In the drawing room there was an attempt at dancing.

Daguenet was at the piano or "chest of drawers," as Nana called it.

She did not want a "thumper," for Mimi would play as many waltzes and polkas as the company desired.

But the dance was languishing, and the ladies were chatting drowsily together in the corners of sofas.

Suddenly, however, there was an outburst of noise.