He silently opened the drapery and brought his companion back to the studio; when they entered it, the vicomte hurried to the painter, and said in a low tone:
"Gontram, have you a minute for me? I must speak to you."
CHAPTER XXXI
A THUNDERBOLT
The vicomte's disturbed features and the tone of his voice caused Gontram to become anxious, and leading Carmen into the music-room, he stammered an excuse, and then returned to Spero.
"What has happened to you?" he asked, as he saw the young man was still excited. "I am afraid I am a very inattentive host."
"Oh, that is not it," said Spero, hesitating; "but—"
"Well, speak. You frighten me," said Gontram, uneasily.