The Count of Monte Cristo

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individual about to speak, and he darted a lightning glance at Madame
de Villefort and his son. The procureur, who knew the political hatred
which had formerly existed between M. Noirtier and the elder d'Epinay,
well understood the agitation and anger which the announcement had
produced; but, feigning not to perceive either, he immediately resumed
the narrative begun by his wife. "Sir," said he, "you are aware that
Valentine is about to enter her nineteenth year, which renders it
important that she should lose no time in forming a suitable alliance.
Nevertheless, you have not been forgotten in our plans, and we have
fully ascertained beforehand that Valentine's future husband will
consent, not to live in this house, for that might not be pleasant for
the young people, but that you should live with them; so that you and
Valentine, who are so attached to each other, would not be separated,
and you would be able to pursue exactly the same course of life which
you have hitherto done, and thus, instead of losing, you will be a
gainer by the change, as it will secure to you two children instead of
one, to watch over and comfort you."