The Interment
The Villefort vault is a square white stone mausoleum approximately twenty feet high, divided internally to separate the two families. Unlike typical tombs with stacked drawers, this structure contains a single gloomy room. The two coffins are placed on prepared trestles in the right-hand Saint-Méran crypt. Only Villefort, Franz, and close relatives enter the sanctuary. The religious ceremonies having been completed at the entrance, the mourners separate. Morrel observes Franz and Villefort departing together in the same carriage, which fills him with foreboding. Despite being in the same carriage as Château-Renaud and Albert, Morrel hears nothing of their conversation.
Villefort Proposes the Marriage Contract
Returning to Paris, Villefort invites Franz into his study and immediately raises the subject of the marriage contract. He invokes Madame de Saint-Méran’s deathbed wish that Valentine’s wedding not be postponed. The Marchioness’s affairs are in perfect order; her will bequeaths the entire Saint-Méran property to Valentine. The notary, M. Deschamps, has the documents ready. When Franz hesitates, suggesting Valentine in deep distress may not wish to think of marriage, Villefort assures him Valentine will have no greater pleasure than fulfilling her grandmother’s final wishes.
Preparations for the Signing
Villefort declares the contract could have been signed three days prior but can be completed immediately. Franz accepts, noting he has pledged his word and will feel pleasure in adhering to it. When Franz raises the matter of mourning, Villefort explains Valentine may retire to the Saint-Méran estate for the prescribed three months, where a quiet civil marriage could be celebrated. Franz then requests that Albert de Morcerf and Raoul de Château-Renaud attend as his witnesses. After Franz departs to summon them, Villefort sends for Valentine and the notary. The news creates a sensation throughout the house; Madame de Villefort refuses to believe it while Valentine stands thunderstruck. Villefort intercepts Valentine on the stairs and leads her to the drawing-room.
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