both knew what his wishes were, he was quite prepared to maintain the
contest. "Do you wish 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 his resolution 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 an old servant,
"if M. Noirtier asks for a notary, I suppose he really wishes for
a notary; therefore I shall go at once and fetch one." Barrois
acknowledged no master but Noirtier, and never allowed his desires in
any way to be contradicted.

"Yes, I do want a notary," motioned the old man, shutting his eyes with
a look of defiance, which seemed to say, "and I should like to see the
person who dares to refuse my request."

"You shall have a notary, as you absolutely wish for one, sir," said
Villefort; "but I shall explain to him your state of health, and make
excuses for you, for the scene cannot fail of being a most ridiculous
one."

"Never mind that," said Barrois; "I shall go and fetch a notary,
nevertheless,"--and the old servant departed triumphantly on his
mission.

Chapter 59. The Will.

As soon as Barrois had left the room, Noirtier looked at Valentine with
a malicious expression that said many things. The young girl perfectly
understood the look, and so did Villefort, for his countenance became
clouded, and he knitted his eyebrows angrily. He took a seat, and
quietly awaited the arrival of the notary. Noirtier saw him seat himself
with an appearance of perfect indifference, at the same time giving a
side look at Valentine, which made her understand that she also was to
remain in the room. Three-quarters of an hour after, Barrois returned,
bringing the notary with him. "Sir," said Villefort, after the first
salutations were over, "you were sent for by M. Noirtier, whom you see
here. All his limbs have become completely paralysed, he has lost his
voice also, and we ourselves find much trouble in endeavoring to catch
some fragments of his meaning." Noirtier cast an appealing look on
Valentine, which look was at once so earnest and imperative, that
she answered immediately. "Sir," said she, "I perfectly understand my
grandfather's meaning at all times."

"That is quite true," said Barrois; "and that is what I told the
g