The Accusation — The Count of Monte Cristo

Doctor d'Avrigny brings Villefort back to his senses after Barrois dies. Villefort cries that death is in his house. The doctor answers that crime is in his house, not bad luck. He says too many people have died and it is time to act. He tells Villefort to be a true magistrate and put the law above his own feelings.

d'Avrigny traces each death step by step. He says the poison was meant for Noirtier, not Barrois. Barrois drank the lemonade by accident. Noirtier survived only because the doctor has been giving him brucine for months, so his body could stand a dose that kills others. The doctor lists who gains from each death. Valentine packed medicines for the Saint-Mérans. She carried the lemonade to her grandfather. She benefits from every new will Noirtier made in her favor. He names Valentine the poisoner and tells Villefort, as king's attorney, to do his duty.

Villefort falls to his knees. He swears Valentine is pure as a diamond and says he would accuse himself first. He begs the doctor not to drag his daughter to the scaffold. He says he would rather die than put her on trial. After a long plea, d'Avrigny agrees to wait. But he warns Villefort not to call him again unless someone else falls ill. He will share the dreadful secret and nothing more.

Before the servants, d'Avrigny loudly says Barrois died of apoplexy from sitting too long in an armchair. In a whisper he tells Villefort to throw the violet syrup into the ashes. That evening every servant leaves, saying death lives in the house. Valentine weeps. Villefort looks at her tears, then at Madame de Villefort, and sees a thin dark smile cross her lips like a meteor between storm clouds.