th very little. I want something more. I have been thinking of it
a good deal, and at last I have decided to tell you. I should like very
much to marry Madame de Cintre."

Bellegarde had been looking at him with quickened expectancy, and with
the smile with which he had greeted Newman's allusion to his promised
request. At this last announcement he continued to gaze; but his
smile went through two or three curious phases. It felt, apparently, a
momentary impulse to broaden; but this it immediately checked. Then it
remained for some instants taking counsel with itself, at the end of
which it decreed a retreat. It slowly effaced itself and left a look of
seriousness modified by the desire not to be rude. Extreme surprise had
come into the Count Valentin's face; but he had reflected that it would
be uncivil to leave it there. And yet, what the deuce was he to do with
it? He got up, in his agitation, and stood before the chimney-piece,
still looking at Newman. He was a longer time thinking what to say than
one would have expected.

"If you can't render me the service I ask," said Newman, "say it out!"

"Let me hear it again, distinctly," said Bellegarde. "It's very
important, you know. I shall plead your cause with my sister, because
you want--you want to marry her? That's it, eh?"

"Oh, I don't say plead my cause, exactly; I shall try and do that
myself. But say a good word for me, now and then--let her know that you
think well of me."

At this, Bellegarde gave a little light laugh.

"What I want chiefly, after all," Newman went on, "is just to let you
know what I have in mind. I suppose that is what you expect, isn't it? I
want to do what is customary over here. If there is any thing particular
to be done, let me know and I will do it. I wouldn't for the world
approach Madame de Cintre without all the proper forms. If I ought to
go and tell your mother, why I will go and tell her. I will go and tell
your brother, even. I will go and tell any one you please. As I don't
know any one else, I begin by telling you. But that, if it is a social
obligation, is a pleasure as well."

"Yes, I see--I see," said Bellegarde, lightly stroking his chin. "You
have a very right feeling about it, but I'm glad you have begun with
me." He paused, hesitated, and then turned away and walked slowly
the length of the room. Newman got up and stood leaning against the
mantel-shelf, with his hands in his pockets, watching Bellegarde's
promen