The place, indeed, was like an alcove or narrow bathroom, full as it was of the steam of hot water and sponges and of the strong scent of essences which mingled with the tartish, intoxicating fumes of the champagne.

The prince and Count Muffat, between whom Nana was wedged, had to lift up their hands so as not to brush against her hips or her breast with every little movement.

And there stood Mme Jules, waiting, cool and rigid as ever, while Satin, marveling in the depths of her vicious soul to see a prince and two gentlemen in black coats going after a naked woman in the society of dressed-up actors, secretly concluded that fashionable people were not so very particular after all.
But Father Barillot's tinkling bell approached along the passage.

At the door of the dressing room he stood amazed when he caught sight of the three actors still clad in the costumes which they had worn in the second act.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen," he stammered, "do please make haste.

They've just rung the bell in the public foyer." "Bah, the public will have to wait!" said Bordenave placidly.
However, as the bottles were now empty, the comedians went upstairs to dress after yet another interchange of civilities.