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As soon as Barrois had left the room, Noirtier looked at Valentine with a irl perfectly understood the look, and so did Villefort, for his countenance becarily He took a seat, and quietly awaited the arrival of the notary Noirtier saw him seat himself with an appearance of perfect indifference, at the sa a side look at Valentine, which made her understand that she also was to remain in the roo the notary with him "Sir," said Villefort, after the first salutations were over, "you were sent for by M Noirtier, whom you see here All his limbs have become completely paralysed, he has lost his voice also, and we ourselves findlook on Valentine, which look was at once so earnest and imperative, that she answered irandfather'sat all times"

"That is quite true," said Barrois; "and that is what I told the gentle"

"Per first to Villefort and then to Valentine--"permit me to state that the case in question is just one of those in which a public officer like erous responsibility The first thing necessary to render an act valid is, that the notary should be thoroughly convinced that he has faithfully interpreted the will and wishes of the person dictating the act Now I cannot be sure of the approbation or disapprobation of a client who cannot speak, and as the object of his desire or his repugnance cannot be clearly proved to me, on account of his want of speech, ally exercised" The notary then prepared to retire An imperceptible smile of triumph was expressed on the lips of the procureur Noirtier looked at Valentine with an expression so full of grief, that she arrested the departure of the notary "Sir," said she, "the language which I speak with randfather may be easily learnt, and I can teach you in a few minutes, to understand it almost as well as I can myself Will you tell me what you require, in order to set your conscience quite at ease on the subject?"

"In order to render an act valid, I must be certain of the approbation or disapprobation of my client Illness of body would not affect the validity of the deed, but sanity of mind is absolutely requisite"