I rather think the thing is an accomplishment of your own." "Oh, come," said Newman, "you will make me proud!" "No, I shall not.

You have nothing to do with pride, or with humility--that is a part of this easy manner of yours.

People are proud only when they have something to lose, and humble when they have something to gain." "I don't know what I have to lose," said Newman, "but I certainly have something to gain." "What is it ?" asked his visitor.
Newman hesitated a while.

"I will tell you when I know you better." "I hope that will be soon! Then, if I can help you to gain it, I shall be happy." "Perhaps you may," said Newman.
"Don't forget, then, that I am your servant," M.de Bellegarde answered; and shortly afterwards he took his departure.
During the next three weeks Newman saw Bellegarde several times, and without formally swearing an eternal friendship the two men established a sort of comradeship.

To Newman, Bellegarde was the ideal Frenchman, the Frenchman of tradition and romance, so far as our hero was concerned with these mystical influences.