The other guests round the table are friends of the family.

But, my dear cousin, tell me why my mother has not come with you ?" At last I had to open my lips! "Your mother, my dear cousin, will be here in three or four days, at the latest." I thought that my newly-found cousin was unknown to me, but when I looked at her with more attention, I fancied I recollected her features.

She was the Catinella, a dancer of reputation, but I had never spoken to her before.

I easily guessed that she was giving me an impromptu part in a play of her own composition, and I was to be a 'deux ex machina'.
Whatever is singular and unexpected has always attracted me, and as my cousin was pretty, I lent myself most willingly to the joke, entertaining no doubt that she would reward me in an agreeable manner.

All I had to do was to play my part well, but without implicating myself.