The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

the procureur. Noirtier looked at Valentine with an expression so full
of grief, that she arrested the departure of the notary. "Sir," said
she, "the language which I speak with my grandfather may be easily
learnt, and I can teach you in a few minutes, to understand it almost as
well as I can myself. Will you tell me what you require, in order to set
your conscience quite at ease on the subject?"

"In order to render an act valid, I must be certain of the approbation
or disapprobation of my client. Illness of body would not affect the
validity of the deed, but sanity of mind is absolutely requisite."

"Well, sir, by the help of two signs, with which I will acquaint you
presently, you may ascertain with perfect certainty that my grandfather
is still in the full possession of all his mental faculties. M.
Noirtier, being deprived of voice and motion, is accustomed to convey
his meaning by closing his eyes when he wishes to signify 'yes,' and
to wink when he means 'no.' You now know quite enough to enable you to