are you disposed to confer a great
obligation on an unhappy father who has just lost his daughter? I mean
M. de Villefort, the king's attorney."

"Ah," said the priest, in a marked Italian accent; "yes, I have heard
that death is in that house."

"Then I need not tell you what kind of service he requires of you."

"I was about to offer myself, sir," said the priest; "it is our mission
to forestall our duties."

"It is a young girl."

"I know it, sir; the servants who fled from the house informed me. I
also know that her name is Valentine, and I have already prayed for
her."

"Thank you, sir," said d'Avrigny; "since you have commenced your sacred
office, deign to continue it. Come and watch by the dead, and all the
wretched family will be grateful to you."

"I am going, sir; and I do not hesitate to say that no prayers will be
more fervent than mine." D'Avrigny took the priest's hand, and
without meeting Villefort, who was engaged in his study, they reached
Valentine's room, which on the following night was to be occupied by
the undertakers. On entering the room, Noirtier's eyes met those of the
abbe, and no doubt he read some particular expression in them, for he
remained in the room. D'Avrigny recommended the attention of the priest
to the living as well as to the dead, and the abbe promised to devote
his prayers to Valentine and his attentions to Noirtier. In order,
doubtless, that he might not be disturbed while fulfilling his sacred
mission, the priest rose as soon as d'Avrigny departed, and not only
bolted the door through which the doctor had just left, but also that
leading to Madame de Villefort's room.

Chapter 104. Danglars Signature.

The next morning dawned dull and cloudy. During the night the
undertakers had executed their melancholy office, and wrapped the corpse
in the winding-sheet, which, whatever may be said about the equality of
death, is at least a last proof of the luxury so pleasing in life. This
winding-sheet was nothing more than a beautiful piece of cambric, which
the young girl had bought a fortnight before. During the evening two
men, engaged for the purpose, had carried Noirtier from Valentine's room
into his own, and contrary to all expectation there was no difficulty
in withdrawing him from his child. The Abbe Busoni had watched till
daylight, and then left without calling any one. D'Avrigny returned
about eight o'clock in the morning; he met Villefort on his way to
Noirtie