The Count of Monte Cristo

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de Villefort had gone to visit M. Noirtier. The old man looked at her
with that stern and forbidding expression with which he was accustomed
to receive her.

"Sir," said she, "it is superfluous for me to tell you that Valentine's
marriage is broken off, since it was here that the affair was
concluded." Noirtier's countenance remained immovable. "But one thing
I can tell you, of which I do not think you are aware; that is, that
I have always been opposed to this marriage, and that the contract
was entered into entirely without my consent or approbation." Noirtier
regarded his daughter-in-law with the look of a man desiring an
explanation. "Now that this marriage, which I know you so much disliked,
is done away with, I come to you on an errand which neither M. de
Villefort nor Valentine could consistently undertake." Noirtier's
eyes demanded the nature of her mission. "I come to entreat you, sir,"
continued Madame de Villefort, "as the only one who has the right of
doing so, inasmuch as I am the only one who will receive no personal