The Count of Monte Cristo

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melancholy state prevents our speaking to him on any subjects, which the
weakness of his mind would incapacitate him from understanding, and I
am perfectly convinced that at the present time, although, he knows that
his granddaughter is going to be married, M. Noirtier has even forgotten
the name of his intended grandson." M. de Villefort had scarcely said
this, when the door opened, and Barrois appeared.

"Gentlemen," said he, in a tone strangely firm for a servant speaking to
his masters under such solemn circumstances,--"gentlemen, M. Noirtier
de Villefort wishes to speak immediately to M. Franz de Quesnel, baron
d'Epinay;" he, as well as the notary, that there might be no mistake in
the person, gave all his titles to the bride-groom elect.

Villefort started, Madame de Villefort let her son slip from her knees,
Valentine rose, pale and dumb as a statue. Albert and Chateau-Renaud
exchanged a second look, more full of amazement than the first. The
notary looked at Villefort. "It is impossible," said the procureur. "M.