"That is the very reason. At this kind of 'reunion' it is absolutely indispensable that the thing read should be bad, so that all that follows after the reading may seem excellent to the guests. With this drama you can bring on champagne that cost only thirty reals, and it will be drunk like nectar."
Maximina did not understand very well this logic of her husband's, and she looked at him with very wide eyes; but seeing that he added nothing to make it clearer, she went to another subject,—that of the invitations.
"Whom would you invite?"
"Provisionally, mamma and Julia."
"Good; and then?"
"Cousin Serafina."
"Who would escort her?"
"Let Enrique accompany her."
"Shall we invite Eulalia?"
"Certainly; but I warn you that she will not come: her husband cannot abide me."