Volume II Part 49 (1/2)
”Certainly; but what have we to do with that now? You know that I estee or lying to you?”
”Spero, I do not know you any more,” cried Gontram, more and more confused
”Have patience, you will soon learn to understandcuriously; ”let me now tell you what has happened tobreath, and then continued:
”About tento the wonderful singing of that beautiful creature whom you call Jane Zild The melody transported me to another world, and I saw and heard very little of as going on about ht noise behind the drapery, and these words reached my ears: 'Vicomte of Monte-Cristo, take care of yourself A trap has been set for you, and woe to you if you are foolish enough not to notice it'”
”A trap laid? What does that ?” asked Gontra up I ran in the direction whence the words came I shoved the drapery aside, but could see no one”
”No one?” repeated the painter, breathing ic! Are you sure, Spero, that you didn't deceive yourself?”
”You do not believesorrowfully
”Spero, you hly, and, if possible, find out what has occurred You yourself confessed that you were plunged in thought In such half-dreas which have no foundation in fact We believe we see persons, hear voices--”
”You speak of i that I actually have experienced I heard the words clearly and legibly; the voice was strange tosincere in it which struck me”
”Curious! Perhaps some one has played a joke upon you”
”That would not be improbable, yet I do not believe it The words were spoken seriously”
”But you are mad! A trap, if laid for you, could only be done by me I must now ask you the same question you put to me: Have you confidence in me?”
”Perfect confidence,” said the vicomte, warmly
”God be praised! Now follow hts,” and, shoving his arm under the vicomte's, he led him into the music-room
”And where should the trap be?” asked Gontram, as they walked on; ”not in Jane Zild's heavenly tones? Just look how the dark eyes are looking at you--really you are in luck”
Jane Zild had risen after the song was ended, and while the applause sounded about her, she looked steadily at the vicohts,” whispered Gontra man, ”come and talk a little to the diva; she appears to expect it”
”Made to Jane, ”here is one of your most enthusiastic admirers, ould consider hiallery with hiuests, and Spero tiirl and offered her his arm Jane hesitated for a moment to take it, and looked expectantly at the vicomte She waited, no doubt, for a compliment or some word from him As Spero remained silent, a satisfied s her hand on his ar unexpected happened A burning candle fell down from the chandelier, and a flame licked the black lace dress of the diva and enveloped her
A cry of horror came from the lips of the bystanders, and they all rushed away Spero was the only one who showed self-possession Quick as thought, he tore one of the draperies fro the thick cloth around the shoulders of the diva, he pressed her tightly to his bosom
The next minute Jane stood with pale face, but otherwise uninjured, before her rescuer, and holding her little hand to him, she whispered cordially:
”Thanks, a thousand thanks!”