"M. Lamartine, you will, I know, make every allowance for me when you learn that this young man, who has been fighting behind the barricades with the people, is my son!"
The head of the Provisional Government instantly grew as enthusiastic as M. Dantès himself; he grasped Espérance's free hand and, shaking it with the utmost cordiality, exclaimed:
"Your son, M. Dantès! Let me congratulate you! Why he is a perfect hero!"
"I have but followed my father's teachings and done what he would have done had he been my age and unable to serve the great cause of human freedom in a more effective way!"
M. Dantès' eyes sparkled with joy and a faint shade of color appeared upon his pale cheeks.
"What is your name, young patriot?" asked M. Lamartine, his excitement and enthusiasm continuing to hold possession of him.
"Espérance," was the reply.
"Espérance—hope—the name is both appropriate and auspicious; with such heroic young men as you fighting for our cause there is, indeed, hope, and of the brightest and best kind!" cried Lamartine.
"Nay, nay," said M. Dantès, "do not flatter the boy; he has but done his duty."
"Believe me, I do not flatter him," returned Lamartine; "I have simply told him the truth; in time he will rival the devotion and achievements of his noble father!"