The three women shook their heads without speaking.

To be sure, life was not always amusing.

Nana had tilted her chair back anew and lit a cigarette, while the others sat pursing up their lips discreetly, thinking deeply philosophic thoughts.
"While waiting for you to return we'll play a game of bezique," said Mme Maloir after a short silence.

"Does Madame play bezique ?" Certainly Mme Lerat played it, and that to perfection.

It was no good troubling Zoe, who had vanished--a corner of the table would do quite well.