But excuse me," he added in an instant; "she doesn't amuse you, at second hand, and the subject is an impure one.
Let us talk of something else." Valentin introduced another topic, but within five minutes Newman observed that, by a bold transition, he had reverted to Mademoiselle Nioche, and was giving pictures of her manners and quoting specimens of her mots.

These were very witty, and, for a young woman who six months before had been painting the most artless madonnas, startlingly cynical.

But at last, abruptly, he stopped, became thoughtful, and for some time afterwards said nothing.

When he rose to go it was evident that his thoughts were still running upon Mademoiselle Nioche.

"Yes, she's a frightful little monster!" he said..