The notary arrives, and wonders if he will be able to serve a man in Noirtier's condition, as he fears that Noirtier's disability is not only physical but mental, and that, therefore, he would not be in a position to make a change to his will and testament. But Valentine demonstrates that she is in fact capable of interpreting Noirtier's speech, and Noirtier himself shows that he is sound of mind by accurately accounting for the 900,000 francs that he has in government bonds—doing this by means of nodding and blinking to Valentine's and the notary's questions. The notary is therefore satisfied that Noirtier is in a position to draw up a new will.
The notary is a representative of official authority, and he insists on performing this addendum to Noirtier's will by the book. The novel has an interesting under-layer of institutional life, as depicted in Villefort's encounters with the French crown early on and in the Count's dealings with various bankers and real estate officials. Although oftentimes these officials lay down rules that other characters skirt around, here the notary insists on being scrupulous in his dealings.
Active Themes
Justice, Revenge, and God's Will Theme Icon Changes of Identity and Station Theme Icon Love, Devotion, and Redemption Theme Icon Debt and Gratitude Theme Icon
 
Through more nodding, Noirtier expresses that he will disinherit everyone in his family, including Valentine, should Villefort proceed with his wish of marrying Valentine to Franz. Noirtier suggests that he objects to this marriage on principle, and that, should it be done, Noirtier will instead give all his money to the poor.