"But, Carmen, we are so comfortable and happy. What do you want more?"
"I wish to have my curiosity satisfied," answered Carmen, coldly. "Everything about you is a mystery and a fraud. In fact, you terrify me!"
"But——"
"Yes—even your way of eating is not natural. There is something of the wild beast about you, and I tell you I am afraid!"
"But this is childish. You have known me a long time."
"Yes. I am twenty-two now, and I was fifteen when you took me, while Mamma Lousteau was your cook at Florence—"
"Hush! Carmen, you will be heard!"
"Who cares! Yes, the whole world may hear the story of a girl whose mother was cook in a banker's house. The banker entered the girl's room in the night, the mother discovered it. Her rage and distress brought on an attack of apoplexy. She died, and I remained with you! These are the bare facts."
"Carmen!"