He would leave all the little household cares to the journalist and would trust him in the active superintendence of all their affairs.

Nay, he devoted the money gained by his dramatic successes to the daily expenditure of the family, and as, on his part, Fauchery behaved sensibly, avoiding ridiculous jealousy and proving not less pliant than Mignon himself whenever Rose found her opportunity, the mutual understanding between the two men constantly improved.

In fact, they were happy in a partnership which was so fertile in all kinds of amenities, and they settled down side by side and adopted a family arrangement which no longer proved a stumbling block.
The whole thing was conducted according to rule; it suited admirably, and each man vied with the other in his efforts for the common happiness.

That very evening Mignon had come by Fauchery's advice to see if he could not steal Nana's lady's maid from her, the journalist having formed a high opinion of the woman's extraordinary intelligence.

Rose was in despair; for a month past she had been falling into the hands of inexperienced girls who were causing her continual embarrassment.