Madame de Cintre had been looking at her tapestry. She raised her eyes to her brother. "I have accepted Mr. Newman."
"Your sister has consented," said Newman. "You see after all, I knew what I was about."
"I am charmed!" said M. de Bellegarde, with superior benignity.
"So am I," said Valentin to Newman. "The marquis and I are charmed. I can't marry, myself, but I can understand it. I can't stand on my head, but I can applaud a clever acrobat. My dear sister, I bless your union."
The marquis stood looking for a while into the crown of his hat. "We have been prepared," he said at last "but it is inevitable that in face of the event one should experience a certain emotion." And he gave a most unhilarious smile.
"I feel no emotion that I was not perfectly prepared for," said his mother.
