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Noirtier's look was furious; it was very evident that so in the old rief rose in his throat, and not being able to find vent in utterance, appeared almost to choke hile Villefort quietly opened a , saying, "It is very warm, and the heat affects M Noirtier" He then returned to his place, but did not sit down "This reeable to the wishes of M d'Epinay and his family; besides, he had no relations nearer than an uncle and aunt, hisbeen assassinated in 1815, that is to say, when he was but two years old; it naturally followed that the child was permitted to choose his own pursuits, and he has, therefore, seldoed any other authority but that of his oill"

"That assassination was a mysterious affair," said Villefort, "and the perpetrators have hitherto escaped detection, although suspicion has fallen on the head of more than one person" Noirtier made such an effort that his lips expanded into a suilt really belongs, by whom the crime was committed, on whose heads the justice of ment of God hereafter, would rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded of bestowing such a peace-offering as Valentine on the son of him whose life they so ruthlessly destroyed" Noirtier had succeeded inhis emotion more than could have been deemed possible with such an enfeebled and shattered frame "Yes, I understand," was the reply contained in his look; and this look expressed a feeling of strong indignation, mixed with profound conte, and answered by a slight shrug of his shoulders He then motioned to his wife to take leave "Now sir," said Madame de Villefort, "I must bid you farewell Would you like reed that the oldhis eyes, his refusal by winking the to express, he raised theht eye only, and if Barrois, the left At Madame de Villefort's proposition he instantly winked his eyes Provoked by a complete refusal, she bit her lip and said, "Then shall I send Valentine to you?" The oldthat such was his wish M and Mada orders that Valentine should be su sure that she would have much to do to restore calmness to the perturbed spirit of the invalid Valentine, with a color still heightened by emotion, entered the room just after her parents had quitted it One look was sufficient to tell her that her grandfather was suffering, and that there wasto corandpapa," cried she, "what has happened? They have vexed you, and you are angry?" The paralytic closed his eyes in token of assent "Who has displeased you? Is it my father?"