"In another moment I should have knocked the conceited ass down.

Oh, my Flavia! my poor Flavia! your weakness of to-day will yet cost you very dear!" Paul remained rooted to the ground, with an expression of surprise and confusion upon every line of his face.

All his pride and vanity had gone.

"I wonder," muttered he, "what these disagreeable persons are saying about me?
Perhaps laughing at my inexperience and ridiculing my aspirations." The idea made him grind his teeth with rage; but he was mistaken, for neither Tantaine nor the doctor mentioned his name after they had left his apartment.

As they walked up the Rue Montmartre, all their ideas were turning upon how it would be easiest to checkmate Andre.
"I have not yet got sufficient information to act on," remarked Tantaine meditatively.