Only I was coming out as she was going in, and I scarcely caught a glimpse of her." Mignon was listening with half-closed eyelids and nervously twisting a great diamond ring round his finger.

He had quite understood that Nana was in question.

Then as Bordenave was drawing a portrait of his new star, which lit a flame in the eyes of the banker, he ended by joining in the conversation.
"Oh, let her alone, my dear fellow; she's a low lot! The public will show her the door in quick time.

Steiner, my laddie, you know that my wife is waiting for you in her box." He wanted to take possession of him again.

But Steiner would not quit Bordenave.