That is exactly what I wished to say--that we quite understand what we have undertaken, and that you may depend upon our adhering to our resolution." Valentin shook his hands in the air and then buried his face in them.

"I have less tact than I might have, no doubt; but oh, my brother, if you knew what you yourself were saying!" And he went off into a long laugh.
M.de Bellegarde's face flushed a little, but he held his head higher, as if to repudiate this concession to vulgar perturbability.

"I am sure you understand me," he said to Newman.
"Oh no, I don't understand you at all," said Newman.

"But you needn't mind that.

I don't care.