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."
And she launched into extraordinary praise of Daguenet. The count had
again taken her hands; he no longer refused now; he would see about it,
he said, they would talk the matter over. By and by, when he spoke of
going to bed, she sank her voice and excused herself.
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