The Count stops by the Villafortmansion and becomes engaged in a private conversation with Madame de Villafort after meeting her lovely stepdaughter Valentine, who much impressed him with her bearing and the young brat Edward. The conversation turned to poisons, a subject which the Madame was deeply interested in, and he guided her interest along purposely. We are not told what his objectives were, but we are left with the possibility that she will use it on Valentine-if her son doesn't snatch it from her first.