 stick to your own side of the contract we shall not quarrel; that is
all I ask of you,« said Newman. »Keep your hands off, and give me an open field.
I am very much in earnest, and there is not the slightest danger of my getting
discouraged or backing out. You will have me constantly before your eyes; if you
don't like it, I am sorry for you. I will do for your daughter, if she will
accept me, everything that a man can do for a woman. I am happy to tell you
that, as a promise - a pledge. I consider that on your side you make me an equal
pledge. You will not back out, eh?«
    »I don't know what you mean by backing out,« said the marquise. »It suggests
a movement of which I think no Bellegarde has ever been guilty.«
    »Our word is our word,« said Urbain. »We have given it.«
    »Well, now,« said Newman, »I am very glad you are so proud; it makes me
believe you will keep it.«
    The marquise was silent a moment, and then, suddenly, »I shall always be
polite to you, Mr. Newman,« she declared, »but, decidedly, I shall never like
you.«
    »Don't be too sure,« said Newman, laughing.
    »I am so sure that I will ask you to take me back to my armchair without the
least fear of having my sentiments modified by the service you render me.« And
Madame de Bellegarde took his arm, and returned to the salon and to her
customary place.
    M. de la Rochefidèle and his wife were preparing to take their leave, and
Madame de Cintré's interview with the mumbling old lady was at an end. She stood
looking about her, asking herself, apparently, to whom she should next speak,
when Newman came up to her.
    »Your mother has given me leave - very solemnly - to come here often,« he
said. »I mean to come often.«
    »I shall be glad to see you,« she answered simply. And then, in a moment:
»You probably think it very strange that there should be such a solemnity - as
you say - about your coming.«
    »Well, yes; I do, rather.«
    »Do you remember what my brother Valentin said, the first time you came to
see me - that we were a strange, strange
