"But I have in fact come to see a person, not a picture." "A woman, presumably ?" "A young lady." "Well," said Valentin, "I hope for you with all my heart that she is not clothed in green tulle and that her feet are not too much out of focus." "I don't know much about her feet, but she has very pretty hands." Valentin gave a sigh.

"And on that assurance I must part with you ?" "I am not certain of finding my young lady," said Newman, "and I am not quite prepared to lose your company on the chance.

It does not strike me as particularly desirable to introduce you to her, and yet I should rather like to have your opinion of her." "Is she pretty ?" "I guess you will think so." Bellegarde passed his arm into that of his companion.

"Conduct me to her on the instant! I should be ashamed to make a pretty woman wait for my verdict." Newman suffered himself to be gently propelled in the direction in which he had been walking, but his step was not rapid.

He was turning something over in his mind.