Madame Nanteuil, despite her years, had resumed an old lover, out of her love for her child, that she might not want for anything.

She had renewed her former liaison with Tony Meyer, the picture-dealer in the Rue de Clichy.
Tony Meyer was a poor substitute for Girmandel; he was none too free with his money.

Madame Nanteuil, who was wise and knew the value of things, did not complain on that account, and she was rewarded for her devotion, for, in the six weeks during which she had been loved anew, she had grown young again.
Chevalier, following up his idea, inquired: "You would hardly say that Girmandel was still a young man, would you ?" "He is not old," said Madame Nanteuil.

"A man is not old at forty." "A bit used up, isn't he ?" "Oh, dear no," replied Madame Nanteuil, quite calmly.
Chevalier became thoughtful and was silent.

Madame Nanteuil began to nod.