The household moved as easily as the scenery in a theater and was regulated like a grand administrative concern.

Indeed, it worked with such precision that during the early months there were no jars and no derangements.

Madame, however, pained Zoe extremely with her imprudent acts, her sudden fits of unwisdom, her mad bravado.

Still the lady's maid grew gradually lenient, for she had noticed that she made increased profits in seasons of wanton waste when Madame had committed a folly which must be made up for.

It was then that the presents began raining on her, and she fished up many a louis out of the troubled waters.
One morning when Muffat had not yet left the bedroom Zoe ushered a gentleman into the dressing room, where Nana was changing her underwear.
He was trembling violently.
"Good gracious! It's Zizi!" said the young woman in great astonishment.
It was, indeed, Georges.