The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

"Tell him I will come when I leave my dear grandmamma," she replied,
feeling, with true delicacy, that the person to whom she could be of the
most service just then was Madame de Saint-Meran. Valentine found her
grandmother in bed; silent caresses, heartwrung sobs, broken sighs,
burning tears, were all that passed in this sad interview, while Madame
de Villefort, leaning on her husband's arm, maintained all outward forms
of respect, at least towards the poor widow. She soon whispered to
her husband, "I think it would be better for me to retire, with
your permission, for the sight of me appears still to afflict your
mother-in-law." Madame de Saint-Meran heard her. "Yes, yes," she
said softly to Valentine, "let her leave; but do you stay." Madame de
Villefort left, and Valentine remained alone beside the bed, for the
procureur, overcome with astonishment at the unexpected death, had
followed his wife. Meanwhile, Barrois had returned for the first time to
old Noirtier, who having heard the noise in the house, had, as we have
said, sent his old servant to inquire the cause; on his return, his
quick intelligent eye interrogated the messenger. "Alas, sir," exclaimed