"Then, when we were on the terrace—" Carmen hesitated. There were memories connected with that terrace which she did not care to approach.
Goutran said, kindly:
"Go on, dear child."
"I do not know if you remember as well as myself a dispute which we, in a measure, overheard. I recognized Laisangy's voice, and the disconnected words confirmed my suspicions. Early the next morning I sent for him and questioned him very closely, and in a most peremptory manner. In the midst of our animated discussion a card was brought in. This Signor Fagiano had called to see Monsieur de Laisangy.
"I heard no more of him, saw no more of him, until yesterday, when, as I entered the hôtel, I saw Fagiano coming in. I at once ran into Laisangy's private office, and reached it first, where I hid in a closet, ready to listen to every word. Do not reprove me. All means are lawful when dangers threaten those you love, and some instinct taught me that I should learn something of you and the Vicomte."
Goutran kissed Carmen's hand as his sole reply.
"The two men came in a moment or two, and I at once learned from the first words they uttered that they were associates in some crime. What it is I know not, but Fagiano said:
"'I have done it, and now our vengeance is certain. But I need money.'
"'I have already told you that I would give it to you. Here is what you want. And now, what do you mean to do?'
"'She is in my power now, and I shall soon have him, too.'