From that time forth the young Hugons, Vandeuvres and Muffat were openly about the house and shook hands as guests and intimates might have done.

It was a more convenient arrangement than the previous one.

Muffat alone still abstained discreetly from too-frequent visits, thus adhering to the ceremonious policy of an ordinary strange caller.
At night when Nana was sitting on her bearskins drawing off her stockings, he would talk amicably about the other three gentlemen and lay especial stress on Philippe, who was loyalty itself.
"It's very true; they're nice," Nana would say as she lingered on the floor to change her shift.

"Only, you know, they see what I am.

One word about it and I should chuck 'em all out of doors for you!" Nevertheless, despite her luxurious life and her group of courtiers, Nana was nearly bored to death.