CHAPTER XLVIII.
A THUNDER CLAP.
Goutran was startled by the tone in which Esperance spoke. He hastened with Carmen to the music-room, and then returned to the Vicomte.
"I have been very negligent," the artist said, penitently, "and I have a thousand apologies to make. And now, what may I do for you?"
The Vicomte was very pale. He hesitated.
"My friend," he said at last, "you have entire confidence in me, have you not?"
"Most certainly. You have won both my esteem and affection."
"And you think me incapable of falsehood?"
"What a question!"
"Then listen to me. I was standing in this spot just now—I had been listening to that girl's divine voice. You passed me and spoke to me, but I hardly knew what you said, when suddenly from behind that hanging came these words, distinctly pronounced: