The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

grandfather's meaning at all times."

"That is quite true," said Barrois; "and that is what I told the
gentleman as we walked along."

"Permit me," said the notary, turning first to Villefort and then to
Valentine--"permit me to state that the case in question is just one
of those in which a public officer like myself cannot proceed to act
without thereby incurring a dangerous responsibility. The first
thing necessary to render an act valid is, that the notary should be
thoroughly convinced that he has faithfully interpreted the will and
wishes of the person dictating the act. Now I cannot be sure of the
approbation or disapprobation of a client who cannot speak, and as the
object of his desire or his repugnance cannot be clearly proved to
me, on account of his want of speech, my services here would be quite
useless, and cannot be legally exercised." The notary then prepared to
retire. An imperceptible smile of triumph was expressed on the lips of