The servants had at last hurried up, and the old lady insisted on

their carrying the fainting Georges down to her carriage. She

preferred killing him rather than letting him remain in that house.

With an air of stupefaction Nana watched the retreating servants as

they supported poor, dear Zizi by his legs and shoulders. The

mother walked behind them in a state of collapse; she supported

herself against the furniture; she felt as if all she held dear had

vanished in the void. On the landing a sob escaped her; she turned