"My dear Monsieur Villefort," the doctor replied, "my first duty is to humanity. I would have saved Madame de Saint-Méran if science could have done it. But she's dead, and now my duty is to the living. Let's bury this terrible secret in our hearts. If anyone suspects foul play, they can attribute my silence to ignorance. Meanwhile, sir, stay vigilant. Watch carefully, because this evil may not stop here. And if you find the culprit, when you find them, I'll say to you: 'You are a magistrate. Do what you must.'"
"Thank you, doctor," Villefort said, his voice flooding with relief. "I've never had a better friend."
As if afraid the doctor might change his mind, Villefort hurried him back toward the house.
Once they were gone, Morrel emerged from beneath the trees. Moonlight illuminated his face, which was so pale he could have been mistaken for a ghost.
