course of life which
you have hitherto done, and thus, instead of losing, you will be a
gainer by the change, as it will secure to you two children instead of
one, to watch over and comfort you."

Noirtier's look was furious; it was very evident that something
desperate was passing in the old man's mind, for a cry of anger and
grief rose in his throat, and not being able to find vent in utterance,
appeared almost to choke him, for his face and lips turned quite purple
with the struggle. Villefort quietly opened a window, saying, "It is
very warm, and the heat affects M. Noirtier." He then returned to his
place, but did not sit down. "This marriage," added Madame de Villefort,
"is quite agreeable to the wishes of M. d'Epinay and his family;
besides, he had no relations nearer than an uncle and aunt, his mother
having died at his birth, and his father having been assassinated
in 1815, that is to say, when he was but two years old; it naturally
followed that the child was permitted to choose his own pursuits, and he
has, therefore, seldom acknowledged any other authority but that of his
own will."

"That assassination was a mysterious affair," said Villefort, "and the
perpetrators have hitherto escaped detection, although suspicion has
fallen on the head of more than one person." Noirtier made such an
effort that his lips expanded into a smile.

"Now," continued Villefort, "those to whom the guilt really belongs,
by whom the crime was committed, on whose heads the justice of man may
probably descend here, and the certain judgment of God hereafter,
would rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded of bestowing such
a peace-offering as Valentine on the son of him whose life they so
ruthlessly destroyed." Noirtier had succeeded in mastering his emotion
more than could have been deemed possible with such an enfeebled and
shattered frame. "Yes, I understand," was the reply contained in his
look; and this look expressed a feeling of strong indignation, mixed
with profound contempt. Villefort fully understood his father's meaning,
and answered by a slight shrug of his shoulders. He then motioned to his
wife to take leave. "Now sir," said Madame de Villefort, "I must bid you
farewell. Would you like me to send Edward to you for a short time?"

It had been agreed that the old man should express his approbation by
closing his eyes, his refusal by winking them several times, and if he
had some desire or feeling to express, he raised