The Count of Monte Cristo

第一百章 The Apparition

Valentine remained confined to her bed, weakened by nervous excitement, as she learned from Madame de Villefort of Eugénie’s flight and Benedetto’s arrest. Monte Cristo revealed to her that he had secretly rented the adjoining house and entered through a hidden passage in her library to replace the nightly draught prepared by Dr. d’Avrigny with a beneficial medicine, thereby saving her from poison that had been killing the Saint-Mérans, Barrois, and nearly Noirtier himself. The count warned her that midnight was the hour murderers chose, then disappeared back through the library door, instructing her to feign sleep so she might witness her would-be assassin enter her room.

Valentine’s Feverish Weakness

Valentine remained confined to her bed, bowed down with fatigue. Though she heard of Eugénie’s flight and Andrea Cavalcanti’s arrest, her weak state meant this news produced less effect than usual. Her brain held only vague ideas and confused forms, mixed with strange fancies. However, her daytime perceptions stayed tolerably clear thanks to M. Noirtier’s constant presence in her room.

Noirtier’s Daytime Vigil

M. Noirtier had himself carried to his granddaughter’s room each day, watching over her with paternal tenderness. Villefort also frequently spent an hour or two with his father and child upon returning from the law courts. This daytime vigil ensured Valentine was never alone during her waking hours.

The Evening Routine

At six o’clock, Villefort retired to his study. At eight, M. d’Avrigny arrived with the night draught prepared for the young girl, after which M. Noirtier was carried away. A nurse of the doctor’s choosing then took over, never leaving until about ten or eleven o’clock when Valentine was asleep. The nurse gave the keys of Valentine’s room to M. de Villefort, ensuring no one could reach the sick-room except through Madame de Villefort’s room and little Edward’s quarters.