"Oh, if you are going into a room with Madame de Cintre, you needn't be afraid of being noticed yourself!" M.de Bellegarde turned to his sister with a smile too intense to be easy.

"I hope you appreciate a compliment that is paid you at your brother's expense," he said.

"Come, come, madame." And offering Madame de Cintre his arm he led her rapidly out of the room.

Valentin rendered the same service to young Madame de Bellegarde, who had apparently been reflecting on the fact that the ball dress of her sister-in-law was much less brilliant than her own, and yet had failed to derive absolute comfort from the reflection.

With a farewell smile she sought the complement of her consolation in the eyes of the American visitor, and perceiving in them a certain mysterious brilliancy, it is not improbable that she may have flattered herself she had found it.
Newman, left alone with old Madame de Bellegarde, stood before her a few moments in silence.