It was Bordenave.

The company had forgotten him, and he was having all the trouble in the world to raise himself out of his two armchairs, for he was howling amain and calling for that cat of a Simonne, who had slipped off with the rest.

The women ran in to him, full of pity for his woes, and Bordenave appeared, supported, nay, almost carried, by Caroline, Clarisse, Tatan Nene and Maria Blond.

And there was much to-do over his installation at the table.
"In the middle, facing Nana!" was the cry.

"Bordenave in the middle! He'll be our president!" Thereupon the ladies seated him in the middle.