Villefort Passes Unaware of Morrel
Villefort Passes Unaware of Morrel Morrel explains that he waited, grew uneasy, scaled the wall, and overheard servants recounting the tragedy. He tells Valentine that M. Franz arrived to sign the contract as her grandmother lay dying, and that the dying woman’s last wish was that the marriage proceed quickly. Steps are then heard in the corridor—Villefort escorting the doctor to the door. Morrel hides behind a door as Villefort pauses, then passes on to his own room, locking the garden door behind him.
Valentine Leads Morrel to Noirtier’s Chamber
Valentine Leads Morrel to Noirtier’s Chamber With both the front door and the garden sealed, Valentine tells Morrel the only safe passage out is through her grandfather Noirtier’s room. She rises, despite her grief at leaving the corpse she had promised to watch, and leads the way down a narrow staircase. At the door they find the old servant Barrois, whom Valentine instructs to shut the door and admit no one.
Valentine Confides Her Love to Noirtier
Valentine Confides Her Love to Noirtier Valentine kneels before the paralytic grandfather, telling him that her grandmother is dead and that he is her only remaining friend. She asks if she may confide her sorrows and hopes to him, then introduces Maximilian Morrel—son of the Marseilles merchant—and describes his irreproachable name and military honors. She declares her love for Morrel and her resolve to be his alone, threatening to destroy herself rather than marry another, and asks Noirtier to protect them against her father’s will.
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