"Gontram," began the vicomte, "you have confidence in me?"
"Certainly; but what have we to do with that now? You know that I esteem you—"
"And you do not think me capable of deceiving or lying to you?"
"Spero, I do not know you any more," cried Gontram, more and more confused.
"Have patience, you will soon learn to understand me," said the vicomte, smiling curiously; "let me now tell you what has happened to me."
Spero took a long breath, and then continued:
"About ten minutes ago I was standing here, listening to the wonderful singing of that beautiful creature whom you call Jane Zild. The melody transported me to another world, and I saw and heard very little of what was going on about me. Suddenly I heard a slight noise behind the drapery, and these words reached my ears: 'Vicomte of Monte-Cristo, take care of yourself. A trap has been set for you, and woe to you if you are foolish enough not to notice it.'"
"A trap laid? What does that mean, and who was it that gave you this warning?" asked Gontram, in amazement.
"I do not know. Springing up I ran in the direction whence the words came. I shoved the drapery aside, but could see no one."
"No one?" repeated the painter, breathing more freely. "That looks like magic! Are you sure, Spero, that you didn't deceive yourself?"