"With us two?" asked Anne-Marie, with round, troubled eyes, and remembering the impresario.
"With us two."
"For always?" and Anne-Marie's eyes were larger and more troubled.
"For always," said Nancy.
Anne-Marie glanced at the man again and at the hat again. Then she put her cheek against her mother's arm, as she always did, when she asked a favour. "Rather not, Liebstes," she whispered.
The Arbiter had spoken.
Aldo said only a few words more to Nancy. He placed his hands on Anne-Marie's head, and looked at her a long time. Then he turned suddenly, took up his square hat, and left the room.
"That was a strange man," said Anne-Marie. "Was he really my father?"
Nancy, with pale lips, said: "Yes."
"Are you sure?" questioned Anne-Marie, raising her eyes to the balloon.