The Count of Monte Cristo

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the old servant. "Barrois," said Valentine, "shut the door, and let
no one come in." She passed first. Noirtier, seated in his chair, and
listening to every sound, was watching the door; he saw Valentine, and
his eye brightened. There was something grave and solemn in the approach
of the young girl which struck the old man, and immediately his bright
eye began to interrogate. "Dear grandfather." said she hurriedly, "you
know poor grandmamma died an hour since, and now I have no friend in the
world but you." His expressive eyes evinced the greatest tenderness. "To
you alone, then, may I confide my sorrows and my hopes?" The paralytic
motioned "Yes." Valentine took Maximilian's hand. "Look attentively,
then, at this gentleman." The old man fixed his scrutinizing gaze with
slight astonishment on Morrel. "It is M. Maximilian Morrel," said
she; "the son of that good merchant of Marseilles, whom you doubtless
recollect."

"Yes," said the old man. "He brings an irreproachable name, which
Maximilian is likely to render glorious, since at thirty years of age he