The Vicomte's dress was in no ways peculiar, though careful. He disliked anything that made him conspicuous. His face and his voice had a certain sadness that contrasted strangely with his name of Esperance. [A] Books lay open on the table before him; they were on philosophical subjects, heat and cold. Imagination had never touched him with her golden wand.
[A] Esperance means Hope.
Esperance was very pale as he read his father's letter. He extended his hand and rang the bell.
Coucon entered, looking very differently from those old days in Africa. Not that he wore a livery, but his brown suit was simple and well cut. In his eyes, however, was much of the old fire.
"Has my father gone?" asked Esperance.
"Yes, sir, while you were asleep."
"Why was not I awakened?"
"Because the Count forbade it. He simply said, as he went away, that a letter was to be given to you."
"Was Bertuccio with my father?"
"Yes, sir."