Maximilien goes to visit Valentine, who has been ill. Her grandfather, Noirtier, has insisted on treating her with small doses of his own medicine. During a visit by Eugénie and Mme. Danglars, Valentine collapses. Maximilien, fearing that Valentine has become the poisoner’s latest victim, appeals to the Count of Monte Cristo for help.

Monte Cristo reveals that he is aware of the deaths in the Villefort household. He suggests to Maximilien that the “justice of God” is at work among the Villeforts and that Maximilien should look away and “let that justice do its work” (401). When Maximilien tells Monte Cristo that he is in love with Valentine, Monte Cristo reacts in anger, then declares that he himself has now been “bitten by the serpent” he was watching (402). Monte Cristo assures Maximilien that Valentine will survive and that he will act as their protector.

The doctor arrives to treat Valentine, and Noirtier lets him know that he suspects the same poisoner is at work but that he has protected Valentine by giving her small doses of the same drug. Meanwhile, Abbé Busoni rents the house next door to the Villefort and begins extensive renovations.