Volume II Part 67 (1/2)
”I do not know her, and my discretion did not permit me to ask her”
Gontrahed He knew the janitor to be the ed his discretion accordingly
”Monsieur Alain, won't you tell me what the lady wanted of antly dressed, and asked me whether you were at home
When I told her you were not, she took a letter froive it to you at once”
”Where is the letter?”
”Here, Monsieur Sabran,” said the janitor, taking a perfu it to the painter
The latter hastily tore it from his hand and went back to his residence
In his study he threw his gloves and hat on the table, and looked at the note froned ”Carmen,” and ran as follows:
”MONSIEUR GONTRAM--Or may I say, my dear friend--I would like to speak to you about ayou to visit arden bell Be punctual It concerns the fate of those you love
”CARMEN”
What did Carmen mean by the expression, ”The fate of those you love?”
What did she know of his connections? Why should he have to go to the back door? How came it that Carmen asked him to meet her in this peculiar manner?
Punctually at seven o'clock the painter was at the garden gate, and with a tre hand Gontram pulled the bell-rope and was i,” she said
Theboudoir and allowed Gontram to enter With his hat in his hand the painter stood still in the centre of the room The door was now opened, and Carmen, simply attired in black silk, entered She was pale, but extrely at her
”Thank you,” she said, offering her hand to the painter ”I hardly dared to hope you would come”
”You sent for me, and I have come,” replied Gontram
”Please sit down and listen to me”
Gontram took a seat next to Carmen
”Monsieur Gontram, do you love me?” she suddenly asked
Gontram trembled
”Mademoiselle Carmen,” he earnestly said, ”I will answer your question candidly Yes, I love you, love you warmly and tenderly, and if I have hesitated to tell you so, it was because I did not think myself worthy of you I--”
”Oh, keep still--keep still!”
”But, Mademoiselle Carmen,” said Gontram, ”you know you can rely on me!”
For a time they were both silent