Contents
Chapter 60.
Overview
Monte Cristo visits the Villeforts as Noirtier finalizes a will disinheriting Valentine if she marries Franz. Villefort, stung but defiant, resolves to proceed with the engagement. Monte Cristo urges swift conclusion of the match and invites them to his Auteuil house, unsettling Villefort. The notaries confirm the will is sealed.
Summary
Monte Cristo finds M. and Madame de Villefort just after Noirtier has dictated, by eye signals, a will disinheriting Valentine if she marries Franz d'Epinay. Villefort, embittered by the loss of 900,000 francs yet determined to assert his authority, vows to proceed with Valentine’s engagement despite his father’s opposition.
Madame de Villefort suggests informing Franz so he might renounce the match; Villefort rejects this, fearing scandal and determined to prove steadfastness. Monte Cristo, appearing to sympathize, pointedly advises settling the marriage quickly, promising it will reflect honor on Villefort. Madame de Villefort betrays unease, while Villefort eagerly accepts the counsel.
Conversation shifts when Monte Cristo confirms his new residence: No. 28, Rue de la Fontaine, Auteuil—formerly the Saint-Méran house—provoking Villefort’s visible agitation. Monte Cristo insists on their attendance Saturday, hinting at the house’s ominous past, and secures Villefort’s promise.
As he departs, Monte Cristo explains he is going to observe a rural semaphore telegraph, preferring its mystery to official explanations. At the door, he meets the two notaries who have just finalized Noirtier’s disinheriting act, effectively sealing Valentine’s loss if she marries Franz.
Who Appears
- undefinedVisits the Villeforts, steers Villefort to finalize Valentine’s marriage, reveals his Auteuil address, and departs to view a telegraph.
- undefinedAngry yet resolute; despite Noirtier’s disinheritance, he insists on Valentine’s marriage to Franz and agrees to visit Auteuil.
- undefinedAnxious about Edward’s prospects; proposes informing Franz; unsettled by Monte Cristo’s push to finalize the match.
- Noirtier de VillefortParalyzed but wills by eye signals; disinherits Valentine if she marries Franz; his will is executed by notaries.
- undefinedChild observed misbehaving; a point in Madame de Villefort’s complaints about inheritance fairness.
- undefinedComplete and formalize Noirtier’s will disinheriting Valentine; encounter Monte Cristo as they depart.