Signor Fagiano, who talked little, was wandering about through the salons. Suddenly he found himself face to face with Monsieur de Laisangy.
Signor Fagiano started back, and half covered his face with his hand, but in turning to make good his retreat, he half stumbled and fell.
The banker instinctively extended his hand to assist him. Fagiano bowed low as he recovered himself, and went into another room.
There was certainly nothing very remarkable in this incident, but Carmen started and instantly hastened to the side of the banker, who seemed calmly indifferent to what had taken place. Seeing this, her anxiety, if she felt any, was dissipated, and she began to talk to Goutran.
At this moment the footman announced two names: "Mademoiselle Jane Zeld!" "The Vicomte de Monte-Cristo!"
"You see, I did have two surprises for you," said Goutran.
But suddenly he exclaimed, "My dear Monsieur de Laisangy, you are ill, I fear—"
"No, no," stammered the banker, "but it is very warm here, and I will go out on the terrace a while, if you will permit me."
He left his daughter, who seemed to attach little importance to this sudden indisposition of her father's.