The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
LX: The Telegraph explained
Villefort and his wife discuss with Monte Cristo the family crisis caused by Noirtier's decision to disinherit Valentine for her planned marriage to Franz d'Épinay.
What happens
Villefort and his wife discuss with Monte Cristo the family crisis caused by Noirtier's decision to disinherit Valentine for her planned marriage to Franz d'Épinay. Villefort insists the marriage will proceed despite his father's opposition, while Madame de Villefort hints at Valentine's possible collusion. Monte Cristo listens intently, probing the political history between Noirtier and the late General d'Épinay.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Monte Cristo's feigned ignorance and probing questions conceal his true motives, while Madame de Villefort's suspicions of Valentine's collusion suggest layers of deception within the family.
Class and Social Mobility
The discussion of Valentine's inheritance and the arranged marriage to Franz d'Épinay highlights the importance of wealth and social standing in maintaining family alliances.
Fate and Providence
Villefort's frustration with 'fate, chance, or whatever you please to call the power' reflects a sense of helplessness against forces beyond his control, such as Noirtier's will.
Characters to notice
- Edmond Dantès
As the Count of Monte Cristo, he visits the Villeforts and subtly manipulates the conversation, feigning ignorance while gathering information about the family's internal conflict.
- Gérard de Villefort
The procureur is distressed over Noirtier's will disinheriting Valentine and is determined to proceed with her marriage to Franz d'Épinay despite his father's opposition.
- Héloïse de Villefort
She enters the salon and engages in the discussion, suggesting that Valentine may be in league with Noirtier and advocating for breaking off the engagement to avoid scandal.
- Noirtier de Villefort
Though not present in the scene, he is the central figure of discussion, having dictated a will disinheriting Valentine due to her engagement to Franz d'Épinay.
- Valentine de Villefort
Mentioned as the disinherited granddaughter; her opposition to the marriage is noted, and she is suspected by Madame de Villefort of colluding with Noirtier.
- Franz d'Épinay
The intended groom, son of General de Quesnel; his father's political history with Noirtier is the apparent cause of the disinheritance.
- Edward de Villefort
Present in the room, mischievously pouring ink into a bird's water-glass, observed by Monte Cristo.
Key passages
“It is not so much the loss of the money that vexes me, said Villefort, though, after all, 900,000 francs are worth regretting; but I am the more annoyed with this fate, chance, or whatever you please to call the power which has destroyed my hopes and my fortune, and may blast the prospects of my child also, as it is all occasioned by an old man relapsed into second childhood.”
Villefort admits that while losing 900,000 francs is painful, he is more troubled by the sense of helplessness against an inexplicable force that has ruined his plans, all because of his father's senile actions.
Villefort expresses his frustration to Monte Cristo, blaming Noirtier's mental decline for the family's financial and social setback.
“I say that this marriage shall be consummated. Notwithstanding your father's wishes to the contrary? said Madame de Villefort, selecting a new point of attack. That is a serious thing.”
Villefort insists the marriage will go ahead despite Noirtier's opposition, prompting Madame de Villefort to challenge him by highlighting the gravity of defying his father's will.
Madame de Villefort uses Noirtier's wishes as leverage in the ongoing family dispute over Valentine's engagement.
