Madame d'Espard came up to offer him a cup of tea, and said loud enough for Madame de Vandenesse to hear:-- "You are certainly very amusing; come and see me sometimes at four o'clock." The word "amusing" offended Raoul, though it was used as the ground of an invitation.

Blondet took pity on him.
"My dear fellow," he said, taking him aside into a corner, "you are behaving in society as if you were at Florine's.

Here no one shows annoyance, or spouts long articles; they say a few words now and then, they look their calmest when most desirous of flinging others out of the window; they sneer softly, they pretend not to think of the woman they adore, and they are careful not to roll like a donkey on the high-road.
In society, my good Raoul, conventions rule love.

Either carry off Madame de Vandenesse, or show yourself a gentleman.

As it is, you are playing the lover in one of your own books." Nathan listened with his head lowered; he was like a lion caught in a toil.
"I'll never set foot in this house again," he cried.