The Count of Monte Cristo

Madame de Villefort’s Collapse

Madame de Villefort is overpowered by the doctor’s identification of the poison. Her eyes flash and then swim, she staggers towards the door and disappears. A distant sound of a heavy weight falling on the ground is heard. No one pays attention initially as the nurse watches the chemical analysis and Villefort remains absorbed in grief. M. d’Avrigny alone follows Madame de Villefort with his eyes, watching her hurried retreat. He lifts the drapery over the entrance to Edward’s room and beholds her extended lifeless on the floor. He tells the nurse to go to Madame de Villefort’s assistance, declaring that Mademoiselle de Villefort no longer requires help since she is dead. Villefort groans forth his grief in a paroxysm terrible from its novelty in his iron heart.

Morrel Learns the Truth

Maximilian Morrel arrives at the usual time and finds the little door leading to Noirtier’s room open, contrary to custom. When no servant answers his calls, he goes up to Noirtier’s room, where he finds the old man sitting in his armchair with eyes expressing alarm and pallor overspreading his features. Noirtier indicates through gestures that something is wrong. Morrel calls for servants repeatedly but receives no answer. The pallor and anguish on Noirtier’s countenance increase, and when Morrel asks about Valentine, the old man confirms with frantic eyes. Morrel rushes up the little staircase and through several rooms until he reaches Valentine’s room, which stands wide open. He sees a black figure kneeling and buried in white drapery, hears a voice exclaim “Valentine is dead!” and another repeat “Dead, dead!” The young man stands pale and terror-stricken at the threshold.