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Newman renewed acquaintance with him, and learned that Valentin was still sleeping; the surgeon, who had had a fairly tranquil night, was at present sitting with him. Before M. de Grosjoyaux's associate reappeared, Newman learned that his name was M. Ledoux, and that Bellegarde's acquaintance with him dated from the days when they served together in the Pontifical Zouaves.
"My heart is overwhelmed; I would weep, but I cannot. Do not draw your hand away. I could stay here looking at you like this for the rest of my life, I think; happy and content." "O my love, say that once more!" "Ah, what are words?" answered Valentin, letting a hot tear fall on Pauline's hands. "Some time I will try to tell you of my love; just now I can only feel it."
Courage," he continued; "but may I ask if you have confidence in the manservant who is now travelling with you?" It was a shock, but I fancy that I remained unmoved. "You mean my man Peters?" I inquired. "I can guarantee his honesty certainly." "Can you also guarantee," Mr. de Valentin asked me, "that he is simply what he professes to be a valet, and not, for instance, a spy?"
"Have you quarreled?" "Never, never, never!" Newman exclaimed. "How happily you say that!" said Valentin. "You are going to be happy VA!" In answer to this stroke of irony, none the less powerful for being so unconscious, all poor Newman could do was to give a helpless and transparent stare.
M. Nioche had been in the habit of paying him a respectful little visit every two or three weeks and his absence might be a proof quite as much of extreme depression as of a desire to conceal the success with which he had patched up his sorrow. Newman presently learned from Valentin several details touching this new phase of Mademoiselle Noemie's career.
All was still in the house after her knock, but almost instantly the deep voice of the fisherman Valentin, who had thrust his bearded face and red head out of the window, asked who was there. The answer received an astonished "Can it be!"
"We will leave it like that then," he said. "I must apologize, Mr. Courage, for having troubled you with my private affairs, and wish you good-night!" We separated a few moments later, and I went down to my state-room. I found Guest busy writing in a pocket-book, seated on the edge of his bunk. I told him of my conversation with Mr. de Valentin.
Quite beside himself with happiness, Raphael caught Pauline in his arms. "Oh, my father!" she said; "my father " "I will take you back to him," cried Valentin, "for I want to be away from you as little as possible." "How loving you are! I did not venture to suggest it " "Are you not my life?"
Presently he looked up from the table and continued: "If you will permit me," he said, "I should like to introduce myself. My name is not Mr. de Valentin. I am Victor Louis, Comte de Valentin, Marquis de St. Auteuil, Duc de Bordera and Escault, Prince of Normandy." I nodded gravely. "And according to some," I remarked in a low tone, "King of France!" He looked at me in keen surprise.
"She has changed her mind; she decided half an hour ago, and she is sticking the last diamond into her hair," said Valentin. "What has taken possession of my daughter?" demanded Madame de Bellegarde, sternly. "She has not been into the world these three years. Does she take such a step at half an hour's notice, and without consulting me?"