Contents
Chapter 103.
Overview
Morrel confronts the Villefort household, asserting Valentine was murdered and invoking Noirtier as witness. In private, Noirtier reveals the killer to Villefort, who compels secrecy and vows swift vengeance. Doctors certify the death, and an Italian abbe arrives to keep vigil, quietly sealing the chamber.
Summary
Maximilian Morrel bursts into the death chamber, overwhelmed by grief at Valentine's body. Moments later, driven by desperation, he carries Noirtier upstairs and confronts Villefort, declaring Valentine has been murdered. Noirtier’s agonized looks and d’Avrigny’s reactions confirm Morrel’s charge.
Morrel recounts prior poisonings and denounces the house’s fatal pattern. He demands that Villefort act as procureur, not grieving father. Noirtier signals he knows the assassin and requests privacy with Villefort, sending out Morrel and d’Avrigny.
After a tense interval, Villefort returns, shaken, and reports that Noirtier has named the culprit. He extracts the men’s sworn secrecy, promising a swift, terrible private vengeance within days; Noirtier grimly approves. Morrel departs in despair after a last farewell to Valentine.
D’Avrigny oversees the formalities as the “doctor of the dead” confirms Valentine’s death. Villefort retreats to his study, asking for a priest. An Italian abbe from next door arrives to pray and attend Noirtier, then secures the room by bolting the doors, beginning a silent vigil.
Who Appears
- Maximilian MorrelValentine’s secret fiancé; denounces her murder, brings Noirtier, demands justice, and swears to avenge her.
- Noirtier de VillefortParalyzed grandfather; confirms murder, privately names the killer to Villefort, and insists on secrecy.
- Gérard de VillefortFather and procureur; resists, then accepts murder, learns the culprit, demands secrecy, and vows swift vengeance.
- Doctor d’AvrignyFamily doctor; supports Morrel’s accusation, manages formalities, and brings the priest.
- undefinedOfficial who confirms Valentine’s death and issues the permit.
- undefinedPriest who comes to pray over Valentine and attend Noirtier, then bolts the room for a solemn vigil.
- Valentine de VillefortLies apparently dead from poison; the focus of grief and the murder investigation.