"I am glad I was mistaken in you; if features such as yours are deceitful, then it is bad for humanity."
From that day on they became firm friends. When the painter saw Spero's disturbed features on this particular day, and heard that the count had departed, he had an idea that it would do him good.
"Where did your father go to?" he asked.
"I do not know," replied Spero, uneasily.
"What? Your father did not inform you?" asked Gontram.
"No," replied Spero; "he departed this evening and left a letter for me behind him."
"Ah, really, every one does as he pleases," said Gontram. "Do you know I came here to-day to ask a favor of you?"
"You couldn't do me a greater pleasure," replied Spero, cheerfully; "everything I possess is at your disposal."
"I thought so; the next time you will offer me your millions," cried Gontram, laughing.
"I hope you will ask me for something besides wretched money," said Spero, warmly. "I could gladly fight for you, or do some other important service for you."