all that passed in this sad interview, while Madame
de Villefort, leaning on her husband's arm, maintained all outward forms
of respect, at least towards the poor widow. She soon whispered to
her husband, "I think it would be better for me to retire, with
your permission, for the sight of me appears still to afflict your
mother-in-law." Madame de Saint-Meran heard her. "Yes, yes," she
said softly to Valentine, "let her leave; but do you stay." Madame de
Villefort left, and Valentine remained alone beside the bed, for the
procureur, overcome with astonishment at the unexpected death, had
followed his wife. Meanwhile, Barrois had returned for the first time to
old Noirtier, who having heard the noise in the house, had, as we have
said, sent his old servant to inquire the cause; on his return, his
quick intelligent eye interrogated the messenger. "Alas, sir," exclaimed
Barrois, "a great misfortune has happened. Madame de Saint-Meran has
arrived, and her husband is dead!"

M. de Saint-Meran and Noirtier had never been on strict terms of
friendship; still, the death of one old man always considerably
affects another. Noirtier let his head fall upon his chest, apparently
overwhelmed and thoughtful; then he closed one eye, in token of inquiry.
"Mademoiselle Valentine?" Noirtier nodded his head. "She is at the
ball, as you know, since she came to say good-by to you in full dress."
Noirtier again closed his left eye. "Do you wish to see her?" Noirtier
again made an affirmative sign. "Well, they have gone to fetch her, no
doubt, from Madame de Morcerf's; I will await her return, and beg her to
come up here. Is that what you wish for?"

"Yes," replied the invalid.

Barrois, therefore, as we have seen, watched for Valentine, and informed
her of her grandfather's wish. Consequently, Valentine came up to
Noirtier, on leaving Madame de Saint-Meran, who in the midst of her
grief had at last yielded to fatigue and fallen into a feverish sleep.
Within reach of her hand they placed a small table upon which stood a
bottle of orangeade, her usual beverage, and a glass. Then, as we have
said, the young girl left the bedside to see M. Noirtier. Valentine
kissed the old man, who looked at her with such tenderness that her eyes
again filled with tears, whose sources he thought must be exhausted.
The old gentleman continued to dwell upon her with the same expression.
"Yes, yes," said Valentine, "you mean that I have yet a kind grandfather
lef