It would be necessary to wait on the course of events. And he waited on
them.
"Rose, it's your turn!" shouted Bordenave. "The second act's being begun
again."
"Off with you then," continued Mignon, "and let me arrange matters."
Then he began bantering, despite all his troubles, and was pleased to
congratulate Fauchery on his piece. A very strong piece! Only why was
his great lady so chaste? It wasn't natural! With that he sneered
and asked who had sat for the portrait of the Duke of Beaurivage,
Geraldine's wornout roue. Fauchery smiled; he was far from annoyed. But
Bordenave glanced in Muffat's direction and looked vexed, and Mignon was
struck at this and became serious again.
"Let's begin, for God's sake!" yelled the manager. "Now then, Barillot!
Eh? What? Isn't Bosc there? Is he bloody well making game of me now?"
Bosc, however, made his appearance quietly enough, and the rehearsal
began again just as Labordette was taking the count away with him. The
latter was tremulous at the thought of seeing Nana once more. After the
rupture had taken place between them there had been a great void in his
life. He was idle and fancied himself about to suffer through the sudden
change his habits had undergone, and accordingly he had let them take
him to see Rose.
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