They reached the avenue, and looked about for a carriage, but none was to be seen.
"Where are we to take this poor thing?" said Goutran.
"To my rooms," answered Esperance. "But I am afraid she will die in my arms!"
"I will hasten on and arouse the servants, and have everything prepared."
"Yes, by all means. I am strong, and shall be there almost as soon as yourself."
In a very few minutes they reached the hôtel, which Goutran opened with a key given him by Esperance. They entered the corridor that led to the rooms formerly occupied by Haydée.
Esperance, with infinite precautions, laid Jane on the bed.
The girl's hair had fallen loose, and its darkness made an admirable background for her delicate features.
When Esperance saw this frail form thus inert, and the blue-veined lids closing the eyes, he yielded to his emotion and sobbed like a child. He was very unlike his father, and in these few moments he probably suffered more than his father had ever done.