Esperance looked at the cards, and uttered an exclamation of joy.
"Lay two more covers," he said, "I will come down at once."
CHAPTER XLVI.
FORWARD!
Esperance hurried down, and in the dining-room, a marvel of marqueterie and mosaic, was a young man.
"My dear Goutran," he said, as the stranger advanced to meet him, "I cannot tell you how obliged I am for this visit."
This Goutran, Goutran Sabrau, was a tall young fellow of about twenty-five, with blonde hair and a frank face. He was a painter, and had already attained some celebrity.
"Upon my word, this is a welcome worth having," said Goutran. "But what is going on here, you do not look like yourself. Your eyes are much brighter than usual. Have you not some secret to confide to me?"