Valentine — The Count of Monte Cristo

Morrel walks slowly to Villefort's for his twice-weekly visit with Valentine and Noirtier. She has been frantic about the Opera duel and rejoices when Morrel says Monte Cristo and Albert parted peacefully. She speaks of leaving the Faubourg because the air harms her, then admits she now takes four spoonfuls each morning of the mixture prepared for her grandfather. Morrel notices her pallor; Noirtier watches both of them with anguish.

Valentine says even sugared water tastes bitter after the draught. She rushes away when Madame Danglars and Eugénie arrive. In the drawing room the baroness announces Eugénie's marriage to Prince Cavalcanti while Eugénie declares she wants art, not domestic caprice. Gossip follows that Albert apologized on the ground after challenging Monte Cristo. Valentine, thinking of Morrel waiting upstairs, turns pale and red until Madame de Villefort sends her to rest.

Noirtier sends Morrel to fetch Valentine's glass and decanter; both are completely empty because she drank the rest and Edward emptied the rest for a duck pond. His eyes fix on the door. Valentine misses a stair on her way back, falls into Morrel's arms, then stiffens and faints. Servants fly for help as Madame Danglars and Eugénie leave. Madame de Villefort cries, "I told you so! Poor child!"