Great heavens! What was to become of her when left alone?
And she besought Zoe to stay, and the latter, much flattered by Madame's despair, ended by kissing her to show that she was not going away in anger.

No, she had positively to go: the heart could have no voice in matters of business.
But that day was one of annoyances.

Nana was thoroughly disgusted and gave up the idea of going out.

She was dragging herself wearily about the little drawing room when Labordette came up to tell her of a splendid chance of buying magnificent lace and in the course of his remarks casually let slip the information that Georges was dead.

The announcement froze her.
"Zizi dead!" she cried.
And involuntarily her eyes sought the pink stain on the carpet, but it had vanished at last; passing footsteps had worn it away.