After that Nana talked to the four men as charmingly as hostess could.

During the day she had read a novel which was at that time making a good deal of noise.

It was the history of a courtesan, and Nana was very indignant, declaring the whole thing to be untrue and expressing angry dislike to that kind of monstrous literature which pretends to paint from nature.

"Just as though one could describe everything," she said.

Just as though a novel ought not to be written so that the reader may while away an hour pleasantly! In the matter of books and of plays Nana had very decided opinions: she wanted tender and noble productions, things that would set her dreaming and would elevate her soul.