The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

other, I will fight with him, give him every advantage, and I shall
kill him, or he will kill me; if I am victorious, he will not marry
Valentine, and if I die, I am very sure Valentine will not marry him."
Noirtier watched, with indescribable pleasure, this noble and sincere
countenance, on which every sentiment his tongue uttered was depicted,
adding by the expression of his fine features all that coloring adds to
a sound and faithful drawing. Still, when Morrel had finished, he shut
his eyes several times, which was his manner of saying "No."

"No?" said Morrel; "you disapprove of this second project, as you did of
the first?"

"I do," signified the old man.

"But what then must be done?" asked Morrel. "Madame de Saint-Meran's
last request was, that the marriage might not be delayed; must I let
things take their course?" Noirtier did not move. "I understand," said