Contents
Chapter 59.
Overview
Noirtier, using Valentine as interpreter, legally dictates his will by eye signals, proving capacity and control over his 900,000-franc fortune. He disinherits Valentine if she marries Franz d’Epinay, rejects Villefort and Edward, and threatens to leave the estate to charity. The will is executed and sealed, escalating the family conflict.
Summary
Barrois brings a notary to Noirtier, whose paralysis prevents speech. Villefort tries to block proceedings, but Valentine demonstrates Noirtier’s yes/no eye signals, convincing the notary that a valid will can be made with witnesses. A second notary is summoned to ensure unimpeachable form.
The notaries test Noirtier’s capacity and verify his fortune: 900,000 francs in bank scrip, yielding roughly 40,000 livres. Madame de Villefort assumes Valentine will inherit, but Noirtier, while tender to Valentine, signals refusal to leave the estate to her, to Edward, or to Villefort.
Prompted by Valentine, Noirtier reveals the cause: her engagement to Franz d’Epinay. He confirms he disinherits Valentine if she marries Franz, and but for this marriage she would be his heir. Villefort asserts paternal authority to proceed with the match; Valentine weeps.
The notaries ask how the fortune will be disposed if Valentine marries Franz; Noirtier indicates it will go outside the family, even to charity. Reminded of legal limits, Noirtier persists; Villefort declares he will not contest his father’s wishes.
The will is dictated via Valentine’s interpretation and Noirtier’s signals, executed with witnesses, approved and sealed, and entrusted to M. Deschamps, ensuring legal strength and signaling Noirtier’s firm opposition to the Franz marriage.
Who Appears
- Noirtier de VillefortParalyzed patriarch; dictates his will via eye signals; opposes Valentine’s marriage to Franz; redirects fortune away from family.
- Valentine de VillefortInterprets Noirtier’s signals; learns she is disinherited if she marries Franz; shows devotion and understanding.
- Gérard de VillefortAttempts to block the will; insists on Valentine marrying Franz; ultimately accepts his father’s decision publicly.
- undefinedAssumes Valentine will inherit; probes for Edward; secretly pleased when Noirtier rejects both.
- BarroisFaithful servant; fetches the notaries and produces Noirtier’s casket of securities.
- undefinedSkeptical at first; accepts Valentine’s interpretation; tests capacity; oversees drafting and execution.
- undefinedAssists to strengthen legality; records and witnesses the will’s proper form.
- undefinedFamily notary entrusted with custody of the executed, sealed will.