The Count of Monte Cristo

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Barrois, who had heard all that passed, had guessed his master's wishes,
and had already gone to fetch one. The procureur then told his wife to
come up. In the course of a quarter of an hour every one had assembled
in the chamber of the paralytic; the second notary had also arrived. A
few words sufficed for a mutual understanding between the two officers
of the law. They read to Noirtier the formal copy of a will, in order
to give him an idea of the terms in which such documents are generally
couched; then, in order to test the capacity of the testator, the first
notary said, turning towards him,--"When an individual makes his will,
it is generally in favor or in prejudice of some person."

"Yes."

"Have you an exact idea of the amount of your fortune?"

"Yes."