The Count of Monte Cristo

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the door of the ball-room, that Valentine ran to him, saying--

"Oh, father, some misfortune has happened!"

"Your grandmamma has just arrived, Valentine," said M. de Villefort.

"And grandpapa?" inquired the young girl, trembling with apprehension.
M. de Villefort only replied by offering his arm to his daughter. It was
just in time, for Valentine's head swam, and she staggered; Madame de
Villefort instantly hastened to her assistance, and aided her husband in
dragging her to the carriage, saying--"What a singular event! Who could
have thought it? Ah, yes, it is indeed strange!" And the wretched
family departed, leaving a cloud of sadness hanging over the rest of
the evening. At the foot of the stairs, Valentine found Barrois awaiting
her.

"M. Noirtier wishes to see you to-night, he said, in an undertone.