Contents
Chapter 74.
Overview
A double funeral reunites the Saint-Mérans with their daughter in the Villefort vault, while Paris speculates on sudden deaths and inheritance. Villefort rushes Valentine’s marriage contract, but Noirtier’s disinheritance is revealed. As legal and familial authority collide, Barrois summons Franz to Noirtier, and Franz insists on confronting the old man.
Summary
A double funeral assembles a large crowd at Père-la-Chaise: the coffins of the Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Méran are interred in the Villefort family vault. Friends including Beauchamp, Debray, Albert, and Château-Renaud remark on the marchioness’s sudden death and the fortunes at stake. Maximilian Morrel attends quietly and suffers on hearing Franz speak of Valentine’s grief.
After the burial, Franz rides with Gérard de Villefort, who presses to honor the late marchioness’s wish by signing the marriage contract immediately. Despite mourning concerns, Franz agrees. Villefort summons the notary Deschamps and Valentine, while Franz goes to fetch witnesses Albert and Château-Renaud.
Back at the house, a pale, distressed Valentine arrives; Madame de Villefort sits withdrawn with her son Edward. The notary formally announces that Noirtier, offended by the projected marriage, has disinherited Valentine—though the will is legally void, which Villefort vows none shall contest during his lifetime. Franz declares he seeks happiness, not fortune.
At that moment, Barrois announces that Noirtier wishes to speak immediately with Franz. Shock ripples through the room; Villefort tries to prevent it, claiming his father’s incapacity. Franz insists on going to prove his goodwill. Valentine leads the way downstairs, elated by this reprieve, with Villefort following anxiously.
Who Appears
- Gérard de VillefortProcureur who accelerates Valentine’s marriage; vows to uphold Noirtier’s disinheritance and tries to block Franz seeing Noirtier.
- undefinedValentine’s intended; agrees to immediate contract, dismisses fortune concerns, insists on meeting Noirtier when summoned.
- Valentine de VillefortGrief‑stricken and pale; dreads the rushed contract but rejoices when Noirtier summons Franz.
- Noirtier de VillefortParalyzed patriarch who disinherits Valentine over the marriage and pointedly summons Franz to speak.
- BarroisNoirtier’s devoted servant; firmly announces Noirtier’s immediate wish to speak with Franz.
- undefinedColdly watchful mother, clutching Edward; observes the proceedings from the shadows.
- Edward de VillefortChild of the house; blurts remarks during the tense announcement.
- undefinedReads documents and announces Noirtier’s disinheritance, noting the will’s likely nullity.
- Albert de MorcerfFranz’s friend and witness; attends funeral and the contract meeting, surprised by events.
- undefinedFranz’s friend and witness; accompanies Albert, shares astonishment at the disinheritance.
- Maximilian MorrelSecretly in love with Valentine; attends the funeral in silence, anguished by Franz’s closeness to her.
- BeauchampJournalist friend; muses wryly on death and inheritance during the procession.
- Lucien DebrayGovernment attaché; discusses the marchioness’s death and attends the funeral.