You have learned a wonderful deal about Mademoiselle Noemie in a quarter of an hour.

Let that suffice; don't follow up your researches." "My dear fellow," cried Bellegarde with warmth, "I hope I have too good manners to intrude." "You are not intruding.

The girl is nothing to me.

In fact, I rather dislike her.

But I like her poor old father, and for his sake I beg you to abstain from any attempt to verify your theories." "For the sake of that seedy old gentleman who came to fetch her ?" demanded Valentin, stopping short.