The Count of Monte Cristo

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"I wish Albert de Morcerf and Raoul de Chateau-Renaud to be present at
this signature; you know they are my witnesses."

"Half an hour will suffice to apprise them; will you go for them
yourself, or shall you send?"

"I prefer going, sir."

"I shall expect you, then, in half an hour, baron, and Valentine will
be ready." Franz bowed and left the room. Scarcely had the door
closed, when M. de Villefort sent to tell Valentine to be ready in the
drawing-room in half an hour, as he expected the notary and M. d'Epinay
and his witnesses. The news caused a great sensation throughout the
house; Madame de Villefort would not believe it, and Valentine was
thunderstruck. She looked around for help, and would have gone down to
her grandfather's room, but on the stairs she met M. de Villefort,
who took her arm and led her into the drawing-room. In the anteroom,