Vandeuvres affected the liveliest astonishment.
"Well, that is strange! Nana's property near here!" Fauchery and Daguenet indulged in a similar demonstration while the Marquis de Chouard discussed the breast of a chicken without appearing to comprehend their meaning.

Not one of the men had smiled.
"Certainly," continued the old lady, "and the person in question arrived at La Mignotte yesterday evening, as I was saying she would.

I got my information from the gardener this morning." At these words the gentlemen could not conceal their very real surprise.
They all looked up.

Eh?
What?
Nana had come down! But they were only expecting her next day; they were privately under the impression that they would arrive before her! Georges alone sat looking at his glass with drooped eyelids and a tired expression.

Ever since the beginning of lunch he had seemed to be sleeping with open eyes and a vague smile on his lips.
"Are you still in pain, my Zizi ?" asked his mother, who had been gazing at him throughout the meal.
He started and blushed as he said that he was very well now, but the worn-out insatiate expression of a girl who has danced too much did not fade from his face.
"What's the matter with your neck ?" resumed Mme Hugon in an alarmed tone.