Morrel Rushes to Noirtier’s Summons
Morrel arrives at Noirtier’s residence in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré after receiving an urgent summons. He has run on foot from the Rue Meslay, placing more faith in his own legs than in a cab-horse. The elderly servant Barrois, sixty years old, struggles to keep pace with the young, lovesick Morrel. The two men are bound together by their connection to Noirtier. Upon arrival, Barrois ushers Morrel through a private entrance into the study, closing the door behind them. Valentine soon enters, looking beautiful in her mourning dress, followed by Noirtier in his wheeled armchair, who greets Morrel with great kindness.
Noirtier and Valentine Present Their Marriage Plan to Morrel
Valentine, acting as Noirtier’s interpreter, explains their plan to Morrel. Noirtier intends to leave Villefort’s house and take apartments elsewhere, with Valentine to live nearby under his protection. They will await M. de Villefort’s consent, and if he refuses, they will wait until Valentine comes of age in ten months, when she will be free and independent. At that point, with Noirtier’s approval, she will fulfill her promise to marry Morrel. Until then, they will conform to circumstances and wait patiently, with Noirtier commanding Morrel to take no rash action that could compromise their happiness. Morrel swears obedience, and the lovers share a tender moment while Barrois smiles upon them from the room.
Barrois Collapses After Drinking Lemonade
Noirtier directs attention to a decanter of lemonade, and Valentine offers Barrois a glass, noting how hot and perspiring he looks. Barrois takes the glass and drains it completely. As Valentine and Morrel exchange farewells, the doorbell rings—it is past noon on Saturday, and Valentine suspects it is the doctor. Barrois staggers back into the room to announce Doctor d’Avrigny, but he is clearly unwell. He collapses in violent convulsions at Noirtier’s feet, his features contorted, his body rigid, and foam appearing around his mouth. M. de Villefort appears on the threshold, and Valentine cries out for help. Madame de Villefort descends with smelling-salts but makes a peculiar inquiry about what Barrois has eaten. Valentine explains he drank only a glass of Noirtier’s lemonade. Madame de Villefort starts visibly at this information and glances between the servant and master. Morrel, hidden behind a curtain, slips away by a back staircase, while Villefort fetches the doctor.
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