One could not have found a more homely and united household anywhere! "What age is your eldest ?" asked Vandeuvres.
"Henry's nine," replied Mignon, "but such a big chap for his years!" Then he chaffed Steiner, who was not fond of children, and with quiet audacity informed him that were he a father, he would make a less stupid hash of his fortune.

While talking he watched the banker over Blanche's shoulders to see if it was coming off with Nana.

But for some minutes Rose and Fauchery, who were talking very near him, had been getting on his nerves.

Was Rose going to waste time over such a folly as that?
In that sort of case, by Jove, he blocked the way.

And diamond on finger and with his fine hands in great evidence, he finished discussing a fillet of venison.
Elsewhere the conversation about children continued.