Fauchery jestingly inquired whether the minister was not coming, too, but Nana answered in a huff that the minister went to the houses of people she didn't care a pin for.

What she did not say was that she was possessed with a hope of seeing Count Muffat enter her room among all that stream of people.

He might quite have reconsidered his decision, and so while talking to Rose she kept a sharp eye on the door.
Five o'clock struck.

The dancing had ceased, and the cardplayers alone persisted in their game.

Labordette had vacated his seat, and the women had returned into the drawing room.