entleman as we walked along."

"Permit me," said the notary, turning first to Villefort and then to
Valentine--"permit me to state that the case in question is just one
of those in which a public officer like myself cannot proceed to act
without thereby incurring a dangerous responsibility. The first
thing necessary to render an act valid is, that the notary should be
thoroughly convinced that he has faithfully interpreted the will and
wishes of the person dictating the act. Now I cannot be sure of the
approbation or disapprobation of a client who cannot speak, and as the
object of his desire or his repugnance cannot be clearly proved to
me, on account of his want of speech, my services here would be quite
useless, and cannot be legally exercised." The notary then prepared to
retire. An imperceptible smile of triumph was expressed on the lips of
the procureur. Noirtier looked at Valentine with an expression so full
of grief, that she arrested the departure of the notary. "Sir," said
she, "the language which I speak with my grandfather may be easily
learnt, and I can teach you in a few minutes, to understand it almost as
well as I can myself. Will you tell me what you require, in order to set
your conscience quite at ease on the subject?"

"In order to render an act valid, I must be certain of the approbation
or disapprobation of my client. Illness of body would not affect the
validity of the deed, but sanity of mind is absolutely requisite."

"Well, sir, by the help of two signs, with which I will acquaint you
presently, you may ascertain with perfect certainty that my grandfather
is still in the full possession of all his mental faculties. M.
Noirtier, being deprived of voice and motion, is accustomed to convey
his meaning by closing his eyes when he wishes to signify 'yes,' and
to wink when he means 'no.' You now know quite enough to enable you to
converse with M. Noirtier;--try." Noirtier gave Valentine such a look
of tenderness and gratitude that it was comprehended even by the notary
himself. "You have heard and understood what your granddaughter has been
saying, sir, have you?" asked the notary. Noirtier closed his eyes. "And
you approve of what she said--that is to say, you declare that the
signs which she mentioned are really those by means of which you are
accustomed to convey your thoughts?"

"Yes."

"It was you who sent for me?"

"Yes."

"To make your will?"

"Yes."

"And you do not wish me to go