Madame de Villefort’s Visit
Valentine sees a woman in a white dressing-gown pouring liquid from a phial into her glass. Madame de Villefort leans over the bed to check if Valentine sleeps, and the girl shudders. She notices the woman’s hand clasps what might be a long sharp knife. Valentine forces herself to close her eyes while the poisoner completes her task and withdraws.
The Step-Mother’s Hand
Valentine recognizes her stepmother and cannot suppress a shudder that vibrates the bed. Madame de Villefort retreats to the shadows, watching for any movement. The fair, round arm of a woman barely twenty-five years old retreats after spreading death.
Monte Cristo Returns
The grating against the library door snaps Valentine from her stupor. Monte Cristo reappears at the noiseless door and asks if she still doubts. Valentine groaning admits she saw but cannot believe what she witnessed.
The Poison Identified
Monte Cristo explains that Madame de Villefort has changed tactics—brucine is no longer employed but replaced with a simple narcotic. He raises the glass to his lips and confirms he can taste alcohol in which the poison is dissolved. He warns that drinking it would doom Valentine.
The Inheritance Revealed
Valentine learns she is targeted because she possesses 200,000 livres a year that prevents Madame de Villefort’s son Edward from enjoying the fortune. The inheritance comes from Valentine’s maternal relations, making her a obstacle to the boy’s wealth.
A Chain of Crimes
Monte Cristo reveals that Monsieur and Madame de Saint-Méran died for this fortune, that Noirtier was sentenced the day he made Valentine his heir, and that Valentine herself must die so her father would inherit, leaving Edward as successor. Valentine asks if all these crimes were committed for the sake of a child.
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