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Noirtier's face re prea to penetrate into the inmost recesses of the old man's heart

"This communication," continued the procureur, in that cold and decisive tone which seemed at once to preclude all discussion, "will, we are sure, meet with your approbation" The eye of the invalid still retained that vacancy of expression which prevented his son fro in hisValentine" Had the old man's face been moulded in wax it could not have shown less emotion at this news than was now to be traced there "The e will take place in less than three months," said Villefort Noirtier's eye still retained its inanimate expression

Madame de Villefort now took her part in the conversation and added,--"We thought this neould possess an interest for you, sir, who have always entertained a great affection for Valentine; it therefore only now re man for whom she is destined It is one of the most desirable connections which could possibly be forh rank in society, and every personal qualification likely to render Valentine supremely happy,--his name, moreover, cannot be wholly unknown to you It is M Franz de Quesnel, Baron d'Epinay"

While his as speaking, Villefort had narroatched the old man's countenance When Madame de Villefort pronounced the naan to dilate, and his eyelids trembled with the same movement that may be perceived on the lips of an individual about to speak, and he darted a lightning glance at Madame de Villefort and his son The procureur, who knew the political hatred which had formerly existed between M Noirtier and the elder d'Epinay, well understood the agitation and anger which the announce not to perceive either, he iun by his wife "Sir," said he, "you are aware that Valentine is about to enter her nineteenth year, which renders it i a suitable alliance Nevertheless, you have not been forgotten in our plans, and we have fully ascertained beforehand that Valentine's future husband will consent, not to live in this house, for thatpeople, but that you should live with them; so that you and Valentine, who are so attached to each other, would not be separated, and you would be able to pursue exactly the same course of life which you have hitherto done, and thus, instead of losing, you will be a gainer by the change, as it will secure to you two children instead of one, to watch over and comfort you"