Morrel’s Hopeful Visits
Every morning Morrel called on Noirtier to receive news of Valentine. Each day found him less uneasy, as although Valentine still suffered dreadful nervous excitement, she was improving. Monte Cristo had assured him that if Valentine were not dead within two hours, she would be saved. Four days had elapsed, and Valentine still lived.
Feverish Dreams
The nervous excitement pursued Valentine even in sleep. In the silence of night, under the dim light of the alabaster lamp, shadows passed over her sickbed and fanned her fever. She fancied she saw her stepmother threatening her, Morrel stretching his arms towards her, and even Monte Cristo visiting. Sometimes mere strangers appeared, and furniture seemed to move in these delirium states. This lasted until about three o’clock, when deep slumber overcame her until daylight.
The Library Door Opens
Eleven o’clock had struck, and the nurse had locked the door after placing the prepared beverage within Valentine’s reach. Valentine, suffering from returning nightly fever and unable to control her ideas, yielded to excitement producing recurring fancies. The night-lamp cast countless rays resolving into strange forms for her disordered imagination. Then by the flickering light, she thought she saw the door of her library, in the recess by the chimney-piece, open slowly—though she heard no sound of hinges turning.
The Midnight Visitor
From behind the door a human figure appeared, but Valentine was too familiar with such apparitions to be alarmed. She stared, hoping to recognize Morrel. The figure advanced and listened with profound attention. When light glanced across the visitor’s face, she murmured it was not Morrel. She felt her pulse throb violently and remembered that drinking the doctor’s beverage caused reaction in her brain, providing temporary relief. Reaching for the glass, her trembling arm caused the apparition to advance more quickly. The figure approached so closely she fancied she heard his breath and felt the pressure of his hand.
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.