Finally Esperance had a friend. To Goutran alone did he ever open his heart, and even when he had been with him for hours, laughing and talking with gayety, he appeared before Monte-Cristo as impassive as ever.
Goutran did not attempt to penetrate the secrets of his life. He knew, however, that the day could not be far off when the butterfly would emerge from the chrysalis.
"My father has gone away," Esperance had said.
"Indeed! And where has he gone?"
"I have no idea. He simply wrote me a few lines announcing his departure."
Goutran did not think it worth while to be astonished, for this was a most singular household.
"Then you are entirely your own master?"
"Yes," answered Esperance, "I am free."
"I have a favor to ask," said Goutran, after a minute's silence.
"Ask it. You know every thing I have is yours."