Morrel emerged from his hiding place, where he'd remained completely unnoticed during the chaos.
"Leave as quickly as you can, Maximilian," Valentine urged. "Wait until I send for you. Go!"
Morrel looked toward Noirtier for permission. The old man, maintaining his usual composure, signaled him to leave. The young man pressed Valentine's hand to his lips and left through a back staircase.
The moment he exited, Villefort and the doctor entered through the opposite door. Barrois was showing signs of regaining consciousness. The crisis seemed to be passing, he moaned softly and raised himself onto one knee. D'Avrigny and Villefort laid him on a couch.
"What do you prescribe, doctor?" Villefort asked urgently.
"Give me water and ether. You have some in the house, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Send for turpentine oil and tartar emetic."
Villefort immediately dispatched a messenger.
"And now everyone must leave."
"Me too?" Valentine asked timidly.
