I should prefer that my mother were pleased." "Why the deuce," demanded Newman, "is she not pleased?
She gave you leave to marry me." "Very true; I don't understand it.

And yet I do 'mind it,' as you say.
You will call it superstitious." "That will depend upon how much you let it bother you.

Then I shall call it an awful bore." "I will keep it to myself," said Madame de Cintre, "It shall not bother you." And then they talked of their marriage-day, and Madame de Cintre assented unreservedly to Newman's desire to have it fixed for an early date.
Newman's telegrams were answered with interest.

Having dispatched but three electric missives, he received no less than eight gratulatory bulletins in return.

He put them into his pocket-book, and the next time he encountered old Madame de Bellegarde drew them forth and displayed them to her.