"And why not? Everybody is not born with a million in his cradle. I, too, have been near starvation!"
"Carmen!"
"It is true, but pray finish your breakfast. I want to talk to you."
If Goutran, assisted by some magician, had been able to see and hear this interview, he would have been thunderstruck. What a tone! What an expression! Not that she was less pretty, but there was a something in her manner and appearance which would have offended his taste.
Laisangy finally stopped eating. Any other person would have been crimson after such a meal, but he actually looked paler than ever.
Carmen rang the bell for coffee, and then they were again alone.
"My dear Carmen, I am ready to listen to you," said the banker. She had lighted a cigarette, and was smoking, with her eyes fixed on him.
"You want money, I suppose?"
"No—I want information."