The Count of Monte Cristo

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my father's will shall never be questioned, my position forbidding any
doubt to be entertained."

"Sir," said Franz, "I regret much that such a question has been raised
in the presence of Mademoiselle Valentine; I have never inquired the
amount of her fortune, which, however limited it may be, exceeds
mine. My family has sought consideration in this alliance with M. de
Villefort; all I seek is happiness." Valentine imperceptibly thanked
him, while two silent tears rolled down her cheeks. "Besides, sir," said
Villefort, addressing himself to his future son-in-law, "excepting
the loss of a portion of your hopes, this unexpected will need not
personally wound you; M. Noirtier's weakness of mind sufficiently
explains it. It is not because Mademoiselle Valentine is going to marry
you that he is angry, but because she will marry, a union with any other
would have caused him the same sorrow. Old age is selfish, sir, and
Mademoiselle de Villefort has been a faithful companion to M. Noirtier,
which she cannot be when she becomes the Baroness d'Epinay. My father's