"No. This is your own list of invitations that I hold in my hand."
Carmen had forgotten entirely that these invitations had been sent out a week before.
Laisangy looked at her closely.
"I fancied," he said, "that this entertainment had escaped your memory."
"I certainly shall not appear!" answered Carmen.
The banker bit his lips, this was precisely what he feared. He began to argue the matter gently. And she, in her turn, began to reflect. She saw on the list the name of Goutran, which she had written with a breaking heart. After all, had she the right to desert her post?
"Very well," she said, "I will be present."
Laisangy was astonished at his prompt success.
"Yes," she repeated, "on condition that you do not once call me your daughter."
"What shall I call you?" stammered Laisangy.