Nobody's expected at La Mignotte before the day after tomorrow." He tried hard to assume a natural expression while he slyly watched the effect of his remarks on the count.

The latter was twirling his spoon again as though reassured.

The countess, her eyes fixed dreamily on the blue distances of the park, seemed to have lost all interest in the conversation.

The shadow of a smile on her lips, she seemed to be following up a secret thought which had been suddenly awakened within her.

Estelle, on the other hand, sitting stiffly on her chair, had heard all that had been said about Nana, but her white, virginal face had not betrayed a trace of emotion.
"Dear me, dear me! I've got no right to grow angry," murmured Mme Hugon after a pause, and with a return to her old good humor she added: "Everybody's got a right to live.