Recounting M. de Saint-Méran’s Final Hours
Recounting M. de Saint-Méran’s Final Hours The marchioness recounts that the marquis had been unwell for days but insisted on traveling to see Valentine. Six leagues from Marseilles, after eating his customary lozenges, he fell into an unnaturally deep sleep; she hesitated to wake him, though his face seemed flushed and his temples throbbed. As darkness fell, she dozed, only to be roused by a piercing shriek as he violently threw back his head. Despite smelling salts, the postilion’s stopping, and the valet’s assistance, all was over, and she arrived at Aix beside a corpse. A doctor confirmed it was an apoplectic stroke. Following her husband’s wish, she had him placed in a leaden coffin and preceded the body by a few days. Now, numbed by grief, she asks to see Valentine.
Villefort Fetches Valentine from the Ball
Villefort Fetches Valentine from the Ball Unable to tell Valentine that her grandmother has arrived while she is at a ball, Villefort summons a cab and goes himself to fetch his wife and daughter from Madame de Morcerf’s. He appears so pale that Valentine rushes to him, sensing misfortune. When he informs her that her grandmamma has arrived, she trembles and asks about her grandfather; Villefort responds only by offering his arm. Valentine nearly faints, and the family departs the ball in a cloud of sadness. At the foot of the stairs, Barrois awaits with a message from Noirtier.
Noirtier’s Reaction to Saint-Méran’s Death
Noirtier’s Reaction to Saint-Méran’s Death Barrois, half-scared, rushes to inform his master. Though Noirtier and Saint-Méran were never close friends, the death of one old man weighs heavily on another. Noirtier lets his head fall upon his chest, overwhelmed and thoughtful, then closes one eye in inquiry. When Barrois reports that Madame de Saint-Méran has arrived and her husband is dead, and answers Valentine’s whereabouts—at the ball, in full dress—Noirtier signals that he wishes to see her, and Barrois promises to intercept her upon her return.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.