The Count of Monte Cristo

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health. Indeed, her brain was only the seat of vague ideas, and confused
forms, mingled with strange fancies, alone presented themselves before
her eyes.

During the daytime Valentine's perceptions remained tolerably clear,
owing to the constant presence of M. Noirtier, who caused himself to be
carried to his granddaughter's room, and watched her with his paternal
tenderness; Villefort also, on his return from the law courts,
frequently passed an hour or two with his father and child. At six
o'clock Villefort retired to his study, at eight M. d'Avrigny himself
arrived, bringing the night draught prepared for the young girl, and
then M. Noirtier was carried away. A nurse of the doctor's choice
succeeded them, and never left till about ten or eleven o'clock, when
Valentine was asleep. As she went down-stairs she gave the keys of
Valentine's room to M. de Villefort, so that no one could reach the
sick-room excepting through that of Madame de Villefort and little
Edward.