Then she went up to her mother, who sat in her deep chair by the fire, looking at Madame de Cintre almost fiercely.

With her back turned to the others, Madame de Cintre held her cloak apart to show her dress.
"What do you think of me ?" she asked.
"I think you are audacious," said the marquise.

"It was but three days ago, when I asked you, as a particular favor to myself, to go to the Duchess de Lusignan's, that you told me you were going nowhere and that one must be consistent.

Is this your consistency?
Why should you distinguish Madame Robineau?
Who is it you wish to please to-night ?" "I wish to please myself, dear mother," said Madame de Cintre.

And she bent over and kissed the old lady.
"I don't like surprises, my sister," said Urbain de Bellegarde; "especially when one is on the point of entering a drawing-room." Newman at this juncture felt inspired to speak.