“I have seen a good many people. Mrs. Tristram has taken me about. I do whatever she tells me.”
“By yourself, you are not fond of amusements?”
“Oh yes, of some sorts. I am not fond of dancing, and that sort of thing; I am too old and sober. But I want to be amused; I came to Europe for that.”
“But you can be amused in America, too.”
“I couldn’t; I was always at work. But after all, that was my amusement.”
At this moment Madame de Bellegarde came back for another cup of tea, accompanied by the Count Valentin. Madame de Cintré, when she had served her, began to talk again with Newman, and recalling what he had last said, “In your own country you were very much occupied?” she asked.
“I was in business. I have been in business since I was fifteen years old.”
“And what was your business?” asked Madame de Bellegarde, who was decidedly not so pretty as Madame de Cintré.
“I have been in everything,” said Newman. “At one time I sold leather; at one time I manufactured wash-tubs.”
Madame de Bellegarde made a little grimace. “Leather? I don’t like that. Wash-tubs are better. I prefer the smell of soap. I hope at least they made your fortune.” She rattled this off with the air of a woman who had the reputation of saying everything that came into her head, and with a strong French accent.