The Count of Monte Cristo

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marriage will take place in less than three months," said Villefort.
Noirtier's eye still retained its inanimate expression.

Madame de Villefort now took her part in the conversation and
added,--"We thought this news would possess an interest for you,
sir, who have always entertained a great affection for Valentine; it
therefore only now remains for us to tell you the name of the young man
for whom she is destined. It is one of the most desirable connections
which could possibly be formed; he possesses fortune, a high rank in
society, and every personal qualification likely to render Valentine
supremely happy,--his name, moreover, cannot be wholly unknown to you.
It is M. Franz de Quesnel, Baron d'Epinay."

While his wife was speaking, Villefort had narrowly watched the old
man's countenance. When Madame de Villefort pronounced the name of
Franz, the pupil of M. Noirtier's eye began to dilate, and his eyelids
trembled with the same movement that may be perceived on the lips of an