Simonne had taken a step too quickly forward, and his foot had just felt his full weight.  He gave her a rough push, but she, still smiling away and ducking her pretty head as some animal might that is afraid of a beating, held him up with all the strength a little plump blonde can command.  Amid all these exclamations there was a rush to his assistance.  Nana and Rose Mignon rolled up an armchair, into which Bordenave let himself sink, while the other women slid a second one under his leg.  And with that all the actresses present kissed him as a matter of course.  He kept grumbling and gasping.

“Oh, damn!  Oh, damn!  Ah well, the stomach’s unhurt, you’ll see.”

Other guests had arrived by this time, and motion became impossible in the room.  The noise of clinking plates and silver had ceased, and now a dispute was heard going on in the big drawing room, where the voice of the manager grumbled angrily.  Nana was growing impatient, for she expected no more invited guests and wondered why they did not bring in supper.  She had just sent Georges to find out what was going on when, to her great surprise, she noticed the arrival of more guests, both male and female.  She did not know them in the least.  Whereupon with some embarrassment she questioned Bordenave, Mignon and Labordette about them.  They did not know them any more than she did, but when she turned to the Count de Vandeuvres he seemed suddenly to recollect himself.  They were the young men he had pressed into her service at Count Muffat’s.  Nana thanked him.  That was capital, capital!  Only they would all be terribly crowded, and she begged Labordette to go and have seven more covers set.  Scarcely had he left the room than the footman ushered in three newcomers.  Nay, this time the thing was becoming ridiculous; one certainly could never take them all in.  Nana was beginning to grow angry and in her haughtiest manner announced that such conduct was scarcely in good taste.  But seeing two more arrive, she began laughing; it was really too funny.  So much the worse.  People would have to fit in anyhow!  The company were all on their feet save Gaga and Rose and Bordenave, who alone took up two armchairs.  There was a buzz of voices, people talking in low tones and stifling slight yawns the while.

“Now what d’you say, my lass,” asked Bordenave, “to our sitting down at table as if nothing had happened?  We are all here, don’t you think?”

“Oh yes, we’re all here, I promise you!” she answered laughingly.

She looked round her but grew suddenly serious, as though she were surprised at not finding someone.  Doubtless there was a guest missing whom she did not mention.  It was a case of waiting.  But a minute or two later the company noticed in their midst a tall gentleman with a fine face and a beautiful white beard.  The most astonishing thing about it was that nobody had seen him come in; indeed, he must have slipped into the little drawing room through