The Count of Monte Cristo

Noirtier’s Menacing Glance

Villefort followed the direction of his father’s gaze and saw Madame de Villefort sitting beneath linden trees, reading a book while periodically smiling at her son Edward and throwing back his ball. The old man’s glance then shifted from his daughter-in-law to his son, and Villefort submitted to the searching, menacing investigation of those eyes. Noirtier raised his eyes to heaven, as though reminding his son of a forgotten oath.

The Promise of Justice

“It is well, sir,” Villefort replied from below. “Have patience but one day longer; what I have said I will do.” Noirtier seemed calmed by these words and turned his eyes away. Villefort, visibly distressed, entered his study.

The Night Before Trial

The night was cold and still. Everyone in the household had retired except Villefort, who worked until five in the morning, reviewing interrogatories, compiling witness depositions, and completing the deed of accusation.

Dawn of the Assizes

The next morning, dull and gloomy, Villefort saw dim gray light on the red-inked lines he had traced. He had slept briefly while his lamp flickered its last, and he found his fingers damp and purple. Opening the window, he saw a bright yellow streak crossing the sky. In the distance, a lark sang its clear morning song. “Today,” he said, “the man who holds the blade of justice must strike wherever there is guilt.”

The Mysterious Chocolate

A new valet brought Villefort papers and a cup of chocolate. When Villefort asked who had sent it, the valet explained that Madame de Villefort had ordered it, saying her husband would need to speak a great deal in the murder case and should take something to sustain his strength. Villefort drank it at one draught, almost as if hoping it might be mortal and deliver him from a duty he would rather die than fulfill. The chocolate was inoffensive.