Spero looked after the equipage as long as it could be seen and then called for his coachman, as he wished to go home too. Just as he was about to enter the carriage, the coachman, in surprise, exclaimed:
"You have forgotten your hat, vicomte. Jean, quick, go and get it."
Spero, in astonishment, felt his head; it was true, the coachman was right.
"Stay, Jean, I shall go myself," he briefly said, as he hurried back to the house.
Just as he reached the stairs, Monsieur de Larsagny and his daughter, whom Gontram escorted, and Count Vellini and his secretary came down.
"Vicomte," said Carmen, vivaciously, "you are a hero, and the rest of the gentlemen can take you for an example."
Monsieur de Larsagny coughed slightly, while Fagiano loudly cried:
"The vicomte is the worthy son of his father, the great count."
These words, although spoken in a respectful tone, displeased Spero, yet he kept silent and the guests departed.