The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 65 (1/2)

The painter colored deeply, for it was Carely to her He apologized in some confusion, his duties as host, his ive you,” answered Car!”

”Oh! I shall only ask a trifle Can you spare ive me your arm, and take me out on the terrace”

”The terrace! How did you know that I had a terrace?” asked Goutran, astonished

”Pray do not be uneasy I never visited your studio in your absence I heard Monsieur Laisangy 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 hinify 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?” Car 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 seeht,” answered Goutran, ”that I alect all that is dear to ain she turned and looked him full in the eyes

”Yes,” she said presently, ”introduce the young ht, it is well that we should be together”

Esperance looked up at this nal

”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 ofyou 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