from the political intrigues of an earlier era. Encouraged by the count, who feigns only polite interest while listening intently to the family dispute, Villefort resolves to proceed with the marriage regardless, and the conversation then turns to an upcoming visit to the count’s country house in Auteuil—the very house once owned by M. de Saint-Méran, a fact that visibly agitates the procureur. Before departing, Monte Cristo explains that he is off to observe a nearby telegraph at length, launching into a lengthy meditation on the semaphore’s mechanical arms and the humble operator hired to manipulate them for a modest salary.

Monte Cristo Awaits the Villeforts

Upon returning home, M. and Madame de Villefort learn that the Count of Monte Cristo has been waiting in their drawing-room. Madame de Villefort, still emotionally shaken from earlier events, withdraws to her bedroom, while Villefort proceeds to the salon. Despite attempting to mask his inner turmoil, Villefort’s dark and troubled expression is immediately noticed by the radiant count, who inquires about the cause of his sombre mood.