Nay, they had even proposed to advance Madame a very considerable amount if only Madame would return to her flat and conduct herself like a sensible person.

The aunt repeated Zoe's words.

Without doubt there was a gentleman behind it all.
"I'll never consent!" declared Nana in great disgust.

"Ah, they're a pretty lot those tradesmen! Do they think I'm to be sold so that they can get their bills paid?
Why, look here, I'd rather die of hunger than deceive Fontan." "That's what I said," averred Mme Lerat.

"'My niece,' I said, 'is too noble-hearted!'" Nana, however, was much vexed to learn that La Mignotte was being sold and that Labordette was buying it for Caroline Hequet at an absurdly low price.