Through dint of being much beaten Nana became as pliable as fine linen; her skin grew delicate and pink and white and so soft to the touch and clear to the view that she may be said to have grown more good looking than ever.

Prulliere, moreover, began running after her like a madman, coming in when Fontan was away and pushing her into corners in order to snatch an embrace.

But she used to struggle out of his grasp, full of indignation and blushing with shame.

It disgusted her to think of him wanting to deceive a friend.

Prulliere would thereupon begin sneering with a wrathful expression.