The moment Barrois left the room, Noirtier's eyes locked onto Valentine with a look that spoke volumes. The young woman understood immediately what that sharp, almost mischievous glance meant, and so did her father, Villefort. His expression darkened, his eyebrows drawing together in barely contained anger.
Without a word, Villefort took a seat and settled in to wait for the notary to arrive. Noirtier watched him sit with apparent indifference, though he cast a subtle sideways glance at Valentine that told her clearly: Stay in this room.
Forty-five minutes later, Barrois returned with the notary in tow.
"Sir," Villefort began after the initial greetings, "my father, M. Noirtier, sent for you. As you can see, he's completely paralyzed. He's lost the use of all his limbs and can no longer speak. We have considerable difficulty understanding what he wants to communicate."
Noirtier's eyes turned to Valentine with such intensity and urgency that she responded immediately.
