The idea pleases Monsieur le Comte very much." In order to keep himself in countenance Muffat had just picked out of the dust on a neighboring shelf an object which he did not seem to recognize.

It was an eggcup, and its stem had been mended with plaster.
He kept hold of it unconsciously and came forward, muttering: "Yes, yes, it would be capital." Fauchery turned toward him with a brisk, impatient gesture.

The count had nothing to do with his piece, and he said decisively: "Never! Let Nana play the courtesan as much as she likes, but a lady--No, by Jove!" "You are mistaken, I assure you," rejoined the count, growing bolder.
"This very minute she has been playing the part of a pure woman for my benefit." "Where ?" queried Fauchery with growing surprise.
"Upstairs in a dressing room.

Yes, she has, indeed, and with such distinction! She's got a way of glancing at you as she goes by you--something like this, you know!" And eggcup in hand, he endeavored to imitate Nana, quite forgetting his dignity in his frantic desire to convince the others.

Fauchery gazed at him in a state of stupefaction.