The studio is closed, and it is impossible for me to undertake to open it to show you the picture, since I have not the key.

As for Madame and Mademoiselle Steno, they have not been here for several days; the sittings have been interrupted." "What is still more extraordinary, Monsieur," replied the other, "is that I saw them with my own eyes, five minutes ago, enter this house and I, too, saw their carriage drive away."....

He felt his anger increase and direct itself altogether against the watch-dog so suddenly raised upon the threshold of his rival's house.
Florent, on his part, had begun to lose patience.

He had within him the violent irritability of the negro blood, which he did not acknowledge, but which slightly tinted his complexion.

The manner of Madame Steno's former lover seemed to him so outrageous that he replied very dryly, as he opened the door, in order to oblige the caller to leave: "You are mistaken,--Monsieur, that is all." "You are aware, Monsieur," replied Boleslas, "of the fact that you just addressed me in a tone which is not the one which I have a right to expect from you....