He himself began to be amused at last as he spoke.

Only he kept choosing his phrases, for he still had a certain sense of modesty.

The young woman, now thoroughly interested, asked him about the countess.

According to his account, she had a marvelous figure but was a regular iceberg for all that.
"Oh, get along with you!" he muttered indolently.

"You have no cause to be jealous." Nana had ceased laughing, and she now resumed her former position and, with her back to the fire, brought her knees up under her chin with her clasped hands.