 The Count is aware of Héloïse's intentions and introduces her to the technique of poison.Héloïse fatally poisons the Saint-Mérans, so that Valentine inherits their fortune.Valentine is briefly disinherited by Noirtier in an attempt to prevent Valentine's impending marriage with Franz d'Épinay, whom she does not love; however, the marriage is cancelled when d'Épinay learns that his father (believed assassinated by Bonapartists) was actually killed by Noirtier in a fair duel.