It was simply the instinct of the practical man, who had made up his mind what he wanted, and was now beginning to take active steps to obtain it.
Madame de Cintre started slightly, and raised her eyebrows; she had evidently not expected so fervid a compliment.

"Oh, in that case," she said with a laugh, "your finding me alone is not good luck for me.

I hope some one will come in quickly." "I hope not," said Newman.

"I have something particular to say to you.
Have you seen your brother ?" "Yes, I saw him an hour ago." "Did he tell you that he had seen me last night ?" "He said so." "And did he tell you what we had talked about ?" Madame de Cintre hesitated a moment.

As Newman asked these questions she had grown a little pale, as if she regarded what was coming as necessary, but not as agreeable.