There was an interchange of profound bows, and Nana with the utmost ceremony conducted Blanche to an armchair.

Meanwhile Vandeuvres told them laughingly that Fauchery was engaged in a dispute at the foot of the stairs because the porter had refused to allow Lucy Stewart's carriage to come in at the gate.

They could hear Lucy telling the porter he was a dirty blackguard in the anteroom.

But when the footman had opened the door she came forward with her laughing grace of manner, announced her name herself, took both Nana's hands in hers and told her that she had liked her from the very first and considered her talent splendid.

Nana, puffed up by her novel role of hostess, thanked her and was veritably confused.