"Can I introduce the young man to you?" asked Gontram softly of his companion.
"Who is he?" replied Carmen.
"The Vicomte of Monte-Cristo!"
"What? The son of the celebrated count?" asked the young lady, looking at Spero with increased interest.
"Yes. I have a high regard for the vicomte."
"I could have thought so," said Carmen, laughing.
"What do you mean by that, mademoiselle?" asked Gontram in surprise.
"Oh, you see you have the habit of caring very little for those whom you pretend to honor," replied the young girl, looking at the painter in such a way as made his heart beat fast.
"I hope to be able soon to prove my esteem for you," whispered the young man.
Carmen was for a moment silent, and then vivaciously said: