"You are going away?
your day is over ?" "My father is coming to fetch me," said Mademoiselle Noemie.
She had hardly spoken when, through the door behind her, which opens on one of the great white stone staircases of the Louvre, M.Nioche made his appearance.

He came in with his usual even, patient shuffle, and he made a low salute to the two gentlemen who were standing before his daughter's easel.

Newman shook his hands with muscular friendliness, and Valentin returned his greeting with extreme deference.

While the old man stood waiting for Noemie to make a parcel of her implements, he let his mild, oblique gaze hover toward Bellegarde, who was watching Mademoiselle Noemie put on her bonnet and mantle.

Valentin was at no pains to disguise his scrutiny.