Georges began crossing on tiptoe on the other side of the room, for he was anxious to obey the young woman.

But the sound of voices retained him, and he hesitated in such anguish of mind that his knees gave way under him.

He began imagining that a dread catastrophe would befall, that blows would be struck, that something abominable would happen, which would make Nana everlastingly odious to him.

And so he could not withstand the temptation to come back and put his ear against the door.
He heard very ill, for the thick portieres deadened every sound, but he managed to catch certain words spoken by Philippe, stern phrases in which such terms as "mere child," "family," "honor," were distinctly audible.

He was so anxious about his darling's possible answers that his heart beat violently and filled his head with a confused, buzzing noise.
She was sure to give vent to a "Dirty blackguard!" or to a "Leave me bloody well alone! I'm in my own house!" But nothing happened--not a breath came from her direction.