he name of his intended grandson." M. de Villefort had scarcely said
this, when the door opened, and Barrois appeared.

"Gentlemen," said he, in a tone strangely firm for a servant speaking to
his masters under such solemn circumstances,--"gentlemen, M. Noirtier
de Villefort wishes to speak immediately to M. Franz de Quesnel, baron
d'Epinay;" he, as well as the notary, that there might be no mistake in
the person, gave all his titles to the bride-groom elect.

Villefort started, Madame de Villefort let her son slip from her knees,
Valentine rose, pale and dumb as a statue. Albert and Chateau-Renaud
exchanged a second look, more full of amazement than the first. The
notary looked at Villefort. "It is impossible," said the procureur. "M.
d'Epinay cannot leave the drawing-room at present."

"It is at this moment," replied Barrois with the same firmness, "that M.
Noirtier, my master, wishes to speak on important subjects to M. Franz
d'Epinay."

"Grandpapa Noirtier can speak now, then," said Edward, with his habitual
quickness. However, his remark did not make Madame de Villefort even
smile, so much was every mind engaged, and so solemn was the situation.
Astonishment was at its height. Something like a smile was perceptible
on Madame de Villefort's countenance. Valentine instinctively raised her
eyes, as if to thank heaven.

"Pray go, Valentine," said; M. de Villefort, "and see what this new
fancy of your grandfather's is." Valentine rose quickly, and was
hastening joyfully towards the door, when M. de Villefort altered his
intention.

"Stop," said he; "I will go with you."

"Excuse me, sir," said Franz, "since M. Noirtier sent for me, I am ready
to attend to his wish; besides, I shall be happy to pay my respects to
him, not having yet had the honor of doing so."

"Pray, sir," said Villefort with marked uneasiness, "do not disturb
yourself."

"Forgive me, sir," said Franz in a resolute tone. "I would not lose this
opportunity of proving to M. Noirtier how wrong it would be of him to
encourage feelings of dislike to me, which I am determined to conquer,
whatever they may be, by my devotion." And without listening to
Villefort he arose, and followed Valentine, who was running down-stairs
with the joy of a shipwrecked mariner who finds a rock to cling to. M.
de Villefort followed them. Chateau-Renaud and Morcerf exchanged a third
look of still increasing wonder.

Chapter 75. A Signed Statement.

Noirtier was