was about to begin. Madame de Villefort had placed
herself in the shadow behind a velvet curtain, and as she constantly
bent over her child, 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 method arranged
the papers on the table, taken his place in an armchair, 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, that your projected
marriage with Mademoiselle de Villefort has changed the feeling of M.
Noirtier towards his grandchild, and that he disinherits her entirely of
the fortune he would have left her. Let me hasten to add," continued
he, "that the testator, having only the right to alienate a part of his
fortune, and having alienated it all, the will will not bear scrutiny,
and is declared null and void."

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

"Sir," said Franz, "I regret much that such a question has been raised
in the presence of Mademoiselle Valentine; I have never inquired the
amount of her fortune, which, however limited it may be, exceeds
mine. My family has sought consideration in this alliance with M. de
Villefort; all I seek is happiness." Valentine imperceptibly thanked
him, while two silent tears rolled down her cheeks. "Besides, sir," said
Villefort, addressing himself to his future son-in-law, "excepting
the loss of a portion of your hopes, this unexpected will need not
personally wound you; M. Noirtier's weakness of mind sufficiently
explains it. It is not because Mademoiselle Valentine is going to marry
you that he is angry, but because she will marry, a union with any other
would have caused him the same sorrow. Old age is selfish, sir, and
Mademoiselle de Villefort has been a faithful companion to M. Noirtier,
which she cannot be when she becomes the Baroness d'Epinay. My father's
melancholy state prevents our speaking to him on any subjects, which the
weakness of his mind would incapacitate him from understanding, and I
am perfectly convinced that at the present time, although, he knows that
his granddaughter is going to be married, M. Noirtier has even forgotten
t