Nana was struck and did her best to make merry about it.

But Satin showed annoyance and spoke up for Mme Robert's strict adherence to the proprieties.

She was always to be met in the society of elderly, grave-looking men, on whose arms she leaned.

At present she had a retired chocolate seller in tow, a serious soul.

Whenever he came to see her he was so charmed by the solid, handsome way in which the house was arranged that he had himself announced and addressed its mistress as "dear child." "Look, here she is!" continued Satin, pointing to a photograph which stood in front of the clock.