Two days after, a considerable crowd was assembled, towardsten o'clock in the morning, around the door of M. deVillefort's house, and a long file of mourning-coaches andprivate carriages extended along the Faubourg Saint-Honoreand the Rue de la Pepiniere. Among them was one of a verysingular form, which appeared to have come from a distance.It was a kind of covered wagon, painted black, and was oneof the first to arrive. Inquiry was made, and it wasascertained that, by a strange coincidence, this carriagecontained the corpse of the Marquis de Saint-Meran, and thatthose who had come thinking to attend one funeral wouldfollow two. Their number was great. The Marquis deSaint-Meran, one of the most zealous and faithfuldignitaries of Louis XVIII. and King Charles X., hadpreserved a great number of friends, and these, added to thepersonages whom the usages of society gave Villefort a claimon, formed a considerable body.

Due information was given to the authorities, and permissionobtained that the two funerals should take place at the sametime. A second hearse, decked with the same funereal pomp,was brought to M. de Villefort's door, and the coffinremoved into it from the post-wagon. The two bodies were tobe interred in the cemetery of Pere-la-Chaise, where M. deVillefort had long since had a tomb prepared for thereception of his family. The remains of poor Renee werealready deposited there, and now, after ten years ofseparation, her father and mother were to be reunited withher. The Parisians, always curious, always affected byfunereal display, looked on with religious silence while thesplendid procession accompanied to their last abode two ofthe number of the old aristocracy - the greatest protectorsof commerce and sincere devotees to their principles. In oneof the mourning-coaches Beauchamp, Debray, andChateau-Renaud were talking of the very sudden death of themarchioness. "I saw Madame de Saint-Meran only last year atMarseilles, when I was coming back from Algiers," saidChateau-Renaud; "she looked like a woman destined to live tobe a hundred years old, from her apparent sound health andgreat activity of mind and body. How old was she?"

"Franz assured me," replied Albert, "that she was sixty-sixyears old. But she has not died of old age, but of grief; itappears that since the death of the marquis, which affectedher very deeply, she has not completely recovered herreason."

"But of what disease, then, did she die?" asked Debray.

"It is said to have been a congestion of the brain, orapoplexy, which is the same thing, is it not?"

"Nearly."

"It is difficult to believe that it was apoplexy," saidBeauchamp. "Madame de Saint-Meran, whom I once saw, wasshort, of slender form, and of a much more nervous thansanguine temperament; grief could hardly produce apoplexy insuch a constitution as that of Madame de Saint-Meran."

"At any rate," said Albert, "whatever disease or doctor mayhave killed her, M. de Villefort, or rather, MademoiselleValentine, - or, still rather, our friend Franz, inherits amagnificent fortune, amounting, I believe, to 80,000 livresper annum."

"And this fortune will be doubled at the death of the oldJacobin, Noirtier."

"That is a tenacious old grandfather," said Beauchamp."Tenacem propositi virum. I think he must have made anagreement with death to outlive all his heirs, and heappears likely to succeed. He resembles the oldConventionalist of '93, who said to Napoleon, in 1814, `Youbend because your empire is a young stem, weakened by rapidgrowth. Take the Republic for a tutor; let us return withrenewed strength to the battle-field, and I promise you500,000 soldiers, another Marengo, and a second Austerlitz.Ideas do not become extinct, sire; they slumber sometimes,but only revive the stronger before they sleep entirely.'Ideas and men appeared the same to him. One thing onlypuzzles me, namely, how Franz d'Epinay will like agrandfather who cannot be separated from his wife. But whereis Franz?"

"In the first carriage, with M. de Villefort, who considershim already as one of the family."

Such was the conversation in almost all the carriages; thesetwo sudden deaths, so quickly following each other,astonished every one, but no one suspected the terriblesecret which M. d'Avrigny had communicated, in his nocturnalwalk to M. de Villefort. They arrived in about an hour atthe cemetery; the weather was mild, but dull, and in harmonywith the funeral ceremony. Among the groups which flockedtowards the family vault, Chateau-Renaud recognized Morrel,who had come alone in a cabriolet, and walked silently alongthe path bordered with yew-trees. "You here?" saidChateau-Renaud, passing his arms through the youngcaptain's; "are you a friend of Villefort's? How is it thatI have never met you at his house?"

"I am no acquaintance of M. de Villefort's." answeredMorrel, "but I was of Madame de Saint-Meran." Albert came upto them at this moment with Franz.

"The time and place are but ill-suited for an introduction."said Albert; "but we are not superstitious. M. Morrel, allowme to present to you M. Franz d'Epinay, a delightfultravelling companion, with whom I made the tour of Italy. Mydear Franz, M. Maximilian Morrel, an excellent friend I haveacquired in your absence, and whose name you will hear memention every time I make any allusion to affection, wit, oramiability." Morrel hesitated for a moment; he feared itwould be hypocritical to accost in a friendly manner the manwhom he was tacitly opposing, but his oath and the gravityof the circumstances recurred to his memory; he struggled toconceal his emotion and bowed to Franz. "Mademoiselle deVillefort is in deep sorrow, is she not?" said Debray toFranz.

"Extremely," replied he; "she looked so pale this morning, Iscarcely knew her." These apparently simple words piercedMorrel to the heart. This man had seen Valentine, and spokento her! The young and high-spirited officer required all hisstrength of mind to resist breaking his oath. He took thearm of Chateau-Renaud, and turned towards the vault, wherethe attendants had already placed the two coffins. "This isa magnificent habitation," said Beauchamp, looking towardsthe mausoleum; "a summer and winter palace. You will, inturn, enter it, my dear d'Epinay, for you will soon benumbered as one of the family. I, as a philosopher, shouldlike a little country-house, a cottage down there under thetrees, without so many free-stones over my poor body. Indying, I will say to those around me what Voltaire wrote toPiron: `Eo rus, and all will be over.' But come, Franz, takecourage, your wife is an heiress."

"Indeed, Beauchamp, you are unbearable. Politics has madeyou laugh at everything, and political men have made youdisbelieve everything. But when you have the honor ofassociating with ordinary men, and the pleasure of leavingpolitics for a moment, try to find your affectionate heart,which you leave with your stick when you go to the Chamber."

"But tell me," said Beauchamp, "what is life? Is it not ahall in Death's anteroom?"

"I am prejudiced against Beauchamp," said Albert, drawingFranz away, and leaving the former to finish hisphilosophical dissertation with Debray. The Villefort vaultformed a square of white stones, about twenty feet high; aninterior partition separated the two families, and eachapartment had its entrance door. Here were not, as in othertombs, ignoble drawers, one above another, where thriftbestows its dead and labels them like specimens in a museum;all that was visible within the bronze gates was agloomy-looking room, separated by a wall from the vaultitself. The two doors before mentioned were in the middle ofthis wall, and enclosed the Villefort and Saint-Merancoffins. There grief might freely expend itself withoutbeing disturbed by the trifling loungers who came from apicnic party to visit Pere-la-Chaise, or by lovers who makeit their rendezvous.

The two coffins were placed on trestles previously preparedfor their reception in the right-hand crypt belonging to theSaint-Meran family. Villefort, Franz, and a few nearrelatives alone entered the sanctuary.

As the religious ceremonies had all been performed at thedoor, and there was no address given, the party allseparated; Chateau-Renaud, Albert, and Morrel, went one way,and Debray and Beauchamp the other. Franz remained with M.de Villefort; at the gate of the cemetery Morrel made anexcuse to wait; he saw Franz and M. de Villefort get intothe same mourning coach, and thought this meeting forbodedevil. He then returned to Paris, and although in the samecarriage with Chateau-Renaud and Albert, he did not hear oneword of their conversation. As Franz was about to take leaveof M. de Villefort, "When shall I see you again?" said thelatter.

"At what time you please, sir," replied Franz.

"As soon as possible."

"I am at your command, sir; shall we return together?"

"If not unpleasant to you."

"On the contrary, I shall feel much pleasure." Thus, thefuture father and son-in-law stepped into the same carriage,and Morrel, seeing them pass, became uneasy. Villefort andFranz returned to the Faubourg Saint-Honore. The procureur,without going to see either his wife or his daughter, wentat once to his study, and, offering the young man a chair,- "M. d'Epinay," said he, "allow me to remind you at thismoment, - which is perhaps not so ill-chosen as at firstsight may appear, for obedience to the wishes of thedeparted is the first offering which should be made at theirtomb, - allow me then to remind you of the wish expressedby Madame de Saint-Meran on her death-bed, that Valentine'swedding might not be deferred. You know the affairs of thedeceased are in perfect order, and her will bequeaths toValentine the entire property of the Saint-Meran family; thenotary showed me the documents yesterday, which will enableus to draw up the contract immediately. You may call on thenotary, M. Deschamps, Place Beauveau, Faubourg Saint-Honore,and you have my authority to inspect those deeds."

"Sir," replied M. d'Epinay, "it is not, perhaps, the momentfor Mademoiselle Valentine, who is in deep distress, tothink of a husband; indeed, I fear" -

"Valentine will have no greater pleasure than that offulfilling her grandmother's last injunctions; there will beno obstacle from that quarter, I assure you."

"In that case," replied Franz, "as I shall raise none, youmay make arrangements when you please; I have pledged myword, and shall feel pleasure and happiness in adhering toit."

"Then," said Villefort, "nothing further is required. Thecontract was to have been signed three days since; we shallfind it all ready, and can sign it to-day."

"But the mourning?" said Franz, hesitating.

"Don't be uneasy on that score," replied Villefort; "noceremony will be neglected in my house. Mademoiselle deVillefort may retire during the prescribed three months toher estate of Saint-Meran; I say hers, for she inherits itto-day. There, after a few days, if you like, the civilmarriage shall be celebrated without pomp or ceremony.Madame de Saint-Meran wished her daughter should be marriedthere. When that in over, you, sir, can return to Paris,while your wife passes the time of her mourning with hermother-in-law."

"As you please, sir," said Franz.

"Then," replied M. de Villefort, "have the kindness to waithalf an hour; Valentine shall come down into thedrawing-room. I will send for M. Deschamps; we will read andsign the contract before we separate, and this eveningMadame de Villefort; shall accompany Valentine to herestate, where we will rejoin them in a week."

"Sir," said Franz, "I have one request to make."

"What is it?"

"I wish Albert de Morcerf and Raoul de Chateau-Renaud to bepresent at this signature; you know they are my witnesses."

"Half an hour will suffice to apprise them; will you go forthem yourself, or shall you send?"

"I prefer going, sir."

"I shall expect you, then, in half an hour, baron, andValentine will be ready." Franz bowed and left the room.Scarcely had the door closed, when M. de Villefort sent totell Valentine to be ready in the drawing-room in half anhour, as he expected the notary and M. d'Epinay and hiswitnesses. The news caused a great sensation throughout thehouse; Madame de Villefort would not believe it, andValentine was thunderstruck. She looked around for help, andwould have gone down to her grandfather's room, but on thestairs she met M. de Villefort, who took her arm and led herinto the drawing-room. In the anteroom, Valentine metBarrois, and looked despairingly at the old servant. Amoment later, Madame de Villefort entered the drawing-roomwith her little Edward. It was evident that she had sharedthe grief of the family, for she was pale and lookedfatigued. She sat down, took Edward on her knees, and fromtime to time pressed this child, on whom her affectionsappeared centred, almost convulsively to her bosom. Twocarriages were soon heard to enter the court yard. One wasthe notary's; the other, that of Franz and his friends. In amoment the whole party was assembled. Valentine was so paleone might trace the blue veins from her temples, round hereyes and down her cheeks. Franz was deeply affected.Chateau-Renaud and Albert looked at each other withamazement; the ceremony which was just concluded had notappeared more sorrowful than did that which was about tobegin. Madame de Villefort had placed herself in the shadowbehind a velvet curtain, and as she constantly bent over herchild, it was difficult to read the expression of her face.M. de Villefort was, as usual, unmoved.

The notary, after having according to the customary methodarranged the papers on the table, taken his place in anarmchair, and raised his spectacles, turned towards Franz:

"Are you M. Franz de Quesnel, baron d'Epinay?" asked he,although he knew it perfectly.

"Yes, sir," replied Franz. The notary bowed. "I have, then,to inform you, sir, at the request of M. de Villefort, thatyour projected marriage with Mademoiselle de Villefort haschanged the feeling of M. Noirtier towards his grandchild,and that he disinherits her entirely of the fortune he wouldhave left her. Let me hasten to add," continued he, "thatthe testator, having only the right to alienate a part ofhis fortune, and having alienated it all, the will will notbear scrutiny, and is declared null and void."

"Yes." said Villefort; "but I warn M. d'Epinay, that duringmy life-time my father's will shall never be questioned, myposition forbidding any doubt to be entertained."

"Sir," said Franz, "I regret much that such a question hasbeen raised in the presence of Mademoiselle Valentine; Ihave never inquired the amount of her fortune, which,however limited it may be, exceeds mine. My family hassought consideration in this alliance with M. de Villefort;all I seek is happiness." Valentine imperceptibly thankedhim, while two silent tears rolled down her cheeks."Besides, sir," said Villefort, addressing himself to hisfuture son-in-law, "excepting the loss of a portion of yourhopes, this unexpected will need not personally wound you;M. Noirtier's weakness of mind sufficiently explains it. Itis not because Mademoiselle Valentine is going to marry youthat he is angry, but because she will marry, a union withany other would have caused him the same sorrow. Old age isselfish, sir, and Mademoiselle de Villefort has been afaithful companion to M. Noirtier, which she cannot be whenshe becomes the Baroness d'Epinay. My father's melancholystate prevents our speaking to him on any subjects, whichthe weakness of his mind would incapacitate him fromunderstanding, and I am perfectly convinced that at thepresent time, although, he knows that his granddaughter isgoing to be married, M. Noirtier has even forgotten the nameof his intended grandson." M. de Villefort had scarcely saidthis, when the door opened, and Barrois appeared.

"Gentlemen," said he, in a tone strangely firm for a servantspeaking to his masters under such solemn circumstances, - "gentlemen, M. Noirtier de Villefort wishes to speakimmediately to M. Franz de Quesnel, baron d'Epinay;" he, aswell as the notary, that there might be no mistake in theperson, gave all his titles to the bride-groom elect.

Villefort started, Madame de Villefort let her son slip fromher knees, Valentine rose, pale and dumb as a statue. Albertand Chateau-Renaud exchanged a second look, more full ofamazement than the first. The notary looked at Villefort."It is impossible," said the procureur. "M. d'Epinay cannotleave the drawing-room at present."

"It is at this moment," replied Barrois with the samefirmness, "that M. Noirtier, my master, wishes to speak onimportant subjects to M. Franz d'Epinay."

"Grandpapa Noirtier can speak now, then," said Edward, withhis habitual quickness. However, his remark did not makeMadame de Villefort even smile, so much was every mindengaged, and so solemn was the situation. Astonishment wasat its height. Something like a smile was perceptible onMadame de Villefort's countenance. Valentine instinctivelyraised her eyes, as if to thank heaven.

"Pray go, Valentine," said; M. de Villefort, "and see whatthis new fancy of your grandfather's is." Valentine rosequickly, and was hastening joyfully towards the door, whenM. de Villefort altered his intention.

"Stop," said he; "I will go with you."

"Excuse me, sir," said Franz, "since M. Noirtier sent forme, I am ready to attend to his wish; besides, I shall behappy to pay my respects to him, not having yet had thehonor of doing so."

"Pray, sir," said Villefort with marked uneasiness, "do notdisturb yourself."

"Forgive me, sir," said Franz in a resolute tone. "I wouldnot lose this opportunity of proving to M. Noirtier howwrong it would be of him to encourage feelings of dislike tome, which I am determined to conquer, whatever they may be,by my devotion." And without listening to Villefort hearose, and followed Valentine, who was running down-stairswith the joy of a shipwrecked mariner who finds a rock tocling to. M. de Villefort followed them. Chateau-Renaud andMorcerf exchanged a third look of still increasing wonder.