Morrel Proposes His Plans to Noirtier
Morrel Proposes His Plans to Noirtier Alone with Noirtier, Morrel first asks Valentine to return to her vigil. He then uses the dictionary and pen to explain who he is, how he met Valentine, and his devotion to her. He outlines two schemes: first, to carry Valentine off in a waiting cabriolet to his sister’s house and marry her, awaiting Villefort’s pardon; second, should that fail, to seek out Franz d’Épinay and provoke a duel that will decide Valentine’s fate by the sword.
Noirtier Rejects Both of Morrel’s Schemes
Noirtier Rejects Both of Morrel’s Schemes Noirtier listens with pleasure to Morrel’s sincere countenance, but when the plans are presented, he shuts his eyes—the signal for “No.” He rejects the elopement and rejects the duel as well. Morrel presses him: must he simply let events take their course, since Madame de Saint-Méran’s dying wish was that the marriage not be delayed?
Noirtier Promises to Stop the Marriage Contract
Noirtier Promises to Stop the Marriage Contract Morrel asks if help will come from chance, or from Noirtier himself. The old man affirms that the help will come from him, and with firm, unmistakable conviction promises that the marriage contract shall not be signed. Though Morrel marvels at how a paralyzed, speechless old man chained to his armchair can oppose the match, a strange smile in Noirtier’s eyes suggests a power beyond mere physical ability.
Morrel Swears to Await Noirtier’s Direction
Morrel Swears to Await Noirtier’s Direction Moved by the old man’s assurance, Morrel swears on his honor to await Noirtier’s decision regarding d’Épinay. Noirtier signals approval, and Morrel, taking leave without seeing Valentine again, asks to embrace the old man as Valentine had done. He presses his lips to Noirtier’s forehead, bows, and withdraws.
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