Chapter 94.

Valentine collapses; Noirtier signals Maximilian Morrel to hide as Villefort bursts in and rushes for d’Avrigny. Horrified by remembered clues of poisoning, Morrel races to Monte Cristo, recalling the Count’s promise of aid.

At d’Avrigny’s, Villefort demands help. The doctor, forewarning of foul play, returns with him. Simultaneously, Morrel reaches Monte Cristo, learns of Morcerf’s suicide, and then admits he overheard earlier suspicions of poison in the Villefort home. When Monte Cristo coolly counsels noninterference, Morrel reveals he loves Valentine and begs for her salvation.

Monte Cristo erupts at the revelation, then regains control and orders Morrel to do nothing, promising that if Valentine lives past noon she will not die. Morrel, subdued, departs as the Count resolves to act unseen.

D’Avrigny examines Valentine and finds her still alive. He restricts all remedies and, alone with Noirtier, confirms through the old man’s signals that Barrois was poisoned and the same hand struck Valentine. Noirtier reveals his countermeasure: he has gradually inoculated Valentine by small doses akin to his own brucine mixture, enabling her to resist the current attack.

Convinced, d’Avrigny declares Valentine will survive this dose and tightly controls her treatment, even testing the medicine himself. As vigilant care begins, an Italian priest, Signor Giacomo Busoni—Monte Cristo’s alias—swiftly rents the adjoining house, establishing a covert position next to the Villefort residence.