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Noirtier was prepared to receive them, dressed in black, and installed in his arm-chair When the three persons he expected had entered, he looked at the door, which his valet immediately closed

"Listen," whispered Villefort to Valentine, who could not conceal her joy; "if M Noirtier wishes to coe, I forbid you to understand him" Valentine blushed, but did not answer Villefort, approaching Noirtier--"Here is M Franz d'Epinay," said he; "you requested to see him We have all wished for this interview, and I trust it will convince you how ill-fore"

Noirtier answered only by a look which made Villefort's blood run cold He motioned to Valentine to approach In a randfather, she understood that he asked for a key Then his eye was fixed on the drawer of a small chest between the s She opened the drawer, and found a key; and, understanding that hat he wanted, again watched his eyes, which turned toward an old secretary which had been neglected forbut useless documents "Shall I open the secretary?" asked Valentine

"Yes," said the old man

"And the drawers?"

"Yes"

"Those at the side?"

"No"

"The middle one?"

"Yes" Valentine opened it and drew out a bundle of papers "Is that what you wish for?" asked she

"No"

She took successively all the other papers out till the draas empty "But there are no more," said she Noirtier's eye was fixed on the dictionary "Yes, I understand, grandfather," said the young girl