Nana was growing impatient, for she expected no more invited guests and wondered why they did not bring in supper.

She had just sent Georges to find out what was going on when, to her great surprise, she noticed the arrival of more guests, both male and female.

She did not know them in the least.

Whereupon with some embarrassment she questioned Bordenave, Mignon and Labordette about them.

They did not know them any more than she did, but when she turned to the Count de Vandeuvres he seemed suddenly to recollect himself.