gy say, just now, that he would go to the terrace
for a little fresh air."

"Yes," said Goutran, "your father came one day to talk about your
portrait, and I showed him the place which I dignify with the name of
terrace. It is but a small square of zinc, on which a few sickly plants
are withering. It was not worthy to be shown to my friends."

"But you will make an exception in my favor?"

"Most assuredly."

They crossed the studio. Goutran started. He had seen Esperance leaning
against a door, pale and absorbed in thought. The liquid strains of
Jane's voice had reached him here, softer and sweeter than ever.

"Will you allow me to present to you the Vicomte de Monte-Cristo?" asked
Goutran.

"Is he the son of the celebrated Count?" Carmen replied, looking at the
young man with curiosity.

"Precisely, and one of the best fellows in the world."

"Is that the reason you let him stand there all by himself?" she asked
with an _etourderie_ that did not seem quite natural.

"It is my misfortune to-night," answered Goutran, "that I am forced to
neglect all that is dear to me."

Carmen did not reply, but again she turned and looked him full in the
eyes.

"Yes," she said presently, "introduce the young man, if you choose.
Being both forgotten to-night, it is well that we should be together."

Esperance looked up at this moment, and Goutran made him a signal.

"Mademoiselle," said the host, "permit me to present to you the Vicomte
de Monte-Cristo."

Esperance bowed low.

"I think I have never had the pleasure of meeting you before, Vicomte,"
said Carmen.

"Oh! Esperance is a workingman!" cried Goutran. "He disdains our worldly
pleasures."

Esperance protested with a gesture, but evidently his mind was
elsewhere.

"I rely on you, Mademoiselle, and on your charming friends," continued
Goutran, "to cure this misanthrope of his bad habits!"

Carmen, probably displeased at the indifference manifested by Esperance,
now drew her host away.

"What do you think of him?" asked Goutran.

"He is good looking, certainly, but I cannot judge of his mind."

"He is entirely upset of late. I have just taken his education in hand."

Carmen seemed trying to recall something.

"The Count of Monte-Cristo is the person who met with such a series of
incredible adventures, and is named Edmond Dantes?" she asked.

"Yes, you are right."

"And tell me, if you can--excuse the question--if Monsieur de Laisangy
had ever any re