That was really better; it was like
marrying a bird or a monkey; one didn't have to think about her family
at all. Our women have always done well; they have never even gone into
the petite noblesse. There is, I believe, not a case on record of a
misalliance among the women."
Newman turned this over for a while, and, then at last he said, "You
offered, the first time you came to see me to render me any service you
could. I told you that some time I would mention something you might do.
Do you remember?"
"Remember? I have been counting the hours."
"Very well; here's your chance. Do what you can to make your sister
think well of me."
Bellegarde stared, with a smile. "Why, I'm sure she thinks as well of
you as possible, already."
"An opinion founded on seeing me three or four times? That is putting me
off with 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.
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