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"Sir," said the notary, "how do you intend disposing of your fortune in case Made M Franz?" The old ave no answer "You will, of course, dispose of it in some way or other?"

"Yes"

"In favor of so it to charitable purposes, then?" pursued the notary

"Yes"

"But," said the notary, "you are aware that the law does not allow a son to be entirely deprived of his patrimony?"

"Yes"

"You only intend, then, to dispose of that part of your fortune which the law allows you to subtract from the inheritance of your son?" Noirtier made no answer "Do you still wish to dispose of all?"

"Yes"

"But they will contest the will after your death?"

"No"

"My father knows me," replied Villefort; "he is quite sure that his wishes will be held sacred by me; besides, he understands that in ainst the poor" The eye of Noirtier beamed with triumph "What do you decide on, sir?" asked the notary of Villefort

"Nothing, sir; it is a resolution which my father has taken and I know he never alters his o out of the family in order to enrich some hospital; but it is ridiculous thus to yield to the caprices of an oldtosaid this, Villefort quitted the roo his father at liberty to do as he pleased The saht, it was approved by the old e to M Deschamps, the family notary