The Count of Monte Cristo

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The notary, after having according to the customary method arranged
the papers on the table, taken his place in an armchair, and raised his
spectacles, turned towards Franz:

"Are you M. Franz de Quesnel, baron d'Epinay?" asked he, although he
knew it perfectly.

"Yes, sir," replied Franz. The notary bowed. "I have, then, to inform
you, sir, at the request of M. de Villefort, that your projected
marriage with Mademoiselle de Villefort has changed the feeling of M.
Noirtier towards his grandchild, and that he disinherits her entirely of
the fortune he would have left her. Let me hasten to add," continued
he, "that the testator, having only the right to alienate a part of his
fortune, and having alienated it all, the will will not bear scrutiny,
and is declared null and void."

"Yes." said Villefort; "but I warn M. d'Epinay, that during my life-time