"Most assuredly."
They crossed the studio. Goutran started. He had seen Esperance leaning against a door, pale and absorbed in thought. The liquid strains of Jane's voice had reached him here, softer and sweeter than ever.
"Will you allow me to present to you the Vicomte de Monte-Cristo?" asked Goutran.
"Is he the son of the celebrated Count?" Carmen replied, looking at the young man with curiosity.
"Precisely, and one of the best fellows in the world."
"Is that the reason you let him stand there all by himself?" she asked with an étourderie that did not seem quite natural.
"It is my misfortune to-night," answered Goutran, "that I am forced to neglect all that is dear to me."
Carmen did not reply, but again she turned and looked him full in the eyes.
"Yes," she said presently, "introduce the young man, if you choose. Being both forgotten to-night, it is well that we should be together."
Esperance looked up at this moment, and Goutran made him a signal.