We will now relate what was passing in the house of theking's attorney after the departure of Madame Danglars andher daughter, and during the time of the conversationbetween Maximilian and Valentine, which we have justdetailed. M. de Villefort entered his father's room,followed by Madame de Villefort. Both of the visitors, aftersaluting the old man and speaking to Barrois, a faithfulservant, who had been twenty-five years in his service, tooktheir places on either side of the paralytic.

M. Noirtier was sitting in an arm-chair, which moved uponcasters, in which he was wheeled into the room in themorning, and in the same way drawn out again at night. Hewas placed before a large glass, which reflected the wholeapartment, and so, without any attempt to move, which wouldhave been impossible, he could see all who entered the roomand everything which was going on around him. M. Noirtier,although almost as immovable as a corpse, looked at thenewcomers with a quick and intelligent expression,perceiving at once, by their ceremonious courtesy, that theywere come on business of an unexpected and officialcharacter. Sight and hearing were the only senses remaining,and they, like two solitary sparks, remained to animate themiserable body which seemed fit for nothing but the grave;it was only, however, by means of one of these senses thathe could reveal the thoughts and feelings that stilloccupied his mind, and the look by which he gave expressionto his inner life was like the distant gleam of a candlewhich a traveller sees by night across some desert place,and knows that a living being dwells beyond the silence andobscurity. Noirtier's hair was long and white, and flowedover his shoulders; while in his eyes, shaded by thick blacklashes, was concentrated, as it often happens with an organwhich is used to the exclusion of the others, all theactivity, address, force, and intelligence which wereformerly diffused over his whole body; and so although themovement of the arm, the sound of the voice, and the agilityof the body, were wanting, the speaking eye sufficed forall. He commanded with it; it was the medium through whichhis thanks were conveyed. In short, his whole appearanceproduced on the mind the impression of a corpse with livingeyes, and nothing could be more startling than to observethe expression of anger or joy suddenly lighting up theseorgans, while the rest of the rigid and marble-like featureswere utterly deprived of the power of participation. Threepersons only could understand this language of the poorparalytic; these were Villefort, Valentine, and the oldservant of whom we have already spoken. But as Villefort sawhis father but seldom, and then only when absolutelyobliged, and as he never took any pains to please or gratifyhim when he was there, all the old man's happiness wascentred in his granddaughter. Valentine, by means of herlove, her patience, and her devotion, had learned to read inNoirtier's look all the varied feelings which were passingin his mind. To this dumb language, which was sounintelligible to others, she answered by throwing her wholesoul into the expression of her countenance, and in thismanner were the conversations sustained between the bloominggirl and the helpless invalid, whose body could scarcely becalled a living one, but who, nevertheless, possessed a fundof knowledge and penetration, united with a will as powerfulas ever although clogged by a body rendered utterlyincapable of obeying its impulses. Valentine had solved theproblem, and was able easily to understand his thoughts, andto convey her own in return, and, through her untiring anddevoted assiduity, it was seldom that, in the ordinarytransactions of every-day life, she failed to anticipate thewishes of the living, thinking mind, or the wants of thealmost inanimate body. As to the servant, he had, as we havesaid, been with his master for five and twenty years,therefore he knew all his habits, and it was seldom thatNoirtier found it necessary to ask for anything, so promptwas he in administering to all the necessities of theinvalid. Villefort did not need the help of either Valentineor the domestic in order to carry on with his father thestrange conversation which he was about to begin. As we havesaid, he perfectly understood the old man's vocabulary, andif he did not use it more often, it was only indifferenceand ennui which prevented him from so doing. He thereforeallowed Valentine to go into the garden, sent away Barrois,and after having seated himself at his father's right hand,while Madame de Villefort placed herself on the left, headdressed him thus: -

"I trust you will not be displeased, sir, that Valentine hasnot come with us, or that I dismissed Barrois, for ourconference will be one which could not with propriety becarried on in the presence of either. Madame de Villefortand I have a communication to make to you."

Noirtier's face remained perfectly passive during this longpreamble, while, on the contrary, Villefort's eye wasendeavoring to penetrate into the inmost recesses of the oldman's heart.

"This communication," continued the procureur, in that coldand decisive tone which seemed at once to preclude alldiscussion, "will, we are sure, meet with your approbation."The eye of the invalid still retained that vacancy ofexpression which prevented his son from obtaining anyknowledge of the feelings which were passing in his mind; helistened, nothing more. "Sir," resumed Villefort, "we arethinking of marrying Valentine." Had the old man's face beenmoulded in wax it could not have shown less emotion at thisnews than was now to be traced there. "The marriage willtake place in less than three months," said Villefort.Noirtier's eye still retained its inanimate expression.

Madame de Villefort now took her part in the conversationand added, - "We thought this news would possess aninterest for you, sir, who have always entertained a greataffection for Valentine; it therefore only now remains forus to tell you the name of the young man for whom she isdestined. It is one of the most desirable connections whichcould possibly be formed; he possesses fortune, a high rankin society, and every personal qualification likely torender Valentine supremely happy, - his name, moreover,cannot be wholly unknown to you. It is M. Franz de Quesnel,Baron d'Epinay."

While his wife was speaking, Villefort had narrowly watchedthe old man's countenance. When Madame de Villefortpronounced the name of Franz, the pupil of M. Noirtier's eyebegan to dilate, and his eyelids trembled with the samemovement that may be perceived on the lips of an individualabout to speak, and he darted a lightning glance at Madamede Villefort and his son. The procureur, who knew thepolitical hatred which had formerly existed between M.Noirtier and the elder d'Epinay, well understood theagitation and anger which the announcement had produced;but, feigning not to perceive either, he immediately resumedthe narrative begun by his wife. "Sir," said he, "you areaware that Valentine is about to enter her nineteenth year,which renders it important that she should lose no time informing a suitable alliance. Nevertheless, you have not beenforgotten in our plans, and we have fully ascertainedbeforehand that Valentine's future husband will consent, notto live in this house, for that might not be pleasant forthe young people, but that you should live with them; sothat you and Valentine, who are so attached to each other,would not be separated, and you would be able to pursueexactly the same course of life which you have hithertodone, and thus, instead of losing, you will be a gainer bythe change, as it will secure to you two children instead ofone, to watch over and comfort you."

Noirtier's look was furious; it was very evident thatsomething desperate was passing in the old man's mind, for acry of anger and grief rose in his throat, and not beingable to find vent in utterance, appeared almost to chokehim, for his face and lips turned quite purple with thestruggle. Villefort quietly opened a window, saying, "It isvery warm, and the heat affects M. Noirtier." He thenreturned to his place, but did not sit down. "Thismarriage," added Madame de Villefort, "is quite agreeable tothe wishes of M. d'Epinay and his family; besides, he had norelations nearer than an uncle and aunt, his mother havingdied at his birth, and his father having been assassinatedin 1815, that is to say, when he was but two years old; itnaturally followed that the child was permitted to choosehis own pursuits, and he has, therefore, seldom acknowledgedany other authority but that of his own will."

"That assassination was a mysterious affair," saidVillefort, "and the perpetrators have hitherto escapeddetection, although suspicion has fallen on the head of morethan one person." Noirtier made such an effort that his lipsexpanded into a smile.

"Now," continued Villefort, "those to whom the guilt reallybelongs, by whom the crime was committed, on whose heads thejustice of man may probably descend here, and the certainjudgment of God hereafter, would rejoice in the opportunitythus afforded of bestowing such a peace-offering asValentine on the son of him whose life they so ruthlesslydestroyed." Noirtier had succeeded in mastering his emotionmore than could have been deemed possible with such anenfeebled and shattered frame. "Yes, I understand," was thereply contained in his look; and this look expressed afeeling of strong indignation, mixed with profound contempt.Villefort fully understood his father's meaning, andanswered by a slight shrug of his shoulders. He thenmotioned to his wife to take leave. "Now sir," said Madamede Villefort, "I must bid you farewell. Would you like me tosend Edward to you for a short time?"

It had been agreed that the old man should express hisapprobation by closing his eyes, his refusal by winking themseveral times, and if he had some desire or feeling toexpress, he raised them to heaven. If he wanted Valentine,he closed his right eye only, and if Barrois, the left. AtMadame de Villefort's proposition he instantly winked hiseyes. Provoked by a complete refusal, she bit her lip andsaid, "Then shall I send Valentine to you?" The old manclosed his eyes eagerly, thereby intimating that such washis wish. M. and Madame de Villefort bowed and left theroom, giving orders that Valentine should be summoned to hergrandfather's presence, and feeling sure that she would havemuch to do to restore calmness to the perturbed spirit ofthe invalid. Valentine, with a color still heightened byemotion, entered the room just after her parents had quittedit. One look was sufficient to tell her that her grandfatherwas suffering, and that there was much on his mind which hewas wishing to communicate to her. "Dear grandpapa," criedshe, "what has happened? They have vexed you, and you areangry?" The paralytic closed his eyes in token of assent."Who has displeased you? Is it my father?"

"No."

"Madame de Villefort?"

"No."

"Me?" The former sign was repeated. "Are you displeased withme?" cried Valentine in astonishment. M. Noirtier againclosed his eyes. "And what have I done, dear grandpapa, thatyou should be angry with me?" cried Valentine.

There was no answer, and she continued. "I have not seen youall day. Has any one been speaking to you against me?"

"Yes," said the old man's look, with eagerness.

"Let me think a moment. I do assure you, grandpapa - Ah - M. and Madame de Villefort have just left this room, havethey not?"

"Yes."

"And it was they who told you something which made youangry? What was it then? May I go and ask them, that I mayhave the opportunity of making my peace with you?"

"No, no," said Noirtier's look.

"Ah, you frighten me. What can they have said?" and sheagain tried to think what it could be.

"Ah, I know," said she, lowering her voice and going closeto the old man. "They have been speaking of my marriage, - have they not?"

"Yes," replied the angry look.

"I understand; you are displeased at the silence I havepreserved on the subject. The reason of it was, that theyhad insisted on my keeping the matter a secret, and beggedme not to tell you anything of it. They did not evenacquaint me with their intentions, and I only discoveredthem by chance, that is why I have been so reserved withyou, dear grandpapa. Pray forgive me." But there was no lookcalculated to reassure her; all it seemed to say was, "It isnot only your reserve which afflicts me."

"What is it, then?" asked the young girl. "Perhaps you thinkI shall abandon you, dear grandpapa, and that I shall forgetyou when I am married?"

"No."

"They told you, then, that M. d'Epinay consented to our allliving together?"

"Yes."

"Then why are you still vexed and grieved?" The old man'seyes beamed with an expression of gentle affection. "Yes, Iunderstand," said Valentine; "it is because you love me."The old man assented. "And you are afraid I shall beunhappy?"

"Yes."

"You do not like M. Franz?" The eyes repeated several times,"No, no, no."

"Then you are vexed with the engagement?"

"Yes."

"Well, listen," said Valentine, throwing herself on herknees, and putting her arm round her grandfather's neck, "Iam vexed, too, for I do not love M. Franz d'Epinay." Anexpression of intense joy illumined the old man's eyes."When I wished to retire into a convent, you remember howangry you were with me?" A tear trembled in the eye of theinvalid. "Well," continued Valentine, "the reason of myproposing it was that I might escape this hateful marriage,which drives me to despair." Noirtier's breathing came thickand short. "Then the idea of this marriage really grievesyou too? Ah, if you could but help me - if we could bothtogether defeat their plan! But you are unable to opposethem, - you, whose mind is so quick, and whose will is sofirm are nevertheless, as weak and unequal to the contest asI am myself. Alas, you, who would have been such a powerfulprotector to me in the days of your health and strength, cannow only sympathize in my joys and sorrows, without beingable to take any active part in them. However, this is much,and calls for gratitude and heaven has not taken away all myblessings when it leaves me your sympathy and kindness."

At these words there appeared in Noirtier's eye anexpression of such deep meaning that the young girl thoughtshe could read these words there: "You are mistaken; I canstill do much for you."

"Do you think you can help me, dear grandpapa?" saidValentine.

"Yes." Noirtier raised his eyes, it was the sign agreed onbetween him and Valentine when he wanted anything.

"What is it you want, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine, andshe endeavored to recall to mind all the things which hewould be likely to need; and as the ideas presentedthemselves to her mind, she repeated them aloud, then, - finding that all her efforts elicited nothing but a constant"No," - she said, "Come, since this plan does not answer, Iwill have recourse to another." She then recited all theletters of the alphabet from A down to N. When she arrivedat that letter the paralytic made her understand that shehad spoken the initial letter of the thing he wanted. "Ah,"said Valentine, "the thing you desire begins with the letterN; it is with N that we have to do, then. Well, let me see,what can you want that begins with N? Na - Ne - Ni - No"-

"Yes, yes, yes," said the old man's eye.

"Ah, it is No, then?"

"Yes." Valentine fetched a dictionary, which she placed on adesk before Noirtier; she opened it, and, seeing that theodd man's eye was thoroughly fixed on its pages, she ran herfinger quickly up and down the columns. During the six yearswhich had passed since Noirtier first fell into this sadstate, Valentine's powers of invention had been too oftenput to the test not to render her expert in devisingexpedients for gaining a knowledge of his wishes, and theconstant practice had so perfected her in the art that sheguessed the old man's meaning as quickly as if he himselfhad been able to seek for what he wanted. At the word"Notary," Noirtier made a sign to her to stop. "Notary,"said she, "do you want a notary, dear grandpapa?" The oldman again signified that it was a notary he desired.

"You would wish a notary to be sent for then?" saidValentine.

"Yes."

"Shall my father be informed of your wish?"

"Yes."

"Do you wish the notary to be sent for immediately?"

"Yes."

"Then they shall go for him directly, dear grandpapa. Isthat all you want?"

"Yes." Valentine rang the bell, and ordered the servant totell Monsieur or Madame de Villefort that they wererequested to come to M. Noirtier's room. "Are you satisfiednow?" inquired Valentine.

"Yes."

"I am sure you are; it is not very difficult to discoverthat," - and the young girl smiled on her grandfather, asif he had been a child. M. de Villefort entered, followed byBarrois. "What do you want me for, sir?" demanded he of theparalytic.

"Sir," said Valentine, "my grandfather wishes for a notary."At this strange and unexpected demand M. de Villefort andhis father exchanged looks. "Yes," motioned the latter, witha firmness which seemed to declare that with the help ofValentine and his old servant, who both knew what his wisheswere, he was quite prepared to maintain the contest. "Do youwish for a notary?" asked Villefort.

"Yes."

"What to do?"

Noirtier made no answer. "What do you want with a notary?"again repeated Villefort. The invalid's eye remained fixed,by which expression he intended to intimate that hisresolution was unalterable. "Is it to do us some ill turn?Do you think it is worth while?" said Villefort.

"Still," said Barrois, with the freedom and fidelity of anold servant, "if M. Noirtier asks for a notary, I suppose hereally wishes for a notary; therefore I shall go at once andfetch one." Barrois acknowledged no master but Noirtier, andnever allowed his desires in any way to be contradicted.

"Yes, I do want a notary," motioned the old man, shuttinghis eyes with a look of defiance, which seemed to say, "andI should like to see the person who dares to refuse myrequest."

"You shall have a notary, as you absolutely wish for one,sir," said Villefort; "but I shall explain to him your stateof health, and make excuses for you, for the scene cannotfail of being a most ridiculous one."

"Never mind that," said Barrois; "I shall go and fetch anotary, nevertheless," - and the old servant departedtriumphantly on his mission.