Bellegarde spoke first.
"It's none of my business, but what the deuce did you say to my sister ?" "I am willing to tell you," said Newman, "that I made her an offer of marriage." "Already!" And the young man gave a whistle.

"'Time is money!' Is that what you say in America?
And Madame de Cintre ?" he added, with an interrogative inflection.
"She did not accept my offer." "She couldn't, you know, in that way." "But I'm to see her again," said Newman.
"Oh, the strangeness of woman!" exclaimed Bellegarde.

Then he stopped, and held Newman off at arms'-length.

"I look at you with respect!" he exclaimed.

"You have achieved what we call a personal success! Immediately, now, I must present you to my brother." "Whenever you please!" said Newman..