CHAPTER XV.
Valentin de Bellegarde's announcement of the secession of Mademoiselle Nioche from her father's domicile and his irreverent reflections upon the attitude of this anxious parent in so grave a catastrophe, received a practical commentary in the fact that M.Nioche was slow to seek another interview with his late pupil.

It had cost Newman some disgust to be forced to assent to Valentin's somewhat cynical interpretation of the old man's philosophy, and, though circumstances seemed to indicate that he had not given himself up to a noble despair, Newman thought it very possible he might be suffering more keenly than was apparent.

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.
"I told you she was remarkable," this unshrinking observer declared, "and the way she has managed this performance proves it.

She has had other chances, but she was resolved to take none but the best.