She laughed.
"You want to know about my interview with mother? Well, you shall know all about that, I promise you, because I have changed my mind. I intend to make you an auditor. Don't desert me, Julien, please. Remember, this is really a trying moment for me. I have to face an irate and obstinate parent. If friendship is worth anything, come and help me."
"I can't help thinking," he objected, "that your mother would rather talk to you alone."
"Then you will please to consider me and not my mother," Anne insisted, as they drew up before the door of the hotel. "I wish you to remain."
The Duchess received them perfectly. She did not attempt anything emotional. She simply held out both her hands a little apart.
"You dear, sensible people!" she cried. "Anne, how dared you give us such a shock!"
Anne leaned over and kissed her mother.
"Mother," she announced, "I am not going to marry Julien."
The Duchess started. The expression which flashed from her eyes was unmistakably genuine.
"Don't talk nonsense, Anne!" she exclaimed sharply.