 rewarded; his generosity was not appreciated. Newman quite failed to
recognise the young Frenchman's power to wound his feelings, and he had now no
sense of escaping or coming off easily. He did not thank his companion even with
a glance. »My eyes are open, though,« he said, »so far as that you have
practically told me that your family and your friends will turn up their noses
at me. I have never thought much about the reasons that make it proper for
people to turn up their noses, and so I can only decide the question off-hand.
Looking at it in that way I can't see anything in it. I simply think, if you
want to know, that I'm as good as the best. Who the best are, I don't pretend to
say. I have never thought much about that either. To tell the truth, I have
always had rather a good opinion of myself; a man who is successful can't help
it. But I will admit that I was conceited. What I don't say Yes to is that I
don't stand high - as high as any one else. This is a line of speculation I
should not have chosen, but you must remember you began it yourself. I should
never have dreamed that I was on the defensive, or that I had to justify myself;
but if your people will have it so, I will do my best.«
    »But you offered, awhile ago, to make your court, as we say, to my mother
and my brother.«
    »Damn it!« cried Newman, »I want to be polite.«
    »Good!« rejoined Bellegarde; »this will go far, it will be very
entertaining. Excuse my speaking of it in that cold-blooded fashion, but the
matter must, of necessity, be for me something of a spectacle. It's positively
exciting. But apart from that I sympathise with you, and I shall be actor, so
far as I can, as well as spectator. You are a capital fellow; I believe in you
and I back you. The simple fact that you appreciate my sister will serve as the
proof I was asking for. All men are equal - especially men of taste!«
    »Do you think,« asked Newman presently, »that Madame de Cintré is determined
not to marry?«
    »That is my impression. But that is not against you; it's for you to make
her change her mind
