The gentlemen were deciding against the new criminological theories.  Granted that lovely invention of irresponsibility in certain pathological cases, and criminals ceased to exist and sick people alone remained.  The young woman, expressing approval with an occasional nod, was busy considering how best to dismiss the count.  The others would soon be going, but he would assuredly prove obstinate.  In fact, when Philippe got up to withdraw, Georges followed him at once—­he seemed only anxious not to leave his brother behind.  Vandeuvres lingered some minutes longer, feeling his way, as it were, and waiting to find out if, by any chance, some important business would oblige Muffat to cede him his place.  Soon, however, when he saw the count deliberately taking up his quarters for the night, he desisted from his purpose and said good-by, as became a man of tact.  But on his way to the door, he noticed Satin staring fixedly at Nana, as usual.  Doubtless he understood what this meant, for he seemed amused and came and shook hands with her.

“We’re not angry, eh?” he whispered.  “Pray pardon me.  You’re the nicer attraction of the two, on my honor!”

Satin deigned no reply.  Nor did she take her eyes off Nana and the count, who were now alone.  Muffat, ceasing to be ceremonious, had come to sit beside the young woman.  He took her fingers and began kissing them.  Whereupon Nana, seeking to change the current of his thoughts, asked him if his daughter Estelle were better.  The previous night he had been complaining of the child’s melancholy behavior—­he could not even spend a day happily at his own house, with his wife always out and his daughter icily silent.

In family matters of this kind Nana was always full of good advice, and when Muffat abandoned all his usual self-control under the influence of mental and physical relaxation and once more launched out into his former plaints, she remembered the promise she had made.

“Suppose you were to marry her?” she said.  And with that she ventured to talk of Daguenet.  At the mere mention of the name the count was filled with disgust.  “Never,” he said after what she had told him!

She pretended great surprise and then burst out laughing and put her arm round his neck.

“Oh, the jealous man!  To think of it!  Just argue it out a little.  Why, they slandered me to you—­I was furious.  At present I should be ever so sorry if—­”

But over Muffat’s shoulder she met Satin’s gaze.  And she left him anxiously and in a grave voice continued: 

“This marriage must come off, my friend; I don’t want to prevent your daughter’s happiness.  The young man’s most charming; you could not possibly find a better sort.”