Classic Audiobook Collection - LAssommoir, Book Seven of Rougon-Macquart Cycle by Emile Zola ~ Full Audiobook [tragedy]

Starting point is 00:00:00 Chapter 1, Part 1 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Vizzatelli. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 1, Part 1. Jvades had waited up for Lantier until two in the morning, then, shivering from having remained in a thin, loose jacket, exposed to the fresh air at the window. She'd thrown herself across the bed,

Starting point is 00:00:27 drowsy feverish and her cheeks bathed in tears. For a week passed on leaving the two-headed calf, where they took their meals, he'd sent her home with the children and never reappeared himself till late at night, alleging that he'd been in search of work. That evening, while watching for his return, she thought she'd seen him enter the dancing hall of the grand balcony, the ten blazing windows of which lighted up with the, the glare of a conflagration by dark expanse of the exterior boulevard.

Starting point is 00:01:03 In five or six paces behind him, she'd caught sight of little Adele, a burnisher, who dined at the same restaurant, swinging her hands, as if she'd just quitted his arm so as not to pass together under the dazzling light of the globes at the door. When, towards five o'clock, Jervais awoke, stiff and sore, she broke forth into sobs. lantia had not returned for the first time he'd slept away from home she remained seated on the edge of the bed under the strip of faded chintz which hung from the rod fastened to the ceiling by a piece of string and slowly with her eyes veiled by tears she glanced round the wretched lodging furnished with the walnut chest of drawers minus one drawer three rush-bottomed chairs and a little greasy tanked. table on which stood a broken water jug. There had been added, for the children, an iron bedstead, which prevented anyone getting to the chest of drawers and filled two-thirds of the room.

Starting point is 00:02:11 Gervais's and Lantia's trunk wide open in one corner displayed its emptiness, and a man's old hat right at the bottom, almost buried beneath some dirty shirts and socks, whilst against the walls, above the articles of furniture, hung a shawl full of the wall. of holes and a pair of trousers begrimed with mud, the last rags which the dealers in second-hand clothes declined to buy. In the center of the mantelpiece, lying between two odd zinc candlesticks, was a bundle of pink pawn tickets. It was the best room of the hotel, the first floor room, looking on to the boulevard. The two children were sleeping side by side with her heads on the same pillow.

Starting point is 00:02:58 Claude, aged eight years, was breathing quietly, with his little hands thrown outside the coverlet. While Etienne, only four years old, was smiling, with one arm round his brother's neck. And barefooted, without thinking to again put on the old shoes that had fallen on the floor, she resumed her position at the window, her eyes searching the pavements in the distance.

Starting point is 00:03:25 The hotel was situated on the boulevard de la Chappelle, to the left of the Barreère Poissonier. It was a building of two stories high, painted a red, of the color of wine dregs, up to the second floor, and with shutters all rotted by the rain. Over a lamp with starred panes of glass, one could manage to read between the two windows, the words Hotel Boncourt, kept by Marsullier, painted in big yellow letters, several pieces of which the mouldering of the plaster had carried away. The lamp, preventing her seeing, Jervais raised herself on tiptoe, still holding the handkerchief to her lips.

Starting point is 00:04:06 She looked to the right, towards the boulevard Rochois, where groups of butchers and aprons smeared with blood were hanging about in front of the slaughterhouses, and the fresh breeze wafted occasionally a stench of slaughtered beasts. Looking to the left, she scanned, a long avenue that ended nearly in front of her, where the white mass of a Larrae-Bassuerre hospital was then in course of construction. Slowly, from one end of the horizon to the other, she followed the octaille wall, behind which she sometimes heard during night-time, the shrieks of

Starting point is 00:04:42 persons being murdered, and searchingly looked into the remote angles, the dark corners, black with humidity and filth, fearing to discern their Lanthier's body, staffed. death. She looked at the endless gray wall that surrounded the city with its belt of desolation. When she raised her eyes higher, she became aware of a bright burst of sunlight. The dull hum of the city's awakening already filled the air. Craning her neck to look at the Poissanier Gate, she remained for a time watching the constant stream of men, horses, and carts, which flooded down from the heights of Montmartre and La Chappelle, pouring between the two squat Oktreux,

Starting point is 00:05:28 lodges. It was like a herd of plodding cattle, an endless throng widened by sudden stoppages, into eddies that spilled off the sidewalks into the street. A steady procession of laborers on their way back to work, with tools slung over their back and a loaf of bread under their arm. This human inundation kept pouring down into Paris

Starting point is 00:05:52 to be constantly swallowed up. Javes leaned further out at the risk of falling when she thought she recognized Lantier among the throng. She pressed the handkerchief tighter against her mouth, as though to push back the pain within her. The sound of a young and cheerful voice caused her to leave the window. So the old man isn't here, Madame Lantier? Why, no, Monsieur Coupeau, she replied,

Starting point is 00:06:21 trying to smile. Coupot, a zinc worker who occupied a ten-franc room on the top floor, having seen the door unlocked, had walked in, as friends will do. You know, he continued, I'm now working over there in the hospital. What beautiful May weather, isn't it? The air is rather sharp this morning. And he looked at Jervais's face, red with weeping. When he saw by the bed had not been slept,

Starting point is 00:06:51 and he shook his head gently. Then he went to the children's couch where they were sleeping, looking as rosy as cherubs, and lowering his voice, he said, Come, the old man's not been home, has he? Don't worry yourself, Madame Lantier. He's very much occupied with politics. When they were voting for Eugenie so the other day,

Starting point is 00:07:15 he was acting almost crazy. He is very likely spent the night with some friends, laggarding, crappulous bonaparte. No, no, she murmured with an effort. You don't think that. I know where Lantier is. You see, we have our little troubles like the rest of the world. Koupo winked his eye to indicate he was not a dupe of this falsehood.

Starting point is 00:07:43 And he went off after offering to fetch her milk if she did not care to go out. She was a good and courageous woman and might count upon him on any day of trouble. As soon as he was gone, Chervais again returned to the window. At the Barrier, the tramp of Vodrove still continued in the morning air, locksmiths in short blue blouses, masons in white jackets, house painters, and overcoats over long smocks. From a distance, the crowd looked like a chalky smear of neutral hue, composed chiefly of faded blue and dingy gray. When one of the workers occasionally stopped to light his pipe, the others kept plotting past him without sparing a laugh or a word to a comrade.

Starting point is 00:08:29 With cheeks grey as clay, their eyes were continually drawn towards Paris, which was swallowing them one by one. At both corners of the Rue de Poussogne, however, some of the men slackened their pace as they neared the doors of the two wine-dealers, who were taking down their shutters, and before entering, they stood on the edge of the pavement, looking sideways over Paris. with no strength in their arms and already inclined for a day of idleness. Inside various groups were already buying rounds of drinks, or just standing around, forgetting their troubles, crowding up the place, coughing, spitting,

Starting point is 00:09:10 clearing their throats with sip after sip. Jervais was watching Per Colom's wine shop to the left of a street, where she thought she'd seen Lantier, when a stout woman, bareheaded and wearing an apron, called to her from the middle of the roadway. Hey, Madame Lantier, you're up very early. Jervais leaned out. Why, it's you, Madame Bosch. Oh, I've got a lot of work today.

Starting point is 00:09:38 Yes, things don't do themselves, do they? The conversation continued between roadway and window. Madame Boch was concierge of the building where the two-headed cap was on the ground floor. Jervais had waited. for Lantier more than once in the concierge's lodge, so was not to be alone at table with all the men who ate at the restaurant. Madame Boche was going to a tailor who was late in mending an overcoat for her husband. She mentioned one of her tenants who'd come in with a woman the night before

Starting point is 00:10:10 and kept everybody awake past three in the morning. She looked at Jervais's with intense curiosity. Is Monsieur Lantier then still in bed, she asked abruptly? "'Yes. He's asleep,' replied Jervais, who could not avoid blushing. Madame Boch saw the tears come into her eyes, and, satisfied, no doubt, she turned to go, declaring men to be a cursed, lazy set. As she went off, she called back, "'It's this morning you go to the wash-house, isn't it? I have something to wash, too. I'll keep you a place next to me, and we can chat together.' as if moved with sudden pity, she added,

Starting point is 00:10:56 "'My poor little thing, you'd far better not remain there. You'll take harm. You look quite blue with cold.' Jervais still obstinately remained at the window during two mortal hours till eight o'clock. Now all the shops had opened. Only a few workmen were still hurrying along. The working girls now filled the boulevard,

Starting point is 00:11:23 metal polishers, milliners, flower cellars, shivering in their thin clothing. In small groups they chattered gaily, laughing and glancing here and there. Occasionally there would be one girl by herself, thin, pale, serious-faced, picking her way along the city wall among the puddles and the filth. After the working girls, the office clerks came past, breathing upon their chilled fingers and munching penny rolls. Some of them are gaunt young fellows in ill-fitting suits. Their tired eyes still fogged from sleep.

Starting point is 00:12:00 Others are older men, stooped and tottering, with faces pale and drawn from long hours of office work and glancing nervously at their watches for fear of arriving late. In time, the boulevard settled into their usual morning quiet. Old folks come out to stroll in the sun. Tired young mothers in bedraggled skirts cuddle babies, in their arms were sit on a bench to change diapers. Children run, squealing and laughing, pushing and shoving.

Starting point is 00:12:33 Then Jervais felt herself choking, dizzy with anguish, all hopes gone. It seemed to her that everything was ended, even time itself, and that Lantier would return no more. Her eyes vacantly wandered from the old slaughterhouse, foul with butchery and with stench, to the new White Hospital, which through the yawning openings of its ranges of windows disclosed the naked wards where death was preparing to mow. In front of her on the other side of the octoy wall,

Starting point is 00:13:05 the bright heavens dazzled her, with a rising sun which rose higher and higher over the vast, awaking city. The young woman was seated on a chair, no longer crying, and with her hands abandoned on her lap, when Lanier quietly entered the room. It's you.

Starting point is 00:13:26 it's you, she cried, rising to throw herself upon his neck. Yes, it's me. What of it? he replied. You're not going to begin any of your nonsense, I hope. He'd pushed her aside. Then with the gesture of ill-humor, he threw his black felt hat to the chest of drawers. He was a young fellow of twenty-six years of age, short and very dark, with a handsome figure and slight moustaches, which his hand was always mechanically twirling. He wore a workman's overalls and an old soiled overcoat, which he'd belted tightly at the waist, and he spoke with a strong Provensal accent. Chervais, who'd fallen back on her chair, gently complained in short sentences. I've not had a wink of sleep. I feared some harm it happened to you. Where have you been?

Starting point is 00:14:23 Where did you spend the night for heaven's sake? Don't do it. it again or I shall go crazy. Tell me, August, where have you been? Where I had business, of course, he returned, shrugging his shoulders. At eight o'clock, I was at La Glacierre with my friend who was to start a hack factory. We sat talking late, so I preferred to sleep there. Now you know, I don't like being spied upon, so just shut up. The young woman recommenced sobbing. The loud voices in the rough movements of Lanthier, who upset the chairs, had awakened the children. They sat up in bed, half naked, disentangling their hair with their tiny hands, and hearing their mother weep, they uttered terrible screams, crying also with their scarcely

Starting point is 00:15:12 open eyes. Ah, there's the music, shouted Lanthier furiously. I warn you, I'll take my hook, and it'll be for good this time. You won't. shut up. Then, good morning. I returned to the place I've just come from. He had already taken his hat from off the chest of drawers. But Jervais threw herself before him stammering, No, no. And she hushed the little ones' tears with her caresses, smoothed their hair, and soothed them with soft words. The children suddenly quieted, laughing on their pillow, amused themselves by punching each other. The father, however, without even taking off his boots, had thrown himself on the bed looking worn out,

Starting point is 00:16:00 his face-bearing signs of having been up all night. He did not go to sleep. He lay with his eyes wide open, looking round the room. It's a mess here, he muttered. And after observing Jervais a moment, he malignantly added, Don't you even wash yourself now? Jervais was twenty-two, tall and slid. with fine features, but she was already beginning to show the strain of her hard life.

Starting point is 00:16:31 She seemed to have aged ten years from the hours of agonized weeping. Lanthier's mean remark made her mad. You're not fair, she said spiritedly. You well know I do all I can. It's not my fault we find ourselves here. I would like to see you with two children in a room where there's not even a stove to heat some water. When we arrived in Paris, instead of squandering your money, you should have made a home for us at once, as you promised.

Starting point is 00:17:00 Listen, Lantier exploded. You cracked the nut with me. It doesn't become you to sneer at it now. Apparently not listening, Jervais went on with her own thought. If we work hard, we can get out of the hole we're in. Madame Fauconnier, the laundress on Runeuve will start meet on Monday. If you work with your friend from La Glacier in six months, We will be doing well.

Starting point is 00:17:26 We'll have enough for decent clothes and a place we can call our own. But we'll have to stick with it and work hard. Lantier turned over towards the wall, looking greatly bored. Then Gervais lost her temper. Yes, that's it. I know the love of work doesn't trouble you much. You're bursting with ambition. You want to be dressed like a gentleman.

Starting point is 00:17:52 You don't think me nice enough, do you, now that you've made me pawn all my dresses. Listen, August, I didn't intend to speak of it. I would have waited a bit longer, but I know where you spent the night. I saw you enter the grand balcony with that Trollope Adele. Ah, you choose them, well, she's a nice one, she is. She does well to put on the airs of a princess. She's been the ridicule of every man who frequents the restaurant. At a bound, Lantier sprang from the bed. His eyes had become as black as ink in his pale face. With this little man rage blue like a tempest.

Starting point is 00:18:32 Yes. Yes, of every man who frequents the restaurant, repeated the young woman. Madame Bosch intends to give them notice, she and her long stick of a sister, because they've always a string of men after them on the staircase. Nantier raised his fists. Then, resisting the desire of striking her, he seized hold of her by the arms,

Starting point is 00:18:54 shook her violently and sent her sprawling upon the bed of the children who recommenced crying. And he lay down again, mumbling, like a man resolving on something that he previously hesitated to do. You don't know what you've done, Jervais. You've made a big mistake, you'll see. For an instant, the children continued sobbing. Their mother, who remained bending over the bed,

Starting point is 00:19:23 held them both in her embrace, and kept repeating the same words in a monotonous tone of voice. Ah, if it warrant for you, my poor little ones! If it warrant for you, if it weren't for you! Stretched out quietly, his eyes raised to the faded strip of chintz, Lantier no longer listened, but seemed to be buried in a fixed idea. He remained thus for nearly an hour, without giving way to sleep, in spite of the fatigue which wets.

Starting point is 00:19:55 made his eyelids down. He finally turned towards Jervais. His face set hard in determination. She'd gotten the children up and dressed and had almost finished cleaning the room. The room looked as always, dark and depressing, with its sooty black ceiling

Starting point is 00:20:12 and paper peeling from a damp walls. The dilapidated furniture was always streaked and dirty, despite frequent dustings. Jervais, devouring her grief, trying to assume a look of indifference, hurried over her work. Lanier watched as she tided her hair

Starting point is 00:20:32 in front of a small mirror hanging near the window. While she washed herself, he looked at her bare arms and shoulders. He seemed to be making comparisons in his mind as his lips formed a grimace. Chevese limped with her right leg, though it was scarcely noticeable except when she was tired.

Starting point is 00:20:52 Today, exhausted from remaining awake all night. She was supporting herself against the wall and dragging her leg. Neither one spoke. They had nothing more to say. Lantier seemed to be waiting, while Jervais kept busy and tried to keep her countenance expressionless. Finally, while she was making a bundle of a dirty clothes thrown in a corner behind the trunk, he at length opened his lips and asked, What are you doing there? Where are you going? She did not answer at first. Then, when he furiously repeated his question,

Starting point is 00:21:30 she made up her mind and said, I suppose you can see for yourself. I'm going to wash all this. The children can't live in filth. He let her pick up two or three handkerchiefs. And after a fresh pause, he resumed. Have you gotten any money? At these words, she stood up and looked him full in the face,

Starting point is 00:21:52 without leaving go of the children's dirty clothes, which she held in her hand. Money! And where do you think I can have stolen any? You know well enough that I got three francs the day before yesterday on my black skirt. We've lunched twice off it, and money goes quick at the pork butcher's. No, you may be quite sure. I've no money. I foresue for the washhouse. I don't have an extra income, like some women. He let this illusion pass. He let this illusion pass. He had moved off the bed and was passing in review the few rags hanging about the room. He ended by taking up the pair of trousers and the shawl, and searching the drawers, he added two shemises and a woman's loose jacket to the parcel.

Starting point is 00:22:38 Then he threw the whole bundle into Jervais's arms, saying, Here, go and pop this. Don't you want me to pop the children as well? asked she. If they lent on children, it would be a fine riddance. She went to the pawn place, however. When she returned at the end of half an hour, she laid a hundred sous piece on the mantel shelf and added the ticket to the others between the two candlesticks.

Starting point is 00:23:09 That's what they gave me, said she. I wanted six francs, but I couldn't manage it. They'll never ruin themselves. And there's always such a crucial. crowd there. Lantier did not pick up the five-franc piece directly. He would rather that she got change, so as to leave her some of it. But he decided to slip it into his waistcoat pocket when he noticed a small piece of ham wrapped up in paper and the remains of a loaf on the chest of drawers. I didn't dare go to the milkwomen's because we owe her a week, explained Jervais. But I shall be

Starting point is 00:23:49 back early. You can get some bread and some chops, we'll stime away, and then we'll have lunch. Bring also a bottle of wine. He did not say no. Their quarrel seemed to be forgotten. The young woman was completing her bundle of dirty clothes. But when she went to take Lantier's shirts and socks from the bottom of a trunk, he called to her to leave them alone. This ends Chapter 1, Part 1 of La Somar by Emil Zola. translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. Chapter 1, Part 2 of La Somois by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli.

Starting point is 00:24:38 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 1, Part 2. Leave my things, do you hear? I don't want them touched. What's it you don't want touched? she asked, rising up. I suppose you don't mean to put these filthy things on again, do you? They must be washed. She studied his boyishly handsome face,

Starting point is 00:25:09 now so rigid that it seemed nothing could ever soften it. He angrily grabbed his things from her and threw them back into the trunk, saying, Just obey me for once. I tell you, I won't have him touched. But why, she asked, turning pale, a terrible suspicion crossing her mind. You don't need your shirts now.

Starting point is 00:25:31 You're not going away. What can it matter to you if I take them? He hesitated for an instant, embarrassed by the piercing glance she fixed upon him. Why? Why? Stammered he. Because you go and tell everyone that you keep me, that you wash and mend. Well, it worries me there.

Starting point is 00:25:53 Attend to your own business, and I'll attend to mine. Washer women don't work for dogs. She supplicated, she protested she'd never complained, but he roughly closed the trunk and sat down upon it, saying, No, to her face. He could surely do his elight with what belonged to him. Then, to escape from the inquiring look, she leveled at him, he went and laid down on the bed again, saying that he was sleepy in requesting her not to make his head ache with any more of her row. this time indeed he seemed to fall asleep. Jervais, for a while, remained undecided.

Starting point is 00:26:36 She was tempted to kick the bundle of dirty clothes on one side and sit down and sew. But Lantier's regular breathing ended by reassuring her. She took the ball of blue and the piece of soap remaining from her last washing, and going up to the little ones who were quietly playing with some old corks in front of the window. She kissed them and said in a low voice, Be very good. Don't make any noise. Papa's asleep. When she left the room,

Starting point is 00:27:08 Claude St. Etienne's gentle laughter alone disturbed the great silence beneath the blackened ceiling. It was ten o'clock. A ray of sunshine entered by the half-open window. On the boulevard, Gervais turned to the left and followed the Runeuve de la Gaut d'Or. As she passed me down from, Foconnier's shop, she slightly bowed her head. The washhouse she was bound for was situated

Starting point is 00:27:36 towards the middle of the street at the part where the roadway commenced to ascend. The rounded grey contours of three large zinc wash tanks, studded with rivets, rose above the flat-roofed building. Behind them was the drying room, a high second-story, closed in on all sides by narrow slatted lattices so that the air could circulate freely, and through which laundry could be seen hanging on brass wires. The steam-engine smokestack exhaled puffs of white smoke to the right of the water tanks. Jervais was used to puddles and did not bother to tuck her skirts up

Starting point is 00:28:15 before making her way through the doorway, which was cluttered with jars of bleaching water. She was already acquainted with the mistress of the washhouse, a delicate little woman with red, inflamed eyes, who sat in a small glazed closet with account books in front of her, bars of soap on shelves, balls of blue in glass bowls, and pounds of soda done up in packets. And as she passed, she asked for her beetle and her scouring brush,

Starting point is 00:28:44 which she'd left to be taken care of the last time she'd done her washing there. Then, after obtaining her number, she entered the wash-house. It was an immense shed with large clear windows. in a flat ceiling, showing the beams supported on cast-iron pillars. Pale rays of light passed through the hot steam, which remained suspended like a milky fog. Smoke arose from certain corners, spreading about and covering the recesses with a bluish veil.

Starting point is 00:29:17 A heavy moisture hung around, impregnated with a soapy odor, a damp, insipid smell, continuous, though at moments overpowered by the more potent fumes, of the chemicals. Along the washing places, on either side of the central alley, were rows of women with bare arms and necks and skirts tucked up, showing colored stockings and heavy lace-up shoes. They were beating furiously, laughing, leaning back to call out a word in the midst of a din, were stooping over their tubs. All of them, brutal, ungainly, foul of speech, and soaked as though by a shower with their flesh red and reeking.

Starting point is 00:30:01 All around the women continuously flowed a river from hot water buckets emptied with a sudden splash. Cold water fawthsits left dripping, soap sud, spattering, and the dripping from rinsed laundry, which was hung up. It splashed their feet and drained away across the sloping flagstones. The din of the shouting and the rhythmic beating was joined by the patter of steady dripping. It was slightly muffled by the moisture-soaked ceiling. Meanwhile, the steam engine could be heard as it puffed and snorted ceaselessly while cloaked in its white mist. The dancing vibration of its flywheel seemed to regulate the volume of the noisy turbulence.

Starting point is 00:30:44 Jervais passed slowly along the alley, looking to the right and left, carrying her laundry bundle under one arm, with one hip thrust high and limping more than usual. She was jostled by several women in the hubbub. This way, my dear, cried Madame Bosch in her loud voice. Then when the young woman had joined her at the very end on the left, the concierge, who was furiously rubbing a dirty sock, began to talk incessantly without leaving off her work. Put your things there, I've kept your place.

Starting point is 00:31:19 Oh, I shan't be long over what I've got. Bush scarcely dirties his things at all. And you, you won't be long either, will you? Your bundles quite a little one. Before 12 o'clock we shall have finished, and we can go off to lunch. I used to send my things to a laundress in the rue Poulet, but she destroyed everything with her chlorine and her brushes. So now I do the washing myself. It's so much saved. It only costs the soap. I say, you should have put those shirts to soak. Those little rascals of children, on my word, one would think their body were covered with soot. Gervais, having undone her bundle, were spreading out the little one's

Starting point is 00:32:03 shirts, and as Madame Bosh advised her to take a pail full of lies, she answered, Oh no, warm water will do, I'm used to it. She'd sorted her laundry with several colored pieces to one side. Then, after filling her tub with four pails of cold water from a tap behind her, she plunged her pile of whites into it. You're used to it, repeated Madame Bush. You were a washerwoman in your native place, weren't you, my dear? Jervais, with her sleeves pushed back, displayed the graceful arms of a young blonde, as yet scarcely reddened at the elbows and started scrubbing her laundry. She spread a shirt out on the narrow rubbing board, which was water bleached and eroded by

Starting point is 00:32:47 years of use. She rubbed soap into the shirt, turned it over, and soaked the other side. Before replying to Madame Bosch, she grasped her beetle and began to pound away so that her shouted phrases were punctuated with loud and rhythmic thumps. Yes, yes, a washerwoman. When I was ten, that's twelve years ago. We used to go to the river. It smelt nicer there than it does here. You should have seen there was a nook under the trees with clear running water.

Starting point is 00:33:24 you know at plaqueson don't you know placon it's near marseilles how you go at it exclaimed madame bosh amazed at the strength of her blows you could flatten out a piece of iron with your little ladylike arms the conversation continued in a very high volume at times the concierge not catching what was said was obliged to lean forward all the linen was the linen was beaten and with a will. Cheves plunged it into the tub again and then took it out once more, each article separately, to rub it over with soap a second time and brush it. With one hand, she held the article firmly on the plank, with the other, which grasped the short couch-grass brush, she extracted from a linen a dirty lather, which fell in long drips. Then, in the slight noise caused by the brush, but two women drew together, and conversed in a more intimate way.

Starting point is 00:34:26 No, we're not married, resumed Gervais. I don't hide it. Lantier isn't so nice for anyone to care to be his wife. If it weren't for the children. I was fourteen and he was eighteen when we had our first one. It happened in the usual way. You know how it is. I wasn't happy at home. Old man Macrault would kick me in the tail whenever he felt like it for no reason at all. I had to have some fun outside. We might have been married, but I forget why. Our parents wouldn't consent. She shook her hands, which were growing red in the white suds.

Starting point is 00:35:08 The water is awfully hard in Paris. Madame Bush was now washing only very slowly. She kept leaving off, making her work last as long as she could, so as to remain there, to listen to that story. which her curiosity had been hankering to know for a fortnight past. Her mouth was half open in the midst of her big, fat face. Her eyes, which were almost at the top of her head, were gleaming. She was thinking with the satisfaction of having guessed right.

Starting point is 00:35:40 That's it. The little one gossips too much. There's been a row. Then she observed out loud, "'He isn't nice, then?' don't mention it replied jervais he used to behave very well in the country but since we've been in paris he's been unbearable i must tell you that his mother died last year and left him some money about seventeen hundred francs he would come to paris so as old mccart was forever knocking me about without warning i consented to come away with him we made the journey with two children he was to set me up as a laundress and work himself at his trade of a hatter. We should have been very happy,

Starting point is 00:36:26 but you see, Lanthier's ambitious and a spendthrift, a fellow who only thinks of amusing himself. In short, he's not worth much. On arriving, we went to the Hotel Montmartre, in the rue, Montmartre. And then there were dinners and cabs in the theatre, a watch for himself and a silk dress for me, for he's not unkind when he's got the money.

Starting point is 00:36:53 You understand he went in for everything, and so well at the end of two months we were cleaned out. It was then that we came to live at the Hotel Boncourt, and that this horrible life began. She interrupted herself. A lump had suddenly risen in her throat, and she could scarcely restrain her tears. She had finished brushing the things.

Starting point is 00:37:19 i must go and fetch my hot water she murmured but madame bosh greatly disappointed at this break-off in the disclosures called to the wash-house boy who was passing my little charles kindly get madame a pail of hot water she's in a hurry the youth took the bucket and brought it back filled chevese paid him it was a sou the pailful she poured the hot water into the tub and soaked the the things a last time with her hands, leaning over them in a massive steam, which deposited small beads of grey vapour in her light hair. Here, put some soda in. I've got some by me, said the concierge, obligingly. And she emptied into Jervais's tub what remained of a bag of soda which she brought with her. She also offered her some of the chemical water, but the young woman declined it. It was only good for grease and wine stains.

Starting point is 00:38:19 I think he's rather a loose fellow, resumed Madame Bosch, returning to Lanier, but without naming him. Jervais bent almost double, her hands all shriveled and thrust in amongst the clothes, merely tossed her head. Yes, yes, continued the other, I've noticed several little things. But she suddenly interrupted herself, as Jervais jumped up with a pale face and steering wildly at her. Then she exclaimed, Oh, no, I don't know anything. He likes to laugh a bit, I think that's all. For instance, you know the two girls who lodge at my place,

Starting point is 00:38:59 Sidel and Virgini. Well, he larks about with him, but he just flirts for sport. The young woman standing before her, her face covered with perspiration, the water dripping from her arms, continued to stare at her with a fixed and penetrating look. Then the concierge got excited,

Starting point is 00:39:19 giving herself a blow on the chest and pledging her word of honor, she cried. I know nothing. I mean it when I say so. Then calming herself, she added, in a gentle voice, as if speaking to a person on whom loud protestations would have no effect. I think he has a frank look about the eyes. He'll marry you, my dear, I'm sure of it. Chavez wiped her forehead with her wet hand, shaking her head again, she pulled another garment out of the water.

Starting point is 00:39:52 Both of them kept silence for a moment. The washhouse was quieting down, for eleven o'clock had struck. Half of the washer women were perched on the edge of their tubs, eating sausages between slices of bread and drinking from open bottles of wine. Only housewives who'd come to launder small bundles of family linen were hurrying to finish. occasional beetle blows could still be heard amid the subdued laughter and gossip half-choked by the greedy chewing of jaw bones. The steam engine never stopped. Its vibrant, snorting voice seemed to fill the entire hole, though not one of the women even heard it. It was like the breathing of the washhouse,

Starting point is 00:40:37 its hot breath collecting under the ceiling rafters in an eternal floating mist. The heat was becoming intolerant. Through the tall windows on the left, sunlight was streaming in, touching the steamy vapors with opalescent tints of soft pinks and greyish blues. Charles went from window to window, letting down the heavy canvas awnings. Then he crossed the shady side to open the ventilators. He was applauded by cries and hand-clapping, and a rough sort of gaiety spread around. Soon, even the last of the beetle pounding stopped. This ends chapter 1, part 2.

Starting point is 00:41:26 Chapter 1, Part 3 of La Samois by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visielli. This Liebervaux's recording is in the public domain, read by Mark Leder. Chapter 1, Part 3. With full mouths, the washerwoman could only make gestures. It became so quiet that the grating sound of the fire, firemen shoveling coal into the engine's firebox could be heard at regular intervals from far at the other end. Chavez was washing her colored things in the hot water thick with lather, which she'd kept for the purpose. When she had finished, she drew a trestle towards her and hung across it all the different articles,

Starting point is 00:42:17 the drippings from which made bluish puddles on the floor, and she commenced rinsing. Behind her, the cold water tap was set running into a vast tub, fixed to the ground, and across which were two wooden bars whereon to lay the clothes. High up in the air were two other bars for the things to finish dripping on. We're almost finished, and not a bad job, said Madame Bosch. I'll wait and help you ring all that. Oh, it's not worthwhile. I'm much obliged, though, replied the young woman, who was kneading with their hands and sousing the colored things in some clean water. If I'd any sheets, it would be another thing. But she had, however, to accept the concierge's assistance. They were ringing

Starting point is 00:43:05 between them, one at each end, a woollen skirt of a washed-out chestnut color, from which dribbled a yellowish water, when Madame Boch exclaimed, Why, there's tall virginie. What does she come here to when all her wardrobe that isn't on her would go into a pocket-ancherchief. Chavez jerked her head up. Virginie was a girl of her own age, taller than she was, dark and pretty, in spite of her face being rather long and narrow. She had on an old black dress with flounces and a red ribbon round her neck, and her hair was done up carefully, the Xinyong being enclosed in a blue silk net. She stood an instant in the middle of the central alley,

Starting point is 00:43:52 screwing up her eyes as though seeking someone. Then, when she caught sight of Gervais, she passed close to her, erect, insolent, and with a swinging gate, and took a place in the same row, five tubs away from her. "'There's a freak for you,' continued Madame Bush in a lower tone of voice.

Starting point is 00:44:13 "'She never does any laundry, not even a pair of cuffs, A seamstress who doesn't even So on a loose button She's just like her sister, the brass Bernisher, that hussy Adele Who stays away from her job Two days out of three

Starting point is 00:44:28 Nobody knows who their folks are Or how they make a living Though if I wanted to talk What on earth is she scrubbing there? A filthy petticoat I'll wager it's seen some lovely sights That petticoat Madame Bush was evidently

Starting point is 00:44:47 Trying to make herself agree to Gervais. Truth was that she often took a cup of coffee with Adele in Virginia. When the girls had any money, Jervais did not answer, but hurried over her work with feverish hands. She had just prepared her blue in a little tub that stood on three legs. She dipped in the linen things and shook them an instant at the bottom of the colored water, the reflection of which had a pinky tinge.

Starting point is 00:45:15 And after wringing them lightly, she spread them out on the wooden, bars up above. During the time she was occupied with this work, she made a point of turning her back on Virgini, but she heard her chuckles. She could feel her sidelong glances. Virginie appeared only to have come there to provoke her. At one moment, Jervais's having turned round, they both stared into each other's faces. "'Leave her alone,' whispered Madame Bosch. "'They're not going to pull each other's hair out, I hope. When I tell you there's nothing to it. It isn't her anyhow. At this moment as the young woman was hanging up the last article of clothing, there was a sound of laughter at the door of the washhouse.

Starting point is 00:46:01 Here are two brats who want their mama, cried Charles. All the women leant forward. Jervais recognized Claude and Etienne. As soon as they caught sight of her, they ran to her through the puddles, the heels of their unlaced shoes resounding on the flagstones. Claude, the eldest, held his little brother by the hand. The women, as they passed them, uttered little exclamations of affection as they noticed their frightened, those smiling faces. And they stood there in front of their mother, without leaving go of each other's hands, and holding their fair heads erect.

Starting point is 00:46:39 "'As Papa sent you asked Jerviz?' But as she stooped to tie the laces of Etienne's shoes, she saw the key of their room on one of Cloud's fingers, with the brass number hanging from it. Why, you've brought the key, she said, greatly surprised. What's that for? The child, seeing the key which he had forgotten on his finger, appeared to recollect, and exclaimed in his clear voice,

Starting point is 00:47:08 Papa's gone away. He's gone to buy the lunch and told you to come here to fetch me? Claude looked at his brother, hesitated, no longer recollecting. Then he resumed all in a breath. Papa's gone away. He jumped off the bed. He put all the things in the trunk. He carried the trunk down to a cab. He's gone away. Jervais, who was squatting down, slowly rose to her feet. Her face ghastly pale. She put her hands to her cheeks and temples, as though she felt her head was breaking.

Starting point is 00:47:44 and you could find only these words which you repeated twenty times in the same tone of voice. Ah, good heavens! Ah, good heavens! Ah, good heavens! Madame Bush, however, also questioned the child, quite delighted at the chance of hearing the whole story. Come, little one, you must tell us just what happened. It was he who locked the door, and who told you to bring the key, And lowering her voice, she whispered in Clouse ear,

Starting point is 00:48:19 "'Was there a lady in the cab?' The child again got confused. Then he recommenced his story in a triumphant manner. He jumped off the bed, he put all the things in the trunk, he's gone away. Then when Madame Boch let him go, he drew his brother in front of a tap, and they amused themselves by turning on the water. Jervais was unable to cry. She was choking, leaning back against her tub, her face still buried in her hands.

Starting point is 00:48:52 Brief shutters rocked her body, and she wailed out long sighs while pressing her hands tighter against her eyes, as though abandoning herself to the blackness of desolation, a dark, deep pit into which she seemed to be falling. Come, my dear, pull yourself together, murmured Madame Bush. if you only knew if you only knew said she at length very faintly he sent me this morning to pawn my shawl and my chemises to pay for that cab and she burst out crying

Starting point is 00:49:29 the memory of the events of that morning and of her trip to the pawn place tore from her the sobs that had been choking her throat that abominable trip to the pawn place was the thing that hurt most in all her sorrow and despair. Tears were streaming down her face, but she didn't think of using her handkerchief. Be reasonable. Do be quiet. Everyone's looking at you. Madame Bush, who hovered round her, kept repeating, how can you worry yourself so much on account of a man? You loved him, then all the

Starting point is 00:50:02 same. Did you, my poor darling? A little while ago you were saying all sorts of things against him, and now you're crying for him and almost breaking your heart. Dear me, how silly we all are. Then she became quite maternal. A pretty little woman like you. Can it be possible? One may tell you everything now, I suppose. Well, you recollect when I passed under your window,

Starting point is 00:50:30 I already had my suspicions. Just fancy last night, when Adele came home, I heard a man's footsteps with hers. So I thought I would see who it was. I looked up the staircase. The fellow was already on the second landing, but I certainly recognized Monsieur Lantier's overcoat. Bosch, who was on the watch this morning, saw him tranquilly nod adieu. He was with Adele, you know.

Starting point is 00:50:57 Vicheney has a situation now where she goes twice a week, only it's highly imprudent all the same, for they've only one room and an alcove, and I can't very well say where Vigini managed to sleep. She interrupted herself an instant, turned round, and then resumed, subduing her loud voice. She's laughing at seeing you cry, that heartless thing over there. I'd stake my life at her washings all a pretense. She packed off the other two, and she's come here so as to tell them how you take it. Jervais removed her hands from her face and looked.

Starting point is 00:51:35 When she beheld Virginie in front of her, amidst three or four women, speaking low and staring at her. She was seized with a mad rage. Her arms in front of her, searching the ground, she stumbled forward a few paces. Trembling all over, she found a bucket full of water, grabbed it with both hands, and emptied it at Virginie.

Starting point is 00:51:57 The Virago! yelled tall Virgini. She'd stepped back and her boots alone got wet. The other women, who for some minutes past, had all been greatly upset by Gervais. his tears, jostled each other in their anxiety to see the fight. Some who were finishing their lunch got on the tops of their tubs. Others hastened forward, their hands smothered with soap. A ring was formed. Ah, the virago, repeated Tall Vigini. What's the matter with her? She's mad.

Starting point is 00:52:31 Chervais standing on the defensive. Her chin thrust out, her features convulsed, said nothing, not having yet acquired the Paris gift of street gab. The other continued. Get out! This girl's tired of wallowing about in the country. She wasn't twelve years old when the soldiers were at her. She even lost her legs serving her country. That's legs rotting off. The lookers-on burst out laughing.

Starting point is 00:53:00 Virgini, seeing her success, advanced a couple of steps, drawing herself up to her full height, and yelling louder than ever. Here, come a bit nearer just to see how I'll settle you. Don't you come annoying us here? Do I even know her the hussy? If she'd wedded me, I'd have pretty soon shown her battle as you'd have seen. Let her just say what I've ever done to her.

Starting point is 00:53:26 Speak, you vixen, what's been done to you. Don't talk so much, stammered your vase. You know well enough. Someone saw my husband last night. And shut up, because if you don't, I'll most certainly strangle you. Her husband? That's a good one, as if cripples like her had husbands. If he's left you, it's not my fault. Surely you don't think I've stolen him, do you?

Starting point is 00:53:54 He was much too good for you, and you made him sick. Did you keep him on a leash? Has anyone here seen her husband? There's a reward. The laughter burst forth again. Chervais contented herself with continually murmuring in a low tone of voice, "'You know well enough, you know well enough. It's your sister. I'll strangle her, your sister.'

Starting point is 00:54:20 "'Yes, go and try it on with my sister,' resumed Virginia sneeringly. "'Ah, it's my sister, that's very likely. My sister looks a trifle different to you, but what's that to me? Can't one come and wash one's clothes in peace now? Just dry up, dear, here, because I've had enough of it. But it was she who returned to the attack, after giving five or six strokes with her beetle, intoxicated by the insult she'd been giving utterance to, and worked up into a passion. She left off and recommenced again, speaking in this way three times.

Starting point is 00:54:58 Well, yes, it's my sister. There now, does that satisfy you? They adore each other. You should just see them, Bill and Koo. And he's left you with your children. Those pretty kids with scabs all over their faces. You got one of them from a gendarme, didn't you? And you let three others die

Starting point is 00:55:18 because he didn't want to pay excess baggage on your journey. It's your Lanthier who told us that. Ah, he's been telling some fine things. He'd had enough of you. You dirty Jade, You dirty jade! You dirty jade! You dirty jade! yelled Jervais,

Starting point is 00:55:36 beside herself, and again seized with a furious trembling. She turned round, looking once more about the ground, and only observing the little tub, she seized hold of it by the legs and flung the whole of the bluing at Virginie's face.

Starting point is 00:55:51 The beast! She spoilt my dress, cried the latter, whose shoulder was sopping wet and whose left hand was dripping blue. Just wait, you wretch! In her turn she seized the bucket And emptied it over Jervais Then the formidable battle began

Starting point is 00:56:10 They both ran along the rows of tubs Seesed hold of the pails that were full And returned to dash the contents at each other's heads And each deluge was accompanied by a volley of words Jervais herself answered now There you scum You got it that time It'll help to cool you

Starting point is 00:56:29 Ah the carrion That's for you your filth. Wash yourself for once in your life. Yes, yes, I'll wash the salt out of you, you cod. Another one. Brush your teeth. Fix yourself up for your post tonight at the corner of the Rue, Bel-om. They ended by having to refill the buckets at the water taps, continuing to insult each other the while. The initial buckets full were so poorly aimed as to scarcely reach their targets, but they soon began to splash each other in earnest. Virginie was the first to receive a bucketful in the face.

Starting point is 00:57:06 The water ran down, soaking her back in front. She was still staggering when another caught her from the side, hitting her left ear and drencing her chignon, which then came unwound into a limp, bedraggled string of hair. Jervais was hit first in the legs. One pail filled her shoes full of water and splashed up to her thighs. Two more wet her even higher. Soon both of them were soaked from top to bottom, and it was impossible to count the hips.

Starting point is 00:57:37 Their clothes were plastered to their bodies, and they looked shrunken. Water was dripping everywhere as from umbrellas in a rainstorm. They looked jolly funny, said the hoarse voice of one of the women. Everyone in the washhouse was highly amused. A good space was left to the combatants, as nobody cared to get splashed. applause and jokes circulated in the midst of the sluice-like noise of the buckets emptied in rapid succession. On the floor, the puddles were running one into another, and the two women were wading in them up to their ankles.

Starting point is 00:58:17 Virginie, however, who had been meditating a treacherous move, suddenly seized hold of a pail of lie, which one of her neighbors had left there and threw it. The same cry arose from all. Everyone thought Gervais was scolded, but only her last. left foot had been slightly touched. And exasperated by the pain, she seized the bucket without troubling herself to fill it this time, and threw it with all her might at the legs of Virginie, who fell to the ground. All the women spoke together. She's broken one of her limbs. Well, the other tried to cook her. She's right after all, the blonde one, if her man's been taken from her.

Starting point is 00:58:57 Madame Bush held up her arms to heaven, uttering all sorts of exclamations. She prudently retreated out of the way between two tubs, and the children, Claude and Etienne, crying, choking, terrified, clung to her dress with the continuous cry of, Mama, Mama, broken by their sobs. When she saw Vujini fall, she hastened forward and tried to pull Jervais away by her skirt, repeating the while, Come now, go home, be reasonable. On my word, it's quite upset me.

Starting point is 00:59:33 Never was such a butchery scene before. But she had to draw back and seek refuge again between the two tubs with the children. Fijini had just flown to Jervais's throat. She squeezed around the neck trying to strangle her. The latter freed herself with a violent jerk and in her turn hung on to the other's hair. as though she was trying to pull her head off.

Starting point is 00:59:59 The battle was quietly resumed without a cry. Without an insult. They did not seize each other around the body. They attacked each other's faces with open hands and clawing fingers, pinching, scratching, whatever they caught hold of. The tall, dark girl's red ribbon and blue silk hair net were torn off. The body of her dress, giving way at the neck, displayed a large portion of her shoulder,

Starting point is 01:00:25 Whilst the blonde, half-stripped, a sleeve gone from her loose white jacket without her knowing how, had a rent in her under linen, which exposed the view of a naked line of her waist. Shreds of stuff flew in all directions. It was from Jervais that the first blood was drawn, three long scratches from the mouth to the chin, and she sought to protect her eyes, shutting them at every grab the other maid for fear of having them torn out. No blood showed on Virginia as yet. Jervais aimed at her ears, manned at not being able to reach them.

Starting point is 01:01:01 At length, she succeeded in seizing hold of one of the earrings, an imitation pair in yellow glass, which she pulled out and slit the air and the blood flowed. They're killing each other. Separate them, the vixons! exclaimed several voices. The other women had drawn nearer. They formed themselves into two camps. Some were cheering the combatants on,

Starting point is 01:01:27 as the others were trembling and turning their heads away, saying that it was making them sick. A large fight nearly broke out between the two camps, as the women called each other names and brandished their fists threateningly. Three loud slaps rang out. Madame Bush, meanwhile, was trying to discover the wash-house boy. Charles! Charles! Where has he got?

Starting point is 01:01:51 too. And she found him in the front rank, looking on with his arms folded. He was a big fellow with an enormous neck. He was laughing and enjoying the side of the skin which to him and displayed. The little blonde was as fat as a quail. It would be fun if her chemise burst open. Why, murmured he, blinking his eye, she's got a strawberry birthmark under her arm. What? You're there, cried Madame Bo. as she caught sight of him. Just come and help us separate them. You can easily separate them, you can.

Starting point is 01:02:29 Oh, no, thank you. Not if I know it, said he coolly. To get my eyes scratched like I did the other day, I suppose. I'm not here for that sort of thing. I have enough to do without that. Don't be afraid. A little bleeding doesn't good. It'll soften him.

Starting point is 01:02:45 The concierge then talked to fetching the police. But the mistress of the wash-house, the delicate young woman with the red, inflamed eyes, would not allow her to do this. She kept saying, No, no, I won't. It'll compromise my establishment. The struggle on the ground continued.

Starting point is 01:03:06 All of a sudden, Virgini raised herself up on her knees. She just got in hold of a beetle and held it on high. She had a rattle in her throat, and in an altered voice, she exclaimed, Here's something that'll settle you. Get your dirty linen ready. Chavez quickly thrust out her hand and also seized the beetle and held it up like a club, and she too spoke in a choking voice. Ah, you want to wash. Let me get hold of your skin that I may beat it into dishcloths.

Starting point is 01:03:42 For a moment they remain there on their knees, menacing each other. Their hair all over their faces, their breasts, heaving, muddy, swelling with rage, they watched one another as they waited and took breath. Chavez gave the first blow. Her beetle glided off Virginia's shoulder, and she at once threw herself on one side to avoid the latter's beetle, which grazed her hip. Then, warming to their work, they struck at each other like washerwoman beating clothes, roughly and in time. Whenever there was a hit, the sound was deadened, so that one might have thought it a blow in a tub full of water. The other women around them no longer laughed. Several had gone off, saying that it quite upset them.

Starting point is 01:04:28 Those who remained stretched out their necks, their eyes lighted up with a gleam of cruelty, admiring the pluck displayed. Madame Bosch had led Claude and Etienne away, and one could hear at the other end of the building the sound of their sobs, mingled with the sonorous shocks of the two beetles. Bejavez suddenly yelled. Virgini had caught her a whack with all her might on her bare arm, just above the elbow. A large red mark appeared.

Starting point is 01:04:57 The flesh at once began to swell. Then she threw herself upon Virginie, and everyone thought she was going to beat her to death. Enough! Enough! was cried on all sides. Her face bore such a terrible expression, that no one dared approach her. Her strength seemed to have increased tenfold. She seized Virginie round the waist,

Starting point is 01:05:21 bent her down and pressed her face against the flagstones. Raising her beetles, she commenced beating as she used to beat at Pleasant on the banks of Viorne, when her mistress washed the clothes of the garrison. The wood seemed to yield to the flesh with a damp sound. At each whack a red wheel marked the white skin. Oh, oh, exclaimed the boy, Charles, opening his eyes to their full extent and gloating over the sight. Laughter again burst forth from the lookers-on, but soon the cry, enough, enough, recommenced.

Starting point is 01:05:58 Jervais heard not, neither did she tire. She examined her work, bent over it, anxious not to leave a dry place. She wanted to see the whole of that skin beaten, covered with contusion. And she talked, seized with a ferocious gaiety, recalling a washerwoman's song. Bang, bang, Margo at her tub. Bang, bang, beating rub a dub. Bang, bang, tries to wash her heart. Bang, bang, black with grief to part.

Starting point is 01:06:36 And then she resumed, that's for you, that's for your sister. That's for Lanier. When you next see them, you can give them that attention. I'm going to begin again. That's for Lanier, that's for your sister, that's for you. Bang, bang, Margot at our tub. Bang, bang, beating rob a dub. The others were obliged to drag Virginia away from her.

Starting point is 01:07:08 The tall dark girl, her face bathed in tears and purple with shame, picked up her things and hastened away. She was vanquished. Jervais slipped on the sleeve of her jacket again and fastened up her petticoat. Her arm pained her a good deal, and she asked Madame Bosch to place her bundle of clothes on her shoulder.

Starting point is 01:07:30 The concierge referred to the battle, spoke of her emotions, and talked of examining the young woman's person, just to see. You may perhaps have something broken, I heard tremendous blow. But Chavez wanted to go home. She made no reply to the pitying remarks and noisy ovation of the other women who surrounded her erect in their aprons. When she was laden, she gained the door where the children awaited her. Two hours, that makes two-sue,

Starting point is 01:08:05 said the mistress of the wash-house, already back at her post in the glazed closet. Why, too-sou? She no longer understood that she was asked to pay for her place there. Then she gave a two-sue, and limping very much beneath the weight of the wet clothes on her shoulder, the water dripping off her, her elbow black and blue, her cheek covered with blood. She went off, dragging Claude and Etienne with her bare arms, whilst they trotted along on either side of her, still trembling, and their faces besmeared with their tears.

Starting point is 01:08:44 Once she was gone, the washhouse resumed its roaring tumult. The washer women had eaten their bread and drunk their wine. Their faces were lit up and their spirits enlivened by the fight between Jervais and Versigny. The long lines of tubs were a stir again with the fury of thrashing arms, of craggy profiles, of marionettes with bent backs and slumping shoulders

Starting point is 01:09:09 that twisted and jerked violently as the lawn hinges. Conversations went on from one end to the other in loud voices. Laughter and coarse remarks crackled through the ceaseless gurgling of the water. Fossets were sputtering, buckets, spilling, rivulets flowing underneath the rows of washboards. Throughout the huge shed, rising wisps of steam reflected a reddish tint, pierced here and there by disks of sunlight, golden globes that had leaked through holes in the awnings. The air was stiflingly warm and odorous with soap. Suddenly the hall was filled with a white mist. The huge copper lid of a lye water kettle was rising mechanically along a notched shaft,

Starting point is 01:09:58 and from the gaping copper hollow within its wall of bricks came whirling clouds of vapor. Meanwhile, at one side the drawing machines were hard at work. Within their cast-iron cylinders, bundles of laundry were being wrung dry by the centrifugal force of a steam engine, which was still puffing, steaming, jolting the washhouse with the ceaseless labor of its iron limbs. When Jervais turned into the entry of the Hotel Boncourt, her tears again mastered her. It was a dark, narrow passage, with a gutter for the dirty water running alongside the wall, and the stench which she again encountered there

Starting point is 01:10:40 caused her to think of the fortnight she'd passed in the place with Lantier, a fortnight of misery and quarrels, the recollection of which was now a bitter regret. It seemed to bring her abandonment home to her. Upstairs the room was bare, in spite of the sunshine which entered through the open window. That blaze of light, that kind of dancing, golden dust exposed the lamentable condition of the blackened ceiling and of the walls half denuded

Starting point is 01:11:12 of paper all the more. The only thing left hanging in the room was a woman's small neckerchief, twisted like a piece of string. The children's bedstead, going into the middle of the apartment, displayed the chest of drawers, the open drawers of which exposed their emptiness. Nantier had washed himself and had used up the blast of the pomatum. Two sous' worth of pomatum in a playing card, the greasy water from his hands filled the basin. And he'd forgotten nothing. The corner which until then had been filled by the trunk seemed to Jervais's immense empty space. Even the little mirror which hung on the window fastening was gone. When she made this discovery, she had a presentiment. She looked on the mantelpiece.

Starting point is 01:12:02 Monty had taken away the pawn tickets. The pink bundle. was no longer there between the two odd zinc candlesticks. She hung her laundry over the back of a chair and just stood there, gazing round at the furniture. She was so dulled and bewildered that she could no longer cry. She'd only one Sue left. Then, hearing Claude and Etienne, laughing merrily by the window, their troubles already forgotten, she went to them and put her arms about them, losing herself for a moment in contemplation of that long grey avenue where, that very morning, she'd watched the awakening of the working population, of the immense workshop of Paris. At this hour, immense heat was rising from the pavement, and from all the furnaces

Starting point is 01:12:56 in the factories, setting a light, a reflecting oven over the city and beyond the octaille wall. Out upon this very pavement, into this furnace blast, she had done. been tossed, along with her little ones. As she glanced up and down the boulevard, she was seized with the dull dread that her life would be fixed there forever, between a slaughterhouse and a hospital. This ends Chapter 1, Part 3. Chapter 2, part 1 of La Somoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader

Starting point is 01:13:46 Chapter 2 Part 1 Three weeks later Towards half-past eleven One beautiful sunshiney day Jervais and Coupot The Zinc Worker Were each partaking of a plum

Starting point is 01:14:03 preserved in brandy At La Somois kept by Peacolon Coupot who had been smoking a cigarette On the pavement Had prevailed on her to go inside As she returned from taking home a customer's washing, and her big square laundress's basket was on the floor beside her,

Starting point is 01:14:21 behind the little zinc-covered table. Per Colom's La Semoir was at the corner of Roes de Poissonier and Boulevard de Roche-Schwerre. The sign in tall blue letters stretching from one end to the other said, Distillery! Two dusty oleanders planted and half casks stood beside the doorway. A long bar with its tin measuring cups was on the left, as you entered. The large room was decorated with casks painted a gay yellow, bright with varnish, and gleaming with copper taps and hoops. On the shelves above the bar were liquor bottles,

Starting point is 01:15:00 jars of fruit preserved in brandy and flasks of all shapes. They completely covered the wall and were reflected in the mirror behind the bar as colorful spots of apple green, pale gold, and soft brown. The main feature of the establishment, however, was the distilling apparatus. It was at the rear, behind an oak railing in a glass-in area. The customers could watch its functioning, long-necked still pots, copper worms disappearing underground, a devil's kitchen alluring to drink sodden workmen in search of pleasant dreams.

Starting point is 01:15:37 Nassamwa was nearly empty at the lunch hour. Pecalom, a heavy man of forty, was serving a ten-year-old girl who'd asked him to place for Sue's worth of brandy into her cup. A shaft of sunlight came through the entrance to warm the floor, which was always damp from the smokers spitting. From everything, the casks, the bar, the entire room, a licorice odor arose. An alcoholic aroma would seem to thicken and befuddle the dust motes dancing in the sunlight.

Starting point is 01:16:10 Kupot was making another cigarette. He was very neat, in a short blue linen blouse. and cap, and was laughing and showing his white teeth. With a projecting underjaw and a slightly snub nose, he had handsome chestnut eyes, and the face of a jolly dog and a thorough good fellow. His coarse curly hair stood erect. His skin still preserved the softness of his 26 years. Opposite to him, Jervais, in a thin black woolen dress and bare-headed,

Starting point is 01:16:44 was finishing her plum, which he held by the stalk between the tips of her fingers. They were close to the street, at the first of the four tables placed alongside the barrels, facing the bar. When the zinc worker had lit his cigarette, he placed his elbows on the table, thrust his face forward,

Starting point is 01:17:05 and for an instant looked without speaking at the young woman, whose pretty fair face had that day the milky transparency of China. Then, alluding to a matter known to them, alone, and already discussed between them, he simply asked in a low voice, So it's to be no? You say, no? Well, most decidedly no, Monsieur Coupeau, quietly replied Gervais with a smile. I hope you're not going to talk to me about that here. You know you promised me you would be reasonable. Had I known, I wouldn't have let you treat me.

Starting point is 01:17:43 Kupo kept silence, looking at her intently with a boldness. She sat still, at ease and friendly. At the end of a brief silence, she added, You can't really mean it, I'm an old woman. I've a big boy, eight years old, whatever could we two do together. Why? murmured Koupo, blinking his eyes. What the others do, of course, get married. she made a gesture of feeling annoyed oh do you think it's always pleasant one can very well see you've never seen much of living no monsieur cuppo i must think of serious things burdening oneself never leads to anything you know

Starting point is 01:18:32 I have two mouths at home which are never tired of swallowing, I can tell you. How do you suppose I can bring up my little ones if I only sit here talking indolently? And listen, besides that, my misfortune has been a famous lesson to me. You know I don't care a bit about men now. They won't catch me again for a long while. She spoke with such cool objectivity that it was clear she'd resolved this in her mind, turning it about thoroughly. Coupot was deeply moved and kept repeating,

Starting point is 01:19:06 "'I feel so sorry for you. It causes me a great deal of pain.' "'Yes, I know that,' resumed she, "'and I am sorry, Monsieur Coupot, "'but you mustn't take it to heart. "'If I had any idea of enjoying myself, "'Montieu, I would certainly rather be with you "'than anyone else.

Starting point is 01:19:27 "'You're a good boy and gentle. "'Only where's the use, as I've no inclination to wed. I've been for the last fortnight now at Madame Foconiers. The children go to school. I've work. I'm contented. So the best is to remain as we are, isn't it?

Starting point is 01:19:47 And she stooped down to take her basket. You're making me talk. They must be expecting me at the shop. You'll easily find someone else prettier than I, Monsieur Hupot, and it won't have two boys to drag a about with her. He looked at the clock inserted in the framework of the mirror, and made her sit down again, exclaiming,

Starting point is 01:20:10 Don't be in such a hurry. It's only 11.35. I've still 25 minutes. You don't have to be afraid that I shall do anything foolish. There's the table between us. So you detest me so much that you won't stay and have a little chat with me. She put her basket down again, so as not to disdemeanor. oblige him, and they conversed like good friends. She'd eaten her lunch before going out with the

Starting point is 01:20:38 laundry. He'd gulped down his soup and beef hurriedly to be able to wait for her. All the while she'd chatted amiably. Jervais kept looking out the window at the activity on the street. It was now unusually crowded with a lunchtime rush. Everywhere were hurried steps, swinging arms and pushing elbows. Some latecomers, hungry and angry at being kept extra long at the job, rushed across the street into the bakery. They emerged with a loaf of bread and went three doors farther to the two-headed calf to gobbled down a six-soup meat dish. Next door to the bakery was a grocer who sold fried potatoes and mussels cooked with parsley. A procession of girls went in to get hot potatoes wrapped in paper and cups of steaming muscles.

Starting point is 01:21:30 Other pretty girls brought bunches of radishes. By leaning a bit, Gervais could see into the sausage shop from which the children issued, holding a fried shop, a sausage, or a piece of hot blood pudding wrapped in greasy paper. The street was always slick with black mud, even in clear weather. A few laborers had already finished their lunch and were strolling aimlessly about. Their open hands slapping their thighs, heavy from eating, slow and peaceful amid the hurrying crowd. A group formed in front of a door of La Samois. Say, Bibby Le Smoker, demanded the horse voice.

Starting point is 01:22:11 Aren't you going to buy us around the vitriol? Five laborers came in and stood by the bar. Ah, here's that thief, Pierre Colom, the voice continued. We want the real old stuff, you know. And full-sized glasses, too. Per Colom served them as three more laborers entered. More blue smocks gathered on the street corner, and some pushed their way into the establishment.

Starting point is 01:22:40 You're foolish, you only think of the present, Jervais was saying to Goupo. Sure, I loved him, but after a disgusting way in which he left me. They were talking of Lantier. Jervais had not seen him again. She thought he was living with Virginie's sister at La Glacier in the house of that friend who was going to start a hat factory. She had no thought of running after him.

Starting point is 01:23:06 She'd been so distressed at first that she thought of drowning herself in the river. But now that she'd thought about it, everything seemed to be for the best. Lantier went through money so fast that she probably never could have raised her children properly. Oh, she'd let him see his children all right if he bothered to come. come around. But as far as she was concerned, she didn't want him to touch her, not even with his fingertips. She told all this to Coupot, just as if her plan of life was well settled. Meanwhile, Coupot never forgot his desire to possess her. He made a jest of everything she said, turning it into ribaldry and asking some very direct questions about Lantier.

Starting point is 01:23:51 But he proceeded so gaily and with such a smile that she never thought. thought of being offended. So, you're the one who beat him, said he at length. Oh, you're not kind. You just go around whipping people. She interrupted him with a hearty laugh. It was true, though, she'd whipped Virginie's tall carcass. She would have delighted in strangling someone on that day.

Starting point is 01:24:18 She laughed loud of an ever when Coupot told her that Virginia, ashamed that having shown so much cowardice, had left the neighborhood. Her face, however, preserved an expression of childish gentleness as she put out her plump hands, insisting she wouldn't even harm a fly. She began to tell Coupot about her childhood at Placein. She'd never cared over much for men. They'd always bored her. She was fourteen when she got involved with Lantier.

Starting point is 01:24:49 She thought it was nice because he said he was her husband, and she'd enjoyed playing a housewife. She was too soft-hearted and too weak. She always got passionately fond of people who caused her trouble later. When she loved a man, she wasn't thinking of having fun in the present. She was dreaming about being happy and living together forever. And as Coupot with a chuckle spoke of her two children, saying they hadn't come from under a bolster.

Starting point is 01:25:21 She slapped his fingers. She added that she was, doubt made on the model of other women. Women thought of their home, slave to keep the place clean and tidy, and went to bed too tired at night not to go to sleep at once. Besides, she resembled her mother, a stout, laboring woman who died at her work, and who had served as beast of burden to old Maccaugh for more than twenty years. Her mother's shoulders had been heavy enough to smash through doors, but that didn't prevent her from being soft-hearted and madly attracted to people. And if she limped a little, she no doubt owed that to the poor woman, whom all McCart

Starting point is 01:26:03 used to belabor with blows. Her mother had told her about the times when Macart came home drunk and brutally bruised her. She'd probably been born with her lame leg as a result of one of those times. Oh, it's scarcely anything, it's hardly perceptible, said Coupeau gallantly. She shook her head. She knew well enough that it could be seen. At forty she'd look broken in two. Then she added gently, with a slight laugh. It's a funny fancy of yours to fall in love with a cripple. With his elbow still on the table, he thrust his face closer to hers and began complimenting her, in rather dubious language, as though to intoxicate her with his words. But she kept shaking her head, no, and didn't allow herself to be tempted,

Starting point is 01:27:00 although she was flattered by the tone of his voice. While listening, she kept looking out the window, seeming to be fascinated by the interesting crowd of people passing. The shops were now almost empty. The grocer removed his last panful of fried potatoes from the stove. The sausage man arranged the dishes scattered on his counter. Great-bearded workmen were as playful as young boys, clumping along in their hobnailed boots. Other workmen were smoking, staring up into the sky and blinking their eyes.

Starting point is 01:27:39 Factory bells began to ring in the distance, but the workers, in no hurry, relit their pipes. Later, after being tempted by one wine shop after another, they finally decided to return to their jobs, but were still dragging their feet. Chervais amused herself by watching three workmen, a tall fellow in two short ones, who turned to look back every few yards. They ended by descending the street and came straight to Per Colombs' la Somois. Ah well, murmured she, there are three fellows who don't seem inclined for work. Why, said Coupot, I know the tall one,

Starting point is 01:28:23 It's my boots, a comrade of mine. Pecolum's La Samois was now full. You had to shout to be heard. Fists often pounded on the bar, causing the glasses to clink. Everyone was standing, hands crossed over belly or held behind back. The drinking groups crowded close to one another. Some groups, by the casks, had to wait a quarter of an hour before being able to order their drinks of Peer Colon.

Starting point is 01:28:54 Hello, it's that aristocrat, young Cassis, cried in my boots, bringing his hand down roughly on Coupot's shoulder. A fine gentleman who smokes paper and wears shirts. So we want to do the grand with our sweetheart. We stand her little treats. Shut up, don't bother me, replied Coupot, greatly annoyed. But the other added with a chuckle, right? You are. We know what's what, my boy. Muffs are muffs or muffs, that's all.

Starting point is 01:29:25 He turned his back after leering terribly as he looked at Jervais. The latter drew back, feeling rather frightened. The smoke from the pipes, the strong odor of all those men, ascended in the air, already foul with the fumes of alcohol, and she felt a choking sensation in her throat and coughed slightly. Oh, what a horrible thing it is to drink, said she in a low voice. And she related that formerly at Placein she used to drink and is set with her mother. But on one occasion it nearly killed her, and that disgusted her with it. Now she could never touch any liqueurs.

Starting point is 01:30:09 You see, added she, pointing to her glass, I've eaten my plum, only I must leave the juice because it would make me ill. For himself, Coupot couldn't understand how anyone could drink glass after glass of cheap brandy. A brandy plum occasionally could not hurt. But as for cheap brandy, absent and other strong stuff, no, not for him,

Starting point is 01:30:34 no matter how much his comrades teased him about it. He stayed out on the sidewalk when his friends went into low establishments. Coupos' father had smashed his head open one day when he fell from the eve, of number 25 on Rue Cochanal. He was drunk. This memory keeps Coupot's entire family from a drink. Every time Coupot passed that spot, he thought he would rather lick up water from the gutter than accept a free drink in a bar. He would always say, in our trade, you have to have steady legs.

Starting point is 01:31:11 Jervais had taken up her basket again. She did not rise from her seat, however, but held the basket on knees, with a vacant look in her eyes and lost in thought, as though the young workman's words had awakened within her far-off thoughts of existence. And she said again, slowly, and without any apparent change of manner. "'Montyre, I'm not ambitious. I don't ask for much. My desire is to work in peace, always to have bread to eat and a decent place to sleep in. You know, know, with a bed, a table, and two chairs. Nothing more. If I can, I'd like to raise my children to be good citizens. Also, I'd like not to be beaten up if I ever again live with a man. It's not my idea of amusement. She pondered, thinking if there was anything else she wanted, but there

Starting point is 01:32:11 wasn't anything of importance. Then after a moment she went on. Yes, when one reaches the and one might wish to die in one's bed. For myself, having trudged through life, I should like to die in my bed, in my own home. And she rose from her seat. Hupot, who cordially approved her wishes, was already standing up, anxious about the time. But they did not leave yet.

Starting point is 01:32:43 Jervais was curious enough to go to the far end of the room for a look at the big still behind the oak railing. It was chugging away in the little glass-in courtyard. Coupot explained its workings to her, pointing it for different parts of the machinery, showing her betrickling of a small stream of limpid alcohol. Not a single gay puff of steam was coming forth from the endless coils. The breathing could barely be heard. It sounded muffled as if from underground.

Starting point is 01:33:16 It was like a somber worker, performing dark deeds in the bright, daylight, strong but silent. My boots, accompanied by his two comrades, came to lean on the railing until they could get a place at the bar. He laughed, looking at the machine. Tarnere de dieu, that's clever. There's enough stuff in its big belly to last for weeks. He wouldn't mind if they just fix the end of a tube in his mouth, so he could feel the fiery spirits flowing down to his heels like a river. It would be better than the tiny sip stalled out by Pecologne. His two comrades laughed with him, saying that My Boots was quite a guy after all. The huge still continued to trickle forth its alcoholic sweat.

Starting point is 01:34:08 Eventually, it would invade the bar, flow out along the outer boulevards, and inundate the immense expanse of Paris. Chauvet's step back shivering. She tried to smile as she said. It's foolish, but that's still, and the liquor gives me the creeps. Then returning to the idea she nursed of a perfect happiness, she resumed, Now, ain't I right? It's much the nicest, isn't it? To have plenty of work, bread to eat, a home of one's own, and to be able to bring up one's children and to die in one's bed?

Starting point is 01:34:48 and never to be beaten added coupot gaily but i would never beat you if you would only try me madame gervais you've no cause for fear i don't drink and then i love you too much come shall it be marriage i'll get you divorced and make you my wife he was speaking low whispering at the back of her neck while she made her way through the crowd of men with her basket held before her She kept shaking her head, no. Yet she turned around to smile at him, apparently happy to nobody, never drank. Yes, certainly, she would say yes to him, except that she had already sworn to herself never to start up with another man. Eventually they reached the door and went out.

Starting point is 01:35:40 When they left, La Samoir was packed to the door, spilling its hubbub of rough voices and its heavy smell of vitriol into the street. street. My boots could be heard railing at Per Colom, calling him a scoundrel, and accusing him of only half-filling his glass. He didn't have to come in here. He'd never come back. He suggested to his comrades a place near the Barre d'Anne, where you drank good stuff straight. Ah, sighed Gervais, when they reached the sidewalk. You can breathe out here. Goodbye, Monsieur Coupot, and thank you. I must hurry.

Starting point is 01:36:19 now. He seized her hand as she started along the boulevard, insisting, Take a walk with me along Rue de la Gouta. It's not much farther for you. I've got to see my sister before going back to work. We'll keep each other company. In the end, Gervais agreed, and they walked beside each other along the Rue de Passenier, although she did not take his arm. He told her about his family. His mother, an old vest-beau. maker now had to do housekeeping because her eyesight was poor. Her birthday was the third of last month, and she was 62. He was the youngest. One of his sisters, a widow of 36, worked in a flower shop and lived in the Batignolles section on Rue Des Moines. The other sister was 30 years old now.

Starting point is 01:37:10 She'd married a deadpaned chain maker named L'Orillard. That's where he was going now. They lived in a big tenement on the left side. He ate with them in the evenings. It saved a bit for all of them. But he'd been invited out this evening, and he was going to tell her not to expect him. Javais, who was listening to him, suddenly interrupted him to ask with a smile.

Starting point is 01:37:36 So, you're called young Cassis, Monsieur Coupeau? Oh, replied he. It's a nickname my mates have given me because I generally drink Cassis. when they force me to accompany them to the wine shop. It's no worse to be called young Cassie than my boots, is it? Of course not. Young Cassis isn't an ugly name, observed the young woman.

Starting point is 01:37:59 And she questioned him about his work. He was still working there behind the Oktry wall at the new hospital. Oh, there was no want of work. He would not be finished there for a year at least. There were yards and yards of gutters. This ends chapter two, part one. Chapter 2, Part 2 of La Sermoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 01:38:39 Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 2, Part 2. You know, said he, I can see the Hotel Boncourt when I'm up there. yesterday you were at the window and I waved my arms but you didn't notice me they had already gone about a hundred paces along the rue de la gutta when he stood still and raising his eyes said that's the house i was born farther on it number twenty-two but this house is all the same a fine block of masonry it's as big as a barrack inside Chavez looked up, examining the facade. On the street side, the tenement had five stories, each with fifteen windows, whose black shutters, with their broken slats, gave an air of desolation to the wide expanse of wall. Four shops occupied the ground floor.

Starting point is 01:39:40 To the right of the entrance, a large, greasy hash house, and to the left, a coal dealer, a notion seller, and an umbrella merchant. The building appeared even larger than it was because it had on each side a small low building which seemed to lean against it for support. This immense squared-off building was outlined against the sky. Its unplastered side walls were as bare as prison walls, except for rows of roughly jutting stones, which suggested jaws full of decayed teeth, yawning vacantly. Chavez was gazing at the entrance with interest. The high arched doorway rose to the second floor and opened onto a deep porch,

Starting point is 01:40:26 at the end of which could be seen the pale daylight of a courtyard. This entranceway was paved like the street, and down the center flowed a streamlet of pink stained water. Come in, said Coupot. No one will eat you. Chavez wanted to wait for him in the street. However, she could not resist going through the porch as far as the concierge's room on the right. And there, on the threshold, she raised her eyes. Inside, the building was six stories high,

Starting point is 01:40:57 with four identical plain walls enclosing the broad central court. The drab walls were corroded by yellower spots and streaked by drippings from the roof gutters. The walls went straight up to the eaves with no molding or ornament, except the angles on the drain pipes at each floor. Here the sink drains added their stains. The glass window panes resembled murky water.

Starting point is 01:41:25 Mattresses of checkered blue ticking were hanging out of several windows to air. Clothes lines stretched from other windows with family washing hanging to dry. On a third line was a baby's diaper still implanted with filth. This crowded tenement was bursting at the seams, spilling out poverty and misery through every crevice. Each of the four walls had at ground level a narrow entrance plastered without a trace of woodwork. This opened into a vestibule containing a dirty-encrusted staircase which spiraled upward. They were each labeled with one of the first four letters of the alphabet painted on the wall.

Starting point is 01:42:09 Several large workshops with weather-blackened skylights were scattered about the court. Near the concierge's room was the dime. establishment responsible for the pink streamlet. Puddles of water infested the courtyard, along with wood shavings and coal cinders. Grass and weeds grew between the paving stones. The unforgiving sunlight seemed to cut the cord into two parts. On the shady side was a dripping water tap with three small hens scratching for worms with their filth-smeared claws. Jervais slowly gazed about, lowering her glance from the sea. sixth floor to the paving stones, been raising it again, surprised at the vastness, feeling as it

Starting point is 01:42:56 were in the midst of a living organ, in the very heart of a city, and interested in the house, as though it were a giant before her. "'There's madame seeking for anyone?' called out the inquisitive concierge, emerging from her room. The young woman explained that she was waiting for a friend. She returned to the street. then, as Coupeau did not come, she went back to the courtyard, seized with the desire to take another look. She did not think the house ugly. Amongst the rags hanging from the windows, she discovered various cheerful touches. A wallflower blooming in a pot, a cage of chirping canaries, shaving glasses shining like stars in the depths of a shadow. A carpenter was singing in his workshop accompanied by the whining of his plane,

Starting point is 01:43:48 The blacksmith's hammers were ringing rhythmically. In contrast to the apparent wretched poverty, at nearly every open window appeared the begrimed faces of laughing children. Women with peaceful faces could be seen bent over their sewing. The rooms were empty of men who'd gone back to work after lunch. The whole tenement was tranquil, except for the sounds from the workshops below, which served as a sort of a lullaby.

Starting point is 01:44:18 that went on unceasingly, always the same. The only thing she did not like was the courtyard's dampness. She would want rooms at the rear, on the sunny side. Jervais took a few more steps into the courtyard, inhaling the characteristic odor of the slums comprised of dust and rotten garbage. But the sharp odor of the wastewater from the dye shop was strong, and Jervais thought it smelled better here than at the Hotel Boncourt.

Starting point is 01:44:49 She chose a window for herself, the one at the far left, with a small window box planted with scarlet runners. I'm afraid I've kept you waiting rather a long time, said Coupot, whom she suddenly heard close beside her. They always make an awful fuss whenever I don't dine with them, and it was worse than ever today as my sister has bought some veal. And as Jervais had slightly started with surprise, he continued glancing around in his turn. You were looking at the house. It's always all let from the top to the bottom. There are 300 lodgers, I think. If I had any furniture, I would have secured a small room.

Starting point is 01:45:32 One would be comfortable here, don't you think so? Yes, one would be comfortable, murmured Jervais. In our street at Placein, there weren't near so many people. Look, that's pretty. That window up on the fifth floor with the Scarlet Runner. The zinc workers' obstinate desire made him ask her once more whether she would or she wouldn't. They could rent a place here as soon as they found a bed.

Starting point is 01:46:01 She hurried out the arched entranceway, asking him not to start that subject again. There was as much chance of this building collapsing as there was of her sleeping under the same blanket with him. Still, when Coupot left her in front of Madame Foconnier's shop, he was allowed to hold her hand for a little. moment. For a month, the young woman and the zinc worker were the best of friends. He admired her courage, when he beheld her half-killing herself with work, keeping her children tidy and clean,

Starting point is 01:46:33 and yet finding time at night to do a little sewing. Often other women were hopelessly messy, forever nibbling or gadding about, but she wasn't like them at all. She was much too serious. Then she would laugh and modestly defend herself. It was her misfortune. It was her misfortune, that she had not always been good, having been with a man when only fourteen. Then, too, she'd often helped her mother empty a bottle of Anisette. But she'd learned a few things from experience. He was wrong to think of her as strong-willed. Her willpower was very weak.

Starting point is 01:47:10 She had always let herself be pushed into things because she didn't want to hurt someone's feelings. Her one hope now was to live among decent people, for living among bad people was like being hit over the head. It cracks your skull. Whenever she thought of the future, she shivered. Everything she'd seen in life so far, especially when a child had given her lessons to remember. Kupot, however, chaffed her about her gloomy thoughts,

Starting point is 01:47:40 and brought back all her courage by trying to pinch her hips. She pushed him away from her and slapped his hands, whilst he called out laughingly that, for a weak woman she was not a very easy capture. He, who always joked about everything, did not trouble himself regarding the future. One day followed another, that was all. It would always be somewhere to sleep and a bite to eat. The neighborhood seemed decent enough to him,

Starting point is 01:48:08 except for a gang of drunkards that ought to be cleaned out of the gutters. Kupot was not a bad sort of fellow. He sometimes had really sensible things to say, He was something of a dandy with his Parisian working man's gift for banter, a regular gift of gab, and besides, he was attractive. They had ended by rendering each other all sorts of services at the Hotel Boncourt. Coupot fetched her milk, ran her errands, carried her bundles of clothes, often of an evening, as he got home first from work, he took the children for a walk on the exterior boulevard.

Starting point is 01:48:46 Jervais, in return for his polite attentions, would go up into the narrow room at the top of the house where he slept, and see to his clothes, sewing buttons on his blue linen trousers, and mending his linen jackets. A great familiarity existed between them. She was never bored when he was around. The gay songs he sang amused her, and so did his continuous banter of jokes and jibes characteristic of the Paris streets,

Starting point is 01:49:14 this being still new to her. On Coupot's side, this continuous, a familiarity inflamed him more and more until it began to seriously bother him. He began to feel tense and uneasy. He continued with his foolish talk, never failing to ask her, When will it be? She understood what he meant and teased him. He would then come to visit her, carrying his bedroom slippers, as if he were moving in. She joked about it and continued calmly, without blushing at the illusions with which he was always surrounding her. She stood for anything from him as long as he didn't get rough.

Starting point is 01:49:55 She only got angry once when he pulled a strand of her hair while trying to force a kiss from her. Towards the end of June, Hupot lost his liveliness. He became most peculiar. Jervais, feeling uneasy at some of his glances, barricaded herself in at night. Then, after having sulked ever since the Sunday, he suddenly came on the Tuesday night, about 11 o'clock, and knocked at her room.

Starting point is 01:50:23 She would not open to him, but his voice was so gentle and so trembling that she ended by removing the chest of drawer she had pushed against the door. When he entered, she thought he was ill. He looked so pale. His eyes were so red, and the veins on his face were all swollen. And he stood there, stuttering and shaking his head. No, no, he was not ill. ill. He'd been crying for two hours upstairs in his room. He wept like a child, biting his pillow so as not to be heard by the neighbors. For three nights past he'd been unable to sleep.

Starting point is 01:51:00 It could not go on like that. Listen, Madame Gervais, said he, with a swelling in his throat, on the point of bursting out crying again. We must end this, mustn't we? We'll go and get married. It's what I want. I've quite made up my mind. Jervais showed great surprise. She was very grave. Oh, Monsieur Coupeau, murmured she, "'What ever are you thinking of? You know I've never asked you for that. I didn't care about it. That was all.

Starting point is 01:51:35 Oh, no, no, it's serious now. Think of what you're saying, I beg of you.' But he continued to shake his head with an air of unalterable resolution. He'd already thought it all over. He'd come down because he wanted to have a good night, She wasn't going to send him back to weep again, he supposed. As soon as she said yes, he would no longer bother her, and she could go quietly to bed. He only wanted to hear her say yes. They could talk it over on the morrow. But I certainly can't say yes just like that, resumed Jervais.

Starting point is 01:52:10 I don't want you to be able to accuse me later on of having incited you to do a foolish thing. You shouldn't be so insistent, Monsieur Coupot. You can't really be sure that you're in love with me. If you didn't see me for a week, it might fade away. Sometimes men get married, and then there's day after day stretching out into an entire lifetime, and they get pretty well bored by it all. Sit down there, I'm willing to talk it over at once. Then, until one in the morning, in the dark room and by the faint light of a smoky tallow candle,

Starting point is 01:52:46 which they forgot to snuff, they talked of their marriage, lowering their voices so as not to wake the two children. Claude and Etienne, who were sleeping, both heads on the same pillow. Gervais kept pointing out with children to Coupot. What a funny kind of dowry they were. She really shouldn't burden him with him. Besides, what would the neighbors say? She'd feel ashamed for him, because everyone knew about the story of her life and her lover.

Starting point is 01:53:16 They wouldn't think it decent if they saw him. them getting married barely two months later. Hooper replied by shrugging his shoulders. He didn't care about the neighbors. He never bothered about their affairs. So there was Lancier before him. Well, so what? What's so bad about that?

Starting point is 01:53:36 She hadn't been constantly bringing men upstairs, as some women did, even rich ladies. The children would grow up. They'd raise them, right? Never had he known before such a woman, such sound character, so good-hearted. Anyway, she could have been anything, a street-walker, ugly, lazy, and a good-for-nothing,

Starting point is 01:53:56 with a whole gang of dirty kids, and so what? He wanted her. Yes, I want you, he repeated, bringing his hand down on his knee with a continuous hammering. You understand, I want you. There's nothing to be said to that, is there? Little by little, Gervais gave way. Her emotions began to take control when faced with his encompassing desire.

Starting point is 01:54:24 Still, with her hands in her lap and her face suffused with the soft sweetness, she hesitantly offered objections. From outside, through the half-open window, a lovely June night breathed in puffs of sultry air, disturbing the candle with its long wick gleaming red like a glowing coal. In a deep silence of a sleeping neighborhood, the only sound was the infantile weeping of a drunkard lying in the middle of the street. Far away, in the back room of some restaurant, a violin was playing a dance tune for some late party.

Starting point is 01:55:06 This ends Chapter 2, Part 2. Chapter 2, Part 3 of La Somoire by Emil Zola. Translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is a book. in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader Chapter 2, Part 3 Coupot was silent.

Starting point is 01:55:38 Then, knowing she had no more arguments, he smiled, took hold of her hands and pulled her toward him. She was in one of those moments of weakness she so greatly mistrusted, persuaded at last, to emotionally stir to refuse anything or to hurt anyone's feelings. Hupot didn't realize that she was giving way.

Starting point is 01:56:01 He held her wrists so tightly as to almost crush them. Together they breathed a long sigh, that to both of them meant a partial satisfaction of their desire. You'll say yes, won't you, asked he? How you worry me, she murmured. You wish it? Well, then, yes. Ah, we're perhaps doing a very foolish thing.

Starting point is 01:56:28 He jumped up, and seizing her round the waist, kissed her roughly on the face at random. Then, as this caress caused a noise, he became anxious and went softly and looked at Cloud and Etienne. Hush, we must be careful, said he in a whisper, and not wake the children. Goodbye till tomorrow. And he went back to his room. Chervais, all in a tremble, remained seated on the edge of her bed, without thinking of undressing herself for nearly an hour. She was touched, she felt that Coupot was very honourable, for at one moment she really thought it was all over and that he would forget her. Butronkered below, under the window, was now hoarsely uttering the plaintive cry of some lost animal.

Starting point is 01:57:18 The violin in the distance had left off its saucy tune, and was now soaring. silent. During the following days, Coupot sought to get Gervais to call some evening on his sister in the Rue de la Gout d'Or. But the young woman, who was very timid, showed a great dread of this visit to the L'Orillard. She knew that Coupot had a lingering fear of that household, even though he certainly wasn't dependent on his sister, who wasn't even the oldest of the family. Mama Coupot would certainly give her consent at once, as she never refused her only son anything. the thing was that the lorrileu were supposed to be earning ten francs a day or more and that gave them a certain authority coupot would never dare to get married unless his wife was acceptable to them i've spoken to them of you they know our plans explained he to jervais come now what a child you are let's call on them this evening i've warned you haven't i you'll find my sister rather stiff laurilu too is a child you are

Starting point is 01:58:23 isn't always very amiable. In reality, they are greatly annoyed, because if I marry, I shall no longer take my meals with them, and it'll be an economy the less. But that doesn't matter. They won't turn you out. Do this for me. It's absolutely necessary. These words only frighten Gervais, the more. One Saturday evening, however, she gave in. Coupeau came for her at half-past eight. She dressed herself in a black dress. a crape shawl with yellow palms and a white cap trimmed with a little cheap lace. During the six weeks she'd been working, she'd save the seven francs for the shawl and the two and a half francs for the cap.

Starting point is 01:59:07 The dress was an old one, cleaned and made up afresh. They're expecting you, said Koupo to her, as they went round by the Rue de Poissonier. Oh, they're beginning to get used to the idea of my being married. They seem nice indeed tonight. And you know, if you've never seen gold chains made, it'll amuse you to watch them. They just happen to have a pressing order for Monday. They've got gold in their room, asked Jervais. I should think so.

Starting point is 01:59:37 There's some on the walls, on the floor. In fact, everywhere. They had passed the arched doorway and crossed the courtyard. The L'Orouilleux lived on the sixth floor, staircase B. Kupo laughingly told her to hold the handrail tight and not to leave go of it. She looked up and blinked her eyes, as she perceived the tall, hollow tower of the staircase lighted by three gas jets, one on every second landing. The last one, right up at the top, looked like a star twinkling in a black sky,

Starting point is 02:00:10 whilst the other two cast long flashes of light of fantastic shapes among the interminable windings of the stairs. By Jove, said the zinc worker as he reached the first floor, smiling, There's a strong smell of onion soup. Someone's having onion soup, I'm sure. Staircase B, with its grey, dirty steps and handrail, its scratched walls and chipped plaster, was full of strong kitchen odors.

Starting point is 02:00:40 Long corridors, echoing with noise, slid away from each landing. Doors painted yellow, gaped open, smeared black around the latch from dirty hands. A sink on each landing gave forth a fetid humidity, adding its stench to the sharp flavor of the cooking of onions. From the basement all the way to the sixth floor, you could hear dishes clattering,

Starting point is 02:01:04 saucepans being rinsed, pots being scraped and scoured. On the first floor, Jervais saw a half-open door with the word designer written on it in large letters. Inside were two men sitting by a table, the dishes cleared away from its oil cloth cover, arguing furiously amid a cloud of pipe smoke. The second and third floors were quieter, and through cracks in the woodwork only such sounds filtered as the rhythm of a cradle rocking,

Starting point is 02:01:34 a stifled crying of a child, a woman's voice sounding like the dull murmur of running water with no words distinct. Chaffaes read the various signs on the doors, the names of the occupants. Madame Goddron, wool-carder, and Monsieur Madignet, cardboard boxes.

Starting point is 02:01:54 There was a fight in progress on the fourth floor, a stomping of feet that shook the floor, furniture banged around, a racket of curses and blows. But this did not bother the neighbor's opposite, who were playing cards

Starting point is 02:02:07 with her door opened wide to admit more air. When Gervais reached the fifth floor, she had to stop and take a breath, She was not used to going up so high. That wall forever turning, the glimpses she had of the lodgings following each other, made her head ache. Anyway, there was a family almost blocking the landing, the father washing the dishes over a small earthenware stove near the sink

Starting point is 02:02:33 and the mother sitting with her back to the stair rail and cleaning the baby before putting it to bed. Koupo kept urging Jervais along, and they finally reached the sixth floor. He encouraged her with a smile. They had arrived. She'd been hearing a voice all the way up from the bottom, and she was gazing upward, wondering where it could be coming from, a voice so clear and piercing that it had dominated all the other sounds. It came from a little old woman in an attic room who sang while putting dresses on sheep dolls. When a tall girl came by with a pail of water and entered a nearby apartment, Jervais saw a tumbled bed on which a man was sprawled, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Starting point is 02:03:19 As the door closed behind her, Jervais saw the handwritten card. Mademoiselle Clements, ironing. Now that she had finally made it to the top, her legs weary and her breath short, Jervais leaned over the railing to look down. Now it was the gaslight on the first floor which seemed a distant star at the bottom of a narrow well, six stories deep. All the odors and all the murmurings of the immense, variety of life within the tenement, came up to her in one stifling breath that flushed her face

Starting point is 02:03:53 as she hazarded a worried glance down into the gulf below. We're not there yet, said Koupo. Well, it's quite a journey. He'd gone down a long corridor on the left. He turned twice, the first time also to the left, the second time to the right. The corridor still continued branching off, narrowing between walls full of crevary. with plaster peeling off, enlighted at distant intervals by a slender gas jet, and the doors all alike succeeded each other the same as the doors of a prison or a convent, and nearly all open, continue to display homes of misery and work, which the hot June evening filled with a reddish mist.

Starting point is 02:04:37 At length they reached a small passage in complete darkness. We're here, resumed the zinc worker. Be careful. Keep to the the wall, there are three steps. And Jervais carefully took another ten steps in the obscurity. She stumbled and then counted the three steps. But at the end of the passage, Koupa had opened the door, without knocking, a brilliant light spread over the tiled floor. They entered. It was a narrow apartment and seemed as if it were the continuation of the corridor. A faded woolen curtain, raised up just then by a string divided the place in two. The first part contained a bedstead pushed beneath an angle of the attic ceiling,

Starting point is 02:05:24 a cast-iron stove still warm from the cooking of the dinner. Two chairs, a table, and a wardrobe, the cornice of which had had to be sawn off to make it fit in between the door and the bedstead. The second part was fitted up as a workshop. At the end, a narrow forge with its bellows. To the right, a vise, fixed to the wall between some shelves, on which pieces of old iron lay scattered. To the left near the window, a small workman's bench,

Starting point is 02:05:53 encumbered with greasy and very dirty pliers, shears, and microscopical saws, all very dirty and grimy. It's us, cried Coupeau, advancing as far as the woolen curtain. But no one answered at first. Chervais, deeply affected, moved especially by the thought that he was, was about to enter a place full of gold, stood behind the zinc worker, stammering, and venturing upon nods of her head by way of bowing. The brilliant light, a lamp burning on the bench, a brazier full of coals flaring in the forge, increased her confusion still more.

Starting point is 02:06:34 She ended, however, by distinguishing Madame L'Hilou, little, red-haired and tolerably strong, pulling with all the strength of her short arms, and with the assistance of a a big pair of pincers, a thread of black metal which he passed through the holes of a drawplate fixed to the vice. Seated in front of the bench, L'Orilu, quite as small of stature, but more slender in the shoulders, worked with the tips of his pliers, with the vivacity of a monkey, had a labor so minute that it was impossible to follow it between his scraggy fingers. It was the husband who first raised his head. The head was scanty locks, the face of the yellow-y-y-y-locks, the face of the yellow tinge of old wax, long and with an ailing expression.

Starting point is 02:07:20 Ah, it's you. Well, well, murmured he. We're in a hurry, you know. Don't come into the workroom. You'd be in our way. Stay in the bedroom. And he resumed his minute task. His face again in the reflection of a glass globe full of green-colored water, through which the lamp shed a circle of bright light over his work. Take the chairs, called out Madame Lourri-ilu in her turn. It's that lady, isn't it? Very well, very well. She'd rolled the wire, and she carried it to the forge, and then, reviving the fire of the brazier with a large wooden fan,

Starting point is 02:07:59 she proceeded to temper the wire before passing it through the last holes of a drawplate. Coupot moved the chairs forward and seated Gervais by the curtain. The room was so narrow that he could not sit beside her, so he sat behind her, leaning over her shoulder to explain the work in progress. Chavez was intimidated by this strange reception and felt uneasy. She had a buzzing in her ears and couldn't hear clearly. She thought the wife looked older than her 30 years, and not very neat with her hair in a pigtail dangling down the back of her loosely worn wrapper.

Starting point is 02:08:36 The husband, who was only a year older, appeared already an old man with mean, thin lips as he sat there, working in his shirt-sleeves with his bare feet thrust into down at the heel's slippers. Chavez was dismayed by the smallness of the shop, the grimy walls, the rustiness of the tools, and the black soot spread all over what looked like the odds and ends of a scrap-iron peddlers wears. And the gold? asked Chervais in a low voice. Her anxious glances searched the corners and sought amongst all. all that filth for the resplendence she had dreamt of. But Koupoe burst out laughing.

Starting point is 02:09:19 Gold, said he. Why, there's some, there's some more, and there's some at your feet. He pointed successively to the fine wire at which his sister was working, and to another roll of wire, similar to the ordinary iron wire. Hanging against the wall close to the vice, then going down on all fours he picked up, beneath the wooden screen which covered the tire,

Starting point is 02:09:43 floor of the workroom, a piece of waste. A tiny fragment resembling the point of a rusty needle. But Gervais protested, that couldn't be gold, that blackish piece of metal as ugly as iron. He had to bite into the piece and show her the gleaming notch made by his teeth. Then he continued his explanations. The employers provided the gold wire, already alloyed. The craftsman first pulled it through the draw plate to obtain the correct size. being careful to anneal it five or six times to keep it from breaking. It required a steady, strong hand and plenty of practice.

Starting point is 02:10:23 His sister would not let her husband touch the wire drawing since she was subject to coughing spells. She had strong arms for it. He'd seen her draw gold to the fineness of a hair. L'Hilu seized with a fit of coughing, almost doubled up on his stool. In the midst of the paroxysm, he spent. spoke and said in a choking voice, still without looking his Jervais, as though he were merely mentioning the thing to himself, I'm making the herringbone chain.

Starting point is 02:10:56 Koupo urged Jervais to get up. She might draw nearer and see. The chainmaker consented with a grunt. He wound the wire prepared by his wife round a mandrel, a very thin steel rod. Then he sawed gently, cutting the wire the whole length of the mandrel, each turn forming a link, which he soldered. The links were laid on a large piece of charcoal. He wedded them with a drop of borax, taken from the bottom of a broken glass beside him, and he made them red hot at the lamp beneath a horizontal flame produced by the blowpipe. Then, when he'd soldered about a hundred links, he returned once more to his minute work, propping his hands against the edge of the chri, a small piece of board which the friction of his hands had polished.

Starting point is 02:11:47 He bent each link almost double with the pliers, squeezed one end close, inserted it in the last link already in place, and then, with the aid of a point, opened out again the end he had squeezed. And he did this with a continuous regularity, the links joining each other so rapidly that the chain gradually grew beneath Jervais's gaze, without her being able to follow or well understand how it was done. That's the herringbone chain, said Kupo. There's also the long link, the cable, the plain ring, and the spiral. But that's the herringbone. Lory Lou only makes the herringbone chain.

Starting point is 02:12:29 The latter chuckled with satisfaction. He exclaimed as he continued squeezing the links, invisible between his black fingernails. Listen to me, young Cassis. I was making a calculation this morning. I commenced work when I was 12 years old, you know. Well, can you guess how long a herringbone chain I must have made up till today? He raised his pale face and blinked his red eyelids.

Starting point is 02:12:59 26,000 feet, do you hear? Two leagues! At something. A herringbone chain, two leagues long. It's enough to twist round the necks of all the women of the neighborhood. And you know, it's still increasing. I hope to make it long enough to reach from Paris to Versailles. Chavez had returned to her seat, disenchanted and thinking everything very ugly.

Starting point is 02:13:28 She smiled to be polite to the L'Hilu. The complete silence about her marriage bothered her. It was the sole reason for her having come. The L'Helieu were treating her as. some stranger brought in by Coupeau. When the conversation finally did get started, it concerned the building's tenants. Madame L'Hilu asked her husband if he'd heard the people on the fourth floor having a fight. They fought every day.

Starting point is 02:13:55 The husband usually came home drunk, and the wife had her faults, too, yelling in the filthiest language. Then they spoke of a designer on the first floor, and uppity show off with a mound of debts, always smoking, always arguing loudly with his friends. Monsieur Madinier's cardboard business was barely surviving. He'd let two girl workers go yesterday. The business ate up all his money, leaving his children to run around in rags. And that Madame Gaudron was pregnant again.

Starting point is 02:14:29 This was almost indecent at her age. The landlord was going to evict the co-case on the fifth floor. They owed nine months rent, And besides, they insisted on lighting their stove out on the landing. Last Saturday, the old lady on the sixth floor, Mademoiselle Remanjou, had arrived just in time to save a Langelo child from being badly burned. Mademoiselle Chamons, one who took in ironing, well, she lived life as she pleased. She was so kind to animals, though, and had such a good heart that you couldn't say anything against her.

Starting point is 02:15:04 It was a pity, a fine girl like. her, the company she kept. She'd be walking the streets before long. Look, here's one, said L'Orelue to his wife, giving her the piece of chain he'd been working on since his lunch. You can trim it. And he added, with the persistence of a man who does not easily relinquish a joke, another four feet and a half. That brings me nearer to Versailles. Madame L'Orilu, after tempering it again, trimmed it by passing it through the regulating drawplate. Then she put it in a little copper saucepan with a long handle, full of lye water, and placed it over the fire of the forge. Chavez again pushed forward by

Starting point is 02:15:51 Coupot, had to follow this last operation. When the chain was thoroughly cleansed, it appeared a dull red color. It was finished and ready to be delivered. They're always delivered like that, in their rough state, the zinc worker explained, The polishes rubbed them afterwards with cloths. Chavez felt her courage failing her. The heat, more and more intense, was suffocating her. They kept the door shut because Lorre L'Hilu caught cold from the least draft. Then, if they still did not speak of the marriage,

Starting point is 02:16:28 she wanted to go away and gently pulled Coupot's jacket. He understood. Besides, he also was beginning to feel ill at ease, and vexed at their affectation of silence. Well, we're off, said he. We mustn't keep you from your work. He moved about for a moment, waiting, hoping for a word or some allusion or other.

Starting point is 02:16:54 At length he decided to broach the subject himself. I say, Lordeou, we're counting on you to be my wife's witness. The chainmaker pretended, with a chuckle, to be greatly surprised, whilst his wife, leaving her draw plates, placed herself in the middle of the workroom. So, it's serious, then, murmured he. That confounded young Cassice, one never knows whether he's joking or not. Ah, yes, madame's the person involved, said the wife in her turn,

Starting point is 02:17:27 as she stared rudely as Jervais. Mon Dieu, we've no advice to give you, we haven't. It's a funny idea to go and get married all the same. anyhow, it's your own wish. When it doesn't succeed, one's only got oneself to blame, that's all. And it doesn't often succeed. Not often. Not often. She uttered these last words slower and slower, and shaking her head.

Starting point is 02:17:54 She looked from the young woman's face to her hands, and then to her feet, as though she had wished to undress her and see the very pores of her skin. She must have found her better than she expected. "'My brother is perfectly free,' she continued more stiffly. "'No doubt the family might have wished. "'One always makes projects, but things take such funny terms. "'For myself, I don't want to have any unpleasantness. "'Had he brought us the lowest of the low, I should merely have said,

Starting point is 02:18:29 "'Marry her and go to blazes. "'He was not badly off, though, here with us. "'He's fat enough, one can't. very well see he didn't fast much, and he always found his soup hot right on time. I say, Loryloux, don't you think madame's like Teres? You know who I mean, that woman who used to live opposite, and who died of consumption? Yes, it's a certain resemblance, replied the chainmaker. And you've got two children, madame? Now I must admit, I said to my brother. I can't understand how you can want to marry a woman.

Starting point is 02:19:07 woman who's got two children. You mustn't be offended if I consult his interests. It's only natural. You don't look strong, either. Don't you think, Lorylou, that Madame doesn't look very strong? No, no, she's not strong. They did not mention her leg, but Jervais understood by their side glances and the curling of their lips that they were alluding to it. She stood before them, wrapped in her thin shawl with the yellow palms, replying in monosyllables, as though in the presence of her judges. Kupot, seeing she was suffering,

Starting point is 02:19:46 ended by exclaiming, All that's nothing to do with it. What you are talking about isn't important. The wedding will take place on Saturday, July 29, I calculated by the almanac. Is it settled? Does it suit you? Oh, it's all the same to a lot.

Starting point is 02:20:05 said his sister. There was no necessity to consult us. I shan't prevent L'Orelu being witness. I only want peace and quiet. Chavez, hanging her head, not knowing what to do with herself, had put the toe of her boot through one of the openings in the wooden screen, which covered the tiled floor of the workroom. Then, afraid of having disturbed something when she had withdrawn it, she stooped down and felt about with her hand. L'Helieu hasted. brought the lamp, and he examined her fingers suspiciously. You must be careful, said he. The tiny bits of gold stick to the shoes and get carried away without one knowing it. It was all to do with business. The employers didn't allow a single

Starting point is 02:20:55 speck for waste. He showed her the rabbit's foot he used to brush off any flex of gold left on the chevi. And the leather he kept on his lap to catch any gold that fell. twice weekly the shop was swept out carefully the sweepings collected and burned and the ashes sifted this recovered up to twenty-five or thirty francs worth of gold a month madame lorilu could not take her eyes from jervais's shoes there's no reason to get angry murmured she with an amiable smile but perhaps madame would not mind looking at the soles of her shoes And Jervais, turning very red, sat down again, and holding up her feet, showed that there was nothing clinging to them. Koupo had opened the door, exclaiming, good night, in an abrupt tone of voice. He called to her from the corridor. Then she and her turn went off, after stammering a few polite words.

Starting point is 02:21:58 She hoped to see them again, and that they would all agree well together. Both of a Lorhilu had already gone back to their work at the far end of their dark hole of a workroom. Madame Lorhilu, her skin reflecting the red glow from the bed of coals, was drawing on another wire, each effort swelling her neck and making the strained muscles stand out like taut cords. Her husband, hunched over beneath the greenish gleam of the globe, were starting another length of chain, twisting each link with his pliers, pressing it on one side, inserting it into the next link above, opening it again with a pointed tool, continuously, mechanically, not wasting a motion, even to wipe the sweat from his face.

Starting point is 02:22:47 When Jervais emerged from the corridor onto the landing, she could not help saying, with tears in her eyes, that doesn't promise much happiness. Coupot shook his head furiously. He would get even with Rory Lou for that evening. Had anyone ever seen such a miserly fellow, to think that they were going to walk off with two or three grains of his gold dust. All the fuss they made was from pure avarice. His sister thought perhaps they would never marry, so as to enable her to economize four Sue on her dinner every day. However, it would take place all the same on July 29. He did not Kara hanged for them. Nevertheless, Jervais still felt depressed.

Starting point is 02:23:35 Tormented by a foolish fearfulness, she appeared anxiously into every dark shadow along the stair rail as she descended. It was dark and deserted at this hour, led only by a single gas jet on the second floor. In the shadowy depths of a dark pit, it gave a spot of brightness, even with its flame turned so low.

Starting point is 02:23:56 It was now silent behind the closed doors. The weary labourers had gone to sleep after eating. However, there was a soft laugh from Mademoiselle Clements's room, an array of light shone through the keyhole of Mademoiselle Remanjou's door. She was still busy cutting out dresses for the dolls. Downstairs at Madame Godrond's, a child was crying. The sinks on the landing smelled more offensive than ever in the middle. midst of a darkness and stillness.

Starting point is 02:24:30 In the courtyard, Jervais turned back for a last look at the tenement, as Coupot called out to the concierge. The building seemed to have grown larger under the moonless sky. The drip, drip of water from the faucet sounded loud in the quiet. Jervais felt that the building was threatening to suffocate her, and a chill went through her body. It was a childish fear, and she smiled at it a moment later. Watch your step, warned Koupo. To get to the entrance, Jervais had to jump over a wide puddle that had rained from a dye shop. The puddle was blue now, a deep blue of a summer sky. The reflections from the nightlight of the concierge sparkled in it like stars. This ends chapter two,

Starting point is 02:25:23 Part 3 Chapter 3 Part 1 of La Samois by Emil Zola Translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli This Liebervox recording is in the public domain Read by Mark Leader

Starting point is 02:25:53 Chapter 3 Part 1 Cheves did not want to have a wedding party What was the use of spending money Besides she still felt somewhat ashamed it seemed to her quite unnecessary to parade the marriage before the whole neighborhood. But Coupot cried out at that.

Starting point is 02:26:17 One could not be married without having a feed. He did not care a button for the people of the neighborhood. Nothing elaborate, just a short walk and a rabbit ragu in the first eating house they fancied. No music with dessert, just a glass or two, and then back home. The zinc worker, chaffing and joking, had Lainth got the young woman to consent by promising her that there should be no larks. He would keep his eye on the glasses to prevent sunstrokes.

Starting point is 02:26:47 Then he organized a sort of picnic at five francs ahead, at the silver windmill kept by Auguste on the boulevard de la Chappelle. It was a small cafe with moderate charges and had a dancing place in the rear, beneath the three acacias in the courtyard. They would be very comfortable on the first floor. During the next ten days, he got hold of guests in the house where his sister lived in the Rue de la Gouette. Monsieur Mademoiselle Remanjou, Madame Gautron and her husband. He even ended by getting Jervais to consent to the presence of two of his comrades,

Starting point is 02:27:25 Bibi the Smoker and My Boots. No doubt My Boots was a boozer, but then he had such a fantastic appetite that he was always asked to join those sort of gatherings, just for the sight of the caterer's mug, when he beheld that bottomless pit swallowing his twelve pounds of bread. The young woman on her side promised to bring her employer, Madame Foconier,

Starting point is 02:27:47 and the Boches, some very agreeable people. On counting, they found there would be fifteen to sit down to table, which was quite enough. When there are too many, they always wind up quarreling. Koupoe, however, had no money. Without wishing to show off, he intended to behave handsomely. He borrowed 50 francs of his employer. Out of that, he first of all purchased the wedding ring,

Starting point is 02:28:14 a 12-franc gold wedding ring, which L'Orilu procured for him at the wholesale price of nine francs. He then bought himself a frock-coat, a pair of trousers, and a waistcoat at a tailor's-in-the-room, Mira, to whom he gave merely 25 francs on account. His patent-leather shoes and his hat were still good enough. When he put by the ten francs for his and Gervais's share of the feast, the two children not being charged for, he had exactly six francs left, the price of a low mass at the altar of the poor.

Starting point is 02:28:50 He had no liking for those black crows, the priests. It would gripe him to pay his last six francs to keep their whistles wet, however a marriage without a mass wasn't a real marriage at all. going to the church himself he bargained for a whole hour with a little old priest in a dirty cassock who was as sharp at dealing as a push-cart peddler. Koupoe felt like boxing his ears. For a joke, he asked the priest if he didn't have a second-hand mass that would do for a modest young couple. The priest, mumbling that God would take small pleasure in blessing their union, finally let him have his mass for five francs.

Starting point is 02:29:32 Well, after all, that meant 20 sous saved. Chevese also wanted to look decent. As soon as the marriage was settled, she made her arrangements, worked extra time in the evenings, and managed to put 30 francs on one side. She had a great longing for a little silk mantle marked 13 francs in the Rue du Foulbeau Poissonier. She treated herself to it,

Starting point is 02:29:58 and then bought for ten francs off the husband of a wall. washerwoman who had died in Madame Fauconier's house, a blue-wollen dress, which she altered to fit herself. With the seven francs remaining, she procured a pair of cotton gloves, a rose for her cap, and some shoes for Claude, her eldest boy. Fortunately, the youngster's blouses were passable. She spent four nights cleaning everything and mending the smallest holes in her stockings and chemise. On Friday night, the eve of the great day, Chavez and Coupeau had still a good deal of running about to do up till eleven o'clock after returning home from work. Then, before separating for the night, they spent an hour together in the young woman's room, happy at being about to be released from their awkward position.

Starting point is 02:30:51 In spite of the fact that they had originally resolved not to put themselves out to impress the neighbors, they'd ended by taking it seriously and working themselves till they were weary. By the time they said good night, they were almost asleep on their feet. They breathed a great sigh of relief now that everything was ready. Koup's witnesses were to be Monsieur Matignet and Bibi the Smoker. They were counting on L'Roulou and Boch for Jervais's witnesses. They were to go quietly to the mayor's office and the church, just to six of them. them, without a whole procession of people trailing behind them. The bridegroom's two sisters

Starting point is 02:31:32 had even declared, but they would stay home, their presence not being necessary. Coupos' mother, however, had sobbed and wailed, threatening to go ahead of them and hide herself in some corner of a church, until they'd promised to take her along. The meeting of the guests was set for one o'clock at the silver windmill. From there, they would go to San Denis, going out by railroad, and returning on foot along the highway in order to work up an appetite. The party promised to be quite all right. Saturday morning, while getting dressed, Kupo felt a calm of uneasiness in view of the single Frank in his pocket.

Starting point is 02:32:13 He began to think that it was a matter of ordinary courtesy to offer a glass of wine and a slice of ham to the witnesses while awaiting dinner. Also, there might be unforeseen expenses. So, after taking Claude and Etienne to stay with Madame Bosch, who was to bring them to the dinner later that afternoon, he'd hurried over to the Rue de la Gouta to borrow ten francs from L'Hilu. Having to do that griped him immensely, as he could guess the attitude his brother-in-law would take. The latter did grumble a bit, but ended by lending him two five-franc pieces. However, Coupa overheard his sister muttering under her breath.

Starting point is 02:32:55 This is a fine beginning. The ceremony at the mayors was to take place at half-past ten. It was beautiful weather. A magnificent sun seemed to roast the streets. So it was not to be stared at, the bride and bridegroom, the old mother, and the four witnesses, separated into two bands. Jervais walked in front with Lorreou, who gave her his arm, whilst Monsieur Madignet followed with Mother Coupeau.

Starting point is 02:33:24 Then, twenty steps per. Behind on the opposite side of the way came Coupot, Bosch, and Beebe the Smoker. These three were in black frockcoats, walking erect and swinging their arms. Bosch's trousers were bright yellow. Bebe the Smoker didn't have a waistcoat, so he was buttoned up to the neck with only a bit of his cravat showing. The only one in a full dress suit was Monsieur Madinier, and passers-by gazed at this well-dressed gentleman, escorting the huge bulk of Mother Coupeau in her green shawl and black bonnet with red ribbons. Jervais looked very gay and sweet in her dress of vivid blue,

Starting point is 02:34:05 and with her new silk mantle fitted tightly to her shoulders. She listened politely to the sneering remarks of L'Orilu, who seemed buried in the depths of the immense overcoat he was wearing. From time to time, Chavez would turn her head a little to smile brightly at Coupot, who was rather uncomfortable under the hot sun in his new clothes. Though they walked very slowly, they arrived at the mayor's quite half an hour too soon, and as the mayor was late,

Starting point is 02:34:35 their turn was not reached till close upon eleven o'clock. They sat down on some chairs and waited in a corner of the apartment, looking by turns at the high ceiling and bare walls, walking low and over-politely pushing back their chairs, each time that one of the attendants passed. Yet among themselves they called the mayor a sluggard, saying he must be visiting his blonde to get a massage for his gout, or that maybe he'd swallowed his official sash.

Starting point is 02:35:06 However, when the mayor did put in his appearance, they rose respectfully in his honor. They were asked to sit down again, and they had to wait through three other marriages. The hall was crowded with the three bourgeois wedding parties, Brides all in white, little girls with carefully curled hair, bridesmaids wearing wide sashes, an endless procession of ladies and gentlemen

Starting point is 02:35:29 dressed in their best in looking very stylish. When at length they were called, they almost missed being married altogether, Beebe the smoker having disappeared. Bush discovered him outside smoking his pipe. Well, they were a nice lot inside there to humbug people about like that, just because one hadn't yellow-kid gloves

Starting point is 02:35:54 to shove under their noses. And the various formalities, the reading of the code, the different questions to be put, the signing of all the documents were all got through so rapidly, but they looked at each other with an idea but they'd been robbed of a good half of the ceremony.

Starting point is 02:36:12 Chavez, dizzy, her heart full, pressed her handkerchief to her lips. Mother Coupeau wept, bitterly. All had signed the register, writing their names in big, struggling letters, with the exception of the bridegroom, who not being able to write, had put his cross. They each gave four sue for the poor. When an attendant handed Coupeau the marriage certificate, the latter, prompted by Jervais, who nudged his elbow, handed him another five sue.

Starting point is 02:36:46 It was a fair walk from the mayor's office in the town hall to the town hall, the church. The men stopped along the way to have a beer. Mother Coupeau and Gervais took cassis with water. Then they had to trudge along the long street where the sun glared straight down without the relief of shade. When they arrived at the church, they were hurried along and asked if they came so late in order to make a mockery of religion. A priest came forward, his face pale and resentful from having to delay his lunch. An altar boy, in a soiled surplus ran before him. The mass went very fast, with the priest turning,

Starting point is 02:37:27 bowing his head, spreading out his arms, making all the ritual gestures in haste, while casting sidelong glances at the group. Chavez and Coupeau before the altar were embarrassed, not knowing when they should kneel or rise or seat themselves, expecting some indication from the attendant. The witnesses, not knowing what was proper, remained standing during the ceremony.

Starting point is 02:37:53 Mother Coupeau was weeping again, and shedding her tears into the missile she'd borrowed from a neighbor. Meanwhile, the noon shimes had sounded, and the church began to fill with noise from the shuffling feet of sacrosan's and the clatter of chairs being put back in place. The high altar was apparently being prepared

Starting point is 02:38:12 for some special ceremony. Thus, in the depths of this obscure chapel, amid the floating dust, the surly priest placed his withered hands on the bared heads of Jervais and Coupeau, blessing their union amid a hubbub like that of moving day. The wedding party signed another registry, this time in the sacristy, and then found themselves out in the bright sunlight before the church doors where they stood for a moment, breathless and confused from having been carried along at such a breakneck speed. "'Voula, said Coupot, with an embarrassed laugh.

Starting point is 02:38:50 "'Well, it sure didn't take long. "'They shove it at you so. "'It's like being at the painless dentists "'who doesn't give you time to cry out. "'Here you get a painless wedding.' "'Yes, it's a quick job,' Lori Lou smirked. "'In five minutes you're tied together for the rest of your life. "'You poor young Cassice, you've had it.'

Starting point is 02:39:15 The four witnesses whacked Coupot on the shoulders as he arched his back against the friendly blows. Meanwhile, Javees was hugging and kissing Mother Coupot, her eyes moist, a smile, lighting her face. She replied reassuringly to the old woman sobbing. Don't worry. I'll do my best. I want so much to have a happy life. If it doesn't work out, it won't be my fault. Anyhow, it's done now. It's up to us to get along. together and do the best we can for each other. After that, they went straight to the silver windmill.

Starting point is 02:39:53 Koupo had taken his wife's arm. They walked quickly, laughing as though carried away, quite two hundred steps ahead of the others, without noticing the houses or the passers-by or the vehicles. The deafening noises of the Fubourg sounded like bells in their ears. When they reached the wine shop, Koupo at once ordered two books. bottles of wine, some bread, and some slices of ham, to be served in the little glazed closet

Starting point is 02:40:21 on the ground floor, without plates or tablecloth, simply to have a snack. Then, noticing that Boche and Beebe the smoker seemed to be very hungry, he had a third bottle brought, as well as a slab of brie cheese. Mother Coupeau was not hungry, being too choked up to be able to eat. Chavez found herself very thirsty and drank several. a large glasses of water with a small amount of wine added. I'll settle for this, said Coupot, going at once to the bar, where he paid four francs and five sous.

Starting point is 02:40:58 It was now one o'clock, and other guests began to arrive. Madame Foconnier, a fat woman, still good-looking, first put in an appearance. She wore a chinched dress with a flowery pattern, a pink tie, and a cap over-trimmed with flowers. next came Mademoiselle Rehmanjou, looking very thin in the eternal black dress, which she seemed to keep on even when she went to bed.

Starting point is 02:41:26 And the two Godoran, the husband, like some heavy animal, and almost bursting his brown jacket at the slightest movement, the wife, an enormous woman, whose figure indicated evident signs of an approaching maternity, and whose stiff violet-colored skirt still more increased her rotundity, Kupot explained that they were not to wait from my boots, his comrade would join the party on the route to Saint Denis. Well, exclaimed Madame Lerat as she entered, it'll pour in torrent soon, that'll be pleasant.

Starting point is 02:42:00 And she called everyone to the door of the wine shop to see the clouds as black as ink, which were rising rapidly to the south of Paris. Madame Lerat, eldest of the coupons, was a tall, gaunt one. who talked through her nose. She was unattractively dressed in a puse-colored robe that hung loosely on her and had such long dangling fringes that they made her look like a skinny poodle coming out of the water. She brandished her umbrella like a club. After greeting Jervais, she said,

Starting point is 02:42:33 You've no idea. The heat in the street is like a slap on the face. You'd think someone was throwing fire at you. Everyone agreed that they knew the storm was coming. It was in the air. Monsieur Madignet said that he'd seen it as they were coming out of a church. L'Hilu mentioned that his corns were aching, and he hadn't been able to sleep since three in the morning. A storm was due. It had been much too hot for three days in a row.

Starting point is 02:43:04 Well, maybe it will just be a little missed, Coupot said several times, standing at the door and anxiously studying the sky. Now we have to wait only for my sister. We'll start as soon as she arrives. Madame L'Hulieu was late. Madame Larrat had stopped by so they could come together, but found her only beginning to get dressed. The two sisters had argued.

Starting point is 02:43:31 The widow whispered in her brother's ear, I left her flat. She's in a dreadful mood. You'll see. and the wedding party had to wait another quarter of an hour, walking about the wine shop, elbowed and jostled in the midst of the men who'd entered to drink a glass of wine at the bar.

Starting point is 02:43:50 Now and again, Bosch, or Madame Foconnier, or Beebe the smoker, left the others and went to the edge of the pavement, looking up at the sky. The storm was not passing over at all. A darkness was coming on, and puffs of winds sweeping along the ground, raised little clouds of white dust.

Starting point is 02:44:10 At the first clap of thunder, Mademoiselle Reimandieu made the sign of the cross. All the glances were anxiously directed to the clock over the looking-glass. It was twenty minutes to two. Here it goes, cried Coupot. It's the angels who are weeping. A gush of rain swept the pavement along which some women flew, holding down their skirts with both hands.

Starting point is 02:44:35 and it was in the midst of this first shower that Madame L'Helieu at length arrived, furious and out of breath, and struggling on the threshold with her umbrella that would not close. Did anyone ever see such a thing, she exclaimed? It caught me just at the door. I felt inclined to go upstairs again and take my things off. I should have been wise had I done so. It's a pretty wedding.

Starting point is 02:45:01 I said how it would be. I wanted to put it off till next, Saturday, and it rains because they wouldn't listen to me. So much the better, so much the better, I wish the sky would burst. Kupot tried to pacify her without success. He wouldn't have to pay for her dress if it was spoiled. She had on a black silk dress in which she was nearly choking. The bodice, too tight-fitting, was almost bursting the buttonholes and was cutting her across the shoulders, while the skirt only allowed her to take very short steps in walking. However, the ladies present were all staring at her, quite overcome by her costume.

Starting point is 02:45:42 She appeared not to notice, Jervais, who was sitting beside Mother Coupeau. She asked her husband for his handkerchief. Then she went into a corner and very carefully wiped off the raindrops that had fallen on her silk dress. The shower had abruptly ceased. The darkness increased. It was almost like night. A livid night, rented times by large flashes of lightning. Beebe the smokers said laughingly that it would certainly reign priests. Then the storm burst forth with extreme violence. For half an hour the rain came down in buckets full, and the thunder rumbled unceasingly. The men standing up before the door contemplated the gray veil of the downpour,

Starting point is 02:46:29 the swollen gutters, the splashes of water caused by the rain beating into the puddles. The women, feeling frightened, that sat down again, holding their hands before their eyes. They no longer conversed. They were too upset. A jest, Bush made, about the thunder, saying that St. Peter was sneezing up there, failed to raise a smile. But when the thunder claps became less frequent and gradually died away in the distance, The wedding guests began to get impatient, enraged against the storm, cursing and shaking their fists at the clouds. A fine and interminable rain now poured down from the sky, which had become an ashy grey.

Starting point is 02:47:14 It's past two o'clock, cried Madame Lorilu. We can't stop here forever. Mademoiselle Rémanjou, have been suggested going into the country all the same, even though they went no farther than the moat of the fortifications. The other scouted the idea. The roads would be in a nice state. One would not even be able to sit down on the grass. Besides, it did not seem to be all over yet. There might perhaps be another downpour. Coupot, who'd been watching a workman, completely soaked, yet quietly walking along in the rain, murmured, "'With that animal, my boots is waiting for us under Rue de Saint-Denis, he won't catch a sunstroke.' that made some of them laugh but the general ill-humour increased it was becoming ludicrous they must decide on something unless they plan to sit there staring at each other until time for dinner

Starting point is 02:48:11 so for the next quarter of an hour while the persistent rain continued they tried to think of what to do bibi the smoker suggested that they play cards bosh slyly suggesting a most amusing game the game of true confession Madame Godron thought of going to eat onion tarts on the Chaucee-Clinancourt. Madame Lerat wanted to hear some stories. Gautron said he wasn't a bit put out and thought they were quite well off where they were out of a downpour. He suggested sitting down to dinner immediately. There was a discussion after each proposal. Some said that this would put everybody to sleep or that they would make people think they were stupid. L'Ori L'Rillou had to get his word in.

Starting point is 02:49:00 He finally suggested a walk along the outer boulevards to Per Lacha's cemetery. They could visit the tomb of Eloise and Abelard. Madame L'Helieu exploded, no longer able to control herself. She was leaving, she was. Were they trying to make fun of her? She got all dressed up and came out in the rain,

Starting point is 02:49:20 and for what? To be wasting time in a wine shop? No, she'd had enough of this wedding party. rather be in her own home. Koupoe and Lorylou had to get between her and the door to keep her from leaving. She kept telling them, get out of my way! I'm leaving, I tell you. Lorylou finally succeeded in calming her down. Koupeau went over to Jervais, who'd been sitting quietly in a quarter with Mother Koupo and Madame Focconier. You haven't suggested anything, he said to her. Oh, whatever they want.

Starting point is 02:49:58 she replied, laughing, I don't mind. We can go out or stay here. She seemed aglow with contentment. She'd spoken to each guest as they arrived. She spoke sensibly in her soft voice, not getting into any

Starting point is 02:50:14 disagreements. During the downpour, she had sat with her eyes wide open, watching the lightning as though she could see the future in the sudden flashes. Monsieur Madigny had up to this time not proposed any thing. He was leaning against the bar with the tails of his dress coat thrust apart, while he

Starting point is 02:50:34 fully maintained the important air of an employer. He kept on expectorating and rolled his big eyes about. "'Mondieu,' said he, "'we might go to the museum.' And he stroked his chin as he blinkingly consulted the other members of the party. "'There are antiquities, pictures, paintings, a whole heap of things. It's very instructive. Perhaps you've never been there. Oh, it is quite worth seeing at least once in a while. They looked at each other interrogatively. No, Gervais had never been.

Starting point is 02:51:13 Madame Foconnier neither, nor Boch, nor the others. Koupoe thought he'd been one Sunday, but he was not sure. They hesitated, however, when Madame Lourri-Lou, greatly impressed by Monsieur Madigny, importance, thought the suggestion a very worthy and respectable one. As they were wasting the day and were all dressed up, they might as well go somewhere for their own instruction. Everyone approved. Then, as it still rained a little, they borrowed some umbrellas from the proprietor of the wine shop, old blue, green and brown umbrellas, forgotten by different customers, and started off to the museum.

Starting point is 02:51:56 The wedding party turned to the right and descended into Paris along the forebord. Saint Denis. Coupeau and Jervais again took the lead, almost running and keeping a good distance in front of the others. Mr. Madignet now gave his arm to Madame Louroulogneau, Mother Coupeau having remained behind in the wine shop on a counter of her old legs. Then came L'Orelou and Madame Lerat, Boche and Madame Foconnier, beeped the smoker, and Mademoiselle Remanjou, and finally the two Godron. They were twelve, and made it first. pretty long procession on the pavement. This ends

Starting point is 02:52:35 Chapter 3, Part 1. Chapter 3, Part 2 of La Somer by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Bizzitelli. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 3, Part 2. I swear to you, we have

Starting point is 02:53:06 nothing to do with it. Madame L'Ureux explained to Monsieur Madigny. We don't even know how they met, or we know only too well, but that's not for us to discuss. My husband even had to buy the wedding ring. We were scarcely out of bed this morning when he had to lend them ten francs. And not a member of her family at her wedding, what kind of bride is that? She says she has a sister in Paris who works for a pork butcher. Why didn't she invite her? She stopped to point at Gervais, who was limping awkwardly because of the slope of the pavement.

Starting point is 02:53:45 Just look at her. Clump, clump, clump, clump ran through the wedding procession. Lorrello laughed under his breath and said they ought to call her that. But Madame Fauconnier stood up for Gervais. They shouldn't make fun of her. She was neat as a pin and did a good job when there was washing to be done. when the wedding procession came out of the Fobor San Deniz, they had to cross the boulevard.

Starting point is 02:54:14 The street had been transformed into a morass of sticky mud by the storm. It had started to pour again, and they had opened the assorted umbrellas. The women picked their way carefully through the mud, holding their skirts high as the men held the sorry-looking umbrellas over their heads. The procession stretched out the width of a street. It's a masquerade, yelled two street urchins. People turned to stare. These couples parading across the boulevard added a splash of vivid color against the damp background.

Starting point is 02:54:51 It was a parade of a strange medley of styles, showing fancy-used clothing such as constitute the luxury of the poor. The gentleman's hats caused the most merriment. Old hats preserved for years in dark and dusty cupboards. in a variety of comical forms. Tall ones, flattened ones, sharply peaked ones, hats with extraordinary brims, curled back or flat, too narrow or too wide. Then, at the very end, Madame Gogdron came along with her bright dress over her bulging belly and caused the smiles of the audience to grow even wider. The procession made no effort to hasten its progress.

Starting point is 02:55:36 They were, in fact, rather pleased. pleased to attract so much attention and admiration. Look, here comes the bride, one of the urchins shouted, pointed to Madame Godron. Oh, isn't it too bad? She must have swallowed something. The entire wedding procession burst into laughter. Bibi the smoker turned around and laughed.

Starting point is 02:56:01 Madame Godrone laughed the most of all. She wasn't ashamed as she thought more than one of the women watching had looked at her with envy. They turned into the Rue de Claree. Then they took the Rue de Maille. On reaching the Place de Victoire, there was a halt. The bride's left shoelace had come undone, and as she tied it up again at the foot of a statue of Louis Cateauves, the couples pressed behind her waiting and joking about the bit of calf of her leg that she displayed. At length, after passing down the Rue de Petit Chant, they reached the Louvre. Monsieur Madine

Starting point is 02:56:40 politely asked to be their Ciceroon. It was a big place and they might lose themselves. Besides, he knew the best parts, because he had often come there with an artist, the very intelligent fellow from whom a large dealer bought designs to put on his cardboard boxes. Down below, when the wedding party entered the Assyrian Museum, a slight shiver passed through it.

Starting point is 02:57:06 But, deuce, it was not. not at all warm there, the hall would have made a capital cellar. And the couple slowly advanced, their chins raised, their eyes blinking, between the gigantic stone figures, the black marble gods dumb in their hieratic rigidity, and the monstrous beasts, half cats and half women, with death-like faces, attenuated noses, and swollen lips. They thought all these things very ugly. The carvings of the present day were a great deal better. An inscription in Phoenician characters amazed them. No one could possibly have ever read that scroll.

Starting point is 02:57:49 But Monsieur Madignier, already up on the first landing with Madame L'Hilou, called to them, shouting beneath the vaulted ceiling. Come along, there are nothing all those things, but things to see are on the first floor. The severe barrenness of a staircase made them very grave. An attendant superbly attired in a red waistcoat and a coat trimmed with gold lace, who seemed to be awaiting them on the landing, increased their emotion. It was with great respect and treading as softly as possible that they entered the French gallery.

Starting point is 02:58:27 Then, without stopping, their eyes occupied with the gilding of the frames, they followed the string of little rooms, glancing at the passing pictures too numerous to be seen properly. It would have required an hour before each if they had wanted to understand it. What a number of pictures! There was no end to them! They must be worth a mint of money. Right at the end, Monsieur Madignet suddenly ordered a halt opposite the raft of the Medusa, and he explained the subject to them.

Starting point is 02:59:00 All deeply impressed in motionless they uttered not a word. When they started off again, Bosch expressed the general feeling. saying it was marvelous. In the Apollo Gallery, the inlaid flooring especially astonished the party, a shining floor as clear as a mirror and which reflected the legs of the seats. Mademoiselle Remanjou kept her eyes closed

Starting point is 02:59:26 because she could not help thinking that she was walking on water. They called to Madame Godrone to be careful how she trod on account of her condition. Monsieur Mademarine wanted to show them the gildes in paintings of the ceiling. But it nearly broke their necks to look up above, and they could distinguish nothing. Then, before entering the square salon,

Starting point is 02:59:49 he pointed to a window saying, That's the balcony, from which Charles Xonthe fired on the people. He looked back to make sure the party was following. In the middle of the Saloncarat, he held up his hand. There are only masterpieces here, he said. in a subdued voice, as though in church. They went all around the room.

Starting point is 03:00:15 Jervais wanted to know about the wedding at Kana. Coupeau paused the stare at the Mona Lisa, saying that she reminded him of one of his aunts. Bush and Beebe the smoker snickered at the nudes, pointing them out to each other and winking. The Godrons looked at the virgin of Murillo, he with his mouth open, she with her hands folded on her belly. When they had been all around the salon, Monsieur Madinier wished them to go round it again.

Starting point is 03:00:46 It was so worthwhile. He was very attentive to Madame L'Orilu because of her silk dress, and each time that she questioned him, he answered her gravely, with great assurance. She was curious about Tishan's mistress, because the yellow hair resembled her own. He told her it was La Belle Ferronier, a mistress of Henri Cattre. about whom there had been a play at the Ambigu. Then the wedding party invaded the long gallery occupied by the Italian and Flemish schools.

Starting point is 03:01:20 More paintings, always paintings. Saints, men, and women with faces which some of them could understand. Landscapes that were all black. Animals turned yellow, a medley of people and things, the great mixture of the colors of which was beginning to give them all violent head. headaches. Monsieur Madignet no longer talked as he slowly headed the procession, which followed him in good order, with stretched necks and upcast eyes. Centuries of art passed before their bewildered ignorance, the fine sharpness of the early masters, the splendors of the Venetians, the vigorous life, beautiful with light of the Dutch painters.

Starting point is 03:02:04 But what interested them most were the artists who were copying, with their easel's plan. amongst the people, painting away unrestrainedly. An old lady mounted on a pair of high steps, working a big brush over the delicate sky of an immense painting, struck them as something most peculiar. Slowly, the word must have gone around that a wedding party was visiting Belouva. Several painters came over with big smiles. Some visitors were so curious that they went to sit on benches ahead of the group in order to be comfortable. while they watched them pass in review. Museum guards bit back comments.

Starting point is 03:02:46 The wedding party was now quite weary and beginning to drag their feet. Monsieur Madignet was reserving himself to give more effect to a surprise that he had in store. He went straight to the carmesse of Rubens, but still he said nothing. He contented himself

Starting point is 03:03:04 with directing the other's attention to the picture by a sprightly glance. the ladies uttered faint cries the moment they brought their noses close to the painting then blushing deeply they turned away their heads the men though kept them there cracking jokes and seeking for the coarser details just look exclaimed bush it's worth the money there's one spewing and another he's watering the dandelions and that one oh that one ah well there a nice clean lot there are. Let us be off, said Monsieur Mardinier, delighted with his success. There's nothing more to see here. They retraced their steps, passing again through the Salon Carré and the Apollo Gallery. Madame Lerat and Mademoiselle Remanjou complained, declaring that their legs could scarcely bear them. But the cardboard box manufacturer wanted to show L'Orelu the old jewelry. It was close by in a

Starting point is 03:04:09 little room, which he could find with his eyes shut. However, he made a mistake and led the wedding party astray through seven or eight cold deserted rooms, only ornamented with severe-looking glass cases, containing numberless broken pots and hideous little figures. While looking for an exit, they stumbled into the collection of drawings. It was immense. Through room after room, they saw nothing interesting, just scribes. dribblings on paper that filled all the cases and covered the walls.

Starting point is 03:04:43 They thought there was no end to these drawings. Monsieur Madine, losing his head, not willing to admit that he did not know his way, ascended a flight of stairs, making the wedding party mount to the next floor. This time they traversed the Naval Museum, among models of instruments and cannons, plans in relief and vessels as tiny as playthings. After going a long way and walking for a quarter of an hour, the party came upon another staircase, and having descended this, found itself once more surrounded by their drawings.

Starting point is 03:05:22 Then despair took possession of them as they wandered at random through long holes, following Monsieur Madigny, who was furious in mopping the sweat from his forehead. He accused the government of having moved the doors around. museum guards and visitors looked on with astonishment as the procession, still in a column of couples, passed by. They passed again through the Salon Carré, the French Gallery, and then along the cases were minor eastern divinities slumbered peacefully. It seemed they would never find their way out. They were getting tired and made a lot of noise. Closing time! Closing time! called out the attendants in a loud tone of voice.

Starting point is 03:06:11 And the wedding party was nearly locked in, and the attendant was obliged to place himself at the head of it and conduct it to a door. Then in the courtyard of a louvre, when it had recovered its umbrellas from the cloakroom, it breathed again. Mr. Madignier regained his assurance. He'd made a mistake in not turning to the left,

Starting point is 03:06:34 now he recollected that the jewelry was to the left. The whole party pretended to be very pleased that having seen all they had. Four o'clock was striking. They were still two hours to be employed before the dinner time. So it was decided they should take a stroll, just to occupy the interval. The ladies, who were very tired, would have preferred to sit down. But as no one offered any refreshments, they started off, following the line of keys. There they encountered another shower, and so sharp a one that in spite of the umbrellas,

Starting point is 03:07:13 the lady's dresses began to get wet. Madame L'Orilu, her heart sinking within her, each time a drop, fell upon her black silk, proposed that they should shelter themselves onto the Pont Royale. Besides, if the others did not accompany her, she threatened to go all by herself. And the procession marched under one of the arches of the bridge. They were very comfortable there. It was most decidedly a capital idea. The ladies, spreading their handkerchiefs over the paving stones, sat down with their knees wide apart,

Starting point is 03:07:48 and pulled out the blades of grass that grew between the stones with both hands, whilst they watched the dark flowing water as though they were in the country. The men amused themselves with calling out very loud, so as to awaken the echoes of the arch. Bush and Beebe the Smoker shouted insults into the air at the top of their voices one after the other. They laughed uproariously when the echoed through the insults back at them. When their throats were hoarse from shouting, they made a game of skipping flat stones on the surface of the seine. The shower had ceased, but the whole party felt so comfortable that no one thought of moving away. The sand was flowing by, an oriental.

Starting point is 03:08:34 sheet carrying bottle corks, vegetable peelings, and other refuse that sometimes collected in temporary whirlpools, moving along with the turbulent water. Endless traffic rumbled on the bridge overhead, the noisy bustle of Paris, of which they could glimpse only the rooftops to the left and right, as though they were in the bottom of a deep pit. Mademoiselle Reimantieu sighed. If the leaves had been out, this would have reminded her of a bend of the mound of the mound, where she used to go with a young man. It still made her cry to think of him.

Starting point is 03:09:12 At last, Monsieur Madigny gave the signal for departure. They passed through the Tuileries gardens in the midst of a little community of children, whose hoops and balls upset the good order of the couples. Then, as the wedding party on arriving at the Place Vandom looked up at the column, Monsieur Madignet gallantly offered to treat the ladies to a view from the top. His suggestion was considered extremely amusing. Yes, yes, they would go up. It would give them something to laugh about for a long time. Besides, it would be full of interest for those persons who'd never been higher than a cow pasture.

Starting point is 03:09:52 Do you think clump, clump, will venture inside there with her leg all out of place? murmured Madame Lourrello. I'll go up with pleasure, said Madame Lerrat, but I won't have any men walking behind me. And the whole party ascended. In the narrow space afforded by the spiral staircase, the twelve persons crawled up one after the other, stumbling against the worn steps and clinging to the walls. Then, when the obscurity became complete, they almost split their sides with laughing. The ladies screamed when the gentleman pinned.

Starting point is 03:10:30 their legs. But they weren't stupid enough to say anything. The proper plan is to think that it is the mice nibbling at them. It wasn't very serious. The men knew when to stop. Bosch thought of a joke and everyone took it up. They called down to Madame Godrone to ask her if she could squeeze her belly through. Just think. If she should get stuck there, she would completely block the passage and how would they ever get out? They laughed so at the jokes about her belly that the column itself vibrated. Bush was now quite carried away and declared that they were growing old climbing up this chimney pipe. Was it ever coming to an end, or did it go right up to heaven?

Starting point is 03:11:16 He tried to frighten the ladies by telling them the structure was shaking. Coupot, meanwhile, said nothing. He was behind Jervais with his arm around her waist and felt that she was everything perfect to him. When they suddenly emerged again into the daylight, he was just in the act of kissing her on the cheek. Well, you're a nice couple, you don't stand on ceremony, said Madame L'Helieu with a scandalized air. Bebe the smoker pretended to be furious. He muttered between his teeth. You made such a noise together. I wasn't even able to count the steps. But Monsieur Madignet was already up.

Starting point is 03:12:02 on the platform, pointing off the different monuments. Neither Madame Foconnier nor Mademoiselle Remanjou would on any consideration leave the staircase. The thought of the pavement below made their blood curdle, and they contented themselves with glancing out of the little door. Madame Lerat, who was bolder, went round the narrow terrace, keeping close to the bronze dome, but, mon dieu, it gave one a rude emotion to think that one

Starting point is 03:12:32 only had to slip off. The men were a little paler than usual as they stared down at the square below. You would think they were up in mid-air, detached from everything. No, it wasn't fun. It froze your very insides. Monsieur Madigny

Starting point is 03:12:52 told them to raise their eyes and look straight into the distance to avoid feeling dizzy. He went on, pointing out the invalide, the Pantheon, Notre Dame and the Montereyre Hill. Madame Lour Helu asked if they could see the place where they were to have dinner,

Starting point is 03:13:10 the silver windmill on the boulevard de la Chappelle. For ten minutes they tried to see it, even arguing about it. Everyone had their own idea where it was. It wasn't worthwhile coming up here to bite each other's noses off, said Bush, angrily as he turned to descend the staircase. The wedding party went down,

Starting point is 03:13:32 on speaking and sulky, awakening no other sound beyond that of shoes clanking on the stone steps. When it reached the bottom, Monsieur Madigny wished to pay, but Coupot would not permit him, and hastened to place 24 sous into the keeper's hand, two sous for each person. So they returned by the boulevard and the Fobour de Poissonier.

Starting point is 03:13:58 Coupa, however, considered that their outing could not end like that. He bundled them all into a wine shop Where they took some vermouth The repast was ordered for six o'clock At the silver windmill They'd been waiting for the wettie party for a good 20 minutes Madame Bosch Who had got a lady living in the same house

Starting point is 03:14:20 To attend to her duties for the evening Was conversing with Mother Coupeau In the first floor room in front of the table Which was all laid out And the two youngsters, Claude and Etienne Whom she brought with her, were playing about beneath the table and amongst the chairs. When Gervais, unentering, caught sight of the little ones,

Starting point is 03:14:40 whom she'd not seen all the day, she took them on her knees and caressed and kissed them. Have they been good? asked she of Madame Bosch. I hope they haven't worried you too much. And as the latter related the things the little rascals had done during the afternoon, and which would make one die with laughing, the mother again took the up and pressed them to her breast, seized with an overpowering outburst of maternal affection. It's not very pleasant for Coupot. All the same, Madame L'Orillou is saying to the other ladies at the end of the room. Jervais had kept her smiling peacefulness from the morning,

Starting point is 03:15:23 but after the long walk she appeared almost sad at times as she watched her husband and the L'Orelu in a thoughtful way. She had the feeling that Koupo was a little afraid of his sister. The evening before, he'd been talking big, swearing he would put them in their places if they didn't behave. However, she could see that in their presence he was hanging on their words, worrying when he thought they might be displeased. This gave the young bride some cause for worry about the future.

Starting point is 03:15:57 They were now all. only waiting for my boots who had not yet put in an appearance. Oh, blow him, cried Coupot. Let's begin. You'll see, he'll soon turn up. He's got a hollow nose. He can scent the grub from afar. I say he must be amusing himself if he's still standing like a post on the Rue de Saint-Denie. Then the wedding party, feeling very lively, sat down, making a great noise with the chairs. Jervais was between L'Oril and Monsieur Madignet, and Coupot between Madame Fauconier and Madame L'Orillou. The other guests seated themselves where they liked,

Starting point is 03:16:36 because it always ended with jealousies and quarrels when one settled their places for them. Bosch glided to a seat beside Madame Lerrat. Bibi the Smoker had for neighbors, Mademoiselle Remanjou and Madame Godron. As for Madame Bosch and Mother Coupeau, they were right at the end of a table, looking after the children,

Starting point is 03:16:57 cutting up their meat and giving them something to drink, but not much wine. Does nobody say grace, asked Bosch, all the ladies arranged their skirts under the tablecloth, so as not to get them stained. But Madame L'Huilu paid no attention to such pleasantries. The vermicelli soup, which was nearly cold, was gulped down very quickly, their lips making a hissing noise against the spoons.

Starting point is 03:17:26 Two waiters served, a table, dressed in little greasy jackets and not over-clean white aprons. By the four open windows overlooking the acacias of the courtyard, there entered the clear light of the close of a stormy day, with the atmosphere purified thereby, though without sufficiently cooling it. A light reflected from the humid corner of trees tinged the haze-filled room with green, and made leaf shadows glance along the tablecloth, from which came a vague aroma. of dampness and mildew. Two large mirrors, one at each end of the room,

Starting point is 03:18:04 seemed to stretch out the table. The heavy crockery with which it was set was beginning to turn yellow, and the cutlery was scratched and grimed with grease. Each time a waiter came through the swinging doors from the kitchen, a whiff of odorous burnt lard came with him. Don't all talk at once, said Bush,

Starting point is 03:18:25 as everyone remained silent with his. his nose in his plate. This ends Chapter 3, Part 2. Chapter 3, Part 3 of La Sommoir by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader Chapter 3, Part 3 They were drinking the first glass of wine as their eyes followed two meat pies, which the waiters were handing round, when my boots entered the room. Well, you're a scurvy lot, you people, said he. I've been wearing my pins out for three hours

Starting point is 03:19:15 waiting on that road, and a gendarme even came and asked me for my papers. It isn't right to play such dirty tricks on a friend. You might at least have sent me word by a commissioner. Ah, no, you know, joking apart, it's too bad. And with all that, it rained so. It's hard that I got my pockets full of water. On or bright, you might still catch enough fish in them for a meal. The others wriggled with laughter. That animal my boots was just a bit on. He had certainly already stowed away his two quarts of wine,

Starting point is 03:19:50 merely to prevent his being bothered by all that frog's liquor with which the storm had deluged his limbs. Hello, Count Legge of Mutton, said Coupo. Just go and sit yourself there, beside Madame Gautron. You see, you were expected. Oh, he did not mind. He would soon catch the others up, and he asked for three helpings of soup, platefuls of vermicelli, in which he soaked enormous slices of bread. Then, when they'd attacked the meat pies, he became the profound admiration of everyone at the table. How he stowed it away! The bewildered waiters helped each other

Starting point is 03:20:29 to pass him bread, thin slices which he sawed. swallowed at a mouthful. He ended by losing his temper. He insisted on having a loaf placed on the table beside him. The landlord, very anxious, came for a moment and looked in at the door. The party which was expecting him again wriggled with laughter. It seemed to upset the caterer. What a rum card he was, that my boots. One day he had eaten a dozen hard-boiled eggs and drank a dozen glasses of wine while the clock was striking twelve. There are not many who can do that. And Mademoiselle Remanjou, deeply moved,

Starting point is 03:21:10 watched my boots chew whilst Monsieur Madignet, seeking for a word to express his almost respectful astonishment, declared that such a capacity was extraordinary. There was a brief silence. A waiter had just placed on the table a ragu of rabbits in a vast dish, as deep as a salad bowl. Kupot, who liked fun, started another joke. I say, waiter, that rabbit's from the housetops.

Starting point is 03:21:39 It's still mews. And in fact, a faint mew perfectly imitated seemed to issue from a dish. It was Koupoe who did that with his throat without opening his lips, a talent which at all parties met with decided success, so much so that he never ordered a dinner abroad without having a rabbit ragu. after that he purred the ladies pressed their napkins to their mouths to try and stop their laughter madame fauconier asked for a head she only liked that part mademoiselle remanjou had a weakness for the slices of bacon and as bosh said he preferred the little onions when they were nicely broiled madame le rat screwed up her lips and murmured i can understand that she was a dried-up stick living the cloistered life of a heart hard-working woman imprisoned within her daily routine, who had never had a man stick his nose into

Starting point is 03:22:34 her room since the death of her husband. Yet she had an obsession with double meanings and indecent allusions that were sometimes so far off the mark that only she understood them. As Bush leaned toward her and in a whisper asked for an explanation, she resumed, Little onions, why, of course, that's quite enough, I think. the general conversation was becoming grave each one was talking of his trade m madigny raved about the cardboard business there were some real artists for an example he mentioned christmas gift-boxes of which he'd seen samples that were marvels of splendor lorrileu sneered at this he was extremely vain because of working with gold feeling that it gave a sort of sheen to his fingers and his whole personality in olden times jewelers wore swords like gentlemen he often cited the case of bernard palisi even though he really knew nothing about him coupot told of a masterpiece of a weather-vain made by one of his fellow-workers which included a greek column a sheaf of wheat a basket of fruit, and a flag, all beautifully worked out of nothing but strips of zinc,

Starting point is 03:23:54 shaped and solder together. Madame Lera showed Bibi the smoker how to make a rose by rolling the handle of her knife between her bony fingers. All the while, their voices had been rising louder and louder, competing for attention. Shrill comments by Madame Foconnier were heard. She complained about the girls who worked for her, especially a little. little apprentice who was nothing but a tart, and had badly scorched some sheets the evening before. You may talk, Laurie Lou cried, banging his fists down on the table, but gold is gold. And in the midst of a silence caused by the statement of this fact, the only sound heard was Mademoiselle

Starting point is 03:24:38 Rémanje's shrill voice continuing, Then I turned up the skirt and stitch it inside. I stick a pin in the head to keep the cap on, and that's all. and they're sold for a thirteen sous apiece. She was explaining how she dressed her dolls to my boots, whose jaws were working slowly like grindstones. He did not listen, though he kept nodding his head, but looked after the waiters to prevent them removing any of a dishes he had not cleaned out. They had now finished a veal stew with green beans.

Starting point is 03:25:13 The roast was brought in, two scrawny chickens resting on a bed of watercress, which was limped from the warm. oven. Outside, only the higher branches of the acacias were touched by the setting sun. Inside, the greenish reflected light was thickened by wisps of steam rising from the table, now messy with spilled wine and gravy and the debris of the dinner. Along the wall were dirty dishes and empty bottles, which the waiters had piled there like a heap of refuse. It was so hot, but the men took off their jackets and continued eating in their shirt sleeves. Madame Bosch, please don't spread their butter so thick, said Gervais, who spoke but little,

Starting point is 03:25:57 and who was watching Claude and Etienne from a distance. She got up from her seat and went and talked for a minute while standing behind the little one's chairs. Children did not reason. They would eat all day long without refusing a single thing, and then she herself helped them to some chicken, a little of the breast. But Mother Coupeau said they might, just for once in a while, risk an attack of indigestion. Madame Boche, in a low voice, accused Boche of caressing Madame La Ratt's knees.

Starting point is 03:26:28 Oh, he was a sly one, but he was getting a little too gay. She'd certainly seen his hand disappear. If he did it again, drat him, she wouldn't hesitate throwing a pitcher of water over his head. In the partial silence, Monsieur Madignet was talking politics. Their law of May 31 is an abominable one. Now you must reside in a place for two years. Three millions of citizens are struck off the voting lists. I've been told that Bonaparte is in reality very much annoyed,

Starting point is 03:27:03 for he loves the people. He's given them proofs. He was a Republican, but he admired the prince on account of his uncle, a man the like of whom would never be seen again. Bebe the smoker flew into a passion. He'd worked at the Elysee. He'd seen Bonaparte just as he saw my boots in front of him over there. Well, that muff of a president was just like a jackass.

Starting point is 03:27:27 That was all. It was said that he was going to travel about in the direction of Lyon. It would be a precious good riddance of bad rubbish if he fell into some hole and broke his neck. But as the discussion was becoming too heated, Coupot had to interfere. Ah, well, how simple you are to quarrel about politics. Politics are all humbug. Do such things exist for us? Let there be anyone as king, it won't prevent me earning my five francs a day,

Starting point is 03:27:58 and eating and sleeping, isn't that so? No, it's too stupid to argue about. Lorylou shook his head. He was born on the same day as the Count of Chabot, the 29th of September 1820. He was greatly struck with this coincidence, indulging himself in a vague dream, in which he established a connection between the king's return to France and his own private fortunes. He never said exactly what he was expecting,

Starting point is 03:28:28 but he led people to suppose that when that time arrived, something extraordinarily agreeable would happen to him. So whenever he had a wish too great to be gratified, he would put it off to another time, when the king came back. "'Besides,' observed he, "'I saw the Comte de Chambore one evening.' "'Every face was turned towards him. "'It's quite true, a stout man in an overcoat,

Starting point is 03:28:55 "'and with a good-natured air. "'I was at Peking Nots, "'one of my friends who deals in furniture "'in the Grand Rue de la Chappelle. "'The Count of Chambourne had forgotten his umbrella there "'the day before, "'so he came in and just simply said like this, "'will you please return me?'

Starting point is 03:29:14 my umbrella? Well, yes, it was him. Pechino gave me his word of honor it was. Not one of the guests suggested the smallest doubt. They had now arrived at dessert, and the waiters were clearing the table with much clattering of dishes. Madame Lorilu, who up to then had been very genteel, very much the lady, suddenly let fly with a curse. One of the waiters had spilled something wet down her neck while removing a dish. This time her silk dress would be stained for sure. Monsieur Madinay had to examine her back, but he swore there was nothing to be seen. Two platters of cheese, two dishes of fruit, and a floating island pudding of frosted eggs

Starting point is 03:29:59 in a deep salad bowl had now been placed along the middle of the table. The pudding caused a moment of respectful attention, even though the overdone egg whites had flattened on the yellow custard. It was unexpected and seemed very fancy. My boot was still eating. He had asked for another loaf. He finished what there was of a cheese, and as there was some cream left,

Starting point is 03:30:25 he had the salad bowl pass to him, into which he sliced some large pieces of bread, as though for a soup. The gentleman is really remarkable, said Monsieur Madignet, again giving way to his admiration. Then the men rose to get to, their pipes. They stood for a moment behind my boots, patting him on the back and asking him if he was feeling better. Beebe the smoker lifted him up in his chair, but to now did you, the animal had

Starting point is 03:30:56 doubled in weight. Kupo joked that my boots was only getting started, that now he was going to settle down and really eat for the rest of the night. The waiters were startled and quickly vanished from sight. Bush, who had gone downstairs for a moment, came up to report the proprietor's reaction. He was standing behind his bar, pale as death. His wife dreadfully upset, was wondering if any bakeries were still open. Even the cat seemed deep in despair. This was as funny as could be, really worth the price of a dinner.

Starting point is 03:31:33 It was impossible to have a proper dinner party without my boots, the bottomless pit. The other men eyed him with a brooding jealousy as they puffed on their pipes. Indeed, to be able to eat so much you had to be very solidly built. I wouldn't care to be obliged to support you, said Madame Godron. Oh, no, you may take my word for that. I say, little mother, no jokes, replied my boots, casting a side glance at his neighbor's rotund figure. You've swallowed more than I have.

Starting point is 03:32:08 The others applauded, shouting, Bravo! It was well answered. it was now pitch dark outside three gas jets were flaring in the room diffusing dim rays in the midst of a tobacco smoke the waiters after serving the coffee and the brandy had removed the last piles of dirty plates down below beneath the three acacias dancing had commenced a cornet a pistons and two fiddles playing very loud and mingling in the warm night air with a rather hoarse laughter of women We must have a punch, cried my boots. Two quarts of brandy, lots of lemon, and a little sugar. But Coupeau, seeing the anxious look on Gervais's face in front of him,

Starting point is 03:32:55 got up from the table, declaring that there should be no more drink. They had emptied 25 quarts, a quart in a half to each person, counting the children as grown-up people. That was already too much. They had had a feed together in good fellowship, and without ceremony, because they esteemed each other, and wished to celebrate the event of the day amongst themselves. Everything had been very nice.

Starting point is 03:33:20 They had had lots of fun. It wouldn't do to get cock-eye drunk now, out of respect to the ladies. That was all he had to say. They'd come together to toast a marriage, and they had done so. Kupo delivered the little speech, with convincing sincerity, and punctuated each phrase by placing his hand on his heart.

Starting point is 03:33:43 He won whole-hearted approval from L'Hilou and Monsieur Madinier. But the other four men, especially my boots, were already well-lit and sneered. They declared in hoarse drunken voices that they were thirsty and wanted drinks. Those who are thirsty are thirsty, and those who aren't thirsty, aren't thirsty, remarked my boots. Therefore, we'll order the punch. No one need take offense. The aristocrats can drink sugar and water, And as the zinc worker commenced another sermon, the other who'd risen on his legs gave himself a slap, exclaiming,

Starting point is 03:34:21 Come, let's have no more of that, my boy. Waiter, two quarts of your aged stuff. So, Koupo said, very well, only they would settle for the dinner at once. He would prevent any disputes. The well-behaved people did not want to pay for the drunkards, and it just happened that my boots, after searching in his pockets for a long time, could only produce three francs and seven sous. Well, why had they made him wait all that time on the Hu de Saint Denis? He could not let himself be drowned,

Starting point is 03:34:53 and so he'd broken into his five-franc piece. It was the fault of the others, that was all. He ended by giving the three francs, keeping the seven sous for the morrow's tobacco. Coupeau, who was furious, would have knocked him over, had not Gervais, greatly frightened, pulled him, by his coat and begged him to keep cool.

Starting point is 03:35:14 He decided to borrow the two francs of Lorilu, who, after refusing them, lent them on the sly, for his wife would never have consented to his doing so. Monsieur Madignet went round with a plate. The spinster and the ladies who were alone, Madame La Ratt, Madame Fauconier, Mademoiselle Remanjou, discreetly placed their five-franc pieces in it first.

Starting point is 03:35:39 Then the gentleman went to the other, end of the room and made up the accounts. They were 15. It amounted therefore to 75 francs. When the 75 francs were in the plate, each man added five sous for the waiters. It took a quarter of an hour of laborious calculations before everything was settled to the general satisfaction. But when Monsieur Madigné, who wished to deal directly with the landlord, had got him to step up, the whole party became lost in astonishment, on hearing him say with a smile that there was still something due to him.

Starting point is 03:36:16 There were some extras. And as the word extras was greeted with angry exclamations, he entered into details. 25 quarts of wine instead of 20, the number agreed upon beforehand. The frosted eggs, which he had added, as the dessert was rather scanty. Finally, a quarter of a bottle of rum

Starting point is 03:36:37 served with a coffee in case anyone preferred rum. then a formidable quarrel ensued coupot who was appealed to protested against everything he'd never mention twenty quarts and as for the frosted eggs they were included in the dessert so much the worse for the landlord if he chose to add them without being asked to do so there remained the rum a mere nothing just a mode of increasing the bill by putting on the table spirits that no one thought anything about it was on unbetray with the coffee, he cried. Therefore it goes with the coffee. Go to the deuce. Take your money and never again will reset foot in your den. It's six francs more, repeated the landlord. Pay me my six francs, and with all that I haven't counted the four loaves that gentleman ate. The whole party pressing forward surrounded him with furious gestures and a yelping a voice who's choking with rage.

Starting point is 03:37:39 The women especially threw aside all a reserve and refused to add another centime. This was some wedding dinner. Mademoiselle Remanjou vowed she would never again attend such a party. Madame Focconier declared that she had had a very disappointing meal. At home, she could have had a finger-licking dish for only two francs. Madame Gautron bitterly complained that she'd been shoved down to the worst end of a table

Starting point is 03:38:08 next to my boots who had ignored her. These parties never turned out well. One should be more careful whom one invites. Jervais had taken refuge with Mother Coupeau near one of the windows, feeling shamed as she realized that all these recriminations would fall back upon her. Monsieur Matignet ended by going down with the landlord. One could hear them arguing below. Then when half an hour had gone by,

Starting point is 03:38:38 the cardboard box manufacturer returned. He had settled the matter by giving three francs. But the party continued, annoyed and exasperated, constantly returning to the question of the extras. And the uproar increased from an act of vigor on Madame Boch's part. She had kept an eye on Boch, and at length detected him squeezing Madame Lechard round their waist in a corner. Then, with all her strength,

Starting point is 03:39:06 she flung a water pitcher, smashed against the wall. One can easily see that your husband's a tailor, madame, said the tall widow, with a curl of a lip, full of a double meaning. He's a petticoat specialist, even though I gave him some pretty hard kicks under the table. The harmony of the evening was altogether upset. Everyone became more and more ill-tempered. Mr. Madigny suggested some singing, but Bibi the smoker, who had a fine voice, had disappeared some time before. And Mademoiselle Remanjou, who was leaning out of the window,

Starting point is 03:39:46 caught sighted from under the acacias, swinging around the big girl who was bareheaded. The Carnet, a pistons, and two fiddles were playing The Marchand de Moutard. The party now began to break up. My boots and the Godron went down to the dance, with Bush sneaking along after them. The twirling couples could be seen from the windows. The night was still as though exhausted from the heat of the day. A serious conversation started between L'Arelu and Monsieur Madigny. The ladies examined their dresses carefully to see if they had been stained.

Starting point is 03:40:24 Madame Larrat's fringe looked as though it had been dipped in the coffee. Madame Foconnier's chint's dress was spotted with gravy. Mother Coupot's green shawl, fallen from off a chair, was discovered in a corner, rolled up and trot. upon. But it was Madame L'Orelue, especially, who became more ill-tempered still. She had a stain on the back of her dress. It was useless for the others to declare that she had not. She felt it. And by twisting herself about in front of a looking-glass, she ended by catching a glimpse of it. What did I say? cried she. It's gravy from the foul. The waiter shall pay for the dress. I will bring an action against him. Ah, this is a fit.

Starting point is 03:41:08 ending to such a day. I should have done better to have stayed in bed. To begin with, I'm off. I've had enough of their wretched wedding. And she left the room in a rage, causing the staircase to shake beneath her heavy footsteps. L'Hilu ran after her, but all she would consent to was that she would wait five minutes on the pavement outside if he wanted them to go off together. She ought to have left directly after the storm as she wished to do, She would make Coupot sorry for that day. Coupot was dismayed when he heard how angry she was. Chavez agreed to leave it once to avoid embarrassing him anymore.

Starting point is 03:41:51 There was a flurry of quick good-night kisses. Monsieur Madignet was to escort Mother Coupot home. Madame Boch would take Claude and Eitienne with her for the bridal night. The children were sound asleep on chairs, stuffed full from the dinner. Just as the bridal couple and L'Hilu were about to go out the door, a quarrel broke out near the dance floor between their group and another group. Bosch and my boots were kissing a lady and wouldn't give her up to her escorts, two soldiers. It was scarcely eleven o'clock.

Starting point is 03:42:28 On the boulevard de la Chappelle, and in the entire neighborhood of the Gouth door, the fortnight's pay, which fell due on that Saturday, produced an enormous drunken uproar. Madame L'Orilu was waiting beneath a gas lamp about twenty paces from the silver windmill. She took her husband's arm and walked on in front without looking round at such a rate that Jervais and Coupot got quite out of breath in trying to keep up with them.

Starting point is 03:42:55 Now and again, they stepped off the pavement to leave room for some drunkard who'd fallen there. L'Herilu looked back, endeavouring to make things pleasant. We will see you as far as you door, said he. But Madame L'Helieu, raising her voice, though it a funny thing to spend one's wedding night in such a filthy hole as the Hotel Bonker, ought they not to have put their marriage off, and have saved a few

Starting point is 03:43:22 sous to buy some furniture, so as to have had a home of their own on the first night. Ah, they would be comfortable right up under the roof, packed into a little closet at ten francs a month, where there was not even the slightest air. I've given notice We're not going to use the room up at the top of the house, timidly interposed coupé. We're keeping Jervais's room, which is larger. Madame Louroulogneux forgot herself. She turned abruptly round.

Starting point is 03:43:54 That's worse than all, cried she. You're going to sleep in clump, clump's room! Jervais became quite pale. This nickname, which she received full in the face for the first time, fell on her like a blow. And she fully understood it, too, her sister-in-law's exclamation. The clump-clump's room was the room in which she'd lived for a month with Lantier, where the shreds of her past life still hung about.

Starting point is 03:44:22 Koupoe did not understand this, but merely felt hurt at the harsh nickname. You do wrong to christen others, he replied angrily. You don't know, perhaps, that in the neighborhood they call you cow's tail because of your hair. There, that doesn't please you, does it? Why should we not keep the room on the first floor? Tonight the children won't sleep there, and we shall be very comfortable. Madame L'Hilu added nothing further, but retired into her dignity, horribly annoyed at being called cow's tail.

Starting point is 03:44:56 To cheer up Jervais, Coupot squeezed her arms softly. He even succeeded in making her smile by whispering into her ear that they were setting up housekeeping with the grandson, of seven sous, three big two-sou pieces, and one little Sue, which he jingled in his pocket. When they reached To Hotel Bonker, the two couples wished each other good-night, with an angry air. And Askupeau pushed the two women into each other's arms,

Starting point is 03:45:24 calling them a couple of ninnies. A drunken fellow, who seemed to want to go to the right, suddenly slipped to the left and came tumbling between them. Why, it's old bazoosh, said Lorilou, He's had his fill today. Chervais, frightened, squeezed up against the door of the hotel. Old Bazouge, an undertaker's helper of some fifty years of age, had his black trousers all stained with mud,

Starting point is 03:45:54 his black cape hooked onto his shoulder, and his black feather hat knocked in by some tumble he taken. Don't be afraid, he's harmless, continued Lorry Lou. He's a neighbor of ours, the third room in the passage before us, He would find himself in a nice mess if his people were to see him like this. Old Bazouge, however, felt offended at the young woman's evident terror. Well, what? Hickup tea. We ain't going to eat anyone.

Starting point is 03:46:24 I'm as good as another any day, my little woman. No doubt I've had a drop. When works plentiful, one must grease the wheels. It's not you nor your friends would have carried down the stiff on 47 stone, whom I and a pal brought from the fourth floor to the pavement, and without smashing them too. I like jolly people. But Chervais retreated further into the doorway, seized with a longing to cry, which spoiled her day of sober-minded joy. She no longer thought of kissing her sister-in-law.

Starting point is 03:47:02 She implored Coupot to get rid of the drunkard. Then, Bazouge, as he stumbled about, made a gesture of philosophical disdain. How won't prevent you, passing through our hands, my little woman? You'll perhaps be glad to do so one of these days. Yes, I know some women who'd be much obliged if we did carry them off. And as Laurie Lou led him away, he turned around and started out a last sentence between two hiccups. When you're dead, listen to this.

Starting point is 03:47:36 When you're dead, it's for a little. a long, long time. This ends Chapter 3, Part 3. Chapter 4, Part 1 of La Semoire by Emil Zola. Translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. The Slibervok's recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:48:05 Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 4, Part 1. Then followed four years of hard work. In the neighborhood, Gervais and Coupot had the reputation of being a happy couple, living in retirement without quarrels, and taking a short walk regularly every Sunday in the direction of Saint-Coin. The wife worked twelve hours a day at Madame Focconier's, and still found means to keep their lodging as clean and bright as a new coin Sue, and to prepare the meals for all her little family, morning and evening. The husband never was.

Starting point is 03:48:45 got drunk, brought his wages home every fortnight, and smoked a pipe at his window in the evening to get a breath of fresh air before going to bed. They were frequently alluded to on account of their nice, pleasant ways, and as between them they earned close upon nine francs a day, it was reckoned that they were able to put by a good deal of money. However, during their first months together, they had to struggle hard to get by. Their wedding had left them owing two hundred, francs. Also, we detested the Hotel Boncourt, as they didn't like the other occupants. Their dream was to have a home of their own with their own furniture. They were always figuring how much they would need, and decided 350 francs at least, in order to be able to buy little items

Starting point is 03:49:34 that came up later. They were in despair at ever being able to collect such a large sum when a lucky chance came their way. An old gentleman at Pleasant offered to take the older boy, Claude, and sent him to an academy down there. The old man, who loved art, had previously been much impressed by Claude's sketches. Claude had already begun to cost them quite a bit. Now, with only Etienne to support,

Starting point is 03:50:03 they were able to accumulate the money in a little over seven months. One day they were finally able to buy their own furniture from a second-hand dealer on Rue Bellom. Their hearts filled with happiness, they celebrated by walking home along the exterior boulevard. They'd purchased a bed, a night table, a chest of drawers with a marble top, a wardrobe, a round table covered with oil cloth,

Starting point is 03:50:30 and six chairs. All were of dark mahogany. They also bought blankets, linen, and kitchen utensils that were scarcely used. It meant settling down, and giving themselves a status in life as property owners, as persons to be respected. For two months past, they'd been busy seeking some new apartments. At first they wanted above everything to hire these in the big house of the Rue de la Gouta.

Starting point is 03:50:59 But there was not a single room to let there, so that they had to relinquish their old dream. But tell the truth, Chervais was rather glad in her heart, but neighborhood of Velourri-ilu almost door-to-door frightened her immensely. Then they looked about elsewhere. Coupot very properly did not wish to be far from Madame Fauconiers, so that Jervais could easily run home at any hour of the day. And at length they met with exactly what suited them, a large room with a small closet and a kitchen,

Starting point is 03:51:31 in the Rue Neuve de la Goutard, almost opposite the laundresses. This was in a small two-story building, with a very steep staircase. There were two apartments on the second floor, one to the left, the other to the right. The ground floor was occupied by a man who rented out carriages,

Starting point is 03:51:49 which filled the sheds in the large stable yard by the street. Chavez was delighted with this, as it made her feel she was back in a country town. With no close neighbors, there would be no gossip to worry about in this little corner. It reminded her of a small lane outside the ramparts of Plasant She could even see her own window

Starting point is 03:52:11 While ironing at the laundry By just tilting her head to the side They took possession of their new abode At the April quarter Chavez was then eight months advanced But she showed great courage Saying with a laugh that the baby helped her as she worked She felt its influence growing within her

Starting point is 03:52:28 And giving her strength Ah well She just laughed at Coupot Whenever he wanted her to lie down and rest herself She would take to her bed when Malabur pains came. That would be quite soon enough, as with another mouth to feed, they would have to work harder than ever. She made their new place bright and shiny before helping her husband install the furniture. She loved the furniture, polishing it, and becoming

Starting point is 03:52:55 almost heartbroken at the slightest scratch. Anytime she knocked into the furniture while cleaning, she would stop with a sudden shock, as though she'd hurt herself. The chest of drawers was especially dear to her. She thought it, handsome, sturdy, and most respectable looking. The dream that she hadn't dared to mention was to get a clock and put it right in the middle of the marble top. It would make a splendid effect. She probably would have bought one right away, except for the expected baby. The couple were thoroughly enchanted with their new home. Atyan's bed occupied the small closet, where there was still room to put another child's crib.

Starting point is 03:53:40 The kitchen was a very tiny affair in as dark as night, but by leaving the door wide open, one could just manage to see. Besides, Gervais had not to cook meals for thirty people. All she wanted was room to make her soup. As for the large room, it was their pride. The first thing in the morning, they drew the curtains of the alcove, white calico curtains. And the room was thus transformed into a dining room, with the table, in the center, and the wardrobe and chest of drawers facing each other.

Starting point is 03:54:13 They stopped up a chimney since it burned as much as fifteen sous of coal a day. A small cast-iron stove on the marble hearth gave them enough warmth on cold days for only seven sous. Coupeau had also done his best to decorate the walls. There was a large engraving showing a Marshal of France on horseback with the baton in his hand. Family photographs were arranged in two rows, on top of a chest of drawers on each side of an old holy water basin, in which they kept matches. Posts of Pascal and Berengé were on top of the wardrobe. It was really a handsome room. Guess how much we pay here, Jervais would ask of every visitor she had. And whenever they guessed too high a sum, she triumphed, and delighted it being so well-suited

Starting point is 03:55:03 for such a little money, cried, "'150 francs, not a sue more. Isn't it almost like having it for nothing?' The street, Runeuve de la Goutre, played an important part in their contentment. Chavez's whole life was there as she traveled back and forth endlessly between her home and Madame Foconnier's laundry. Coupot now went down every evening and stood on the doorstep

Starting point is 03:55:31 to smoke his pipe. The poorly paved street rose steeply and had no sidewalks. Toward Rue de la Gouta, there were some gloomy shops with dirty windows. There were shoemakers, coopers, a run-down grocery, and a bankrupt cafe whose closed shutters

Starting point is 03:55:49 were covered with posters. In the opposite direction, toward Paris, four-story buildings blocked the sky. Their ground-floor shops were all occupied by laundries, with one exception, a green painted storefront typical of a small town hairdresser.

Starting point is 03:56:07 Its shop windows were full of variously colored flasks. It lighted up this drab corner with the gay brightness of its copper bowls, which were always shining. The most pleasant part of the street was in between, where the buildings were fewer and lower, letting in more sunlight. The carriage sheds, the plant which manufactured soda water, and the washhouse opposite, made a wide, expanse of quietness. The muffled voices of the washerwomen and the rhythmic puffing of the

Starting point is 03:56:37 steam engine seemed to deepen the almost religious silence. Open fields and narrow lanes vanishing between dark walls gave it the air of a country village. Coupot, always amused by the infrequent pedestrians having to jump over the continuous streams of soapy water, said it it reminded him of a country town where his uncle had taken him when he was five years old. cold. Jervais's greatest joy was a tree growing in the courtyard to the left of their window, an acacia that stretched out a single branch, and yet, with its meager foliage, lent charm to the entire street. It was on the last day of April that Jervais was confined. The pains came on in the afternoon towards four o'clock, as she was ironing a pair of curtains at Madame Foconnier's.

Starting point is 03:57:29 She would not go home at once, but remained there. wriggling about on a chair and continuing her ironing every time the pain allowed her to do so. The curtains were wanted quickly, and she obstinately made a point of finishing them. Besides, perhaps after all it was only a colic. You would never do to be frightened by a bit of a stomachache. But as she was talking of starting on some shirts, she became quite pale. She was obliged to leave the workshop and cross the street doubled in two, holding on to the walls. One of the workmen offered to accompany her. She declined, but begged her to go instead for the midwife, close by, in the rue de la Chabonier. This was only a false alarm. There was no need to make a

Starting point is 03:58:14 fuss. She would be like that, no doubt, all through the night. It was not going to prevent her getting Coupos dinner ready, as soon as she was indoors. Then she might perhaps lie down on the bed a little, but without undressing. On the staircase, she was seized with such a vise. violent pain, that she was obliged to sit down on one of the stairs, and she pressed her two fists against her mouth to prevent her from crying out, for she would have been ashamed to have been found there by any man had one come up. The pain passed away. She was able to open her door, feeling relieved, and thinking that she had decidedly been mistaken. That evening she was going to make a stew with some neck chops. All went well while she peeled the potatoes.

Starting point is 03:59:01 The chops were cooking in a saucepan when the panes returned. She mixed the gravy as she stamped about in front of the stove, almost blinded with her tears. If she was going to give birth, there was no reason like coupé should be kept without his dinner. At length, the stew began to simmer on a fire covered with cinders. She went into the other room and thought she would have time to lay the cloth at one end of a table.

Starting point is 03:59:28 But she was obliged to put down the bottle of wine very quickly, She no longer had strength to reach the bed. She felt prostrate, and she had more pains on a mat on the floor. When the midwife arrived, quarter of an hour later, she found mother and baby lying there on the floor. The zinc worker was still employed at the hospital. Chavez would not have him disturbed. When he came home at seven o'clock, he found her in bed,

Starting point is 03:59:57 well covered up, looking very pale on the pillow, and the child crying, swathed in a shawl at its mother's feet. Ah, my poor wife, said Coupot, kissing Gervais, and I was joking only an hour ago, whilst you were crying with pain. I say you don't make much fuss about it, but time to sneeze and it's all over. She smiled faintly, then she murmured, It's a girl. Right, the zinc worker replied.

Starting point is 04:00:30 Jogging so as to enliven her. I ordered a girl. Well, now I've got what I wanted. You do everything I wish. And taking the child up in his arms, he continued, Let's have a look at you, miss. We've got a very black little mug. It'll get whiter, never fear.

Starting point is 04:00:49 You must be good, never run about the streets, and grow up sensible like your papa and mama. Jervais looked at her daughter very seriously, with wide open eyes. slowly overshadowed with sadness, for she would rather have had a boy. Boys can take care of themselves and don't have to run such risks on the streets of Paris as girls do. The midwife took the infant from Coupot. She forbadeger bays to do any talking.

Starting point is 04:01:18 It was bad enough there was so much noise around her. Then the zinc worker said that he must tell the news to Mother Coupot and Melorilu, but he was dying with hunger. must first of all have his dinner. It was a great worry to the invalid to see him have to wait on himself, run to the kitchen for the stew, eat it out of a soup plate, and not be able to find the bread. In spite of being told not to do so, she bewailed her condition and fidgeted about in her bed. It was stupid of her not to have managed to set the cloth, the pains had laid her on her back like a blow from a bludgeon. Her poor old man would not think it kind of her to be nursing

Starting point is 04:02:00 herself up there whilst he was dining so badly. At least were the potatoes cooked enough? She no longer remembered whether she put salt in them. Keep quiet, cried the midwife. Ah, if only you could stop her from wearing herself out, said Coupeau, with his mouthful. If you were not here, I'd bet she'd get up to cut my bread. Keep on your back, you big goose. You mustn't move about, otherwise it'll be a fortnight before you'll be able to stand

Starting point is 04:02:30 on your legs. Your stew's very good. Madame will eat some with me, won't you, Madame? The midwife declined, but she was willing to accept a glass of wine because it had upset her, said she to find the poor woman with the baby on the mat.

Starting point is 04:02:46 Coupot at length went off to tell the news to his relations. Half an hour later he returned with all of them, Mother Coupot, the Lour Helot, and Madame Lerat, whom he'd met at the latter's. I've brought you the whole gang, cried Kupo. It can't be helped. They wanted to see you. Don't open your mouth. It's forbidden.

Starting point is 04:03:06 They'll stop here and look at you without ceremony, you know. As for me, I'm going to make them some coffee, and of the right sort. He disappeared into the kitchen. Mother Koupo, after kissing Jervais, became amazed at the child's size. But two other women also kissed the invalid on her cheeks, and all three, standing before the bed, commented with diverse exclamation. on the details of the confinement. A most remarkable confinement, just like having a tooth pulled, nothing more.

Starting point is 04:03:41 Madame Lerat examined the baby all over, declared she was well-formed, even at it that she could grow up into an attractive woman. Noticing that the head had been squeezed into a point on top, she needed it gently, despite the infant's cries, trying to round it a bit. Madame L'Hilu grabbed the baby from her. her. That could be enough to give the poor little thing all sorts of vicious tendencies, meddling

Starting point is 04:04:06 with it like that while her skull was still soft. She then tried to figure out who the baby resembled. This almost led to a quarrel. Nohilu, peering over the women's shoulders, insisted that the little girl didn't look the least bit like Hupot. Well, maybe a little around the nose, nothing more. she was her mother all over again with big eyes like hers. Certainly there were no eyes like that in the Coupot family. Coupot, however, had failed to reappear. What could hear him in the kitchen, struggling with the grate and the coffee pot? Jervais was worrying herself frightfully.

Starting point is 04:04:47 It was not the proper thing for a man to make coffee, and she called and told him what to do without listening to the midwife's energetic hush. here we are said Koupo entering with a coffee pot in his hand didn't i just have a bother with it it all went wrong on purpose now we'll drink out of glasses won't we because you know the cups are still at the shop they seated themselves around the table and the zinc worker insisted on pouring out the coffee himself it smelt very strong it was none of that weak stuff when the midwife had sipped hers up she went off everything was a going on nicely, she was not required. If the young woman did not pass a good night, they were to send for her on the morrow. She was scarcely down the staircase when Madame L'Helieu called her a glutton and a good for nothing. She put four lumps of sugar in her coffee, and charged 15 francs for leaving you with your baby all by yourself. But Coupot took her part. He would willingly

Starting point is 04:05:49 fork out the 15 francs. After all those sort of women spent their youth in studying, they were right to charge a good price. It was then Laurie Lou who got into a quarrel with Madame Lera. By maintaining that, in order to have a son, the head of the bed should be turned to the north. She shrugged her shoulders at such nonsense, offering another formula which consisted in hiding under the mattress without letting your wife know,

Starting point is 04:06:17 a handful of fresh nettles picked in bright sunlight. The table had been pushed over close to the bed. until ten o'clock Jervais lay there smiling, although she was only half awake. She was becoming more and more weary, her head turned sideways on the pillow. She no longer had the energy to venture a remark or a gesture. It seemed to her that she was dead, a very sweet death, from the depths of which she was happy to observe the others, still in the land of the living. The thin cries of her baby daughter rose above the hum of heavy voices,

Starting point is 04:06:54 that were discussing a recent murder on Rue du Bon Pui at the other end of La Chappelle. Then, as the visitors were thinking of leaving, they spoke of the christening. The Lord Elou had promised to be godfather and godmother. They looked very glum over the matter. However, if they had not been asked to stand, they would have felt rather peculiar.

Starting point is 04:07:17 Coupot did not see any need for christening the little one. It certainly would not procure her an income of ten thousand. thousand francs. The less one had to do with priests, the better. But Mother Coupeau called him a heathen. The Lohilu, without going and eating consecrated bread and church, plumed themselves on their religious sentiments. It shall be next Sunday, if you like, said the chainmaker. And Jervais, having consented by a nod, everyone kissed her and told her to take good care of herself. They also wished the baby goodbye. Each one went and lent over the little trembling body with smiles and loving words,

Starting point is 04:08:00 as though she were able to understand. They called her Nana, the pet name for Anna, which was her godmother's name. Good night, Nana. Come be a good girl, Nana. When they had at length gone off, Koupo drew his chair close up to the bed and finished his pipe, holding Jervais's hand in his. He smoked slowly, deeply. affected and uttering sentences between the puffs. Well, old woman, they've made your headache, haven't they?

Starting point is 04:08:33 You see, I couldn't prevent them coming? After all, it shows their friendship. But we're better alone, aren't we? I wanted to be alone like this with you. It has seemed such a long evening to me. Poor little thing, she's had a lot to go through. Those shrimps, when they come out into the world, have no idea of the pain they cause. it must really almost be like being split in two where does it hurt the most that i may kiss it and make it well he had carefully slid one of his big hands under her back and now he drew her toward him bending over to kiss her stomach through the covers

Starting point is 04:09:13 touched by a rough man's compassion for the suffering of a woman in childbirth. He inquired if he was hurting her. Chavez felt very happy, and answered him that it didn't hurt any more at all. She was only worried about getting up as soon as possible, because there was no time to lie about now. He assured her that he'd be responsible for earning the money for the new little one. He would be a real bum if he abandoned her in the little rascal. The way he figured it what really counted was bringing her up properly. Wasn't that so? Kupo did not sleep

Starting point is 04:09:52 much that night. He covered up the fire in the stove. Every hour he had to get up to give the baby spoonfuls of lukewarm sugar and water. That did not prevent his going off to his work in the morning as usual. He even took advantage of his lunch hour to make a declaration of the birth at the mayors. During this time, Madame Bosch, who'd been informed of the event, had hastened to go and pass the day with Jervais. But the latter, after ten hours of sleep, bewailed her position, saying that she already felt pains all over her through having been so long in bed. She would become quite ill if they did not let her get up.

Starting point is 04:10:32 In the evening, when Coupot returned home, she told him all her worries. No doubt she had confidence in Madame Bosch, only had put her beside her. to see a stranger installed in her room, opening the drawers and touching her things. On the morrow, the concierge, on returning from some errand, found her up, dressed sweeping and getting her husband's dinner ready, and it was impossible to persuade her to go to bed again. They were trying to make a fool of her, perhaps. It was all very well for ladies to pretend to be unable to move. When one was not rich, one had no time for that sort of thing.

Starting point is 04:11:10 of thing. Three days after her confinement, she was ironing petticoats at Madame Fauconnier's, banging her irons and all in a perspiration from the great heat of the stove. On the Saturday evening, Madame L'Hilu brought her presents for her godchild, a cup that cost 35 sous and a christening dress, plated and trimmed with some cheap lace, which she'd got for six francs because it was slightly soiled. On the morrow, L'Hilu, as godfather, gave the mother six pounds of sugar. They certainly did things properly. At the baptism supper, which took place at the coupé that evening, they did not come empty-handed. L'Hilu carried a bottle of fine wine under each arm, and his wife brought a large custard pie from a famous pastry shop on Chaucee-Linacour. But the L'orilus made sure that the

Starting point is 04:12:05 entire neighborhood knew they'd spent twenty francs. As soon as Jervais learned of their gossiping, furious, she stopped giving them credit for generosity. It was at the christening feast that the coupons ended by becoming intimately acquainted with their neighbors on the opposite side of the landing. The other lodging in the little house was occupied by two persons, mother and son, the gujets as they were called. Until then, the two families had merely nodded to each other,

Starting point is 04:12:35 on the stairs and in the street, nothing more, the coupos thought their neighbors seemed rather bearish. Then the mother, having carried up a pair of water for Jervais on the morrow of her confinement, the latter and thought it the proper thing to invite them to the feast, more especially

Starting point is 04:12:51 as she considered them very respectable people. And naturally, they there became well acquainted with each other. The Gugés came from a Departement de Norde. The mother mended lace, the son, a blacksmith, worked at an iron bolt factory.

Starting point is 04:13:09 They'd lived in their lodging for five years. Behind the quiet peacefulness of their life, a long-standing sorrow was hidden. Guzre the father, when they were furiously drunk at Lille, had beaten a comrade to death with an iron bar, and had afterwards strangled himself in prison with his handkerchief. The widow and child,

Starting point is 04:13:31 who'd come to Paris after their misfortune, always felt the tragedy hanging over their head, heads, and atoned for it by a strict honesty and an unvarying gentleness and courage. They had a certain amount of pride in their attitude, and regarded themselves as better than other people. This ends Chapter 4, Part 1. Chapter 4, Part 2 of La Semoir by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:14:10 read by Mark Leader Chapter 4 Part 2 Madame Gujarre dressed in black as usual A forehead framed in a nun's hood had a pale, calm, matronly face As if the whiteness of a lace

Starting point is 04:14:29 And a delicate work of her fingers Had cast a glow of serenity over her Gouge was 23 years old Huge, magnificently built With deep blue eyes and rosy cheeks and the strength of Hercules. His comrades at the shop called him golden mouth because of his handsome, blonde beard.

Starting point is 04:14:51 Jervais at once felt a great friendship for these people. When she entered their home for the first time, she was amazed at the cleanliness of Vologian. There was no denying it, one might blow about the place without raising a grain of dust, and the tiled floor shone like a mirror. Madame Gouge made her enter her son's room, just to see it. It was pretty and white like the room of a young girl, an iron bedstead with

Starting point is 04:15:17 muslin curtains, a table, a washstand, and a narrow bookcase hanging against the wall. Then there were pictures all over the place, figures cut out, coloured engravings nailed up with four tacks, and portraits of all kinds of persons taken from the illustrated papers. Madame Gouge said with a smile that her son was a big baby. He found that reading in the evening put him to sleep, so he amused himself looking at pictures. Chervais spent an hour with her neighbor without noticing the passing of time. Madame Gouge had gone to sit by the window and work on her lace. Chavez was fascinated by the hundreds of pins that held the lace, and she felt happy to be

Starting point is 04:16:01 there. Breathing in the good, clean atmosphere of this home were such a delicate task and forced a sort of meditative silence. The Gouge's were worth visiting. They worked long hours and placed more than a quarter of their fortnight's earnings in the savings bank. In the neighborhood, everyone nodded to them. Everyone talked of their savings. Gouge never had a hole in his clothes,

Starting point is 04:16:27 always went out in a clean, short, blue blouse without a stain. He was very polite, and even a trifle timid in spite of his broad shoulders. The washerwomen at the end of the street laughed to see him hold down his head when he passed them. He did not like their oaths and thought it disgusting that women should be constantly uttering foul words. One day, however, he came home tipsy. Then Madame Gujar, for sole reproach, held his father's portrait before him, a daub of a painting hidden away at the bottom of a drawer. And ever since that lesson, Gouge never drank more than

Starting point is 04:17:05 was good for him, without, however, any hatred of wine. for wine is necessary to the workmen. On Sundays he walked out with his mother, who took hold of his arm. He would generally conduct her to Vincent, and other times they would go to the theatre. His mother remained his passion. He still spoke to her as though he were a little child. Square-headed, his skin toughened by the wielding of the heavy hammer.

Starting point is 04:17:32 He somewhat resembled the larger animals. Dull of intellect, though good nature to all the same. In the early days of their acquaintance, Jervais embarrassed him immensely. Then, in a few weeks, he became accustomed to her. He watched for her that he might carry up her parcels, treated her as a sister with an abrupt familiarity, and cut out pictures for her. One morning, however, having opened her door without knocking,

Starting point is 04:17:59 he beheld her half undressed, washing her neck, and, for a week he did not dare to look her in the face, so much so but he ended by making her blush herself. young cassis with the casual wit of a born parisian called golden-mouth adult it was all right not to get drunk all the time or chase women but still a man must be a man or else he might as well wear skirts coupot teased him in front of jervais accusing him of making up to all the women in the neighborhood guzier vigorously defended himself against the charge but this didn't prevent the two working men from becoming best friends. They went off to work together in the mornings and sometimes had a glass of beer together on the way home. It eventually came about that Golden Mouth could render a service to young Cassis, one of those favors that is remembered forever. It was the 2nd of December. The zinc

Starting point is 04:18:59 worker decided, just for the fun of it, to go into the city and watch the rioting. He didn't really care about the Republic or Napoleon or anything like that, but he liked the smell of gunpowder and the sound of the rifles firing. He would have been arrested as a rioter if the blacksmith hadn't turned up at the barricade at just that moment and helped him escape. Gouge was very serious as they walked back up the Rue du Faud-Bos-Anie. He was interested in politics and believed in the Republic. But he'd never fired a gun because the common people were getting tired of fighting battles for

Starting point is 04:19:35 the middle classes, who always seemed to get the benefit of them. As they reached the top of the slope of the Rue du Favourg, Posseigneur, Gouet turned to look back at Paris and the mobs. After all, someday people would be sorry that they just stood by and did nothing. Coupot laughed at this, saying you would be pretty stupid to risk your neck just to preserve the 25 francs a day for the lazy bones in the legislative assembly. That evening, the Coupos invited the Gouge's to dinner. After dessert, young Cassis and Golden Mouth kissed each other on the cheek.

Starting point is 04:20:12 Their lives were joined till death. For three years, the existence of the two families went on, on either side of a landing, without an event. Jervais was able to take care of her daughter, and still work most of the week. She was now a skilled worker on fine laundry and earned up to three francs a day. She decided to put Etienne, now nearly eight, into a small boarding school on Roos. de Chartre for five francs a week. Despite the expenses for the two children, they were able to save 20 or 30 francs each month.

Starting point is 04:20:48 Once, they had 600 francs saved. Jervais often lay awake thinking of her ambitious dream. She wanted to rent a small shop, hire workers, and go into the laundry business herself. If this effort worked, they would have a steady income from savings in 20 years. They could retire and live in the country. Yet she hesitated, saying she was looking for the right shop.

Starting point is 04:21:15 She was giving herself time to think it over. Their savings were safe in the bank and growing larger. So in three years' time she had only fulfilled one of her dreams. She had bought a clock. But even this clock, made of Rosewood, with twine columns and a pendulum of gilded brass, was being paid for in installments of 22 sous each Monday for a year. She got upset if Coupot tried to wind it. She liked to be the only one to lift off the glass dome.

Starting point is 04:21:46 It was under the glass dome behind the clock that she hit her bank book. Sometimes, when she was dreaming of her shop, she would stare fixedly at the clock, lost in thought. The Coupos went out nearly every Sunday with the Gouge's. And they were pleasant little excursions. Sometimes to have some fried fish at Saint-Souin. at others a rabbit at francin in the garden of some eating-housekeeper without any grand display the men drank sufficient to quench their thirst and returned home as right as nine pins giving their arms to the ladies in the evening before going to bed the two families made up accounts and each paid half the expenses and there was never the least quarrel about a sou more or less

Starting point is 04:22:35 the lorre l're l'ol who became jealous of the gujays it seems strange to them to see young cassis and clump-plump going places all the time with strangers instead of their own relations but that's the way it was some folks didn't care a bit about their family now that they'd saved a few sous they thought they were really somebody madame lorilu was much annoyed to see her brother getting away from her influence and began to continually run down gervais's Jervais to everyone. On the other hand, Madame Lerat took the young wife's side. Mother Coupot tried to get along with everybody. She only wanted to be welcomed by all three of her children. Now that her eyesight was getting dimmer and dimmer, she only had one regular house cleaning job, but she was able to pick up some small jobs now and again. On the day on which Nana was three years old, Coupot, on returning home in the evening, found Gervais. quite upset. She refused to talk about it. There was nothing at all the matter with her,

Starting point is 04:23:40 she said. But as she had the table all wrong, standing still with the plates in her hands, absorbed in deep reflection, her husband insisted upon knowing what was the matter. Well, it's this, she ended by saying, the little draper's shop in the Rue de la Goutre is to let. I saw it only an hour ago when going to buy some cotton. It gave me, quite a turn. It was a very decent shop, and in that big house where they dreamed of living in former days. There was the shop, a back room, and two other rooms to the right and left, in short, just what they required. The rooms were rather small, but well-placed. Only, she considered they wanted too much. The landlord talked of five hundred francs.

Starting point is 04:24:31 Oh, so you've been over the place and asked the price, said, Kupo? Oh, you know, only out of curiosity, replied she, affecting an air of indifference. One looks about and goes in wherever there's a bill up. That doesn't bind one to anything. But that shop is altogether too dear. Besides, it would perhaps be foolish of me to set up in business. However, after dinner, she again referred to the draper shop. She drew a plan of the place on the margin of a newspaper. And little by little, she talked it over, measuring the corners and arranging the rooms, as though she were going to move all her furniture in there on the morrow. Then Coupot advised her to take it, seeing how she wanted to do so, she would certainly

Starting point is 04:25:20 never find anything decent under 500 francs. Besides, they might perhaps get a reduction. He knew only one objection to it, and that was living in the same house as the L'Orilou, whom she could not bear. Sher face declared that she wasn't mad at anybody. So much did she want her own shop that she even spoke up for the Lohelieu, saying that they weren't mean at heart, and that she would be able to get along just fine with them.

Starting point is 04:25:49 When they went to bed, Koupo fell asleep immediately. But she stayed awake, planning how she could arrange the new place even though she hadn't yet made up her mind completely. On the morrow, when she was alone, she could not resist removing the glass cover from the clock and taking a peep at the savings bank book. To think that her shop was there,

Starting point is 04:26:12 in those dirty pages, covered with ugly writing. But before going off to her work, she consulted Madame Gujar, who highly approved her project of setting up in business for herself, with a husband like hers, a good fellow who did not drink. She was certain of getting on and of not having her earnings squandered.

Starting point is 04:26:31 At the luncheon hour Jervais even called them a L'Orilu to ask their advice. She did not wish to appear to be doing anything unknown to the family. Madame L'Hilu was struck all of a heap. What? Clump, Clump was going in for a shop now? And her heart bursting with envy, she stammered and tried to pretend to be pleased. No doubt the shop was a convenient one.

Starting point is 04:26:56 Chavez was right in taking it. However, when she had somewhat recovered, she and her husband talked of the dampness of the courtyard of the poor light of the rooms on the ground floor oh it was a good place for rheumatism yet if she'd made up her mind to take it their observations of course would not make her alter her decision That evening, Jervais frankly, owned with a laugh, but she would have fallen ill if she'd been prevented from having the shop. Nevertheless, before saying, It's done, she wished to take Coupot to see the place and try and obtain a reduction in the rent. Very well, then, tomorrow, if you like, said her husband. You can come and fetch me towards six o'clock at the house where I'm working, in the Rue de la Nassion, and we'll call in at the Rue de la Goutter on our way home. Kupot was then finishing the roofing of a new three-storied house. It so happened that on that day he was to fix the last sheets of zinc.

Starting point is 04:27:58 As the roof was almost flat, he had set up his bench on it, a wide shutter supported on two trestles. A beautiful May sun was setting, giving a golden hue to the chimney pots. And right up at the top, against the clear sky, the workman was quietly cutting up his zinc with a big pair of shears, leaning over the bench and looking like a tailor in his shop, cutting out a pair of trousers. Close to the wall of the next house,

Starting point is 04:28:25 his boy, a youngster of 17, thin and fair, was keeping the fire of a chafing dish blazing by the aid of an enormous pair of bellows, each puff of which raised a cloud of sparks. Hey, Sidar, put in the irons, cried Hupo. The boy stuck the soldering irons into the midst of a charcoal, which looked a pale rose color in the daylight. Then he resumed blowing. Coupeau held the last sheet of zinc.

Starting point is 04:28:54 It had to be placed at the edge of the roof, close to the gutter pipe. There was an abrupt slant there, and the gaping void of the street opened beneath. The zinc worker, just as though in his own home, wearing his list shoes, advanced, dragging his feet and whistling the air, oh, the little lambs!

Starting point is 04:29:13 arrived in front of the opening he let himself down and then supporting himself with one knee against the masonry of a chimney stack remained halfway out over the pavement below. One of his legs dangled. When he lent back to call that young viper, Zidor, he held on to a corner of the masonry on a counter of a street beneath him. You confounded, dawdler, give me the irons. It's no use looking up in the air, you skinny beggar. the larks won't tumble into your mouth already cooked.

Starting point is 04:29:46 But Zedor did not hurry himself. He was interested in the neighboring roofs and in a cloud of smoke which rose from the other side of Paris, close to Grinnell. It was very likely a fire. However, he came and laid down on his stomach, his head over the opening, and he passed the irons to Coupeau.

Starting point is 04:30:05 Then the latter commenced to solder the sheet. He squatted, he stretched, always managing to balance himself, sometimes seated on one side, and other times standing on the tip of one foot, often only holding on by a finger. He had a confounded assurance, the devil's own cheek, familiar with danger and braving it. It knew him. It was the street that was afraid, not he. As he kept his pipe in his mouth, he turned round every now and then to spit onto the pavement. Look, there's Madame Bosch, he suddenly exclaimed, and called down to her.

Starting point is 04:30:42 "'I am, Madame Bush!' He had just caught sight of the concierves crossing the road. She raised her head and recognized him, and a conversation ensued between them. She hid her hands under her apron, her nose elevated in the air. He, standing up now, his left arm passed round a chimney-pot, lent over. "'Have you seen my wife?' asked he. "'No, I haven't,' replied the concierge.

Starting point is 04:31:09 "'Is she around here?' She's coming to fetch me. And are they all well at home? Why, yes, thanks. I'm the most ill, as you see. I'm going to the Chaucer Clagnan Coe to buy a small leg of mutton. The butcher near the Moulin Rouge only charges 16 sous. They raised their voices, because a vehicle was passing.

Starting point is 04:31:32 In the wide, deserted, Rue de la Nation, their words shouted out with all their might, had only caused a little old woman to come to her window. And this little old woman remained there leaning out, giving herself a treat of a grand emotion by washing that man on the roof over the way, as though she expected to see him fall from one minute to another. Well, good evening, cried Madame Bosch. I won't disturb you. Coupot turned round and took back the iron that Zidor was holding for him. But just as the concierge was moving off, she caught sight of Gervais on the other side of the way, holding Nana by the hand.

Starting point is 04:32:12 She was already raising her head to tell the zinc worker when the young woman closed her mouth by an energetic gesture, and in a low voice, so as not to be heard up there, she told her of her fear. She was afraid by showing herself suddenly, of giving her husband a shock which might make him lose his balance. During the four years, she'd only been once to fetch him at his work. That day was the second time. She could not witness it. Her blood turned cold when she beheld her old man between heaven and, in earth, in places where even the sparrows would not venture. No doubt it's not pleasant, murmured Madame Bush. My husband's a tailor, so I have none of these terrors. If you only knew in the early days, said Jervais again, I had frights from morning till night.

Starting point is 04:33:00 I was always seeing him on a stretcher with his hedge smashed. Now, I don't think of it so much. One gets used to everything. Bread must be earned. All the same it's a precious deer loaf, for one risks one's bones more than is fair. And she left off speaking, hiding Nana in her skirt, fearing a cry from a little one. Very pale she looked up in spite of herself. At that moment Koupoe was soldering the extreme edge of the sheet close to the gutter.

Starting point is 04:33:34 He slid down as far as possible, but without being able to reach the edge. Then he risked himself with those slow movements peculiar to workmen. For an instant he was immediately over the pavement, no longer holding on, all absorbed in his work, and from below one could see the little white flame of the solder frizzling up beneath the carefully-wielded iron. Chavez, speechless, her throat contracted with anguish, had clasped her hands together, and held them up in mechanical gesture of prayer. But she breathed freely as Coupot got up and returned back along the roof, without hurrying himself, and taking the time to spit once more into the street. Ah, ah, so you've been playing the spy on me, cried he, gaily on beholding her.

Starting point is 04:34:27 She's been making a stupid of herself, eh? Madame Boche? She wouldn't call to me. Wait a bit, I shall have finished in ten minutes. All that remained to do was to fix the top of the chimney. a mere nothing. The laundress and the concierge waited on the pavement, discussing the neighborhood, giving an eye to Nana to prevent her from dabbling in the gutter, where she wanted to look for little fishes, and the two women kept glancing up at the roof, smiling and nodding their heads, as though to imply that they were not losing patience. The old woman opposite had not left her window, had continued watching the man and waiting. What ever can she have to look at that old she-goat?

Starting point is 04:35:10 said Madame Bush. What a mug she has. One could hear a loud voice of his inkworker up above singing, Ah, it's nice to gather strawberries. Bending over his bench, he was now artistically cutting out his zinc. With his compasses he traced a line, and he detached a large fan-shaped piece with the aid of a pair of curved shears. Then he lightly bent this fan with his hammer

Starting point is 04:35:36 into the form of a pointed mushroom. Sidor was again blowing the charcoal in the chafing dish. The sun was setting behind the house in a brilliant rosy light, which was gradually becoming paler and turning to a delicate lilac. And at this quiet hour of a day, right up against the sky, the silhouettes of a two workman, looking inordinately large, with the dark line of the bench and the strange profile of the bellows, stood out from the limpid background of the atmosphere.

Starting point is 04:36:08 When the chimney top was got into shape, Koupo called out, Zidor! The irons! But Zidore had disappeared. The zinc worker swore and looked about for him, even calling him through the open skylight of the loft. At length, he discovered him on a neighboring roof, two houses off. The young rogue was taking a walk, exploring the environs,

Starting point is 04:36:31 his fair scanty locks blowing in the breeze, his eyes blinking as they beheld the immensity of Paris. "'I say, lazy-bones, do you think you're having a day in the country?' asked Coupot in a rage. "'You're like Monsieur Berengé, composing verses, perhaps. "'Will you give me those irons? "'Did anyone ever see such a thing, strolling about on the housetops? "'Why not bring your sweetheart at once and tell her of your love? "'Will you give me those irons, you confounded little shirker?'

Starting point is 04:37:03 "'He finished his soldering and called to Jervais.' There, it's done. I'm coming down. The chimney pot, to which he had to fix the flu, was in the middle of the roof. Javais, who was no longer uneasy, continued to smile as she followed his movement. Nana, amused all on a sudden by the view of her father, clapped her little hands. She'd seated herself on the pavement to see the better up there. Papa, Papa, called she with all her might. Papa, just look.

Starting point is 04:37:38 The zinc worker wished to lean forward, but his foot slipped. Then suddenly, stupidly, like a cat with its legs entangled, he rolled and descended the slight slope of the roof without being able to grab hold of anything. "'Mon dear!' he cried in a choked voice. And he fell. His body described a gentle curve, turned twice over on itself, and came smashing into the middle of the street

Starting point is 04:38:07 with a dull thought of a bundle of clothes thrown from on high. This ends Chapter 4, Part 2. Chapter 4, Part 3 of Lassomois by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. Miss Librevox's recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 4, Part 3. Jervais stupefied, her throat rent by one great cry, stood holding up her arms.

Starting point is 04:38:50 Some passers-by hastened to the spot, a crowd soon formed. Madame Boch utterly upset, her knees bending under her, took Nana in her arms to hide her head and prevent her seeing. Meanwhile, the little old woman opposite quietly closed her window, as though satisfied. four men ended by carrying Coupot into a chemist at the corner of the Rue des Poissonier, and he remained there on a blanket in the middle of the shop whilst they sent to the Larboisier Hospital for a stretcher. He was still breathing. Jervais, sobbing, was kneeling on the floor beside him, her face smudged with tears, stunned and unseeing. Her hands would reach to feel her husband's limbs with the utmost gentleness.

Starting point is 04:39:38 then she would draw back as she'd been warned not to touch him. But a few seconds later she would touch him to assure herself that he was still warm, feeling somehow that she was helping him. When the stretcher at last arrived, and they talked of starting for the hospital, she got up saying violently, No, no, not to the hospital. We live in the Runeuve de la Goutre. It was useless for them to explain to her that the illness would cause

Starting point is 04:40:08 her a great deal of money if she took her husband home. She obstinately repeated, "'Who nerve to the good door? I will show you the house. What didn't it matter to you? I've got money. He's my husband, isn't he? He's mine, and I want him at home.' And they had to take Hupot to his own home. When the stretcher was carried through the crowd which was crushing up against the chemist's shop, the women of a neighborhood were excitedly talking of Jervais. She limp the dalt, but all the same she had some pluck. She would be sure to save her old man, whilst at the hospital the doctors let the patients die, who were very bad, so as not to have the bother of trying to cure them. Madame Bosch, after taking Nana home with her, returned,

Starting point is 04:40:55 and gave her account of the accident with interminable details, and still feeling agitated with the emotion she passed through. I was going to buy a leg of mutton. I was there. I was there. I I saw him fall, repeated she. It was all through the little one. He turned to look at her and bang. Aw, good heavens! I never want to see such a sight again. However, I must be off to get my leg of mutton.

Starting point is 04:41:24 For a week, Hupot was very bad. The family, the neighbors, everyone expected to see him turn for the worse at any moment. The doctor, a very expensive doctor, who charged five francs, for each visit apprehended internal injuries, and these words filled everyone with fear. It was said in the neighborhood that the zinc worker's heart had been injured by the shock. Jervais alone, looking pale through her nights of watching, serious and resolute, shrugged her shoulders. Her old man's right leg was broken, everyone knew that. It would be set for him, and that was all.

Starting point is 04:42:06 As for the rest, the interest. injured heart, that was nothing. She knew how to restore a heart with ceaseless care. She was certain of getting him well and displayed magnificent faith. She stayed close by him and caressed him gently during the long bouts of fever without a moment of doubt. She was on her feet continuously for a whole week, completely absorbed by her determination to save him. She forgot the street outside, the entire city, and even her own children. On the ninth day, the doctor finally said that Coupeau would live. Chavez collapsed into a chair, her body limp from fatigue.

Starting point is 04:42:48 That night, she consented to sleep for two hours with her head against the foot of the bed. Coupot's accident had created quite a commotion in the family. Mother Coupeau passed the nights with Jervais, but as early as nine o'clock, she fell asleep on a chair. Every evening, a returning from work, Madame Larrat went along. round out of her way to inquire how her brother was getting on. At first, the L'Orilu had called two or three times a day, offering to sit up and watch, and even bringing an easy cheer for Jerez. Then it was not long before there were disputes as to the proper way to nurse invalids. Madame L'Helieu said that she'd saved enough people's lives to know how to go about it.

Starting point is 04:43:34 She accused the young wife of pushing her aside, of driving her away from her own brother's bed. Certainly, that clump-clump ought to be concerned about coupos getting well, for if she hadn't gone to Rue de la Nacion to disturb him at his job, he would never have fallen. Only the way she was taken care of him, she would certainly finish him. When Jervais saw the coupé was out of danger, she ceased guarding his bedside with so much jealous fierceness. Now they could no longer kill him, and she let people approach without mistrust. The family invaded the room. The convalescence would be a very long one,

Starting point is 04:44:15 but doctorate talked of four months. Then, during the long hours, the zinc worker slept. The Lorre-Lu talked of Jervais, as of a fool. She hadn't done any good by having her husband at home. At the hospital, they would have cured him twice as quickly. Laurie Lou would have liked to have been ill, to have caught no matter what, just to show her that he did not hesitate for a moment.

Starting point is 04:44:39 to go to La Reboiserie. Madame Lourri Lou knew a lady who had just come from there. Well, she had had chicken to eat morning and night. Again and again, the two of them went over their estimate of how much four months of convalescence would cost. Workdays lost, the doctor and the medicines, and afterward good wine and fresh meat. If the coupos only used up their small savings,

Starting point is 04:45:06 they would be very lucky indeed. They would probably be probably, have to go into debt. Well, that was to be expected, and it was their business. They had no right to expect any help from the family, which couldn't afford the luxury of keeping an invalid at home. It was just clump-clump's bad luck, wasn't it? Why couldn't she have done as others did, let her man be taken to hospital? This just showed how stuck up she was. One evening, Madame Lourilou had the spitefulness to ask Jervais suddenly, "'Well, and your shop?

Starting point is 04:45:41 "'When are you going to take it?' "'Yes,' chuckled Lorilu. "'The landlord's still waiting for you.' Chavez was astonished. She had completely forgotten the shop, but she saw the wicked joy of those people at the thought that she would no longer be able to take it, and she was bursting with anger.

Starting point is 04:46:02 From that evening, in fact, they watched for every opportunity to twitter about her hopeless dream. when anyone spoke of some impossible wish, they would say that it might be realized on the day de Jervais started in business, in a beautiful shop opening onto the street. And behind her back they would laugh fit to split their sides.

Starting point is 04:46:23 She did not like to think such an unkind thing, but really, but Lory Lou now seemed to be very pleased at Coupot's accident as it prevented her setting up as a laundress in the Rue de la Goutre. Then she also said, wished to laugh, and show them how willingly she parted with the money for the sake of curing her husband. Each time she took the savings bank book from beneath the glass clock tower in their presence,

Starting point is 04:46:48 she would say, gaily, I'm going out, I'm going to rent my shop. She'd not been willing to withdraw the money all at once. She took it out a hundred francs at a time, so as not to keep such a pile of gold and silver in her drawer. Then, too, she vaguely hoped for some miracle, some sudden recovery which would enable them not to part with the entire sum. At each journey to the savings bank, on her return home, she added up on a piece of paper the money they had still left there. It was merely for the sake of order. Their bank account might be getting smaller all the time, yet she went on with her quiet smile and common-sense attitude, keeping the account straight. It was a consolation to be able to use this money for such a good

Starting point is 04:47:38 purpose to have had it when faced with their misfortune. While Coupot was bedridden, the Gougees were very kind to Gervais. Madame Gouge was always ready to assist. She never went to shop without stopping to ask Gervais if there was anything she needed, sugar or butter or salt. She always brought over hot bullion on the evening she cooked pot or foe. Sometimes when Jervais seemed to have too much to do, Madame Gougeet helped her do the dishes. or cleaned the kitchen herself.

Starting point is 04:48:11 Gouge took her water peels every morning and filled them at the tap on Rue de Posseigne, saving her two sous a day. After dinner, if no family came to visit, the Gouche would come over to visit with the coupos. Until ten o'clock, the blacksmith would smoke his pipe and wash Jervais, busy with her invalid. He would not speak ten words the entire evening.

Starting point is 04:48:35 He was moved to pity by the sight of her pouring coupé's tea and medicine into a cup, or storing the sugar in it very carefully so as to make no sound with a spoon. It stirred him deeply when she would lean over Coupot and speak in her soft voice. Never before had he known such a fine woman. Her limp increased the credit to her for wearing herself out doing things for her husband all day long. She never sat down for ten minutes, not even to eat. She was always running to the chemists. and then she would still keep the house clean, not even a speck of dust. She never complained, no matter how exhausted she became.

Starting point is 04:49:17 Gouge developed a very deep affection for Gervais in this atmosphere of unselfish devotion. One day he said to the invalid, Well, old man, now you're patched up again. I wasn't worried about you. Your wife works miracles. Gouge was supposed to be getting married. his mother had found a suitable girl, a lace mender like herself, whom she was urging him to marry. He had agreed so as not to hurt her feelings,

Starting point is 04:49:48 and the wedding had been set for early September. Money had long since been saved to set them up in housekeeping. However, when Gervais referred to his coming marriage, he shook his head, saying, "'Not every woman is like you, Madame Coupeau. If all women were like you, I'd marry ten of them.' At the end of two months, Koupa was able to get up. He did not go far, only from the bed to the window,

Starting point is 04:50:16 and even then Jervais had to support him. There he would sit down in the easy chair Velourilu had brought, with his right leg stretched out on a stool. This joker, who used to laugh at the people who slipped down on frosty days, felt greatly put out by his accident. He had no philosophy. He'd spent those two months in bed in Krupp. cursing and in worrying the people about him.

Starting point is 04:50:42 It was not in existence, really, to pass one's life on one's back, with a pin all tied up and as stiff as a sausage. Ah, he certainly knew the ceiling by heart. There was a crack at the corner of the alcove that he could have drawn with his eyes shut. Then, when he was made comfortable in the easy-chair, it was another grievance. Would he be fixed there for long, just like a mummy?

Starting point is 04:51:06 Nobody ever passed along the street, so it was no fun to watch. Besides, it stank of bleach water all day. No, he was just growing old. He'd have given ten years of his life just to go see how the fortifications were getting along. He kept going on about his fate. It wasn't right what had happened to him. A good worker like him, not a loafer or a drunkard. He could have understood in that case.

Starting point is 04:51:36 "'Papa Coupot,' said he, "'broke his neck one day that he'd been boozing. "'I can't say that it was deserved, "'but anyhow, it was explainable. "'I had had nothing since my lunch, "'was perfectly quiet and without a drop of liquor in my body. "'And yet I came to grief, "'just because I wanted to turn round to smile at Nana.

Starting point is 04:51:58 "'Don't you think that's too much? "'If there is a providence, "'it certainly arranges things in a very peculiar manner. I, for one, shall never believe in it. And when at last he was able to use his legs, he retained a secret grudge against work. It was a handicraft full of misfortunes to pass one's days, like the cats on the roof of the houses.

Starting point is 04:52:21 The employers were no fools. They sent you to your death, being far too cowardly to venture themselves on a ladder, and stopped at home in safety at their firesides without carrying a hang for the poorer classes, and he got to the point of saying that everyone ought to fix the zinc himself on his own house. Montieu, it was the only fair way to do it.

Starting point is 04:52:44 If you don't want the rain to come and do the work yourself. You regretted he hadn't learned another trade. Something more pleasant, something less dangerous, maybe cabinet-making. It was really his father's fault. Lots of fathers have the foolish habit of shoving their sons into their own line of work. For another two months, Koupo hobbled about on crutches.

Starting point is 04:53:10 He had first of all managed to get as far as the street and smoke his pipe in front of the door. Then he had managed to reach the exterior boulevard, dragging himself along in the sunshine and remaining for hours on one of the seats. Geherty returned to him. His infernal tongue got sharper in these long hours of idleness. And with the pleasure of living, he gained their delight in doing nothing. An indolent feeling took possession of his limbs, and his muscles gradually glided into a very sweet slumber. It was the slow victory of laziness, which took advantage of his convalescence to obtain possession of his body and unerve him with its tickling. He regained his health, as thorough a banterer as before, thinking life, beautiful, and not seeing why it should not last forever.

Starting point is 04:54:02 As soon as he could get about without the crutches, he made longer walks, often visiting construction jobs, to see old comrades. He would stand with his arms folded, sneering and shaking his head, ridiculing the workers slaving at the job, stretching out his leg to show them what you got for wearing yourself out. Being able to stand about and mock others while they were working satisfied his spite against hard work. No doubt he'd have to go back to it, but he'd put it off as long as possible. He had a reason now to be lazy. Besides, it seemed good to him to loaf around like a bum. On the afternoons when Coupot felt dull, he would call on the Lour-ilu.

Starting point is 04:54:48 The latter would pity him immensely and attract him with all sorts of amiable attentions. During the first years following his marriage, he'd avoided them, thanks to Jervais's influence. Now they regained their sway over him by twitting him about being afraid of his wife. He was no man, that was evident. The Lorilu, however, showed great discretion and were loud in their praise of the laundress's good qualities. Kupot, without his yet coming to wrangling,

Starting point is 04:55:19 swore to the latter that his sister adored her, and requested that she would behave more amiably to her. The first quarrel which the couple had occurred one evening on account of Etienne, The zinc worker had passed the afternoon with the Lorilu. On arriving home, as the dinner was not quite ready, and the children were whining for their soup, he suddenly turned upon Etienne and boxed his ears soundly. And during an hour he did not cease to grumble.

Starting point is 04:55:47 The brat was not his. He did not know why he allowed him to be in the place. He would end by turning him out into the street. Up till then, he tolerated the youngster without all that fuss. on the morrow, he talked of his dignity. Three days after, he kept kicking the little fellow, morning and evening, so much so that the child, whenever he heard him coming, bolted into the gujets,

Starting point is 04:56:12 where the old lace mender kept a corner of a table clear for him to do his lessons. Jervais had for some time passed returned to work. She no longer had but trouble of looking under the glass cover of the clock. All the savings were gone. And she had to work hard, work with work. for four, for there were four to feed now. She alone maintained them. Whenever she heard people pitying her, she had once found excuses for Coupot. Recollect, he'd suffered so much, it was not surprising if his disposition had soured. But it would pass off when his health returned. And if anyone hinted that

Starting point is 04:56:52 Coupot seemed all right again, that he could very well return to work, she protested. No, no, not yet. she did not want to see him take to his bed again they would allow her to know best what the doctor said perhaps it was she who prevented him returning to work telling him every morning to take his time and not to force himself she even slipped twenty soup pieces into his west-court pocket kupo accepted this as something perfectly natural he was always complaining of aches and pains so that she would coddle him at the end of six months he was so that he was so that he would coddle him at the end of six months he was still convalescing. Now, whenever he went to watch others working, he was always ready to join his comrades in downing a shot. It wasn't so bad, after all. They had their fun, and they never stayed more than five minutes.

Starting point is 04:57:45 That couldn't hurt anybody. Only a hypocrite would say he went in because he wanted a drink. No wonder they'd laughed at him in the past. A glass of wine never hurt anybody. He only drank wine, though. never brandy. Why never made you sick, didn't get you drunk, and helped you to live longer. Soon, though, several times, after a day of idleness and going from one building job to another,

Starting point is 04:58:12 he came home half drunk. On those occasions, Jervais pretended to have a terrible headache, and kept their door closed so that the Gouge's wouldn't hear Coupeau's drunken babblings. Little by little, the young woman lost her cheerfulness. morning and evening she went to the rue de la gutte door to look at the shop which was still to be let and she would hide herself as though she were committing some childish prank unworthy of a grown-up person this shop was beginning to turn her brain at night-time when the light was out she experienced the charm of some forbidden pleasure by thinking of it with her eyes open she again made her calculations two hundred and fifty francs for the rent one 150 francs for utensils and moving, 100 francs in hand to keep them going for a fortnight,

Starting point is 04:59:07 in all 500 francs at the very lowest figure. If she was not continually thinking of it aloud, it was for fear she would be suspected of regretting the savings swallowed up by Koupo's illness. She often became quite pale, having almost allowed her desire to escape her and catching back her words, quite confused,

Starting point is 04:59:30 though she'd been thinking of something wicked. Now they would have to work for four or five years before they would succeed in saving such a sum. Her regret was at not being able to start in business at once. She would have earned all the home required without counting on coupé, letting him take months to get into the way of work again. She would no longer have been uneasy, but certain of the future and free from the secret fears would sometimes seize her when he returned home very gay and singing, and relating some joke of that animal my boots, whom he had treated to a drink.

Starting point is 05:00:07 One evening, Gervais's being at home alone, Gouge entered and did not hurry off again, according to his habit. He seated himself and smoked as he watched her. He probably had something very serious to say. He thought it over. Let it ripen without being able to put it into suitable words. At length, after a long silence, he appeared to make up his mind and took his pipe out of his mouth to say, All in a breath. Madame Chavez, will you allow me to lend you some money? She was leaning over an open drawer, looking for some dishcloths. She got up, her face very red.

Starting point is 05:00:51 He must have seen her then in the morning, standing in ecstasy, before the shop for close upon ten minutes. He was smiling in an embarrassed way, as though he'd made some insulting proposal. But she hastily refused. Never would she accept money from anyone without knowing when she would be able to return it. Then also it was a question of too large an amount. And as he insisted in a frightened manner, she ended by exclaiming, "'But your marriage! I certainly can't take the money you've been saving for your marriage!' oh don't let that bother you he replied turning red in his turn i'm not going to be married now that was just an idea you know really i would much sooner lend you the money

Starting point is 05:01:41 then they both held down their heads there was something very pleasant between them to which they did not give expression enjavees accepted gouget had told his mother they crossed the landing and went to see her at once. The lace mender was very grave and looked rather sad as she bent her face over her tambour frame. She would not thwart her son, but she no longer approved Gervais's project, and she plainly told her why. Koupo was going to the bad. Koupo would swallow up her shop. She especially could not forgive the zinc worker for having refused to learn to read during his convalescence. The blacksmith had offered to teach her. him, but the other had sent him to the right about, saying that learning made people get thin. This had almost caused a quarrel between the two workmen, each went his own way.

Starting point is 05:02:38 Madame Gouge, however, seeing her big boys beseeching glances, behaved very kindly to Jervais. It was settled, but they would lend their neighbours five hundred francs. The latter were to repay the amount by installments of twenty francs a month, who would last as long as it lasted. I say, the blacksmith's sweet on you, exclaimed Coupeau, laughing, when he heard what had taken place. Oh, I'm quite easy. He's too big a muff. We'll pay him back his money. But really, if he had to deal with some people, he'd find himself pretty well duped. On the morrow, the coupos took the shop. All day long, Jervais was running from Runeuve de la Gout d'Aute d'Or. When the neighbors beheld her past thus, nimble and delighted to the extent that she no longer limped,

Starting point is 05:03:31 they said she must have undergone some operation. This ends Chapter 4, Part 3. Chapter 5, Part 1 of La Somois by Emil Solac, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder Chapter 5 Part 1 It so happened that the boches had left the Rue de Poissanier at the April quarter and were now taking charge of the great house in the Rue de la Gouture.

Starting point is 05:04:18 It was a curious coincidence all the same. One thing that worries Jervais, who'd lived so quietly in her lodgings in the Runeuve, was the thought of again being under this objection of some unpleasant person, with whom she would be continually quarreling, either on account of water spilt in the passage, or of a door shut too noisily at night-time. Concierges are such a disagreeable class. But it would be a pleasure to be with the Bosch's. They knew one another. They would always get on well together. It would be just like members of the

Starting point is 05:04:54 same family. On the day the coupos went to sign their lease, Jervais felt her heart swollen with pride as she passed through the high doorway. She was then at length going to live in that house as vast as a little town, with its interminable staircases and passages as long and winding of streets. She was excited by everything, the grey walls with varicolored rugs hanging from windows to dry in the sun, the dingy courtyard with as many holes in its pavement as a public square, the hum of activity coming through the walls.

Starting point is 05:05:30 She felt joy that she was at last about to realize her ambition. She also felt fear that she would fail and be crushed in the endless struggle against the poverty and starvation she could feel breathing down her neck. It seemed to her that she was doing something very bold, throwing herself into the midst of some machinery in motion, as she listened to the blacksmith's hammers in the cabinet-makers' planes, hammering and hissing in the depths of the workshop. on the ground floor.

Starting point is 05:06:04 On that day, the water flowing from the dyer's under the entrance porch was a very pale apple green. She smilingly stepped over it. To her, the color was a pleasant omen. The meeting with the landlord was to take place in the bush's room. Monsieur Marceau, a wealthy cutler of the Rue de la Pais, had at one time turned a grindstone through the streets. He was now stated to be worth sense. several millions. He was a man of 55, large and big-boned. Even though he now wore a decoration

Starting point is 05:06:40 in his buttonhole, his huge hands were still those of a former working man. It was his joy to carry off the scissors and knives of his tenants, to sharpen them himself for the fun of it. He often stayed for hours with his concierges, closed up in the darkness of their lodges, going over the accounts. That's where he did all his business. He was now seated by Madame Bush's kitchen table, listening to her story of how the dressmaker on the third floor, staircase A, had used a filthy word in refusing to pay her rent. He had to work precious hard once upon a time. But work was the high road to everything. And, after counting the 250 francs for the first two quarters in advance and dropping them into his capacious pocket, he related the story of his life and she related the story of his life and she was a lot of his life and she was a little bit of his life. showed his decoration. Dervais, however, felt rather ill at ease on account of the Boche's behavior.

Starting point is 05:07:41 They pretended not to know her. They were most deciduous in their attentions to the landlord, bowing down before him, watching for his least words and nodding their approval of them. Madame Boch suddenly ran out and dispersed a group of children who were paddling about in front of a cistern, the tap of which they turned full on, causing the water to flow over the pavement. and when she returned upright and severe in her skirts, crossing the courtyard and glancing slowly up at all the windows, as though to assure herself of the good behavior of the household, she pursed her lips in a way to show with what authority she was invested, now that she reigned over three hundred tenants. Bosch again spoke of a dressmaker on the second floor. He advised

Starting point is 05:08:29 that she should be turned out. He reckoned up the number of quarters she owed, the importance of a steward whose management might be compromised. Monsieur Marceau approved the suggestion of turning her out, but he wished to wait till the half-quarter. It was hard to turn people out into the street, more especially as it did not put a sue into the landlord's pocket. And Jervais asked herself, with a shudder, if she too would be turned out into the street

Starting point is 05:08:58 the day that some misfortune rendered her unable to pay. The Conciercercer's lodge was as dismal as a cellar, black from smoke and crowded with dark furniture. All the sunlight fell upon the tailor's workbench by the window. An old frock coat that was being reworked lay on it. The boss's only child, a four-year-old redhead named Pauline, was sitting on the floor, staring quietly at the veal, simmering on the stove, delighted with the sharp odor of cooking that came from the fry. frying pan. Mr. Mersko again held out his hand to his ink-worker when the latter spoke of the repairs, recalling to his mind a promise he'd made to talk the matter over later on. But the landlord

Starting point is 05:09:45 grew angry. He never promised anything. Besides, it was not usual to do any repairs to a shop. However, he consented to go over the place, followed by the coupons and bush. The little linen draper had carried off all his shelves and counters. The empty shop displayed its blackened ceiling and its cracked wall, on which hung strips of an old yellow paper. In the sonorous emptiness of the place, there ensued a heated discussion. Monsieur Marsecoe exclaimed that it was the business of shopkeepers

Starting point is 05:10:19 to embellish their shops, for a shopkeeper might wish to have gold put about everywhere, and he, the landlord, could not put out gold. Then he related that he had spoken. spent more than 20,000 francs in fitting up his premises in the Rue de la Paix. Jervais, with her woman's obstinacy, kept repeating an argument which he considered unanswerable. He would repaper a lodging, would he not? Then why did he not treat the shop the same as a lodging?

Starting point is 05:10:48 She did not ask him for anything else, only to whitewash the ceiling and put some fresh paper on the walls. Bosch, all this while, remained dignified and impenetrable. He turned about and looked up in the air without expressing an opinion. Koupo winked at him in vain. He affected not to wish to take advantage of his great influence over the landlord. He ended, however, by making a slight grimace, a little smile accompanied by a nod of the head. Just then, Monsieur Mersko exasperated, and seemingly,

Starting point is 05:11:26 very unhappy, and clutching his fingers like a miser being despoiled of his gold, was giving way to Jervais, promising to do the ceiling and repaper the shop on condition that she paid for half of the paper, and he hurried away, declining to discuss anything further. Not that Bosch was alone with the coupos, the concieres became quite talkative and slapped them on the shoulders. Well, well, see what they'd gotten. Without his help, they'd. Without his help, would never have gotten the concessions. Didn't they notice how the landlord had looked to him out of the corner of his eye for advice, and how he'd made up his mind suddenly when he saw Bush smile? He confessed to them, confidentially, that he was the real boss of the building.

Starting point is 05:12:13 It was he who decided who got eviction notices and who could become tenants. He collected all the rents and kept them for a couple of weeks in his bureau drawer. That evening the coupos, to express their gratitude to the Bush's, sent them two bottles of wine as a present. The following Monday the workmen started doing up the shop. The purchasing of the paper turned out especially to be a very big affair. Jervais wanted a gray paper with blue flowers, so as to enliven and brighten the walls. Bush offered to take her to the dealers so that she might make her own selection. but the landlord had given him formal instructions not to go beyond the price of fifteen sous the piece.

Starting point is 05:12:59 They were there an hour. The laundress kept looking in despair at a very pretty chintz pattern costing 18 sous the piece and thought all the other papers hideous. At length the concierge gave in. He would arrange the matter, and if necessary, would make out there was a piece more used than was really the case. So on her way home, Jervais purchased some tarts for Pauline. She did not like being behind-hand, one always gained by behaving nicely to her. The shop was to be ready in the four days.

Starting point is 05:13:34 The workmen were there three weeks. At first it was arranged that they should merely wash the paint. But this paint, originally maroon, was so dirty and so sad-looking that Jervais allowed herself to be tempted to have the whole of the front painted a light blue with yellow moldings. Then the repairs seemed as though they would last forever. Coupeau, as he was still not working, arrived early each morning to see how things were going.

Starting point is 05:14:03 Bosch left the overcoat or trousers on which he was working to come and supervise. Both of them would stand and watch, with their hands behind their backs, puffing on their pipes. The painters were very merry fellows who would often desert their work to stand in the middle of a shop enjoying the discussion, shaking their heads for hours, admiring the work already done. The ceiling had been whitewashed quickly, but the paint on the walls never seemed to dry in a hurry. Around nine o'clock the painters would arrive with their paint pots which they stuck in a corner.

Starting point is 05:14:38 They would look around and then disappear. Perhaps they went to eat breakfast. Sometimes Koupo would take everyone for a drink, Bosh, the two painters and any of Kupo's friends who were nearby. This meant another afternoon wasted. Chavez's patience was thoroughly exhausted when, suddenly, everything was finished in two days. The paint vanished, the paper hung, and the dirt all cleared away. The workmen had finished it off as though they were playing, whistling away on their ladders and singing loud enough to deafen the whole neighborhood. The moving in took place at once. During the first few days, Jervais felt as delighted as a child.

Starting point is 05:15:24 Whenever she crossed the road on returning from some errand, she lingered to smile at her home. From a distance, her shop appeared light and gay with its pale blue signboard, on which the word laundress was painted in big yellow letters, amidst the dark row of the other frontages. In the window, closed in behind by little muslin curtains, and hung on either side with blue paper to show, off the whiteness of a linen. Some shirts were displayed, with some women's caps hanging above them

Starting point is 05:15:55 on wires. She thought her shop looked pretty, being the same color as the heavens. Inside, there was more blue. The paper, in imitation of a pompadour chintz, represented a trellis overgrown with morning glories. A huge table taking up two-thirds of the room was her ironing table. It was covered with thick blanketing and draped with a strip of cretan patterned with blue flower sprays that hid the trestles beneath. Chervais was enchanted with her pretty establishment, and would often seat herself on a stool and sigh with contentment, delighted with all the new equipment. Her first glance always went to the cast-iron stove, where the irons were heated ten at a time, arranged over the heat on slanting rests. She would kneel down to look into the stove,

Starting point is 05:16:47 make sure the apprentice had not put in too much coke. The lodging at the back of the shop was quite decent. The coupos slept in the first room, where they also did the cooking and took their meals. A door at the back opened on to the courtyard of the house. Nana's bed was in the right-hand room which was lighted by a little round window close to the ceiling. As for Etienne, he shared the left-hand room with the dirty clothes, enormous bundles of which, lay about on the floor. However, there was one disadvantage. The coups would not admit it at first, but the damp ran down the walls, and it was impossible to see clearly in the place after three o'clock in the afternoon. In the neighborhood, the new shop produced a great sensation. The coupos were

Starting point is 05:17:39 accused of going too fast and making too much fuss. They had, in fact, spent the 500 francs lent by the Gujays in fitting up a shop and in moving. without keeping sufficient to live upon for a fortnight, as they had intended doing. The morning that Gervais took down her shutters for the first time, she had just six francs in her purse. But that did not worry her. Customers began to arrive, and things seemed promising. A week later on the Saturday, before going to bed, she remained two hours making calculations on a piece of paper. And she awoke Coupot tell him, with a bright look on her face, that there were hundreds and thousands of francs to be made, if they were only careful.

Starting point is 05:18:25 Ah well, said Madame Lorilu, all over the rue de la Goucourt. My fool of a brother is seeing some funny things. All that was wanting was that clump, clump should go about so haughty. It becomes so well, doesn't it? The Lorilu had declared a feud to the death against Jervais. To begin with, they had almost died of rage during the time while the repairs were being done to the shop. If they caught sight of the painters from a distance,

Starting point is 05:18:54 they would walk on the other side of the way and go up to their rooms with their teeth set. A blue shop for that nobody. It was enough to discourage all honest, hard-working people. Besides, the second day after the shop opened, the apprentice happened to throw out a bowl of starch just at the moment when Madame L'Orilu was passing. The zinc worker's sister caused a great commotion in the street.

Starting point is 05:19:19 accusing her sister-in-law of insulting her through her employees. This broke off all relations. Now they only exchanged terrible glares when they encountered each other. Yes, she leads a pretty life, Madame Lurie Lou kept saying. We all know where the money came from that she paid for her wretched shop. She borrowed it from the blacksmith, and he springs from a nice family too. Didn't the father caught his own throat to save the guillotine the trouble of doing so? Anyhow, there was something disreputable of that sort.

Starting point is 05:19:57 She bluntly accused Gervais of flirting with Gouge. She lied. She pretended she'd surprised them together one night on a seat on the exterior boulevard. The thought of this liaison, of pleasures that her sister-in-law was no doubt enjoying, exasperated her still more because of her own ugly woman's strict sense of propriety. Every day the same cry

Starting point is 05:20:22 came from her heart to her lips. What does she have, that wretched cripple, for people to fall in love with her? Why doesn't anyone want me? She busied herself in endless gossiping among the neighbors. She told them the whole story.

Starting point is 05:20:41 The day the coupos got married, she turned up her nose at her. Oh, she was. She had a keen nose. She could smell in advance how it would turn out. Then Clump Clump pretended to be so sweet. What a hypocrite. She and her husband had only agreed to be Nana's godparents for the sake of her brother. What a bundle it had cost that fancy christening. If Clump Clump Clump were on her deathbed, she wouldn't give her a glass of water,

Starting point is 05:21:06 no matter how much she begged. She didn't want anything to do with such a shameless baggage. Little Nana would always be welcome when she came up to see her godparents, but child couldn't be blamed for her mother's sins. But there was no use trying to tell Coupot anything. Any real man in his situation would have beaten his wife and put a stop to it all. All they wanted was for him to insist on respect for his family. My God!

Starting point is 05:21:34 If she, Madame Lourri Lou, had acted like that, Coupot wouldn't be so complacent. He would have stabbed her for sure. with his shears. The boches, however, who sternly disapproved of quarrels in their building, said that the Laurilu were in the wrong. The Laurilu were no doubt respectable persons, quiet, working the whole day long and paying their rent regularly. But really, jealousy had driven them mad. And they were mean enough to skin an egg, real miser's. They were so stingy, but they'd hide their bottle when anyone came in, so it was not to have to offer a glass of wine. Not regular people at all.

Starting point is 05:22:17 Jervais had brought over cassis and soda water one day to drink with the Bosh's. When Madame L'Orillou went by, she acted out spitting before the concierge's door. Well, after that, when Madame Bosh swept the corridors on Saturdays, she always left a pile of trash before the L'Orillou's door. It isn't to be wondered at, Madame L'OriLieu would exclaim. Clump, clumps always stuffing. them the glutton's. Ah, they're all alike, but they better not annoy me. I'll complain to the landlord. Only yesterday I saw that sly old Bosch chasing after Madame Godron's skirts. Just fancy. A woman of

Starting point is 05:22:59 that age, and who has half a dozen children, too. It's positively disgusting. If I catch them at anything of the sort again, I'll tell Madame Bosch, and she'll give them both a hiding. It'll be something to laugh at. Mother Coupeau continued to visit the two houses, agreeing with everybody and even managing to get asked oftener to dinner by complacently listening one night to her daughter and the next night to her daughter-in-law. However, Madame Larrat did not go to visit the coupos because she'd argued with Jervais about a suave who'd cut the nose of his mistress with a razor. She was on the side of the suave, saying it was evidence of a great passion, but without explaining further her thought.

Starting point is 05:23:46 Then she'd made Madame Lachilu even more angry by telling her that clump-plumped had called her cow-tail in front of fifteen or twenty people. Yes, that's what the bolches and all the neighbors called her now. Cow-tail! Jervais remained calm and cheerful among all these goings on. She often stood by Bidora for shop, greeting friends who passed by with a nod and a smile.

Starting point is 05:24:11 It was her pleasure to take a moment between batches of ironing to enjoy the street and take pride in her own stretch of sidewalk. She felt that the Rue de la Goutre was hers, and the neighboring streets, and the whole neighborhood. As she stood there with her blonde hair slightly damped from the heat of the shop, she'd looked left and right, taking in the people, the buildings, and the sky. To the left, Rue de la Gouture was peaceful and almost empty, like a country town with women idling in their doorways. while to the right, only a short distance away, Rue de Posagnier had a noisy throng of people and vehicles.

Starting point is 05:24:53 The stretch of gutter before her own shop became very important in her mind. It was like a wide river which she longed to see neat and clean. It was a lively river, colored by the dye shop with the most fanciful of hues, which contrasted with the black mud beside it. Then there were the shops. A large grocery with a display of dried fruits protected by mesh nets, a shop selling work clothes, which had white tunics and blue smocks hanging before it with arms that waved at the slightest breeze. Cats were purring on the counters of the fruit store in the tripe shop.

Starting point is 05:25:31 Madame Vigahu, the coal dealer next door, returned her greetings. She was a plump short woman with bright eyes and a dark face, who was always joking with the men while standing at her doorway. Her shop was decorated in imitation of a rustic chalet. The neighbors on the other side were a mother and daughter, the kudages. The umbrella cellars kept their door closed and never came out to visit. Chavez always looked across the road too, through the wide carriage entrance of the windowless wall opposite her at the blacksmith's forge. The courtyard was cluttered with vans and carts.

Starting point is 05:26:10 inscribed on the wall was the word blacksmiths. At the lower end of the wall, between the small shops selling scrap iron and fried potatoes, was a watchmaker. He wore a frock coat and was always very neat. His cuckoo clocks could be heard in chorus against the background noise of the street and the blacksmith's rhythmic clanging. The neighborhood in general thought Jervais is very nice. There was, it is true, a good deal of scam. related regarding her, but everyone admired her large eyes, small mouth, and beautiful white teeth. In short, she was a pretty blonde, and had it not been for her crippled legs, she might have

Starting point is 05:26:52 ranked among the comeliest. She was now in her 28th year and had grown considerably plumber. Her fine features were becoming puffy, and her gestures were assuming a pleasant indolence. At times, she occasionally seemed to forget herself on the edge of a chair, whilst she waited for her iron to heat, smiling vaguely and with an expression of greedy joy upon her face. She was becoming fond of good living. Everybody said so, but that was not a very grave fault, but rather the contrary. When one earns sufficient to be able to buy good food, one would be foolish to eat potato pairings. All the more so as she continued to work very hard, slaving to please her customers, sitting up late at night after the plight,

Starting point is 05:27:40 was closed whenever there was anything urgent. She was lucky, as all her neighbors said. Everything prospered with her. She did the washing for all the house, Monsieur Madigny, Mademoiselle Remanjou, the borses. She even secured some of the customers of her old employer, Madame Fauconnier, Parisian ladies living in the Rue de Favre Ponsignier. As early as the third week, she was obliged to engage two work women, Madame Poutre, and tall Climance, the girl who used to live on the sixth floor, counting her apprentice, that little squint-eyed Augustine, who was as ugly as a beggars behind, that made three persons in her employ. Others would certainly have lost their heads at such a piece of good fortune.

Starting point is 05:28:29 It was excusable for her to slack a little on Monday, after drudging all through the week. Besides, it was necessary to her. She would have had no courage left, and would have expected to see the shirts ironed themselves if she'd not been able to dress up in some pretty thing. Jervais was always so amiable, meek as a lamb, sweet as sugar. There wasn't anyone she disliked except Madame Lourri-Lu. While she was enjoying a good meal and coffee, she could be indulgent and forgive everybody, saying, We have to forgive each other, don't we? Unless we want to live like savages? Hadn't all her dreams? come true? She remembered her old dream, to have a job, enough bread to eat, and a corner in which to

Starting point is 05:29:17 sleep, to bring up her children, not to be beaten, and to die in her own bed. She had everything she wanted now and more than she had ever expected. She laughed, thinking of delaying, dying in her own bed as long as possible. It was to Coupot especially that Jervais behaved nicely. never an angry word, never a complaint behind her husband's back. The zinc worker had at length resumed work, and as the job he was engaged on was at the other side of Paris, she gave him every morning 40 sous for his luncheon, his glass of wine and his tobacco.

Starting point is 05:29:58 Only two days out of every six, Koupo would stop on the way, spend the 40-sou and drink with a friend, and return home to lunch with some cock and bolt story. Once, even he did not take the trouble to go far. He treated himself, my boots, and three others to a regular feast, snails, roast meat, and some sealed bottles of wine, at the capuchin on the Barre de la Chappelle.

Starting point is 05:30:25 Then, as his forty sous were not sufficient, he sent the waiter to his wife with the bill and the information that he was in pawn. She laughed and shrugged her shoulders. Where was the harm of her old man amused himself a bit? You must give men a long rain if you want to live peaceably at home. From one word to another, one soon arrived at blows. Mon dieu, it was easy to understand.

Starting point is 05:30:54 Kupot still suffered from his leg. Besides, he was led astray. He was obliged to do as the others did, or else he would be thought at sheepskate. And it was really a matter of no consequence, If he came home a bit elevated, he went to bed, and two hours afterward, he was all right again. It was now the warm time of the year. One June afternoon, a Saturday when there was a lot of work to get through,

Starting point is 05:31:21 Chavez herself had piled the coke into the stove, around which ten irons were heating, whilst the rumbling sound issued from the chimney. At that hour the sun was shining full on the shop front, and the pavement reflected the heat wave. causing all sorts of quaint shadows to dance over the ceiling, and that blaze of light which assumed a bluish tinge from the color of the paper on the shelves and against the window, was almost blinding in the intensity with which it shone over the ironing table, like a golden dust shaken among the fine linen.

Starting point is 05:31:55 The atmosphere was stifling. The shop door was thrown wide open, but not a breath of air entered. The clothes which were hung up on brass wires to dry, steamed and became as stiff as shavings in less than three quarters of an hour. For some little while past, an oppressive silence had rained in that furnace-like heat, interrupted only by the smothered sound of the banging down of the irons on the thick blanket covered with calico. This ends Chapter 5, Part 1

Starting point is 05:32:28 Chapter 5 Part 2 of La Semoir by Emil Zola translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Liebervaux's recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 5 Part 2. Ah well, said Jervais, it's enough to melt one. We might have to take off our chemises. She was sitting on the floor in front of a basin,

Starting point is 05:33:04 starching some things. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her camisole was sluble. slipping down her shoulders. Little curls of golden hair were stuck to her skin by perspiration. She carefully dipped caps, shirt fronts, entire petticoats, and the trimmings of women's drawers into the milky water. Then she rolled the things up and placed them at the bottom of a square basket, after dipping her hand in a pail and shaking it over the portions of her shirts and drawers which she had not starched. This basketfuls for you, Madame Poutoir, she was. said, "'Look sharp now. It dries at once, and we'll want doing all over again in an hour.'

Starting point is 05:33:47 Madame Poutois, a thin little woman of forty-five, was ironing. Though she was buttoned up in an old chestnut-coloured dress, there was not a drop of perspiration to be seen. She'd not even taken her cap off, a black cap trimmed with green ribbons turned partly yellow, and she stood perfectly upright in front of the ironing table, which was too high for her, sticking out her elbows and moving her iron with the jerky evolutions of a puppet. On a sudden, she exclaimed, "'Ah, no, Mademoiselle Clemence, you mustn't take your camis all off. You know I don't like such indecencies. Whilst you're about it, you'd better show everything. There's already three men over the way stopping to look.' Tall Clements called her an old beast,

Starting point is 05:34:36 between her teeth. She was suffocating. She might certainly make herself comfortable. Everyone was not gifted with a skin as dry as touch would. Besides, no one could see anything, and she held up her arms, whilst her opulent bosom almost ripped her chemise, and her shoulders were bursting through the straps. At the rate she was going, Clements was not likely to have any marrow left in her bones long before she was thirty years old. Mornings after big party she was unable to feel the ground she trod on and fell asleep over her work, whilst her head and her stomach seemed as though stuffed full of rags.

Starting point is 05:35:15 But she was kept on all the same, for no other workwoman could iron a skirt with her style. Shirts were her specialty. This is mine, isn't it, she declared, tapping her bosom, and it doesn't bite? it hurts nobody. Clements, put your wrapper on again, said Gervais. Madame Portois is right, it isn't decent.

Starting point is 05:35:39 People will begin to take my house for what it isn't. So tall Clements dressed herself again, grumbling the while. Oh dear, there's prudery for you. And she vented her rage on the apprentice, that squint-eyed Augustine, who was ironing some stockings and handkerchiefs beside her. she jostled her and pushed her with her elbow but augustine who was of a surly disposition sly and spiteful in the way of an animal and a drudge spat on the back of the other's dress just out of revenge without being seen Jervais during this incident had commenced a cap belonging to Madame Bosch, which she intended to take great pains with. She'd prepared some boiled starch to make it look new again.

Starting point is 05:36:30 She was gently passing a little iron, rounded at both ends, over the inside of the crown of the cap, when a bony-looking woman entered the shop, her face covered with red blotches, and her skirts sopping wet. It was a washerwoman who employed three assistants at the washhouse in the house. the Rue de la Goutre. You've come too soon, Madame Bijer, cried Bézreau. I told you to call this evening. I'm too busy to attend to you now. But as the washerwoman began lamenting,

Starting point is 05:37:01 in fearing that she would not be able to put all the things to soak that day, she consented to give her the dirty clothes at once. They went to fetch the bundles in the left-hand room where Etienne slept, and returned with enormous armfuls, which they piled up on the floor. at the back of a shop. The sorting lasted a good half hour. Chavez made heaps all around her, throwing the shirts in one, the chemises in another, the handkerchiefs, the socks, fiddish cloths, in others. Whenever she came across anything belonging

Starting point is 05:37:34 to a new customer, she marked it with a cross in red cotton thread, so as to know it again. And from all this dirty linen which they were throwing about, they issued an offensive odor in the warm atmosphere. Oh, la, la, what a stench, said Clements, holding her nose. Of course there is. If it were clean, they wouldn't send it to us, quietly, explained Jervais.

Starting point is 05:37:59 It smells as one would expect it to, that's all. We said fourteen cheeses, didn't we, Madame Bijard? Fifteen, sixteen, sixteen, seventeen, and she continued counting aloud. Used to this kind of thing, she evinced no disgust. She thrust her bare pink arms deep into the piles of laundry. Shirts yellow with grime, towels stiff from dirty dishwater, socks threadbare, and eaten away by sweat.

Starting point is 05:38:28 The strong odor which slapped her in the face as she soared at the piles of clones, made her feel drowsy. She seemed to be intoxicating herself with this stench of humanity, as she sat on the edge of a stool, bending far over, smiling vaguely. her eyes slightly misty. It was as if her laziness was started by a kind of smothering caused by the dirty clothes which poisoned the air in the shop.

Starting point is 05:38:54 Just as he was shaking out a child's dirty diaper. Kupot came in. By Jove! he stuttered. What a sun! It shines full on your head! The zinc worker caught hold of the ironing table to save himself from falling.

Starting point is 05:39:12 It was the first time he'd so drunk. Until then he had sometimes come home slightly tipsy, but nothing more. This time, however, he had a black eye, just a friendly slap he'd run up against in a playful moment. His curly hair, already streaked with grey, must have dusted a corner in some low wine shop, for a cobweb was hanging to one of his locks over the back of his neck. He was still as attractive as ever, though his features were rather drawn and aged, and his underwerews. And his underwerexed, and his underjaw projected more. But he was always lively,

Starting point is 05:39:47 as he would sometimes say, with a complexion to be envied by a duchess. I'll just explain it to you, he resumed, addressing Gervais. It was celery root. You know him, the bloke with a wooden leg. Well, as he was going back to his native place, he wanted to treat us.

Starting point is 05:40:08 Oh, we were all right, if it hadn't been for that devil of a son. In the street, everybody looks shaky. Really? All the world's drunk. And his tall Clemens laughed at his thinking that the people in the street were drunk. He was himself seized with an intense fit of gaiety, which almost strangled him. Look at them. The blessed tipplers, aren't they funny? he cried. But it's not their fault. It's the sun that's causing it.

Starting point is 05:40:39 All the shop laughed. Even Madame Poutre, who did not like. drunkards. That squint-eyed Augustine was cackling like a hen, suffocating with her mouth wide open. Jervais, however, suspected Coupot of not having come straight home, but of having passed an hour with the Laurie Lou, who were always filling his head with unpleasant ideas. When he swore he'd not been near them, she laughed also, full of indulgence, and not even reproaching him with having wasted another day. "'Montieu! What nonsense he does talk,' she murmured.

Starting point is 05:41:14 "'How does he manage to say such stupid things?' Then, in a maternal tone of voice, she added, "'Now, go to bed, won't you? You see we're busy. You're in our way. That makes thirty-two handkerchiefs, Madame Bija, and two more, thirty-four.' But Coupot was not sleepy. He stood there wagging his body from side to side, like the pendulum of a clock

Starting point is 05:41:40 and chuckling in an obstinate and teasing manner. Jervais, wanting to finish with Madame Bijat, called to Clements to count the laundry while she made the list. Tall Clements made a dirty remark about every item that she touched. She commented on the customer's misfortunes and their bedroom adventures.

Starting point is 05:42:01 She had a wash-house joke for every rip or stain that passed through her hands. Augustine pretended that, she didn't understand, but her ears were wide open. Madame Poutotouc compressed her lips, thinking it a disgrace to say such things in front of Coupot. It's not a man's business to have anything to do with dirty linen. It's just not done among decent people. Jervais, serious, and her mind fully occupied with what she was about, did not seem to notice. As she wrote, she gave a glance to each article as it passed before her,

Starting point is 05:42:37 so as to recognize it. And she never made a mistake. She guessed the owner's name just by the look or the collar. Those napkins belonged to the gujets. That was evident. They'd not been used to wipe out frying pans. That pillowcase certainly came from the Boshes, on account of the pomarum,

Starting point is 05:42:56 with which Madame Bosch always smeared her things. There was no need to put your nose close to the flannel vests of Monsieur Madigny. His skin was so oily that it clogged up his woolens. She knew many peculiarities, the cleanliness of some, the ragged underclothes of neighborhood ladies who appeared on the streets and silk dresses. How many items each family soiled weekly, the way some people's garments were always torn at the same spot. Oh, she had many tales to tell. For instance, the chemises of Mademoiselle Remanjou provided material for endless comments. They wore out at the top,

Starting point is 05:43:37 first because the old maid had bony, sharp shoulders, and they were never really dirty, proving that you dry up by her age, like a stick of wood out of which it's hard to squeeze a drop of anything. It was thus that at every sorting of a dirty linen in the shop, they undressed the whole neighborhood of the guttoe. Oh, here's something lus, cried Clermont, opening another bundle. Jervais, suddenly seized with a great repugnant, drew back. Madame Godron's bundle, said she. I'll no longer wash for her. I'll find some excuse.

Starting point is 05:44:15 No, I'm not more particular than another. I've handled some most disgusting linen in my time. But really, that lot I can't stomach. What can the woman do to get her things into such a state? And she requested Chamons to look sharp. But the girl continued her remarks, thrusting the clothes sullenly about her. her. With complaints on the soiled caps, she waved like triumphal banners. Meanwhile, the heaps around her vase had grown higher. Still seated on the edge of the stool, she was now disappearing between the petticoats and the chemises. In front of her with the sheets, the tablecloths, a veritable mass of dirtiness. She seemed even rosier and more languid than usual within the

Starting point is 05:45:03 spreading sea of soiled laundry. She had regained. gained her composure, forgetting Madame Godron's laundry, stirring the various piles of clothing to make sure there had been no mistake in sorting. Squint-eyed Augustine had just stuffed the stove so full of coke that its cast-iron sides were bright red. The sun was shining obliquely on the window. The shop was in a blaze. Then, Coupot, whom the great heat intoxicated all the more, was seized with a sudden fit of tenderness. He advanced towards Jervais, with open arms and deeply moved. You're a good wife, he stammered.

Starting point is 05:45:45 I must kiss you. But he caught his foot in the garments which barred his way and nearly fell. What a nuisance you are, said Jervais, without getting angry. Keep still. We're nearly done now. No, he wanted to kiss her. He must do so because he loved her so much. Whilst he stuttered, he tried to get her. get round the heap of petticoats and stumbled against the pile of chemises.

Starting point is 05:46:12 Then, as he obstinately persisted, his feet caught together and he fell flat, his nose in the midst of a dishcloths. Jervais, beginning to lose her temper, pushed him, saying that he was mixing all the things up. But Clements, and even Madame Poutre, maintained that she was wrong. It was very nice of him, after all, he wanted to kiss her. She might very well let herself be kissed. You're lucky you are, Madame Coupeau, said Madame Bijard, whose drunkard of a husband, a locksmith, was nearly beating her to death each evening when he came in. If my old man was like that when he's had a drop, it would be a real pleasure. Chavez had calmed down and was already regretting her hastiness. She helped Coupeau up on his legs again. Then she offered her cheek with a

Starting point is 05:47:05 smile. But the zinc worker, without carrying a button for the other people being present, seized her bosom. "'It's not for the sake of saying so,' he murmured, "'but your dirty linen stinks tremendously. Still, I love you all the same, you know.' "'Leave off, you're tickling me,' cried she, laughing the louder. "'What a great silly you are! "'How can you be so absurd?' He had caught hold of her, would not let her go. She gradually abandoned herself to him, dizzy from the slight faintness caused by the heap of clothes, and not minding who pose foul-smelling breath.

Starting point is 05:47:47 The long kiss they exchanged on each other's mouths in the midst of the filth of the laundress's trade was perhaps the first tumble in the slow downfall of their life together. Madame Begarde had meanwhile been tying the laundry up into bundles, and talking about her daughter, Yulali, who, too, was as smart as a grown woman. She could be left by herself. She never cried or played with matches. Finally, Madame Bijard took the laundry away, a bundle at a time. Her face splotched with purple, and her tall form bent under the weight. This heat is becoming unbearable. We're roasting, said Jervais, wiping her face,

Starting point is 05:48:30 before returning to Madame Boch's cap. They talked of boxing Augustine's ears when they saw that the stove was red-hot. The irons also were getting in the same condition. She must have the very devil in her body. One could not turn one's back a moment without her being up to some of her tricks. Now they would have to wait a quarter of an hour before they would be able to use their irons. Chavez covered the fire with two shovels full of cinders. Then she thought to hang some sheets on the brass wires near the ceiling,

Starting point is 05:49:04 to service curtains to keep out the sunlight. Things were now better in the shop. The temperature was still high, but you could imagine it was cooler. Footsteps could still be hurt outside, but you were free to make yourself comfortable. Clermont removed her camisole again. Coupot still refused to go to bed,

Starting point is 05:49:26 so they allowed him to stay, but he had to promise to be quiet in a corner, for they were very busy. Whatever has that vermin done with my little iron murmured Jervais? Speaking of Augustine. They were forever seeking the little iron, which they found in the most out-of-the-way places where the apprentice, so they said, hid it out of spite.

Starting point is 05:49:51 Jervais could now finish Madame Boch's cap. First she roughly smoothed the lace, spreading it out with her hand, and then she straightened it up by light strokes of the iron. It had a very first. fancy border consisting of narrow puffs alternating with insertions of embroidery. She was working on it silently and conscientiously, ironing the puffs and insertions. Silence prevailed for a time. Nothing was to be heard except the soft thought of irons on the

Starting point is 05:50:22 ironing pad. On both sides of the huge rectangular table, Jervais, her two employees and the apprentice were bending over, slaving at their tasks. with rounded shoulders, their arms moving incessantly. Each had a flat brick blackened by hot irons near her. A soup plate filled with clean water was on the middle of a table, with a moistening rag and a small brush soaking in it. A bouquet of large white lilies bloomed in what had once been a brandy-cherry jar. Its cluster of snowy flowers suggested a corner of a royal garden.

Starting point is 05:51:00 Madame Poutre had begun the best of a barren. basket that Jervais had brought to her filled with towels, wrappers, cuffs, and underdrawers. Augustine was dawdling with the stockings in washcloths, gazing into the air, seemingly fascinated by a large fly that was buzzing around. Clements had done 34 men's shirts so far that day. Always wine, never spirits, suddenly said the zinc worker, who felt the necessity of making this declaration. spirits make me drunk. I'll have none of them.

Starting point is 05:51:36 Clamance took an iron from the stove with her leather holder, in which a piece of sheet iron was inserted, and held it up to her cheek to see how hot it was. She rubbed it on her brick, wiped it on a piece of rag hanging from her waistband, and started on her 35th shirt, first of all ironing the shoulders and the sleeves. Bah, Monsieur Coupeau, said she after a minute or two.

Starting point is 05:52:00 Little glass of brandy isn't bad. It sets me going. Besides, the sooner you're married, the jollier it is. Oh, I don't make any mistake. I know that I shan't make old bones. What a nuisance you are with your funeral ideas, interrupted Madame Poutre, who did not like hearing people talk of anything sad. Coupeau had arisen and was becoming angry, thinking that he'd been accused of drinking brandy. he swore on his own head and on the heads of his wife and child that there was not a drop of brandy in his veins and he went up to Clements and blew in her face

Starting point is 05:52:40 so that she might smell his breath then he began to giggle because her bear's shoulders were right under his nose he thought maybe he could see more Clements having folded over the back of a shirt and ironed it on both sides was not working on the cuffs and collar However, as he was shoving against her, he caused her to make a wrinkle, obliging her to reach for the brush soaking in the soup plate to smooth it out. Madame, said she, do make him leave off bothering me. Leave her alone. It's stupid of you to go on like that, quietly observed Gervais.

Starting point is 05:53:19 We're in a hurry, do you hear? They were in a hurry, well. What? It was not his fault. He was doing no harm. He was not touching. He was only looking. Was it no longer allowed to look at the beautiful things that God had made? All the same, she had precious fine arms, that artful Clements.

Starting point is 05:53:42 She might exhibit herself for two sous, and nobody would have to regret his money. The girl allowed him to go on, laughing at these coarse compliments of a drunken man. And she soon commenced joking with him. He shoved her about the shirts. So she was always doing shirts. Why, yes, she practically lived in them. Mon Dieu, she knew them pretty well. Hundreds and hundreds of them had passed through her hands.

Starting point is 05:54:10 Just about every man in the neighborhood was wearing her handiwork on his body. Her shoulders were shaking with laughter through all this, but she managed to continue ironing. That's the banter, said she, laughing harder than ever. This ends Chapter 5, Part 2. Chapter 5, Part 3 of La Samoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder.

Starting point is 05:54:51 Chapter 5, Part 3. That squint-eyed Augustine almost burst the joke seemed to her so funny. The others bullied her. There was a brat for you who laughed at words she ought not to understand. Clemence handed her her iron. The apprentice finished up the irons on the stockings and the dishcloths when they were not hot enough for the starched things. But she took hold of this one so clumsily

Starting point is 05:55:19 that she made herself a cuff in the form of a long burn on the wrist. And she sobbed and accused Clemons of having burnt her on purpose. The latter, who'd gone to fetch a very... hot iron for the shirt front, consoled her at once by threatening to iron her two ears if she did not leave off. Then she placed a piece of flannel under the front and slowly passed the iron over it, giving the starch time to show up and dry. The shirt front became as stiff and as shiny as cardboard. By golly, sookou, who was treading behind her with the obstinacy of a drunkard. He raised himself up with a shrill laugh.

Starting point is 05:56:00 that resembled a pulley in want of grease. Clements, leaning heavily over the ironing table, her wrists bent in, her elbows sticking out and wide apart, was bending her neck in a last effort, and all her muscles swelled, her shoulders rose with the slow play of the muscles beating beneath the soft skin. Her breasts heaved, wet with perspiration in the rosy shadow of the half-open chemise. Then Coupot thrust out his hands,

Starting point is 05:56:29 trying to touch her bare flesh. Madame, madame, cried Clements. Do make him leave off. I shall go away if it continues. I won't be intimated. Chavez glanced over, just as her husband's hands began to explore inside the chemise.

Starting point is 05:56:47 Really, Coupot, you're too foolish, said she, with a vexed air, as though she were scolding a child who persisted in eating his jam without bread. You must go to bed. yes go to bed monsieur cuppo it will be far better exclaimed madame putois ah well stuttered he without ceasing to chuckle you're all precious particular so one mustn't amuse oneself now women i know how to handle em i'll only kiss them no more one admires a lady you know and wants to show it and besides when one displays one's goods it's that one makes one's good's it's that one makes a man make one's choice, isn't it?

Starting point is 05:57:31 Why does the tall blonde show everything she's got? It's not decent. And turning towards Clements, he added, You know, my lovely, you're wrong to be so very insolent. If it's because there are others here. But he was unable to continue. Chavez very calmly seized hold of him with one hand and placed the other on his mouth.

Starting point is 05:57:54 He struggled, just by way of a joke, whilst Chi pushed him to the back of the shun. up towards the bedroom. He got his mouth free and said that he was willing to go to bed, but that the tall blonde must come and warm his feet. Then Jervais could be heard taking off his shoes. She removed his clothes, too, bullying him in a motherly way. He burst out laughing after she'd removed his trousers and kicked about, pretending that she was tickling him. At last she tucked him in carefully like a child. Was he comfortable now? But he did not answer.

Starting point is 05:58:30 He called to Clements, "'I say, my lovely, I'm here, and waiting for you.' When Jervais went back into the shop, the squint-eyed Augustine was being properly chastised by Clements because of a dirty iron that Madame Poutoir had used and which had caused her to soar la Camusole. Clements, in defending herself for not having cleaned her iron, blamed Augustine,

Starting point is 05:58:54 swearing that it wasn't hers, in spite of the spot of burned starch, still clinging, to the bottom. The apprentice outraged at the injustice, openly spat on the front of Clements's dress, earning a slap for her boldness. Now, as Augustine went about cleaning the iron, she saved up her spit, and each time she passed Clements spat on her back and laughed to herself. Jervais continued with the lace of Madame Bush's cap. In the sudden calm which ensued, one could hear Koupo's husky voice issuing from the depths of the bedroom. He was still jolly and was laughing to himself as he uttered bits of phrases.

Starting point is 05:59:36 How stupid she is, my wife! How stupid of her to put me to bed! Really, it's too absurd, in the middle of the day, when one isn't sleepy. But all on a sudden he snored. Then Jervais gave a sigh of relief, happy in knowing that he was. was at length quiet and sleeping off his intoxication on two good mattresses. And she spoke out in the silence, in a slow and continuous voice, without taking her eyes off her work. You see, he hasn't his reason. One can't be angry. Or I to be harsh with him,

Starting point is 06:00:15 it would be of no use. I prefer to agree with him and get him to bed. Then at least it's over at once and I'm quiet. Besides, he isn't ill-natured, he loves me very much. You could see that just a moment ago when he was desperate to give me a kiss. That's quite nice of him. There are plenty of men, you know, who after drinking a bit don't come straight home, but stay out chasing women. Oh, he may fool around with the women in the shop, but it doesn't lead to anything. "'Clemence, you mustn't feel insulted. You know how it is when a man's had too much to drink. He could do anything and not even remember it.' She spoke composedly, not at all angry, being quite used to coupé's sprees and not holding them against him.

Starting point is 06:01:05 A silence settled down for a while when she stopped talking. There was a lot of work to get done. They figured they would have to keep at it until eleven, working as fast as they could. Now but they were undisturbed, all of them were pounding away. Bare arms were moving back and forth, showing glimpses of pink among the whitenesses of a laundry. More coke had been put into the stove, and the sunlight slanted in between the sheets onto the stove. You could see the heat rising up through the rays of the sun. It became so stifling that Augustine ran out of spit and was forced to lick her lips.

Starting point is 06:01:44 The room smelled of the heat and of the working women. The white lilies in the jar were beginning to fade, yet they still exuded a pure and strong perfume. Koupo's heavy snores were heard like the regular ticking of a huge clock, setting the tempo for the heavy labor in the shop. On the morrow of his carouses, the zinc worker always had a headache, a splitting headache which kept him all day with his hair uncombed, his breath offensive and his mouth all swollen and askew. He got up late on those days, not just a bit of.

Starting point is 06:02:18 shaking the fleas off till about eight o'clock, and he would hang about the shop, unable to make up his mind to start off to his work. It was another day lost. In the morning he would complain that his legs bent like pieces of thread, and would call himself a great fool to guzzle to such an extent, as it broke one's constitution. Then, too, there were a lot of lazy bums who wouldn't let you go, and you'd get to drinking more in spite of yourself. No, no.

Starting point is 06:02:48 No more for him. After lunch he would always begin to perk up and deny that he had been really drunk the night before, maybe just a bit lit up. He was rock-solid and able to drink anything he wanted without even blinking an eye. When he had thoroughly badgered the workwomen, Gervais would give him twenty sous to clear out.

Starting point is 06:03:13 And off he would go to buy his tobacco at the Little Civet, in the Rue de Possohnier, where he generally took a plum and brandy whenever he met a friend. Then he spent the rest of a twenty-sou at old Francoise at the corner of the Rue de la Goutre, where there was a famous wine,

Starting point is 06:03:29 quite young, which tickled your gullet. This was an old-fashioned place with a low ceiling. It was a smoky room to one side where soup was served. He would stay there until evening, drinking because there was an understanding that he didn't have to pay right away

Starting point is 06:03:45 and they would never send the bill to his wife. Besides, he was a job. fellow, who would never do the least harm. A chap who loved a spree, sure enough, and who colored his nose in his turn, but in a nice manner, full of contempt for those pigs of men, who've succumbed to alcohol and whom one never sees sober. He always went home as gay and as gallant as a lark. Has your lover been, he would sometimes ask Jervais, a way of teasing her. One never sees him now. I must go in, rout him out. The lover was Gouge.

Starting point is 06:04:22 He avoided, in fact, calling too often for fear of being in the way, and also of causing people to talk. Yet, he frequently found a pretext, such as bringing the washing, and he would pass no end of time on the pavement in front of the shop. There was a corner right at the back in which he liked to sit, without moving for hours and smoke his short pipe. Once every ten days in the evening,

Starting point is 06:04:49 after his dinner, he would venture there and take up his favorite position. And he was no talker. His mouth almost seemed sewn up as he sat with his eyes fixed on Jervais, and only removed his pipe to laugh at everything she said. When they were working late on a Saturday, he would stay on and appear to amuse himself more than if he'd gone to a theatre. Sometimes the women stayed in the shop ironing until three in the morning. A lamp hung from the ceiling and spread a brilliant light, making the linen look like fresh snow. The apprentice would put up the shop shutters, but since these July nights were scorching hot,

Starting point is 06:05:29 the door would be left open. The later the hour, the more casual the women became with their clothes while trying to be comfortable. The lamplight flecked their rosy skin with gold specks, especially Jervais, who was so pleasantly rounded. On these nights, Gouge would be overcome by the heat from the stove in the odor of linen steaming under the hot irons. He would drift into a sort of giddiness,

Starting point is 06:05:55 his thinking slowed and his eyes obsessed by these hurrying women as their naked arms moved back and forth, working far into the night to have the neighborhood's best clothes ready for Sunday. Everything around the laundry was slumbering, settled into sleep for the night. Midnight rang, then one o'clock, then two o'clock, there were no vehicles or pedestrians in the dark and deserted street only their shop door let out any light once in a while footsteps would be heard and a man would pass the shop as he crossed the path of light he would stretch his neck to look in startled by the sound of the thudding irons and carry with him the quick glimpse of bare-shouldered laundresses immersed in a rosy mist

Starting point is 06:06:46 couget seeing that gervais did not know what to do with etienne and wishing to deliver him from coup's kicks had engaged him to go and blow the bellows at the factory where he worked the profession of bolt-making if not one to be proud of on account of a dirt of the forge and of the monotony of constantly hammering on pieces of iron of a similar kind was nevertheless a well-paid one at which ten and even twelve francs a day could be earned the youngster who was then twelve years old would soon be able to go in for it, if a calling was to his liking. And Etienne had thus become another link between the laundress and the blacksmith. The latter would bring the child home and speak of his good conduct. Everyone laughingly said that Cougé was smitten with Gervais. She knew it, and blushed like a young girl, the flush of modesty coloring her cheeks with the bright tints of an apple.

Starting point is 06:07:41 The poor fellow, he was never any trouble. He never made a bold gesture or an indelicate remark. He didn't find many men like him, Jervais didn't want to admit it, but she derived a great deal of pleasure from being adored like this. Whenever a problem arose, she thought immediately of the blacksmith and was consoled. There was never any awkward tension when they were alone together. They just looked at each other and smiled happily with no need to talk. It was a very sensible kind of affection.

Starting point is 06:08:15 Towards the end of a summer, Nana quite upset the household. She was six years old and promised to be a thorough good for nothing. So it was not to have her always under her feet, her mother took her every morning to a little school in the Rue Polancois, kept by Mademoiselle Josie. She fastened her playfellow's dresses together behind. She filled the schoolmistress's snuff-box with ashes and invented other tricks, much less decent, which could not be mentioned.

Starting point is 06:08:44 twice Mademoiselle Jose expelled her and then took her back again so was not to lose the six francs a month. Directly lessons were over, Nana avenged herself for having been kept in by making an infernal noise under the porch and in the courtyard where the ironers, whose ears could not stand the racket, sent her to play. There she would meet Pauline, the Boche's daughter,

Starting point is 06:09:09 and Victor, the son of Gervais' old employer, a big booby of ten who delighted in playing with very little girls. Madame Foconnier, who had not quarreled with the coupos, would herself send her son. In the house, too, there was an extraordinary swarm of brats, flights of children who rolled down the four staircases at all hours of a day and alighted on the pavement of the courtyard like troops of noisy, pillaging sparrows. Madame Godron was responsible for nine of them, all with uncombed hair, runny noses, hand-me-down clothes,

Starting point is 06:09:46 saggy stockings and ripped jackets. Another woman on the sixth floor had seven of them. This horde that only got their faces washed when it rained were in all shapes and sizes, fat, thin, big, and barely out of the cradle. Nana reigned supreme over this host of urchins. She ordered about girls twice her own size, and only deign to relinquish a little of her power in favour of Pauline and Victor, intimate confidants who enforced her commands.

Starting point is 06:10:18 This precious chit was forever wanting to play at being Mama, undressing the smallest ones to dress them again, insisting on examining the others all over, messing them about and exercising into capricious despotism of a grown-up person with a vicious disposition. Under her leadership, they got up tricks for which they should have been well, spanked. The troop paddled in the colored water from Mediars and emerged from it with legs stained blue or red as high as the knees. Then off it flew to the locksmiths, where it proloined nails and

Starting point is 06:10:53 filings, and started off again to alight in the midst of the carpenter's shavings, enormous heaps of shavings, which delighted it immensely, and in which it rolled head over heels exposing their behinds. The courtyard was their kingdom. It echoed with the clatter of little shoes as they stampeded back and forth with piercing cries. On some days the courtyard was too small for them, and the troop would dash down into the cellar, race up a staircase, run along a corridor, then dash up another staircase and follow another corridor for hours. They never got tired of their yelling and clambering. they abominable, those little toads, cried Madame Bosch. Really, people can have but very little to do to have time to get so many brats.

Starting point is 06:11:45 And yet they complain of having no bread. Bosch said that children pushed up out of poverty like mushrooms out of manure. All day long his wife was screaming at them and chasing them with her broom. Finally, she had to lock the door of a cellar when she learned from Pauline that Nana was playing doctor down there in the dark. viciously finding pleasure in applying remedies to the others by beating them with sticks. Well, one afternoon there was a frightful scene. It was bound to have come sooner or later.

Starting point is 06:12:21 Nana had thought of a very funny little game. She'd stolen one of Madame Bosch's wooden shoes from outside the concierge's room. She tied a string to it and began dragging it about like a cart. Victor on his side had had the idea to fill it with potato pair of, Then a procession was formed. Nana came first, dragging the wooden shoe. Pauline and Victor walked on her right and left. Then the entire crowd of urchins followed in order,

Starting point is 06:12:50 the big ones first, the little ones next, jostling one another. A baby in long skirts about as tall as a boot with an old tattered bonnet cocked on one side of its head, brought up the rear. And the procession chanted something sad with plenty of oes. and ahs. Nana had said they were going to play at a funeral. The potato pairings represented the body.

Starting point is 06:13:15 When they had gone the round of the courtyard, they recommenced. They thought immensely amusing. What can they be up to? Mermored Madame Bush, who emerged from her room to see, ever mistrustful and on the alert. And when she understood, But it's my shoe! cried she furiously. Oh, the rogues!

Starting point is 06:13:39 She distributed some smacks, clouded Nana on both cheeks, and administered a kick to Pauline, that great goose, who allowed the others to steal her mother's shoe. It so happened the Jervais was filling a bucket at the tap. When she beheld Nana, her nose bleeding and choking with sobs,

Starting point is 06:13:57 she almost sprang at the concierge of Signon. It was not right to hit a child, as though, or an ox. One could have no heart. One must be the lowest of the low if one did so. Madame Bush naturally replied in a similar strain. When one had a beast of a girl like that, one should keep her locked up. At length, Bosch himself appeared in the doorway

Starting point is 06:14:22 to call his wife to come in and not to enter into so many explanations with a filthy thing like her. There was a regular quarrel. As a matter of fact, things had not gone on very pleasantly between the Bosches and the coupos for a month passed. Jervais, who was of a very generous nature,

Starting point is 06:14:42 was continually bestowing wine, broth, oranges, and slices of cake on the Boshes. One night, she'd taken the remains of an Andeve and beetroot salad to the concierge's room, knowing that the latter would have done anything for such a treat. But on the morrow, she became quite pale with rage on hearing Mademoiselle Remanjou relate how Madame Boch had thrown the salad

Starting point is 06:15:05 away in the presence of several persons with an air of disgust, and under the pretext that she, thank goodness, was not reduced to feeding on things which others had messed about. From that time, Jervais took no more presence to the Boshes, nothing. Now the Bouches seemed to think that Jervais was stealing something which was rightfully theirs. Jervais saw that she'd made a mistake. If she hadn't catered to them so much in the beginning, they wouldn't have gotten into the habit of expecting it and might have remained on good terms with her. Now the conciergeers began to spread slander about Jervais.

Starting point is 06:15:44 There was a great fuss with the landlord, Monsieur Mariscot, at that October rental period, because Jervais was a day late with the rent. Madame Boche accused her of eating up all her money in fancy dishes. Monsieur Mariscault charged into the laundry demanding to be paid at once. He didn't even bother to remove his hat. The money was really. and was paid to him immediately. The Bushes had now made up with the Lorrelu,

Starting point is 06:16:11 who now came and did their guzzling in the concierge's lodge. They assured each other that they never would have fallen out if it hadn't been for clump-clump. She was enough to set mountains to fighting. Ah, the Bushes knew her well now. They could understand how much the Lorrelu must suffer. And whenever she passed beneath the doorway, they all affected to sneer at her.

Starting point is 06:16:36 One day, Jervais went up to see Valorre L'Hilu in spite of this. It was with respect to Mother Coupeau, who was then 67 years old. Mother Coupos' eyesight was almost completely gone. Her legs too were no longer what they used to be. She'd been obliged to give up her last cleaning job, and now threatened to die of hunger if assistance were not forthcoming. Jervais thought it shameful that a woman of her age, having three children, should be thus abandoned by her.

Starting point is 06:17:06 heaven and earth. And as Coupot refused to speak to Valorilu on the subject, saying that she, Jervais, could very well go and do so, the latter went up in a fit of indignation, with which her heart was almost bursting. When she reached their door, she entered without knocking. Nothing had been changed since the night when Melorrelourilu, at their first meeting, had received her so ungraciously. The same strip of faded wool and stuff separated the room from the workshop, a lodging like a gun-barrel, and which looked as though it had been built for an eel. Right at the back, L'Hourilu, leaning over his bench, was squeezing together one by one the links of a piece of chain. With Madame L'Helieu, standing in front of the vice, was passing a gold wire through the drawplate.

Starting point is 06:17:55 In the broad daylight the little forge had a rosy reflection. Yes, it's eye, said Jervais. I dare say you're surprised to see me, as we're a dagger's drawn. But I've come neither for you nor myself, you may be quite sure. It's for Mother Coupeau that I've come. Yes, I've come to see if we're going to let her beg her bread from the charity of others. Ah, well, that's a fine way to burst in upon one, murmured Madame Lorreou. One must have a rare sheik.

Starting point is 06:18:28 And she turned her back and resumed drawing her gold wire, affecting to ignore her sister-in-law's presence. But L'olri-Lu raised his pale-face and cross. cried, What's that, you say? Then, as he'd heard perfectly well, he continued, More backbidings, eh? She's nice, Mother Kupo, to go and cry

Starting point is 06:18:50 starvation everywhere. Yet only the day before yesterday she dined here. We do what we can. We haven't got all the gold of Peru. Only if she goes without gossiping with others, she'd better stay with them, for we don't like spies. He took up the piece of

Starting point is 06:19:07 chain and turned his back also, adding as though with regret, When everyone gives five francs a month, we'll give five francs. Jervais had calmed down and felt quite chilled by the wooden-looking faces of a lorreelieu. She'd never once set foot in their rooms without experiencing a certain uneasiness. With her eyes fixed on the floor, staring at the holes of the wooden grating, through which the waste gold fell, she now explained herself, in a reasonable manner. Mother Coupeau had three children.

Starting point is 06:19:42 If each one gave five francs, it would only make fifteen francs, and really that was not enough. One could not live on it. They must at least triple the sum. But L'Hu cried out, where did she think he could steal fifteen francs a month? It was quite amusing.

Starting point is 06:20:00 People thought he was rich, simply because he had gold in his place. He began then to criticize Mother Coupeau. She had to have her morning coffee She took a sip of brandy now and then She was as demanding as if she were rich Mon Dieu Sure everyone liked the good things of life

Starting point is 06:20:19 But if you've never saved a sou You had to do what other folks did and do without Besides Mother Coupeau wasn't too old to work She could see well enough when she was trying to pick a choice Morseful from the platter She was just an old spendthrift trying to get others to provide her with comforts. Even had he had the means, he would have considered it wrong to support anyone in idleness. Chavez remained conciliatory, and peaceably argued against all this bad reasoning.

Starting point is 06:20:53 She tried to soften the lorilu, but the husband ended by no longer answering her. The wife was now at the forge scouring a piece of chain in the little long-handled brass saucepan full of lie water. She still effectively turned her back, as though a hundred leagues away. And Jervais continued speaking, watching them pretending to be absorbed in their labor in the midst of the black dust of the workshop,

Starting point is 06:21:20 their bodies distorted, their clothes patched and greasy, both became stupidly hardened like old tools in the pursuit of their narrow mechanical task. Then suddenly, anger again got the better of her, and she exclaimed, Very well. I'd rather it was so. Keep your money. I'll give Mother Coupo a home. Do you hear? I picked up a cat the other evening, so I can at least do the same for your mother. And she shall be in want of nothing. She shall have her coffee and her drop of brandy. Good heavens, what a vile family. At these words, Madame L'Hilu turned round. She branded the saucepan as though she was about to throw the lie-water in her sister-in-law. She stammered with rage.

Starting point is 06:22:07 Be off, or I shall do you an injury. And don't count on the five francs because I won't give a radish. No, not a radish. Ah, well, yes, five francs. Mother would be your servant, and you would enjoy yourself with my five francs. If she goes to live with you, tell her this. She may croak. I won't even send her a glass of water.

Starting point is 06:22:30 Now, off you go. Clear out. What a monster of a woman, says Jervais, violently slamming Bador. On the morrow she brought Mother Coupeau to live with her, putting her bed in the inner room where Nana slept. The moving did not take long, for all the furniture Mother Coupeau had was her bed, an ancient walnut wardrobe which was put in the dirty clothes room, a table and two chairs.

Starting point is 06:22:59 They sold the table and had the chairs recained. From the very first the old, lady took over the sweeping. She washed the dishes and made herself useful, happy to have settled her problem. The Laurie Lou were furious enough to explode, especially since Madame Lechat was now back on good terms with the coupos. One day, the two sisters, the flower maker and the chain maker, came to blows about Jervais, because Madame Lerrat dared to express approval of the way she was taking care of their mother. When she noticed how upset the other, she went on to remark that Gervais had magnificent eyes,

Starting point is 06:23:39 eyes warm enough to set paper on fire. The two of them commenced slapping each other and swore they never would see each other again. Nowadays, Madame Larrat often spent her evenings in the shop, laughing to herself at Clamance's spicy remarks. Three years passed by. There were frequent quarrels and reconciliations. Chavez did not care a straw for the Lorilu, the Boshes, and all the others who were not of her way of thinking. If they did not like it, they could forget it.

Starting point is 06:24:14 She earned what she wished, that was her principal concern. The people of a neighborhood had ended by greatly esteeming her, for one did not find many customers so kind as she was, paying punctually, never cavilling or higgling. She bought her bread of Madame Cudelieu in the Rue des Poissonier, Her meat of stout Charles, a butcher in the Rue Polonsoe. Her groceries at Leongres, in the Rue de la Goutre, almost opposite her own shop. Francois, the wine merchant at the corner of the street, supplied her with wine and baskets of 50 bottles. Her neighbor, Vigahu, whose wife's hips must have been black and blue, the men pinched her so much, sold coke to her at the same price as the gas company.

Starting point is 06:25:00 And in all truth, her tradespeople served her faithful. knowing that there was everything to gain by treating her well. Besides, whenever she went out around the neighborhood, she was greeted everywhere. She felt quite at home. Sometimes she put off doing a laundry job just to enjoy being outdoors among her good friends. On days when she was too rushed to do her own cooking and had to go out to buy something already cooked, she would stop to gossip with her arms full of bowls. The neighbor she respected the most was still the watchmaker.

Starting point is 06:25:36 Often she would cross the street to greet him in this tiny cupboard of a shop, taking pleasure in the gaiety of a little cuckoo clocks, with her pendulums ticking away the hours in chorus. This ends Chapter 5, Part 3. Chapter 6, Part 1 of La Somois by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader

Starting point is 06:26:13 Chapter 6, Part 1 One One afternoon in the autumn, Jervais, who'd been taking some washing home to a customer in the Rue de Port Blanche, found herself at the bottom of the Rue de Poissanier, just as the day was declining. It had rained in the morning, the weather was very mild, and an odor rose from the greasy pavement,

Starting point is 06:26:38 and the laundress, burdened with her big basket, was rather out of breath, slow of step and inclined to take her ease as she ascended the street with the vague preoccupation of a longing increased by her weariness. She would have liked to have had something to eat. Then, on raising her eyes, she beheld the name of the Ruma-Kade, and she suddenly had the idea of going to see Gouge at his forge. He had no end of times told her to look in, any day she was curious to see how iron was wrought.

Starting point is 06:27:11 Besides, in the presence of other workmen, she would ask for Etienne, and make believe that she'd merely called for the youngster. The factory was somewhere on this end of the Rue-Marcadé, but she didn't know exactly where and street numbers were often lacking on those ramshackle buildings, separated by vacant lots. She wouldn't have lived on this street for all the gold in the world.

Starting point is 06:27:36 It was a wide street, but, dirty, black with soot from factories, with holes in the pavement and deep ruts filled with stagnant water. On both sides were rows of sheds, workshops with beams and brickwork exposed so that they seemed unfinished, a messy collection of masonry. Beside them were dubious lodging houses and even more dubious taverns. All she could recall was that the bolt factory was next to a yard full of scrap iron and rags, a sort of open sewer spread over the ground, storing merchandise worth hundreds of thousands of francs, according to Gouge. The street was filled with a noisy racket. Exhaust pipes on roofs puffed out violent jets

Starting point is 06:28:23 of steam, an automatic sawmill added a rhythmic screeching. A button factory shook the ground with the rumbling of its machines. She was looking up toward Montmartre, height, hesitant, uncertain weather to continue, when a gust of wind blew down a mass of sooty smoke that covered the entire street, she closed her eyes and held her breath. At that moment she heard the sound of hammers in cadence. Without realizing it, she'd arrived directly in front of the bolt factory, which she now recognized by the vacant lot beside it, full of piles of scrap iron and old rags. She still hesitated,

Starting point is 06:29:06 not knowing where to enter. A broken fence opened a passage which seemed to lead through the heaps of rubbish from some buildings recently pulled down. Two planks had been thrown across a large puddle of muddy water that barred the way. She ended by venturing along them, turned to the left,

Starting point is 06:29:25 and found herself lost in the depths of a strange forest of old carts, standing on end with their shafts in the air, and of hovels in ruins, the woodwork of which was still standing. Toward the back, stabbing through the half-light of sundown, a flame gleamed red.

Starting point is 06:29:44 The clamour of the hammers had ceased. She was advancing carefully when a workman, his face blackened with coal-dust, and whirring a goatee, passed near her, casting a side-glance with his pale eyes. Sir, asked she, It's here, is it not, that a boy named Etienne works? He's my son.

Starting point is 06:30:07 Etienne, Etienne, repeated the workman in a hoarse voice, as he twisted himself about. Etienne, no, I don't know him. An alcoholic reek like that from old brandy casks issued from his mouth. Meeting a woman in this dark corner seemed to be giving the fellow ideas, and so Jervais drew back saying, but yet it's here that Monsieur Guzier works, isn't it? Ah, Guzier, yes, said the workman.

Starting point is 06:30:37 I know Guzier. If you come for Guzier, go right to the end. And turning round, he called out of the top of his voice, which had a sound of cracked brass. I say, golden mug, here's a lady wants you. But a clanging of iron drowned the cry. Jervais went to the end. She reached a door and, stretching out her neck, looked in.

Starting point is 06:31:02 At first she could distinguish nothing. The forge had died down, but there was still a little glow which held back the advancing shadows from its corner. Great shadows seemed to float in the air. At times black shapes passed before the fire, shutting off this last bit of brightness. Silhouettes of men so strangely magnified that their arms and legs were indistinct. Jervais, not daring to venture in, called from a doorway in a faint voice. Monsieur Gouge, Monsieur Gouge! Mr. Gouge!

Starting point is 06:31:39 Suddenly all became lighted up. Beneath the puff of the bellows, a jet of white flame had ascended, and the whole interior of the shed could be seen, walled in by wooden planks, with openings roughly plastered over, and brick walls reinforcing the corners. Coal ash had painted the whole expanse of sooty gray. Spiderwebs hung from the beams like rags hung up to dry, heavy with the accumulated dust of years. On shelves along the walls or hanging from nails or tossed into corners,

Starting point is 06:32:13 she saw rusty iron, battered implements, and huge tools. The white flame flared higher, like an explosion of dazzling sunlight revealing the trampled dirt underfoot, where the polished steel of four anvils fixed on blocks took on a reflection of silver sprinkled with gold. Then Gervais recognized Gouge in front of the forge by his beautiful yellow beard. Etienne was blowing the bellows.

Starting point is 06:32:42 Two other workmen were there, but she only beheld Gouge and walked forward and stood before him. Why, it's Madame Gervais, he exclaimed, with a bright look on his face. What a pleasant surprise. But as his comrades appeared to be rather amused, he pushed Etienne towards his mother and resumed, You've come to see the youngster.

Starting point is 06:33:05 He behaves himself well. He's beginning to get some strength in his wrists. Well, she said, it isn't easy to find your way here. I thought I was going to the end of the world. After telling about her journey, she asked why no one in the shop knew Etienne's name. Cousie laughed and explained to her that everybody called him Little Zuzu because he had his hair cut short like that of his suave.

Starting point is 06:33:32 While they were talking together, Etienne stopped working the bellows and the flame of the forged window to a rosy glow amid the gathering darkness. Touched by the presence of this smiling young woman, the blacksmith stood gazing at her. Then, as neither continued speaking, he seemed to recollect and broke the silence. "'Excuse me, madame Chaffais, I have something that has to be finished.' "'You'll stay, won't you? You're not in anybody's way.'

Starting point is 06:34:02 She remained. Etaire returned to the bellows. The forge was soon ablaze again with a cloud of sparks, the more so as the youngster, wanting to show his mother what he could do, was making the bellows blow a regular hurricane. Gouge, standing up watching a bar of iron heating, was waiting with the tongs, in his hand. The bright glare illuminated him without a shadow. Sleeves rolled back, shirt-neck open,

Starting point is 06:34:31 bare arms and chest. When the bar was at white heat, he seized it with the tongs and cut it with a hammer on the anvil, in pieces of equal length, as though he'd been gently breaking pieces of glass. Then he put the pieces back into the fire, from which he took them one by one to work them into shape. He was forging hexagonal rivets. He placed each piece in a toolhole of the anvil, bent down the iron that was to form the head, flattened the six sides, and through the finished rivets still red-hot onto the black earth, where its bright light gradually died out. And this, with a continuous hammering, wielding in his right hand a hammer weighing five pounds, completing a detail at every blow,

Starting point is 06:35:20 turning and working the iron with such dexterity that he was able to talk to and look at those about him. The anvil had a silvery ring. Without a drop of perspiration, quite at his ease, he struck in a good-natured sort of way, not appearing to exert himself more than on the evenings when he cut out pictures at home. Oh, these are little rivets of twenty millimeters,

Starting point is 06:35:47 said he, in reply to Jervais's questions. A fella can do his three hundred a day, but it requires practice, for one's arm soon grows weary. And when she asked him if his wrist did not feel stiff at the end of a day, he laughed aloud. Did she think him a young lady? His wrist had had plenty of drudgery for fifteen years past.

Starting point is 06:36:10 It was now as strong as the iron implements that had been so long in contact with. She was right. though, the gentleman who'd never forged a rivet or a bolt, and who would try to show off with his five-pound hammer, would find himself pressure-stiff in the course of a couple of hours. It did not seem much, but a few years of it often did for some very strong fellows. During this conversation, the other workmen were also hammering away altogether. Their tall shadows danced about in the light, the red flashes of the iron that the fire traversed, the gloomy, recesses, clouds of sparks darted out from beneath the hammers and shone like suns on a level with the anvils. And Jervais, feeling happy and interested in the movement round the forge, did not think of

Starting point is 06:37:00 leaving. She was going a long way round to get nearer to Etienne without having her hands burnt, when she saw the dirty and bearded workmen, whom she'd spoken to outside, enter. So you found him, madame? asked he in his drunken, bantering way. You know, golden mug, it's I who told Madame where to find you. He was called Salted Mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, the brick of bricks, a dab-handed bolt-forging, who wedded his iron every day with a pint and a half of brandy. He'd gone out to have a drop because he felt he wanted greasing to make him last till six o'clock. When he learnt that little Zuzu's real name was Etienne, he thought it very funny, and he showed his black tea.

Starting point is 06:37:47 as he laughed. Then he recognized Javez. Only the day before he had had a glass of wine with Coupot. You could speak to Coupot about salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst. He would at once say, he's a jolly dog. Ah, that Joker Coupot, he was one of the right sort. He stood treat oftener than his turn. I'm awfully glad to know you're his misses, added he. He deserved. He deserves to have a pretty wife. A golden mug? Madam is a fine woman, isn't she? He was becoming quite gallant, sidling up towards the laundress, who took hold of her basket and held it in front of her so as to keep him at a distance. Gouge, annoyed and seeing that his comrade was joking because of his friendship for Gervais, called out to him. I say, lazy

Starting point is 06:38:41 bones, what about the 40-millimeter bolts? Do you think you're equal to them now that you've got your gulletful, you confounded guzzler. The blacksmith was alluding to an order for big bolts which necessitated two beaters at the anvil. I'm ready to start at this moment, big baby, replied Salted Mouth, otherwise drink without thirst. It sucks its thumb and thinks itself a man. In spite of your size, I'm equal to you. Yes, that's it.

Starting point is 06:39:11 At once. Look sharp and off we go. Right, you are, my boy. They taunted each other, stimulated by Jervais's presence. Guzé placed the pieces of iron that had been cut beforehand in the fire. Then he fixed a toolhole of large boar on an anvil. His comrade had taken from against the wall two sledgehammers weighing 20 pounds each, but two big sisters of the factory, whom the workers called Fiffin and Dedele.

Starting point is 06:39:41 And he continued to brag, talking of a half-gross of rivets which he'd forged for the Dunkirk Lighthouse, regular jewels, things to be put in the museum. They were so daintily finished off. Hang it all? No, he did not fear competition. Before meeting with another chap like him, you might search every factory in the capital. They were going to have a laugh. They would see what they would see. Madame will be judge, said he, turning towards the young woman. Enough chattering, cried Gouje. Now then, Zuzu, show your muscle. It's not how much. It's not how enough, my lad. But salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, asked. So, we strike together? Not a bit of it. Each his own bolt, my friend. This statement operated as a damper, and Gouge's

Starting point is 06:40:33 comrade on hearing it remained speechless in spite of his boasting. Bolts of 40 millimetres fashioned by one man had never before been seen, the more so as the bolts were to be round-headed, a work of great difficulty, a real masterpiece to achieve. The three other workmen came over, leaving their jobs to watch. A tall lean one raged a bottle of wine that Gouge would be beaten. Meanwhile, the two blacksmiths had chosen their sledgehammers with eyes closed, because Fiffin weighed a half-pound more than De D'Edel. Salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, had the good luck to put his hand on D'Eidel.

Starting point is 06:41:13 Fifin fell to golden mug While waiting for the iron to get hot enough Salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst Again showing off, struck a pose before the anvil While casting side glances toward Gervais He planted himself solidly, tapping his feet impatiently like a man ready for a fight Throwing all his strength into practice swings with Deidel

Starting point is 06:41:38 Mon Dieu, he was good at this, He could have flattened the Vondom column like a pancake. Now then, off you go, said Gouge, placing one of the pieces of iron, as thick as the girl's wrist in the toolhole. Salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, leant back, and swung D'Edel around with both hands. Short and lean with his goatee bristling, and with his wolf-like eyes glaring beneath his unkept hair, he seemed to snap at each swing of the hammer. springing up from the ground as though carried away by the force he put into the blow.

Starting point is 06:42:17 He was a fierce one who fought with the iron, annoyed at finding it so hard, and he even gave a grunt whenever he thought he had planted a fierce stroke. Perhaps Brandy did weaken other people's arms, but he needed brandy in his veins instead of blood. But drop he'd taken a little while before had made his carcass as warm as a boiler. He felt he had the power of a steam engine within him. And the iron seemed to be afraid of him this time. He flattened it more easily than if it had been a quid of tobacco.

Starting point is 06:42:48 And it was a sight to see how Dedell waltzed. She cut such capers with her putzies in the air, just like a little dancer at the Elese Montmartre, who exhibits her fine underclothes. For it would never do to dawdle, iron is so deceitful, it cools it once, just to spite the hammer. With thirty blows, salted mouth,

Starting point is 06:43:09 otherwise drink without thirst, had fashioned the head of his bolt. But he panted, his eyes were half out of his head, and got into a great rage as he felt his arms growing tired. Then, carried away by wrath, jumping about and yelling, he gave two more blows, just out of revenge for his trouble. When he took the bolt from the hole, it was deformed, its head being askew like a hunchback's. Come now, isn't that quickly beaten into shone,

Starting point is 06:43:39 shape, said he, all the same, with his self-confidence as he presented his work to Jervais. I'm no judge, sir, replied Belondres, reservedly. But she saw plainly enough the marks of D'ardell's last two kicks on the bolt, and she was very pleased. She bit her lip so as not to laugh, for now Gouge had every chance of winning. It was now golden mugs' turn. Before commencing, he gave Vlaundress a look full of confident tenderness. Then he did not hurry himself. He measured his distance and swung the hammer from on high with all his might at regular intervals. He had the classic style, accurate, evenly balanced, and supple. Fiffin in his hands did not cut capers like at a dancehall,

Starting point is 06:44:29 but made steady certain progress. She rose and fell in cadence, like a lady of quality, solemnly leading some ancient minuet. There was no brandy in golden mug's veins, only blood throbbing powerfully, even into Fiffinne and controlling the job. That stalwart fellow, what a magnificent man he was at work. The high flame of the forge shone full on his face.

Starting point is 06:44:56 His whole face seemed golden indeed with his short hair curling over his forehead and his splendid yellow beard. His neck was as straight as a column, and his immense chest was wide enough for a woman to sleep across it. His shoulders and sculptured arms seemed to have been copied from a giant's statue in some museum. You could see his muscles swelling, mountains of flesh rippling and hardening under the skin. His shoulders, his chest, his neck expanded.

Starting point is 06:45:26 He seemed to shed light about him, becoming beautiful and all-powerful like a kindly god. He had now swung Fiffin twenty-tenth. His eyes always fixed on the iron, drawing a deep breath with each blow, yet showing only two great drops of sweat trickling down from his temples. He counted. Twenty-one. Twenty-two. Twenty-three. calmly Fiffin continued, like a noble lady dancing. What a show-off, jeeringly murmured salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst. Jervais standing opposite Gouge looked at him with an affectionate smile.

Starting point is 06:46:12 "'Mond Dieu, what fools men are! Here these two men were pounding on their bolts to pay court to her. She understood it. They were battling with hammer blows, like two big red roosters vying for the favors of a little white hen. Sometimes the human heart has fantastic ways of expressing itself. This thundering of Dedele and Fifin upon the anvil was for her. This forge roaring and overflowing was for her.

Starting point is 06:46:40 They were forging their love before her, battling over her. To be honest, she rather enjoyed it. All women are happy to receive compliments. The mighty blows of golden mug found echoes in her heart. They rang within her, a crystal clear music in time with the throbbing of her pulse. She had the feeling that Miss Hammering was driving something deep inside of her, something solid, something hard as the iron of the bolt. She had no doubt Gujar would win.

Starting point is 06:47:13 Salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, was much too ugly in his dirty tunic, jumping around like a monkey that had escaped from a zoo. She waited, blushing red, happy that the heat could explain the blush. Gouge was still counting. And twenty-eight, cried he at length, laying the head. hammer on the ground. It's finished. You can look. The head of the bolt was clean, polished

Starting point is 06:47:42 and without a floor, regular goldsmith's work, with the roundness of a marble cast in a mold. The other men looked at it and nodded their heads. There was no denying it was lovely enough to be worshipped. Salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, tried indeed to chuff, but it was no use, and ended by returning to his anvil with his nose put out of joint. Jervais had squeezed up against Gouge, as though to get a better view.

Starting point is 06:48:10 Etienne, having let go the bellows, the forge was once more becoming enveloped in shadow, like a brilliant red sunset suddenly giving way to black night. And the blacksmith and the laundress experienced the sweet pleasure in feeling this gloom surround them in that shed black with soot and filings, and were in odour of old iron prevailed. They could not have thought themselves more alone in the Bois de Vincin had they met there in the depths of some cops. He took her hand as though he had conquered her. Outside, they scarcely exchanged a word. All he could find to say was that she might have taken Etienne away with her, had it not been that there was still another half-hour's work to get through.

Starting point is 06:48:56 When she started away, he called her back, wanting a few more minutes with her. Come along. You haven't seen all the place. It's quite interesting. he led her to another shed where the owner was installing a new machine she hesitated in the doorway oppressed by an instinctive dread the great hall was vibrating from the machines and black shadows filled the air he reassured her with a smile swearing that there was nothing to fear only she should be careful not to let her skirts get caught in any of the gears he went first and she followed into the deafening hubbub of whistling amid clouds of steam, peopled by human shadows, moving busily. The passages were very narrow, and there were obstacles to step over, holes to avoid, passing carts to move back from. She couldn't distinguish anything clearly, or hear what Gouge was saying.

Starting point is 06:49:56 Chavez looked up and stopped to stare at the leather belts hanging from the roof in a gigantic spider web, each strip ceaselessly revolving. The steam engine that drove them was hit. behind a low brick wall, so that the belt seemed to be moving by themselves. She stumbled and almost fell while looking up. Gouge raised his voice with explanations. There were the tapping machines operated by women, which put threads on bolts and nuts. Their steel gears were shining with oil.

Starting point is 06:50:27 She could follow the entire process. She nodded her head and smiled. She was still a little tense, however, feeling uneasy at being so. so small among these rough metal workers. She jumped back more than once. Her blood suddenly chilled by the dull thought of a machine. Goose had stopped before one of the rivet machines. He stood there brooding. His head lowered, his gaze fixed. This machine forged 40-millimeter rivets with the calm ease of a giant. Nothing could be simpler. The stoker took the iron shank from the furnace. The striker put it in.

Starting point is 06:51:07 into the socket, where a continuous stream of water cooled it to prevent softening of the steel. The press descended, and the bolt flew out onto the ground, its head as round as though cast in a mold. Every twelve hours this machine made hundreds of kilograms of bolts. This ends Chapter 6, Part 1. Chapter 6, Part 2 of La Sermoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader Chapter 6, Part 2

Starting point is 06:51:52 Gouge was not a mean person, but there were moments when he wanted to take Fiffin and smash this machine to bits because he was angry to see that its arms were stronger than his own. He reasoned with himself, telling himself that human flesh cannot compete with steel, but he was still deeply hurt. But they would come when machinery would destroy the skilled worker.

Starting point is 06:52:20 Their day's pay had already fallen from 12 francs to 9 francs. There was talk of cutting it again. He stared at it, frowning, for three minutes without saying a word. His yellow beard seemed to bristle defiantly. Then gradually an expression of resignation came over his face, and he turned towards Gervais, who was clinging tightly to him, and said with a sad smile. Well, that machine would certainly win a contest,

Starting point is 06:52:51 but perhaps it will be for the good of mankind in the long run. Chavez didn't care a bit about the welfare of mankind. Smiling, she said to Gouge, I like yours better, because they show the hand of an artist. Hearing this gave him great happiness because he'd been afraid that she might be scornful of him after seeing the machine. Mon dieu. He might be stronger than salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, but the machines were stronger yet. When Jervais finally took her leave, Gouge was so happy that he almost crushed her with a hug.

Starting point is 06:53:29 The laundress went every Saturday to the Gouge's to deliver their washing. They still lived in the little house in the Runeuve de la Gouture. During the first year, she'd regularly repaid them 20 francs a month, so it was not to jumble up the account. the washing-book was only made up at the end of each month, and then she added to the amount whatever sum was necessary to make but twenty francs. For the Gujaré's washing rarely came to more than seven or eight francs during that time. She'd therefore paid off nearly half the sum owing, when one quarter-day, not knowing what to do,

Starting point is 06:54:04 some of her customers not having kept their promises, she'd been obliged to go to the Gujays and borrow from them sufficient for her rent. On to other occasions she'd also apply to them for the money to pay her workwomen, so that the debt had increased again to 425 francs. Now she no longer gave a half-penny. She worked off the amount solely by the washing. It was not that she worked less, or that her business was not so prosperous. But something was going wrong in her home.

Starting point is 06:54:35 The money seemed to melt away, and she was glad when she was able to make both ends meet. "'Mon dear, what's the use of complaining, as long as one gets by?' She was putting on weight, and this caused her to become a bit lazy. She no longer had the energy that she had in the past. Oh, well, there was always something coming in. Madame Gujarre felt a motherly concern for Jervais, and sometimes reprimanded her. This wasn't due to the money owed, but because she liked her and didn't want to see her get into difficulties.

Starting point is 06:55:10 She never mentioned the debt. in short she behaved with the utmost delicacy the morrow of jervais's visit to the forge happened to be the last saturday of the month when she reached the gujays where she made a point of going herself her basket had so weighed on her arms that she was quite two minutes before she could get her breath one would hardly believe how heavy clothes are especially when there are sheets among them are you sure you've brought everything asked madame gujier She was very strict on that point. She insisted on having her washing brought home without a single article being kept back for the sake of order, as she said. She also required the laundress always to come under their arranged, and at the same hour, in that way there was no time wasted. Oh, yes, everything is here, replied Jervais, smiling. You know I never leave anything behind.

Starting point is 06:56:08 That's true, admitted Madame Gouge. You've got into many bad habits. but you're still free of that one. And while the laundress emptied her basket, laying the linen on the bed, the old woman praised her. She never burnt the things nor tore them like so many others did.

Starting point is 06:56:26 Neither did she pull the buttons off with the iron. Only she used too much blue and made the shirt front too stiff with starch. Just look! It's like cardboard, continued she, making one crackle between her fingers. My son does not complain. but it cuts his neck.

Starting point is 06:56:45 Tomorrow his neck will be all scratched when we return from Vincent. No, don't say that, exclaimed Gervais, quite grieved. To look nice, shirts must be rather stiff, otherwise as though one had a rag on one's body. You should just see what the gentlemen wear. I do all your things myself.

Starting point is 06:57:04 The work women never touch them, and I assure you I take great pains. I would, if necessary, do everything over a dozen times, because it's for you, you know. She slightly blushed as she stammered out the last words. She was afraid of showing the great pleasure she took in ironing Gouge's shirts. She certainly had no wicked thoughts, but she was nonetheless a little bit ashamed.

Starting point is 06:57:30 Oh, I'm not complaining of your work, I know it's perfection, said Madame Gouge. For instance, you've done this cap splendidly, only you could bring out the embroidery like that. and the flutings are all so even. Oh, I recognize your hand at once. When you give even a dishcloth to one of your workwomen I detected at once. In future, use a little less starch, that's all. Gouge does not care to look like a stylish gentleman. She had taken out her notebook and was crossing off the various items.

Starting point is 06:58:04 Everything was in order. She noticed that Gervais was charging six sous for each bonnet. She protested, but had to agree that it was in line with present prices. Men's shirts were five sous, women's under drawers four sous, pillowcases of a sous and a half, and aprons one sue. No, the prices warrant high. Some laundresses charged to sue more for each item. Chavez was now calling out the soiled clothes as she packed them in her basket for Madame Guillaume to list.

Starting point is 06:58:38 Then she lingered on, embarrassed by, a request which she wished to make. Madame Gujarre, she said at length, if it does not inconvenience you, I would like to take the money for the month's washing. It so happened that that month was a very heavy one, the account they'd made up together amounting to ten franc seven sous. Madame Guzre looked at her for a moment in a serious manner.

Starting point is 06:59:05 Then she replied, My child, it shall be as you wish, I will not refuse you the money as you are in need of it. Only it's scarcely the way to pay off your debt. I say that for your sake, you know. Really now, you should be careful. Chavez received a lecture with bowed head and stammering excuses. But ten francs were to make up the amount of a bill she'd given her Coke merchant.

Starting point is 06:59:32 But on hearing the word bill, Madame Gujar became severer still. She gave herself as an example. she had reduced her expenditure ever since Couget's wager's wager had been lowered from 12 to 9 francs a day when one was wanting in wisdom whilst young one dies of hunger in one's old age but she held back

Starting point is 06:59:53 and didn't tell Jervais that she gave her their laundry only in order to help her pay off the debt before that she'd done all her own washing and she would have to do it herself again if the laundry continued taking so much cash out of her pocket Shevays spoke her thanks and left quickly, as soon as she had received a ten franc seven sous. Outside of the landing she was so relieved she wanted to dance. She was becoming used to the annoying, unpleasant difficulties caused by a shortage of money,

Starting point is 07:00:25 and preferred to remember not the embarrassment, but the joy in escaping from them. It was also on that Saturday that Jervais met with a rather strange adventurer she descended the Gouge's staircase, She was obliged to stand up close against the stair rail with her basket to make way for a tall bareheaded woman who was coming up, carrying in her hand a very fresh mackerel with bloody gills and a piece of paper. She recognized Virginia, the girl whose face slapped at the wash house. They looked each other full in the face. Jervais shut her eyes.

Starting point is 07:01:05 She thought for a moment that she was going to be hit in the face with the fish. but no virginie even smiled slightly then as her basket was blocking the staircase the laundress wished to show how polite she too could be i beg your pardon she said you are completely excused replied betel brunette and they remained conversing together on the stairs reconciled at once without having ventured on a single allusion to the past virginie then twenty-nine years old had become a superb woman of strapping proportions. Her face, however, looking rather long between her two plates of jet black hair. She at once began to relate her history, just to show off. She had a husband now.

Starting point is 07:01:53 She'd married in the spring an ex-journeman cabinetmaker, who recently left the army, and who had applied to be admitted into the police, because a post of that kind is more to be depended upon, and more respectable. She'd been out to buy the mackerel for him. He adores, Macrile, said she. We must spoil them those naughty men, mustn't we?

Starting point is 07:02:14 But come up. You shall see our home. We're standing in a draft here. After Gervais had told of her own marriage, in that she'd formerly occupied the very apartment Virginia now had, Virginia urged her even more strongly to come up, since it is always nice to visit a spot where one had been happy. Virginia had lived for five years on the left bank at Grot Cayu. That was where she'd met her husband while he was still in the army.

Starting point is 07:02:43 But she got tired of it and wanted to come back to the Goutard neighborhood, where she knew everyone. She'd only been living in the rooms opposite the Gouge's for two weeks. Oh, everything was still a mess, but they were slowly getting it in order. Then, still on the staircase, they finally told each other their name. names. Madame Coupeau, Madame Poisson. And from that time forth they called each other on every possible occasion, Madame Poisson and Madame Coupeau, solely for the pleasure of being Madame, they who in former days had been acquainted when occupying rather questionable positions. However, Gervais felt rather mistrustful at heart. Perhaps the tall Brunette had made it up the better to

Starting point is 07:03:30 avenge herself for the beating at the washhouse by concocting some plan worthy of a spiteful, hypocritical creature. Chavez determined to be upon her guard. For the time being, as Virginie behaved so nicely, she would be nice also. In the room upstairs, Poisson, the husband, a man of 35, with a cadaverous-looking countenance and carot-y mustaches and beard, was seated working at a table near the window. He was making little box. He was making little box, His only tools were a knife, a tiny saw the size of a nail file, and a pot of glue. He was using wood from old cigar boxes, thin boards of unfinished mahogany, upon which he executed fretwork and embellishments of extraordinary delicacy. All year long he worked at making the same size boxes, only varying them occasionally by inlay work, new designs for the cover or putting compartments inside.

Starting point is 07:04:28 He did not sell his work. He distributed it in presents to persons of his acquaintance. It was for his own amusement, a way of occupying his time while waiting for his appointment to the police force. It was all that remained with him from his former occupation of cabinet-making. Poisson rose from his seat and politely bowed to Jervais when his wife introduced her as an old friend. But he was no talker. He at once returned to his little saw. From time to time he merely glanced in the direction of the mackerel,

Starting point is 07:05:01 placed on the corner of a chest of drawers. Chavez was very pleased to see her old lodging once more. She told them whereabouts her own furniture stood and pointed out the place on the floor where Nana had been born. How strange it was to meet like this again after so many years! They never dreamed of running into each other like this, and even living in the same rooms. Virginia added some further details.

Starting point is 07:05:28 Her husband had inherited a little money from an aunt, and he would probably set her up in a shop before long. Meanwhile, she was still sewing. At length, at the end of a full half hour, the laundress took her leave. Poissons scarcely seemed to notice her departure. While seeing her to Vador, Virginia promised to return the visit,

Starting point is 07:05:50 and she would have Jervais do her laundry. While Virginia was keeping her in further conversation on the landing, Jervais had the feeling that she would, wanted to say something about Lantier and her sister Adele, and this notion upset her a bit. But not a word was uttered respecting those unpleasant things. They parted, wishing each other goodbye in a very amiable manner. Goodbye, Madame Coupeau. Good-bye, Madame Poisson. That was the starting point of a great friendship. A week later, Virginia never passed Jervais's shop without going in, and she remained there gossiping for hours.

Starting point is 07:06:28 together, to such an extent indeed, that Poisson, filled with anxiety, fearing she'd been run over, would come and seek her with his expressionless and death-like countenance. Now that she was seeing the dressmaker every day, Jervais became aware of a strange obsession. Every time Virginia began to talk, Chavez had the feeling Lantier was going to be mentioned. So she had Lantier on her mind throughout all of Virginia's visits. This was silly because, in fact, She didn't care a bit about Lanier or Adele at this time. She was quite certain that she had no curiosity as to what had happened to either of them.

Starting point is 07:07:08 But this obsession got hold of her in spite of herself. Anyway, she didn't hold it against Virginia. It wasn't her fault, surely. She enjoyed being with her and looked forward to her visits. Meanwhile, winter had come, the coupé's fourth winter in the Rue de la Gouta. December and January, particular, cold. It froze hard as it well could. After New Year's Day, the snow remained three weeks without melting. It did not interfere with work, but the contrary, for winter is the best season for the ironers. It was very pleasant inside the shop. There was never any ice on the window panes like there was at the

Starting point is 07:07:49 grocer's and the hosier's opposite. The stove was always stuffed with coke and kept things as hot as a Turkish bath. With the laundry steaming overhead, you could almost imagine it was summer. You were quite comfortable with the doors closed, and so much warmth everywhere that you were tempted to doze off with your eyes open. Chavez laughed and said it reminded her of summer in the country. The street traffic made no noise in the snow, and you could hardly hear the pedestrians who passed by. Only children's voices were heard in the silence, especially the noisy banned aversions who had made a long slide in the gutter near the blacksmith's shop. Chavez would sometimes go over to Bador, wipe the moisture from one of the panes with her hand,

Starting point is 07:08:37 and look out to see what was happening to her neighborhood due to this extraordinary cold spell. Not one nose was being poked out of the adjacent shops. The entire neighborhood was muffled in snow. The only person she was able to exchange nods with was the coal dealer next door, who still walked out bareheaded. despite the severe freeze. What was especially enjoyable in this awful weather was to have some nice hot coffee in the middle of a day.

Starting point is 07:09:06 The workwoman had no cause for complaint. The mistress made it very strong and without a grain of chicory. It was quite different to Madame Fauconnier's coffee, which was like ditch water. Only whenever Mother Coupot undertook to make it, it was always an interminable time before it was ready, because she would fall asleep over the kettle. on these occasions when the work-women had finished their lunch they would do a little ironing whilst waiting for the coffee it so happened that on the morrow of twelfth day half-past twelve struck and still the coffee was not ready it seemed to persist in declining to pass through the strainer

Starting point is 07:09:46 Mother Coupeau tapped against the pot with a teaspoon, and what could hear of a drops falling slowly, one by one, and without hurrying themselves any the more. Leave it alone, said Tall Clements, you'll make it thick. Today there'll be as much to eat as to drink. Tall Clements was working on a man's shirt, the plates of which she separated with her fingernail. She'd caught a cold, her eyes were frightfully swollen, and her chest was shaken with fits of coughing, which doubled her up beside the work table. With all that, she'd not even a handkerchief around her neck, and she was dressed in some cheap, flimsy woolen stuff in which she shivered. Close by, Madame Poutre, wrapped up in flannel, muffled up to her ears,

Starting point is 07:10:32 was ironing a petticoat she turned round the skirt board, the narrow end of which rested on the back of a chair, whilst a sheet laid on the floor prevented the petticoat from getting dirty as it trailed along the tiles. Jervais alone occupied half the work table with some embroidered muslin curtains, over which she passed her iron in a straight line with her arms stretched out to avoid making any creases. All on a sudden the coffee running through noisily caused her to raise her head. It was that squint-eyed Augustine, who'd just given it an outlet by thrusting a spoon through the strainer.

Starting point is 07:11:09 Leave it alone, cried Jervais. Whatever is the matter with you? it'll be like drinking mud now. Mother Coupo had placed five glasses on a corner of the work table that was free. The women now left their work. The mistress always poured out the coffee herself after putting two lumps of sugar into each glass.

Starting point is 07:11:31 It was the moment that they all looked forward to. On this occasion, as each one took her glass and squatted down on a little stool in front of the stove, the shop door opened. Virginia entered, shivering all of the, over. Ah, my children said she, it cuts you in two. I can no longer feel my ears. The cold is something awful. Why, it's Madame Poisson, exclaimed Gervais. Ah, well, you've come at the right time. You must have some coffee with us. On my word, I can't say no. One feels the frost in one's bones

Starting point is 07:12:07 merely by crossing the street. There were still some coffee left, luckily. Mother Poupo went and fetched a sixth glass, and Gervais let Virgini help herself to sugar out of politeness. The workwoman moved to give Virginia a small space close to the stove. Her nose was very red. She shivered a bit, pressing her hands which were stiff with cold around the glass to warm them. She had just come from the grocery store, where you froze to death waiting for a quarter pound of cheese, and so she raved about the warmth of the shop. It felt so good on the waltzing. one skin. After warming up, she stretched out her long legs, and the six of them relaxed together, supping their coffee slowly, surrounded by all the work still to be done. Mother Gupo and Virgini

Starting point is 07:12:58 were the only ones on chairs. The others on low benches seemed to be sitting on the floor. Squint-eyed Augustine had pulled over a corner of the cloth below the skirt, stretching herself out on it. No one spoke at first, all kept their noses in the glasses, enjoying their coffee. It's not bad, all the same, declared Clements. But she was seetzed with a fit of coughing and almost choked. She lent her head against the wall to cough with more force. That's a bad cough you've got, said Virginie. Wherever did you catch it.

Starting point is 07:13:35 This ends Chapter 6, Part 2. Chapter 6 Part 3. of La Somois by Emil Zola Translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli This Libravox recording is in the public domain Read by Mark Leder Chapter 6, Part 3 One Never knows, replied Clements,

Starting point is 07:14:06 wiping her face with her sleeve. It must have been the other night. There were two girls who were flinging each other outside the grand balcony. I wanted to see, so I stood there. there whilst the snow was falling. Ah, what a drubbing. It was enough to make one die with laughing. One had her nose almost pulled off. The blood streamed on the ground. When the other, a great long stick like me, saw the blood, she slipped away as quick as she could. And I coughed nearly

Starting point is 07:14:35 all night. Besides that, two men are so stupid in bed. They don't let you have any covers over you half the time. Pretty conduct that, murmured madame. Meputois, you're killing yourself, my girl. And if it pleases me to kill myself, life isn't so very amusing. Slaving all the blessed day long to earn fifty-five sous, cooking one's blood from morning to night in front of a stove. No, you know, I've had enough of it. All the same, though, this cough won't do me the service of making me croak. It'll go off the same way it came. A short silence ensued. The good-for-nothing, Clermont, who'd, who'd led riots in low dancing establishments and shrieked like a screech owl at work, always saddened

Starting point is 07:15:24 everyone with her thoughts of death. Jervais knew her well, and so merely said, You're never very gay the morning after a night of high living. The truth was that Jervais did not like this talk about women fighting. Because of the flogging at the washhouse, it annoyed her whenever anyone spoke before her in Virginia of kicks with wooden shoes and of slaps in the face. It so happened, too, that Virginia was looking at her and smiling. By the way, she said quietly, yesterday I saw some hair pulling. They almost tore each other to pieces. Who are they, Madame Poutoir, inquired. The midwife and her maid, you know, a little blonde. What a pest the girl is. She was yelling at her employer, but she got rid of a child for the

Starting point is 07:16:14 fruit woman and that she was going to tell the police if she wasn't paid to keep quiet. So the midwife slapped her right in the face, and then little blonde jumped on her and started scratching her and pulling her hair, really, by the roots. The sausage man had to grab her to put a stop to it. The work women laughed. Then they all took a sip of coffee. Do you believe that she really got rid of a child, Clements asked. Oh yes, the rumor was all around the neighborhood, Fijini answered. I didn't see it myself, you understand, but it's part of the job. All midwives do it. Well, exclaimed Madame Poutre, you have to be pretty stupid to put yourself in their hands.

Starting point is 07:17:00 No thanks. You could be maimed for life. But there's a sure way to do it. Drink a glass of holy water every evening and make the sign of the cross three times over your stomach with your thumb. Then your troubles will be. be over. Everyone thought Mother Coupeau was asleep, but she shook her head in protest. She knew another way, and it was infallible. You had to eat a hard-cooked egg every two hours and put spinach leaves on your loins. Squint-eyed Augustine set up a hen cackling when she heard this. They'd forgotten about her. Chavez lifted up the petticoat that was being ironed and found her rolling on the floor with laughter.

Starting point is 07:17:45 She jerked her upright. What was she laughing about? Was it right for her to be eavesdropping when older people were talking, the little goose? Anyway, it was time for her to deliver the laundry to a friend of Madame Lerrat at Le Batignolle. So Javees hung a basket on her arm and pushed her toward the door.

Starting point is 07:18:06 Augustine went off, sobbing and sniveling, dragging her feet in the snow. Meanwhile, Mother Coupeau, Madame Poutois, and Clements were discussing the effectiveness of hard-cooked eggs and spinach leaves. Then, Virginie said softly, "'Mon Dieu, you have a fight, and then you make it up if you have a generous heart.' She leaned towards Jervais with a smile and added,

Starting point is 07:18:33 "'Really, I don't hold any grudge against you for that business at the wash-house.' "'You remember it, don't you?' This was what Gervais had been dreading. She guessed that the subject of Lantier and Adel would now come up. Vigini had moved close to Gervais, so as not to be overheard by the others. Jervais, lulled by the excessive heat, felt so limp that she couldn't even summon the willpower to change the subject. She foresaw what the tall brunette would say, and her heart was stirred with an emotion which she didn't want to admit to herself. I hope I'm not hurting your feelings, Virginie continued.

Starting point is 07:19:16 Often I've had it on the tip of my tongue. But since we are now on the subject, word of honor, I don't have any grudge against you. She stirred her remaining coffee and then took a small sip. Jervais, with her heart in her throat, wondered if Virginia had really forgiven her as completely as she said, for she seemed to observe sparks in her dark eyes. You see, Virginia went on, you had an excuse. They played a really rotten, dirty trick on you. To be fair about it, if it had been me, I'd have taken a knife to her. She drank another small sip, and then added rapidly, without a pause. Anyway, it didn't bring them happiness, mon dieu, not a bit of it. They went to liver over at La Glacier, in a filthy street that was always muddy.

Starting point is 07:20:09 I went two days later to have lunch with them. I can tell you it was quite a trip by bus. Well, I found them already fighting. Really, as I came in, they were boxing each other's ears, fine pair of lovebirds. Adel isn't worth the rope to hang her. I say that even if she is my own sister. You would take too long to relate all the nasty tricks she played on me, and anyhow, it's between the two of us.

Starting point is 07:20:38 As for Lanthier, well, he's no good either. He'd beat the hide off you for anything, and with his fist closed, too. They fought all the time. The police even came once. Virginia went on about other fights. Oh, she knew of things that would make your hair stand up. Chavez listened in silence. Her face pale.

Starting point is 07:21:03 It was nearly seven years since she had heard a word about Lantier. She hadn't realized what a strong curiosity she had as to what had become of the poor man, even though he treated her badly. And she never would have believed that just the mention of his name could put such a glowing warmth in the pit of her stomach. She certainly had no reason

Starting point is 07:21:24 to be jealous of Adele anymore, but she rejoiced to think of her body all bruised from the beatings. She could have listened to Virginie all night, but she didn't ask any questions, not wanting to appear much interested. Virginie stopped to sip at her coffee. Jervais, realizing that,

Starting point is 07:21:43 you is expected to say something, asked with a pretense of indifference, Are they still living at La Glacierre? No, the other replied, didn't I tell you? They separated last week. One morning, Adele moved out, and Lanchet didn't chase after her. So, they're separated, Jervais exclaimed. Who are you talking about, Clements asked, interrupting her conversations with Mother Coupeau and Madame Poutre.

Starting point is 07:22:12 Nobody you know, said Vévesque, Virginie? She was looking at Gervais carefully and could see that she was upset. She moved still closer, maliciously finding pleasure in bringing up these old stories. Of a sudden, she asked Gervais what she would do if Lantier came round here. Men were really such strange creatures he might decide to return to his first love. This caused Gervais to sit up very straight and dignified. She was a married woman. She would send Lantier off immediately. There was no possibility of anything further between them, not even a handshake. She would not even want to look that man in the face. I know that Etienne is his son, and that's a relationship that remains, she said. If Lantier wants to see his son, I'll send the boy to him because you can't stop a father from seeing his child. But as for myself, I don't want him to touch me.

Starting point is 07:23:11 even with the tip of his finger. That is all finished. Desiring to break off this conversation, she seemed to awake with a start and called out to the women, You ladies, do you think all these clothes are going to iron themselves? Get to work.

Starting point is 07:23:31 The work women, slow from the heat and general laziness, didn't hurry themselves, but went right on talking, gossiping about other people they'd known. Shevei shook herself and got to her feet. Couldn't earn money by sitting all day. She was the first to return to the ironing,

Starting point is 07:23:50 but found that her curtains had been spotted by the coffee, and she had to rub out the stains with a damp cloth. The other women were now stretching and getting ready to begin ironing. Clements had a terrible attack of coughing as soon as she moved. Finally, she was able to return to the shirt she'd been doing. Madame Poitouin began to work on the petticoat again. Well, good-bye, said Virginia. I only came out for a quarter-pound of Swiss cheese.

Starting point is 07:24:19 Poiss almost think I've frozen to death on the way. She had only just stepped outside when she turned back to say that Augustine was at the end of a street, sliding on the ice with some urchins. The squint-eyed imp rushed in all red-faced and out of breath with snow all in her hair. She didn't mind the scolding she received, merely saying that she hadn't been able to walk fast because of the ice, and then some brats threw snow at her. The afternoons were all the same these winter days. The laundry was the refuge for anyone in the neighborhood who was cold.

Starting point is 07:24:56 There was an endless procession of gossiping women. Chavez took pride in the comforting warmth of her shop and welcomed those who came in, holding a salon as the Lory Lou and the Bush's remarked. meanly. Chavez was always thoughtful and generous. Sometimes she even invited poor people in if she saw them shivering outside. A friendship sprang up with an elderly house painter who was 70. He lived in an attic room and was slowly dying of cold and hunger. His three sons had been killed in the war. He survived the best he could, but it had been two years since he'd been able to hold a paintbrush in his hand. Whenever Jervais saw Père Brou walking outside, she'd call him and arrange a place for him close to the stove. Often she gave him some bread and cheese. Père Brou's face was as wrinkled as a withered apple. He would sit there there with his stooping shoulders and his white beard without

Starting point is 07:25:57 saying a word, just listening to the Coke sputtering in the stove. Maybe he was thinking of his fifty years of hard work on high ladders. His fifty years spent painting doors and whitewashing ceilings in every corner of Paris. Well, Père Brou, Chavez would say, what are you thinking of now? Nothing much, all sorts of things, he would answer quietly. The workwoman tried to joke with him to cheer him up, saying he was worrying over his love affairs. But he scarcely listened to, to them before he fell back into his habitual attitude of meditative melancholy. Virginie now frequently spoke to Jvés of Lantier. She seemed to find amusement in filling her mind with ideas of her old lover,

Starting point is 07:26:51 just for the pleasure of embarrassing her by making suggestions. One day she related that she'd met him. Then, as Lantris took no notice, she said nothing further. And it was only on the morrow that she added he'd spoken about her a long time and with a great show of affection. Chavez was much upset by these reports, whispered in her ear in a corner of the shop. The mention of Lantier's name always caused a worried sensation in the pit of her stomach. She certainly thought herself strong. She wished to lead the life of an industrious woman because labor is the half of happiness. So she never

Starting point is 07:27:30 considered Coupeau in this matter, having nothing to reproach herself with as regarded her husband. not even in her thoughts. But with a hesitating and suffering heart, she would think of the blacksmith. It seemed to her but the memory of Lantier, that slow possession which she was resuming, rendered her unfaithful to Gouge, to their unavowed love, sweetest friendship.

Starting point is 07:27:56 She passed sad days whenever she felt herself guilty towards her good friend. She would have liked to have had no affection for anyone but him outside of her family. It was a feeling far above all carnal thoughts, for the signs of which upon her burning face Virginia was ever on the watch. As soon as spring came, Gervais often went and sought refuge with Gouge. She could no longer sit musing on a chair without immediately thinking of her first lover.

Starting point is 07:28:26 She pictured him leaving Adele, packing his clothes in the bottom of their old trunk, and returning to her in a cab. The days when she went out, she was seized with the most foolish fears in the street. She was ever thinking she heard Lantier's footsteps behind her. She did not dare turn round, but tremblingly fancied she felt his hand seizing her round the waist. He was no doubt spying upon her. He would appear before her some afternoon, and the bare idea threw her into a cold perspiration, because he would, to a certainty, kiss her on the ear, as he used to do in former days solely to tease her.

Starting point is 07:29:07 It was this kiss which frightened her. It rendered her deaf beforehand. It filled her with a buzzing amidst which she could only distinguish the sound of her heart beating violently. So, as soon as these fears seized upon her, the forge was her only shelter. There, under Gouge's protection, she once more became easy and smiling, as his sense, sonorous hammer drove away her disagreeable reflections. What a happy time. Belondres took particular pains with the washing of her customer in the Rue des Port Blanche. She always took at home herself, because that errand, every Friday, was a ready excuse for

Starting point is 07:29:48 passing through the Rue-Marcadé and looking in at the forge. The moment she turned the corner of a street, she felt light and gay, as though in the midst of those plots of wasteland surrounded by grey factories, she were out in the country, the roadway black with coal dust, the plumage of steam over the roofs, amused her as much as a moss-covered path leading through masses of green foliage in a wood in the environs. And she loved the dull horizon, streaked by the tall factory chimneys, though marmartre heights, which hid the heavens from view. The chalky white houses pierced with the uniform openings of their winter. She would slacken her steps as she drew near, jumping over the pools of water, and finding

Starting point is 07:30:35 a pleasure in traversing the deserted inns and outs of the yard full of old building materials. Right at the further end the forge shone with a brilliant light, even at midday. Her heart leapt with the dance of the hammers. When she entered, her face turned quite red, the little fair hairs at the nape of her neck flew about like those of a woman arriving at some lover's meeting. Gouge was expecting her, his arms in chest bare, whilst he hammered harder on the anvil on those days, so as to make himself hurried at a distance. He divined her presence, and greeted her with a good silent laugh in his yellow beard. But she would not let him leave off his work. She

Starting point is 07:31:19 begged him to take up his hammer again, because she loved him the more when he wielded it with his big arms swollen with muscles. She would go and give a gentle tap on the cheek as he hung on to the bellows, and then remained for an hour watching the rivets. The two did not exchange a dozen words. They could not have more completely satisfied their love if alone in a room with the door double-locked. The snickering of salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, did not bother them in the least, for they no longer even heard him. At the end of a quarter of an hour she'd begin to feel slightly oppressed, the heat, the powerful smell, the ascending smoke made her dizzy, whilst the dull thuds of the

Starting point is 07:32:06 hammers shook her from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. Then she desired nothing more. It was her pleasure. Had Gerday pressed her in his arms, it would not have procured her so sweet and emotion. She drew close to him that she might feel the wind raised by his hammer beat upon her cheek, and become, as it were, a part of the blow he struck. When the sparks made her soft hand smart, she did not withdraw them. On the contrary, she enjoyed the rain of fire which stung her skin. He, for certain, divined the happiness which she tasted there.

Starting point is 07:32:44 He always kept the most difficult work for the Fridays, so as to pay his court to her with all his strength and all his heart, his skill. He no longer spared himself at the risk of splitting the anvils in two, as he panted, and his loins vibrated with the joy he was procuring her. All one springtime their love thus filled Gouge with the rumbling of a storm. It was an idle, a most giant-like labor in the midst of the glare of the coal-fire, and of the shaking of the shed, the cracking carcass of which was black with soot. All that beaten eye, needed like red wax, preserved the rough marks of their love.

Starting point is 07:33:26 When on the Fridays the laundress parted from golden mug, she slowly reascended the Rue de Pasonier, contented and tired, her mind and her body alike, tranquil. Little by little, her fear of Lantier diminished, her good sense got the better of her. At that time, she would still have led a happy life, had it not been for Coupot, who was decidedly going to the bed. One day she just happened to be returning from the forge,

Starting point is 07:33:57 when she fancied she recognized Coupot inside Père-Colom's La Samoire, in the act of treating himself to a round of vitriol in the company of my boots, Bibi the Smoker, and Salted Mouth, otherwise drink without thirst. She passed quickly by, so as not to seem to be spying on them. But she glanced back. It was indeed Coupot who was tossing his little glass of bad brandy down his throat with a gesture already familiar. He lied then, so we went in for brandy now.

Starting point is 07:34:31 She returned home in despair. All her old dread of brandy took possession of her. She forgave the wine because wine nourishes the workmen. All kinds of spirit on the contrary were filth, poisons which destroyed in the workmen butaste for bread ah the government ought to prevent the manufacture of such horrid stuff on arriving at the rue de la gutor she found the whole house upset her work-women had left the shop and were in the courtyard looking up above she questioned clement's it's old bijer who's giving his wife a hiding replied the ironer he was in the doorway as drunk as a trooper watching for her returned from the washhouse. He whacked her up the stairs, and now he's finishing her off up there in their room. Listen, can't you hear her shrieks? Jervais hastened to the spot. She felt some

Starting point is 07:35:30 friendship for her washerwoman, Madame Bijard, who was a very courageous woman. She'd hoped to put a stop to what was going on. Upstairs on the sixth floor, the door of the room was wide open. Some lagers were shouting on the landing, whilst Madame Bush, standing in front of her. She'd be front of a door was calling out, Will you leave off? I shall send for the police, do you hear? No one dared to venture inside the room, because it was known

Starting point is 07:35:57 that Bijard was like a brute beast when he was drunk. As a matter of fact, he was scarcely ever sober. The rare days on which he worked, he placed a bottle of branding beside his blacksmith's vice, gulping some of it down every half hour.

Starting point is 07:36:13 He could not keep himself going any other way. He would have blazed the way like a torch if anyone had placed a lighted match close to his mouth. But we mustn't let her be murdered, said Jervais, all in a tremble. And she entered. The room, an attic, and very clean, was bare and cold, almost emptied by the drunken habits of the man, who took the very sheets from the bed to turn them into liquor. During the struggle, the table had rolled away to the window, but two chairs, knocked over, had fallen with her legs in the air.

Starting point is 07:36:49 In the middle of the room, on the tile floor lay Madame Bijard, all bloody, her skirts still soaked with the water of the washhouse, clinging to her thighs, her hair straggling in disorder. She was breathing heavily

Starting point is 07:37:03 with a rattle in her throat, as she muttered, prolonged, ohs, each time she received a blow from the heel of Bijat's boot. He'd knocked her down with his fists, and now he stamped upon her. ah strumpet ah strumpet ah strumpet grunted he in a choking voice accompanying each blow with the word taking a delight in repeating it and striking all the harder the more he found his voice failing him then when he could no longer speak he madly continued to kick with a dull sound rigid in his ragged blue blouse and overalls his face turned purple beneath his dirty beard and his bald forehead streaked forehead

Starting point is 07:37:46 with big red blotches. The neighbors on the landing related that he was beating her because she'd refused him twenty sous that morning. Bosch's voice was heard at the foot of the staircase. He was calling Madame Bosch,

Starting point is 07:37:59 saying, "'Come down! Let them kill each other. It'll be so much scum the less.' Meanwhile, Per Brou had followed Jervais into the room. Between them, they were trying to get him towards the door. But he turned round.

Starting point is 07:38:16 speechless and foaming at the lips, and in his pale eyes the alcohol was blazing with a murderous glare. The laundress had her wrist injured. The old workman was knocked against the table. On the floor, Madame Bijard was breathing with greater difficulty, her mouth wide open, her eyes closed. Now Bija kept missing her. He'd madly returned to the attack, but blinded by rage, his blows fell on either side, and at times he almost lost. fell when his kicks went into space. And during all this onslaught, Chavez beheld in a corner of the room, little Lolly, then four years old, watching her father murdering her mother. The child held in her arms, as though to protect her, her sister Henriette, only recently weaned.

Starting point is 07:39:07 She was standing up, her head covered with a cotton cap, her face very pale and grave. Her large black eyes gazed with a fixedness full of threeper. thought and were without a tear. When at length, Béjar, running against a chair, stumbled onto the tiled floor where they left him snoring, Per Brou helped Gervais to raise Madame Bijer. The latter was now sobbing bitterly, and Lally, drawing near, watched her crying,

Starting point is 07:39:38 being used to such sights and already resigned to them. As the laundress descended the stairs, in the silence of a now quieted, house. She kept seeing before her that look of this child of four, as grave and courageous as that of a woman. Monsieur Coupeau was on the other side of the street, called out Clements, as soon as she caught side of her. He looks awfully drunk. Coupeau was just then crossing the street. He almost smashed a pane of glass with his shoulder as he missed the door. He was in a state of complete drunkenness with his teeth clenched, and his nose inflamed.

Starting point is 07:40:19 And Gervais at once recognized the vitriol of Lasse-Mois in the poisoned blood which paled his skin. She tried to joke and get him to bed, the same as on the days when the wine had made him marry. But he pushed her aside without opening his lips, and raised his fist in passing as he went to bed of his own accord. He made Gervais think of the other, the drunkard who was snoring upstairs, tired out by the blows he'd struck. A cold shiver passed over her. She thought of the men she knew, of her husband, of Goucher, of Lantier, her heart-breaking, despairing of ever being happy. This ends Chapter 6, Part 3. Chapter 7, Part 1 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli.

Starting point is 07:41:20 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader Chapter 7 Part 1 Jervais's Saints Day fell on my 19th of June. On such occasions, the coupos always made a grand display. They feasted till they were as round as balls, and their stomachs were filled for the rest of the week. There was a complete clear-out of all the money they had.

Starting point is 07:41:50 The moment there were a few sous in the house, they went in gorging. They invented saints for those days which the almanac had not provided with any, just for the sake of giving themselves a pretext for gormandising. Vigini highly commended Jervais for stuffing herself with all sorts of savory dishes. When one has a husband who turns all he can lay hands on and to drink, it's good to line one's stomach well and not to let everything go off in liquids. Since the money would disappear anyway, surely it was better to pay it to the butcher. Shreveys used that excuse to justify overeating,

Starting point is 07:42:29 saying it was Coupeau's fault if they could no longer save a sou. She'd grown considerably fatter, and she limped more than before because her leg, now swollen with fat, seemed to be getting gradually shorter. That year, they talked about her saying stay a good month beforehand. They thought of dishes and smacked their lips in advance. All the shop had a confounded longing to junk it. They wanted a merry-making of the right sort, something out of the ordinary and highly successful.

Starting point is 07:43:03 One does not have so many opportunities for enjoyment. What most troubled the laundress was to decide whom to invite. She wished to have twelve persons at table, no more, no less. she, her husband, Mother Coupeau, and Madame Leraat already made four members of the family. She would also have the guuges and the poissons. Originally she had decided not to invite her workwomen, Madame Poutoir and Clements, so as not to make them too familiar. But as the projected feast was being constantly spoken of in their presence,

Starting point is 07:43:39 and their mouths watered, she ended by telling them to come. four and four, eight, and two are ten, then wishing particularly to have twelve. She became reconciled with the L'Oro-Loo, who for some time past had been hovering around her. At least it was agreed that the L'Ori-Lu should come to dinner and that peace should be made with glasses in hand. You really shouldn't keep family quarrels going forever. When the Bolshe's heard that a reconciliation was planned, they also saw, sought to make up with Jervais, and so they had to be invited to the dinner, too. That would make 14, not counting but children. Never before had she given such a large dinner, and the thought

Starting point is 07:44:26 frightened and excited her at the same time. The Saints, they happened to fall on a Monday. It was a piece of luck. Jervais counted on the Sunday afternoon to begin the cooking. On the Saturday, whilst the work women hurried with their work, there was a long discussion in the shop with a view of finally deciding upon what the feast should consist of for three weeks past one thing alone had been chosen a fat roast goose there was a gluttonous look on every face whenever it was mentioned the goose was even already bought mother Coupot went and fetched it to let Clemons and Madame Poutre feel its weight and they uttered all kinds of exclamations it looked such an

Starting point is 07:45:11 enormous bird, with its rough skin all swelled out with yellow fat. Before that there will be the pot-of-feu, said Jervais, the soup, and just a small piece of boiled beef, it's always good. Then we must have something in the way of a stew. Tall Clermont suggested rabbit, but they were always having that. Everyone was sick of it. Jervais wanted something more distinguished. Madame Poutre, having spoken of stewed veal, They looked at one another with broad smiles. It was a real idea. Nothing would make a better impression than a veal, stew.

Starting point is 07:45:51 And after that, resumed Jervais, we must have some other dish with a sauce. Mother Coupeau proposed fish, but the others made a grimace as they banged down their irons. None of them liked fish. It was not a bit satisfying, and besides that it was full of bones. squinted I, Augustine, having dared to observe that she liked skate,

Starting point is 07:46:15 Clemence shut her mouth for her with a good sound clout. At length the mistress thought of stewed pigs back and potatoes, which restored the smiles to every countenance. Then Virginie entered like a puff of wind, with a strange look on her face. You've come just at the right time, exclaimed Gervais. Mother Coupot, do show her the bird. And Mother Coupeau went a second time and fetched the goose, which Virginie had to take in her hands. She uttered no end of exclamations.

Starting point is 07:46:49 By Jove, it was heavy. But she soon laid it down on the work-table, between a petticoat and a bundle of shirts. Her thoughts were elsewhere. She dragged Jervais into the back room. I say, little one, murmured she rapidly. I've come to warn you. You'll never guess who I just met at the corner of the street. Lantier, my dear. He's hovering about on the watch, so I hastened here at once.

Starting point is 07:47:15 It frightened me on your account, you know. The laundress turned quite pale. What could the wretched man want with her? Coming to, like that, just in the midst of the preparations for the feast. She had never had any luck. She could not even be allowed to enjoy herself quietly. But Versinie replied that she was very foolish to put herself out. about it like that. Why, if Lantier dared to follow her about, all she had to do was to call

Starting point is 07:47:46 a policeman and have him locked up. In the month since her husband had been appointed a policeman, Vigini had assumed rather lordly manners and talked of arresting everybody. She began to raise her voice, saying that she wished some passerby would pinch her bottom so that she could take the fresh fellow to the police station herself and turn him over to her husband. Jervais signaled her to be quiet since the work women were listening and led the way back into the shop, reopening the discussion about the dinner. Now, don't we need a vegetable? Why not peas with bacon, said Virgini.

Starting point is 07:48:26 I like nothing better. Yes, peas with bacon, the others approved. Augustine was so enthusiastic that she jabbed the poker into the stove harder than ever. By three o'clock, on the morrow, Sunday. Mother Coupeau had lighted their two stoves and also a third one of earthenware which they borrowed from the bushes. At half past three, the Po'Ofeu was boiling away in an enormous earthenware pot lent by the eating housekeeper next door, the family pot having been found too small. They decided to cook the veal and the pigs back for night before, since both of those dishes

Starting point is 07:49:07 are better when reheated. But the cream sauce for the veal was. would not be prepared until just before sitting down for the feast. There were still plenty of work left for Monday. The soup, the peas with bacon, the roast goose. The inner room was lit by three fires. Butter was sizzling in the pans and emitting a sharp odor of burnt flour. Mother Coupeau-en-Gervais with white aprons tied on were bustling all around, cleaning parsley, dashing for salt and pepper,

Starting point is 07:49:40 turning the meat. They'd sent Koupoe away so it was not to have him underfoot, but they still had plenty of people looking in throughout the afternoon. The lushe of smells from the kitchen had spread through the entire building so that the neighboring ladies came into the shop on various pretexts, very curious to see what was being cooked. Vichini put in an appearance towards five o'clock. She had again seen Lantier. Really, it was impossible to go down the street now without meeting him. Madame Bouch also had just caught sight of him standing at the corner of the

Starting point is 07:50:16 pavement with his head thrust forward in an uncommonly sly manner. Then Gervais, who had at that moment intended going for a sous worth of burnt onions for the paw-of-fe, began to tremble from head to foot and did not dare leave the house, the more so as the concierge and madressmaker put her into a terrible fright by relating horrible stories of men waiting for women with knives and pistols hidden beneath their overcoats. Well, yes, one reads of such things every day in the newspapers. When one of those scoundrels gets his monkey up on discovering an old love leading a happy life, he becomes capable of everything. Vigini obligingly offered to run and fetch the burnt onions. women should always help one another.

Starting point is 07:51:06 They could not let that little thing be murdered. When she returned, she said that Lanier was no longer there. He'd probably gone off on finding he was discovered. In spite of that thought, he was the subject of conversation around the sauce pans until nighttime. When Madame Bosch advised her to inform Coupot, Chavez became really terrified and implored her not to say a word about it. Oh yes, wouldn't that be a nice situation?

Starting point is 07:51:36 Her husband must have become suspicious already because for the last few days, at night, he would swear to himself and bang the wall with his fists. The mere thought that the two men might destroy each other because of her made her shudder. She knew that Coupeau was jealous enough to attack Lanthier with his shears. While the four of them had been deep in contemplating this drama, the sauce pans on the banked coals of the stove had been quiet,

Starting point is 07:52:04 simmering. When Mother Coupeau lifted the lids, the veal and the pigs back were discreetly bubbling. The pot-of-fe was steadily steaming with snore-like sounds. Eventually, each of them dipped a piece of bread into the soup to taste the bouillon. At length, Monday arrived. Now the Jervais was going to have fourteen persons at table, she began to fear she would not be able to find room for them all. She decided to say, that they should dine in the shop, and the first thing in the morning she took measurements so as to settle which way she should place the table. After that, they had to remove all the clothes and take the ironing table to pieces. The top of this laid on to some shorter trestles

Starting point is 07:52:51 was to be the dining table. But just in the midst of all this moving, a customer appeared and made a scene because she'd been waiting for her washing ever since the Friday. They were humbugging her. She would have her things at once. Then Jervais tried to excuse herself and lied boldly. It was not her fault. She was cleaning out her shop. The workman would not be there till the morrow. And she pacified her customer and got rid of her by promising to busy herself with her things at the earliest possible moment. Then, as soon as the woman had left, she showed her temper. Really, if you listen to all your customers, you'd never have time to eat. You could work yourself to death like a dog on a leash.

Starting point is 07:53:36 Well, no matter who came in today, even if they offered 100,000 francs, she wouldn't touch an iron on this Monday because it was her turn to enjoy herself. The entire morning was spent in completing the purchases. Three times, Jervais went out and returned laden like a mule. But just as she was going to order wine, she noticed that she had not sufficient money,

Starting point is 07:54:03 left. She could easily have got it on credit, only she could not be without money in the house, on account of the thousand little expenses that one is liable to forget. And Mother Coupeau and she had lamented together in the backroom, as they reckoned that they required at least twenty francs. How could they obtain them, those four pieces of a hundred sous each? Mother Coupeau, who had at one time done the charing for a little actress of the Teatro de Batagnos, was the first to suggest the pawn shop. Chavez laughed with relief. How stupid she was not to have thought of it. She quickly folded her black silk dress upon a towel, which she then pinned together. Then she hid the bundle under Mother Coupeau's apron, telling her to keep it very flat against her stomach, on account of her neighbors who had no need

Starting point is 07:54:56 to know, and she went and watched at the door to see that the old woman was not followed. But the latter had only gone as far as the charcoal dealers when she called her back. Mama! Mama! She made her return to the shop, and taking her wedding ring off her finger, said, Here, put this with it. We shall get all the more. When Mother Coupeau brought her 25 franc, she danced for joy. She would order an extra six bottles of vans. wine, sealed wine to drink with the roast. The looheleu would be crushed. For a fortnight past it had been the coupé's dream to crush the l'ololu. Was it not true that those sly ones, the man and his wife, a truly pretty couple, shut themselves up whenever they had anything nice to eat,

Starting point is 07:55:46 as though they had stolen it? Yes, they covered up the window with a blanket to hide the light and make believe that they were already asleep in bed. This stopped any. they went from coming up, and so the L'Hilu could stuff everything down, just the two of them. They were even careful the next day not to throw the bones into the garbage, so that no one would know what they'd eaten. Madame L'Hirilu would walk to the end of the street to toss them into a sewer opening. One morning, Jervais surprised her, emptying a basket of oyster shells there. Oh, those penny-pinsers were never open-handed,

Starting point is 07:56:23 and all their mean contrivances came from their design. to appear to be poor. Well, we'd show them, we'd prove to them that we warrant mean. Chavez would have laid her table in the street had she been able to, just for the sake of inviting each passer-by. Money was not invented that it should be allowed to grow moldy, was it? It's pretty when it shines all new in the sunshine. She resembled them so little now, but on the days when she had twenty sous, she arranged things to let people think she had 40. Mother Coupeau and Gervais talk to the Lorilu, whilst they laid the cloth about three o'clock. They'd hung some big curtains at the windows, but as it was very warm, the door was left

Starting point is 07:57:11 open, and the whole street passed in front of a little table. The two women did not place a decanter, or a bottle, or a salt cellar, without trying to arrange them in such a way as to annoy the Laur-I-Lau-Lau-Loo. They had arranged their seats so as to give them a full view of the Superlorylou. The superbly laid cloth, and they'd reserve the best crockery for them, well knowing that the porcelain plates would create a great effect. No, no, Mama cried Jervais. Don't give them those napkins. I've two damask ones. Ah, good, murmured the old woman. That'll break their hearts, that's certain. And they smiled to each other as they stood up on either side of that big white table,

Starting point is 07:57:55 on which the fourteen knives and forks placed all round, caused them to swell with pride. It had the appearance of the altar of some chapel in the middle of a shop. That's because they're so stingy themselves, resumed Jervais. You know, they lied last month when the woman went about everywhere, saying that she'd lost a piece of gold chain as she was taking the work home. The idea. There's no fear of her for ever losing anything. It was simply a way of making them. out very poor and of not giving you your five francs. And yet, I've only seen my five francs

Starting point is 07:58:33 twice, said Mother Coupot. I'll bet next month they'll concoct some other story. That explains why they cover their window up when they have a rabbit to eat. Don't you see? One would have the right to say to them, as you can afford a rabbit, you can certainly give five francs to your mother. Oh, they're just rotten. What would have become of you if I hadn't you to live with us mother coupe slowly shook her head that day she was all against the lory lu because of the great feast the coupon were giving she loved cooking for little gossipings round the saucepans the place turned topsy-turvy by the revels of saints days besides she generally got on pretty well with jervais on other days when they played one another as happens in all families the old woman grumble saying she was wretchedly unfortunate and thus being at her daughter-in-law's mercy.

Starting point is 07:59:31 In point of fact, she probably had some affection for Madame L'Hilu, who, after all, was her daughter. Ah, continued Jervais, you wouldn't be so fat, would you, if you were living with them? And no coffee, no snuff, no little luxuries of any sort. Tell me, would they have given you two mattresses to your bed? No, that's very simple. certain, replied Mother Coupeau. When they arrive, I shall place myself so as to have a good view of the

Starting point is 08:00:01 door to see the faces they'll make. Thinking of the faces they would make gave them pleasure ahead of time. However, they couldn't remain standing there admiring the table. The coupos had lunched very late on just a bite or two, because the stoves are already in use, and because they did not want to dirty any dishes needed for the evening. By four o'clock, but two women were working very hard. The huge goose was being cooked on a spit. Squint-Ey, Augustine, was sitting on a low bench, solemnly basting the goose with a long-handled spoon. Jervais was busy with the peas with bacon.

Starting point is 08:00:41 Mother Coupeau kept spinning around a bit confused, waiting for the right time to begin reheating the pork and the veal. Towards five o'clock, the guests began to arrive. First of all, came a two workwoman, Clements and Madame Poutre, both in their Sunday best, the former in blue, the latter in black. Clements carried a geranium, by d'Aputois, a heliotrope, and Jervais, whose hands were just then smothered with flour, had to kiss each of them on both cheeks with her arms behind her back.

Starting point is 08:01:16 Then, following close upon their heels, entered Virginie, dressed like a lady in a printed muslin costume, with a sash and a bonnet, though she'd only a few steps to come. She brought a pot of red carnations. She took the laundress in her big arms and squeezed her tight. At length, Bosch appeared with a pot of pansies, and Madame Bosch with a pot of Mignonette. Then came Madame Lerat with a balm mint,

Starting point is 08:01:43 the pot of which had dirtied her violet Marino dress. All these people kissed each other and gathered together in the back room, in the midst of the three stoves and the roasting apparatus, which gave out a stifling. heat. The noise from the saucepans drowned the voices. A dress catching in the Dutch oven caused quite an emotion. The smell of roast goose was so strong that it made their mouths water. And Jervais was very pleasant, thanking everyone for their flowers without however letting that interfere with her preparing the thickening for the stewed veal at the bottom of a soup plate.

Starting point is 08:02:21 She'd placed the pots in the shop at one end of a table without removing the white paper that was drowned them. A sweet scent of flowers mingled with the odor of cooking. Do you want any assistance, asked GVargini? Just fancy, you've been three days preparing all this feast, and it'll be gobbled up in no time. Well, you know, replied Jervais, it wouldn't prepare itself. No, don't dirty your hands. You see, everything's ready. There's only the soup to warm.

Starting point is 08:02:54 Then they all made themselves comfortable. The ladies laid their shawls and their caps on the bed And pinned up their skirts so as not to soil them Bosch sent his wife back to the concierge's lodge Until time to eat And had cornered Clements in a corner Trying to find out if she was ticklish She was gasping for breath

Starting point is 08:03:14 As the mere thought of being tickled since shivers through her So it was not to bother the cooks The other ladies had gone into the shop And were standing against the wall facing the table They were talking through the door, though, and as they could not hear very well, they were continually invading the back room and crowding around Jervais, who would forget what she was doing to answer them. There were a few stories which brought sly laughter.

Starting point is 08:03:43 When Virginie mentioned that she hadn't eaten for two days in order to have more room for today's feast, tall Clarence said that she'd cleaned herself out that morning with an enema like the English do. Then boss suggested a way of digesting the food quickly By squeezing oneself after each course Another English custom After all, when you were invited to dinner Wasn't it polite to eat as much as you could? Feel and pork and goose are placed out for the cats to eat.

Starting point is 08:04:14 The hostess didn't need to worry a bit They were going to clean their plates so thoroughly That she wouldn't have to wash them. All of them kept coming to smell the air above the saucepans in the roaster. The ladies began to act like young girls, scurrying from room to room and pushing each other. Just as they were all jumping about and shouting by way of amusement, Gouge appeared. He was so timid he scarcely dared enter, but stood still holding a tall white rose tree in his arms, a magnificent plant with a stem that reached to his face and entangled the flowers

Starting point is 08:04:53 in his beard. Chavez ran to him, her cheeks burning from the heat of the stoves. But he did not know how to get rid of his pot, and when she'd taken it from his hands, he stammered, not daring to kiss her. It was she who was obliged to stand on tipto and place her cheek against his lips. He was so agitated that even then he kissed her roughly on the eye, almost blinding her. They both stood trembling. Oh, Monsieur Guzé, it's too lovely, said she, placing the rose-tree beside the other flowers, which it overtopped with a whole of its tuft of foliage.

Starting point is 08:05:32 Not at all, not at all, repeated he, unable to say anything else. Then, after sighing deeply, he slightly recovered himself and stated that she was not to expect his mother. She was suffering from an attack of sciatica. Chervais was greatly grieved. She talked of putting a piece of the goose on one side, as she particularly wished Madame Gouget to have a taste of the bird.

Starting point is 08:06:00 No one else was expected. Coupot was no doubt strolling about in the neighborhood with Poisson, whom he'd called for directly after his lunch. They would be home directly. They'd promised to be back punctually at six. Then, as the soup was almost ready, Chervais called to Madame Lerrat, saying that she thought it was time to go and fetch the L'Orillou.

Starting point is 08:06:23 Madame L'Hara became at once very grave. It was she who had conducted all the negotiations and who had settled how everything should pass between the two families. She put her cap and shawl on again and went upstairs very stiffly in her skirts, looking very stately. Down below, the laundress continued to stir her vermicelli soup without saying a word.

Starting point is 08:06:47 The guest suddenly became serious, and solemnly waited. This ends Chapter 7, Part 1. Chapter 7 Part 2 of La Somo by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 7, Part 2.

Starting point is 08:07:21 It was Madame Lerat who appeared first. She'd gone round by the street, so as to give more pomp to the reconciliation. She held the shop door wide open whilst Madame L'Orillou, wearing a silk dress, stopped at the threshold. All the guests had risen from their seats. Jervais went forward, and kissing her sister-in-law, as had been agreed, said, Come in, it's all over, isn't it? We'll both be nice to each other.

Starting point is 08:07:49 And Madame Lorry-Lu replied, I shall be only too happy if we're so always. when she'd entered lorry lu also stopped at the threshold and he likewise waited to be embraced before penetrating into the room neither the one nor the other had brought a bouquet they had decided not to do so as they thought it would look too much like giving way to clump clump if they carried flowers with them the first time they set foot in her home chervais called to augustine to bring two bottles of wine then filling some glasses on a corner of a table, she called everyone to her, and each took a glass and drank to the good friendship of the family. There was a pause whilst the guests were drinking, the ladies raising their elbows and emptying their glasses to the last drop. Nothing is better before soup, declared Bush, smacking his lips. Mother Coupeau had placed herself opposite the door to see the faces

Starting point is 08:08:51 the Laurie Lou would make. She pulled Jervais by the skirt and dragged her into the back room. And as they both lint over the soup, they conversed rapidly in a low voice. "'What a sight,' said the old woman. "'You couldn't see them, but I was watching. When she caught side of a table, her face twisted around like that. The corners of her mouth almost touched her eyes. And as for him, it nearly choked him. He coughed and coughed. Now, just look at them over there. They've no saliva left in their mouths. They're chewing their lips. It's quite painful to see people as jealous as that, murmured Jervais. Really, Valori Lou had a funny look about them. No one, of course, likes to be crushed,

Starting point is 08:09:38 in families especially when the one succeeds, the others do not like it. That's only natural. Only one keeps it in. One does not make an exhibition of oneself. Well, Valoreau. L'Rilu could not keep it in. It was more than a match for them. They squinted. Their mouths were all on one side. In short, it was so apparent that the other guests looked at them and asked them if they were unwell. Never would they be able to stomach this table with its 14 place settings, its white linen tablecloths, its slices of bread cut in advance, all in the style of a first-class restaurant. Madame L'Orelourlou went around the table, surreptitiously fingering the tablecloth, tortured by the thought that it was a new one. Everything's ready, cried Jervais, as she reappeared with a smile, her arms bare and her little fair curls blowing over her temples.

Starting point is 08:10:37 If the boss would only come, resumed the laundress, we might begin. Ah, well, said Madame Lourrilyle, the soup will be cold by then. Kupot always forgets. You shouldn't have let him go off. It was already half-past six. Everything was burning now. The goose would be overdone. Then Gervais's feeling quite dejected

Starting point is 08:11:01 talked of sending someone to all the wine shops in the neighborhood to find Kupot. And as Gouge offered to go, she decided to accompany him. Virginie, anxious about her husband, went also. The three of them,

Starting point is 08:11:17 bareheaded quite blocked up the pavement. The blacksmith who wore his frock coat had Jervais on his left arm and Virginia on his right. He was doing the two-handled basket, as he said, and it seemed to them such a funny thing to say that they stopped, unable to move their legs for laughing. They looked at themselves in the pork butcher's glass and laughed more than ever. Beside Gouge, wall and black, the two women looked like two speckled hens, to dressmaker in her muslin costume, sprinkled with pink flowers, the laundress in her white cambric dress with blue spots, her wrists bare, and wearing round her neck a little grey silk scarf tied in a bow.

Starting point is 08:11:59 People turned round to see them pass, looking so fresh and lively, dressed in their Sunday best on a weekday, and jostling the crowd which hung about the rue de Poissanier on that warm June evening. But it was not a question of amusing themselves. They went straight to the door of each wine-shop, looked in and sawed amongst the people standing before the counter. Had that animal coupot gone to the Octot Triomph to get his dram? They'd already done the upper part of the street, looking in at all the likely places,

Starting point is 08:12:31 at the little civet, renowned for its preserved plums, at old mother-bacquets who sold Orleans wine at eight sous, at the butterfly, the coachman's house of call, gentlemen who were not easy to please. but no coupé. Then, as they were going down towards the boulevard, Jervais uttered a faint cry on passing the eating-house at the corner, kept by Francois. What's the matter? asked Gouge.

Starting point is 08:12:59 The laundress no longer laughed. She was very pale and laboring under so great an emotion that she had almost fallen. Vichene understood it all as she caught a sight of Lantier, seated at one of Francois's tables, quietly dining. The two women dragged the blacksmith along. My ankle twisted, said Jervais, as soon as she was able to speak.

Starting point is 08:13:26 At length, they discovered Coupot and Poisson at the bottom of the street inside Per Colom's La Somois. They were standing up in the midst of a number of men. Coupot in a gray blouse was shouting with furious gestures and banging his fists down on the counter. Poisson, not on duty that day, and buttoned up in an old brown coat, was listening to him in a dull sort of way, and without uttering a word, bristling his carotty moustaches and beard the while.

Starting point is 08:13:58 Gouge left the women on the edge of the pavement, and went and laid his hand on his ink-worker's shoulder. But when the latter caught sight of Gervais and Virginia outside, he grew angry. Why was he badgered with such females as those? petticoats had taken to tracking him about now. Well, he declined to stir. They could go and eat their beastly dinner all by themselves. To quiet him, Gouge was obliged to accept a drop of something, and even then Coupot took a fiendish delight in dawdling a good five minutes at the counter.

Starting point is 08:14:32 When he at length came out, he said to his wife, I don't like this. It's my business where I go. Do you understand? She did not answer. She was all in a tremble. She must have said something about Lantier to Vier-Ginie, but the latter pushed her husband than Gouge ahead, telling them to walk in front. The two women got on each side of Coupot to keep him occupied and prevent him seeing Lantier. He wasn't really drunk, being more intoxicated from shouting than from drinking. Since they seemed to want to stay on the left side to tease.

Starting point is 08:15:09 them he crossed over to the other side of the street. Worried, they ran after him and tried to block his view of Vador of Francoise. But Coupeau must have known that Lanier was there. Chavez almost went out of her senses on hearing him grunt. Yes, my duck, there's a young fellow of our acquaintance inside there. You mustn't take me for a nitty. Don't let me catch you gallivending him out again with your side glances. and he made use of some very coarse expressions.

Starting point is 08:15:42 It was not him that she'd come to look for with her bare elbows in her mealy mouth. It was her old bow. Then he was suddenly seized with a mad rage against Lanier. Ah, the brigand! Ah, the filthy hound! One or the other of them would have to be left on the pavement, emptied of his guts like a rabbit. Lantier, however, did not appear to notice what was going on and continued slowly eating some veal and sorrow.

Starting point is 08:16:10 A crowd began to form. Vigini led Coupot away, and he calmed down at once as soon as he turned the corner of the street. All the same they returned to the shop far less lively than when they left it. The guests were standing around the table with very long faces. The zinc worker shook hands with them, showing himself off before the ladies.

Starting point is 08:16:34 Jervais, feeling rather difficult. depressed, spoke in a low voice as she directed them to their places. But she suddenly noticed that, as Madame Gujar had not come, a seat would remain empty, the one next to Madame L'Hilu. We are thirteen, said she, deeply affected, seeing in that a fresh omen of the misfortune with which she had felt herself threatened for some time past. The ladies already seated, rose up, looking anxious and annoyed. Madame Poutreau offered to her. retire, because, according to her, it was not a matter to laugh about. Besides, she would not touch a thing. The food would do her no good. As to Bosch, he chuckled. He would sooner be thirteen than

Starting point is 08:17:20 fourteen. The portions would be larger, that was all. Wait, resumed Jervais, I can manage it. And going out onto the pavement, she called Per Brou, who was just then crossing the roadway. The old workman entered, stooping and stiff in his face without expression. "'Sit yourself there, my good fellow,' said the laundress. "'You won't mind eating with us, will you?' He simply nodded his head. "'He was willing. He did not mind.' "'As well him as another, continued she, lowering her voice.

Starting point is 08:17:55 "'He doesn't often eat as fill. "'He will at least enjoy himself once more. "'We shall feel no remorse in stuffing ourselves now.' "'This touched Gouge so deeply that his eyes filled with tears. The others were also moved by compassion and said that it would bring them all good luck. However, Madame L'Hilu seemed unhappy at having the old man next to her. She cast glances of disgust at his work roughened hands and his faded, patched smock, and drew away from him. Père Brou sat with his head bowed, waiting. He was bothered by the napkin that was on the plate

Starting point is 08:18:36 before him. Finally, he lifted it off and placed it gently on the edge of the table, not thinking to spread it over his knees. Now, at last, Jervais served the vermicelli soup. The guests were taking up their spoons when Virginie remarked that Coupot had disappeared. He had perhaps returned to Pierre Colons. This time the company got angry. So much the worse. One would not run after him. He could stay in the street if he was not hungry. And as the spoons touched the bottom of the plates, Coupeau reappeared with two pots of flowers, one under each arm, a stock and a balsam. They all clapped their hands. He gallantly placed the pots, one on the right, the other on the left, there's Jervais's glass. Then bending over and kissing her, he said, I'd forgotten you, my lamb.

Starting point is 08:19:30 But in spite of that, we love each other all the same, especially. on such a day as this. Monsieur Coupeau's very nice this evening, murmured Clements in Boche's ear. He's just got what he required, sufficient to make him amiable. The good behavior of the master of the house restored the gaiety of the proceedings,

Starting point is 08:19:52 which at one moment had been compromised. Jervais, once more at her ease, was all smiles again. The guests finished their soup. Then the bottle's service. circulated, and they drank their first glass of wine, just a drop pure to wash down the vermicelli. What could hear the children quarrelling in the next room? They were Etienne, Pauline, Nana, and little Victor Focconier. It had been decided to lay a table for the four of them, and they'd been told to be

Starting point is 08:20:23 very good, that squint-eyed Augustine, who had to look after the stoves, was to eat off her knees. Mama, Mama, suddenly screamed Nana. Augustine is dipping her bread in middutch oven. The laundress hastened there and caught the squint-eyed one in the act of burning her throat in her attempts to swallow without loss of time a slice of bread soaked in boiling goose fat. She boxed her ears when the young monkey called out

Starting point is 08:20:52 that it was not true. When, after the boiled beef, the stewed veal appeared, served in a salad bowl. and they did not have a dish large enough. The party greeted it with a laugh. It's becoming serious, declared Poisson, who seldom spoke. It was half past seven. They had closed the shop door, so it was not to be spied upon by the whole neighborhood.

Starting point is 08:21:19 The little clockmaker opposite, especially was opening his eyes to their full size, and seemed to take the pieces from their mouths with such a gluttonous look that it almost prevented them from eating. The curtains hung before the windows admitted a great white uniform light, which bathed the entire table with its symmetrical arrangement of knives and forks and its pots of flowers enveloped

Starting point is 08:21:42 into all collars of white paper, and this pale, fading light, this slowly approaching dusk, gave to the party somewhat of an air of distinction. Virginia looked round the closed apartment, hung with muslin, and with a happy, criticism declared her to be very cozy.

Starting point is 08:22:00 Whenever a cart passed in the street, the glasses jingled together on the tablecloth, and the ladies were obliged to shout out as loud as the men. But there was not much conversation. They all behaved very respectfully, and were very attentive to each other. Hupot alone wore a blouse, because, as he said, one need not stand on ceremony with friends, and besides which the blouse was the workman's garb of honor. the ladies laced up in their bodices wore their hair in plates greasy with pomatum in which the daylight was reflected whilst the gentleman sitting at a distance from a table swelled out their chests and kept their elbows wide apart for fear of staining their frock-coats Ah, thunder! What a hole they were making in the stewed veal. If they spoke little, they were chewing in earnest.

Starting point is 08:22:54 The salad bowl was becoming emptier and emptier, with a spoon stuck in the midst of a thick sauce, a good yellow sauce which quivered like a jelly. They fished pieces of veal out of it and seemed as though they would never come to the end. The salad bowl journeyed from hand to hand, and faces bent over it as forks picked out the mushrooms. The long loaves standing against the wall behind the guests appeared to melt away. Between the mouthfuls, one could hear the sound of glasses being replaced on the table. The sauce was a trifle too salty. It required four bottles of wine to drown that blessed stewed veal, which went down like cream, but which afterwards lit up a regular conflagration in one's stomach. And before one had time to take a breath, the pigs back,

Starting point is 08:23:44 in the middle of a deep dish surrounded by big round potatoes arrived in the midst of a cloud of smoke. There was one general cry. By Jove, it was just the thing. Everyone liked it. They would do it justice, and they followed the dish with a side glance as they wiped their knives on their bread

Starting point is 08:24:05 so as to be in readiness. Then as soon as they were helped, they nudged one another and spoke with their mouths full. It was just like, something sweet and solid which one could feel run through one's guts right down into one's boots. The potatoes were like sugar. It was not a bit salty, only just on account of the potatoes. It required a wedding every few minutes. Four more bottles were placed on the table. The plates were wiped so clean that they also served for the green peas and bacon. Oh, vegetables were of no consequence.

Starting point is 08:24:43 they playfully gulped them down in spoonfuls. The best part of a dish was the small pieces of bacon, just nicely grilled and smelling like horse's hoof. Two bottles were sufficient for them. Mama, Mama, pulled out Nana suddenly. Augustine's putting her fingers in my plate. Don't bother me. Give her a slap, replied Jervais, in the act of stuffing herself with green peas.

Starting point is 08:25:10 At the children's table in the back room, Nana was playing the role of Lady of the House, sitting next to Victor and putting her brother Etienne beside Pauline so they could play house, pretending they were two married couples. Nana had served her guests very politely at first, but now she'd given way to her passion for grilled bacon, trying to keep every piece for herself.

Starting point is 08:25:36 While Augustine was prowling around the children's table, she would grab the bits of bacon under the pretext of dividing them amongst the children. Nana was so furious that she bit Augustine on the wrist. Ah, you know, murmured Augustine, I'll tell your mother that after the veal, you asked Victory to kiss you. But all became quiet again as Jervais and Mother Coupeau came in to get the goose. The guests at the big table were leaning back in their chairs, taking a breather. The men had unbuttoned their waistcoat.

Starting point is 08:26:09 the ladies were wiping their faces with their napkins. The repast was, so to say, interrupted. Only one or two persons, unable to keep their jaws still, continued to swallow large mouthfuls of bread without even knowing that they were doing so. The others were waiting and allowing their food to settle while waiting for the main course. Night was slowly coming on.

Starting point is 08:26:35 A dirty, ashy, grey light was gathering behind the curtains. When Augustine brought two lamps and placed one at each end of a table, the general disorder became apparent in the bright glare. The greasy forks and plates, the tablecloth stained with wine and covered with crumbs. A strong, stifling odor pervaded the room. Certain warm fumes, however, attracted all the noses in the direction of the kitchen. Can I help you, cried Virgini. She left her chair and passed into the room.

Starting point is 08:27:09 the inner room. All the women followed one by one. They surrounded the Dutch oven and watched with profound interest as Jervais and Mother Coupot tried to pull the bird out. Then a clamor arose, in the midst of which one could distinguish the shrill voices and the joyful leaps of the children. And there was a triumphal entry. Chavez carried the goose, her arm stiff, and her perspiring face expanded in one broad, silent laugh. The women walked behind her, laughing in the same way, whilst Nana, right at the end, raised herself up to sea,

Starting point is 08:27:47 her eyes opened to their full extent. When the enormous golden goose streaming with gravy was on the table, they did not attack it at once. It was a wonder, a respectful wonderment, which for a moment left everyone speechless. They drew one another's

Starting point is 08:28:06 attention to it with winks and nods of the head. Golly, what a bird! That one didn't get fat by licking the walls, I'll bet, said Boche. Then they entered into details respecting the bird. Chauvetes gave the facts. It was the best she could get at the poultryors in the Fobot Poissonier. It weighed twelve and a half pounds on the scales at the charcoal dealers. They'd burnt nearly half a bushel of charcoal in cooking it,

Starting point is 08:28:35 and had given three bowls full of drippings. Bershinni interrupted her to boast of having seen it before it was cooked. You could have eaten it just as it was, she said, its skin was so fine, like the skin of a blonde. All the men laughed at this, smacking their lips. Lourri-Loo and Madame Lourri-Lorilu sniffed disdainfully, almost choking with rage to see such a goose on Clump-Clum's table. Well, we can't.

Starting point is 08:29:05 can't eat it whole, the laundress observed. Who will cut it up? No, no, not me. It's too big. I'm afraid of it. Kouppot offered his services. Oh dear, it was very simple. You caught hold of the limbs and pulled them off. The pieces were good all the same.

Starting point is 08:29:24 But the others protested. They forcibly took possession of a large kitchen knife, which the zinc worker already held in his hand, saying that whenever he carved, he made a regular graveyard of the plighton. platter. Finally, Madame Lafotte suggested in a friendly tone. Listen, it should be Monsieur Poisson.

Starting point is 08:29:45 Yes, Monsieur Poisson. But as the others did not appear to understand, she added, in a more flattering manner still. Why? Yes, of course. It should be Monsieur Poisson who's accustomed to the use of arms. And she passed the kitchen knife to the policeman. All round the table they laughed, with pleasure and approval. Poisson bowed his head with military stiffness and moved the goose before him. When he thrust the knife into the goose, which cracked, Lory Lewis seized with an outburst of patriotism. Ah, if it was a cossack, he cried. Have you ever fought with cossacks, Monsieur Poisson? asked Madame Boche.

Starting point is 08:30:28 No, but I have with Berwyns, replied the policeman, who is cutting off a wing. There are no more Cossacks. This ends Chapter 7, Part 2. Chapter 7, Part 3 of La Samoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libre-Fox recording is in the public domain, read by Mark Leder. Chapter 7, Part 3.

Starting point is 08:31:05 A great silence ensued. Next was soon. stretched out as every eye followed the knife. Passon was preparing a surprise. Suddenly he gave a last cut. The hind quarter of the bird came off and stood up on end, rump in the air, making the bishop's mitre. Then admiration burst forth.

Starting point is 08:31:27 None were so agreeable in company as retired soldiers. The policeman allowed several minutes for the company to admire the bishop's mitre, and then finished cutting the slices in arrae. them on the platter. The carving of the goose was now complete. When the ladies complained that they were getting rather warm, Coupot opened the door to the street,

Starting point is 08:31:50 and the gaiety continued against the backdrop of cabs rattling down the street and pedestrians bustling along the pavement. The goose was attacked furiously by the rested jaws. Boch remarked that just having to wait and watch the goose being carved had been enough to make the veerland pork slide down into his ankles. Then ensued a famous tuck-in, that is to say, not one of the party recollected ever having before run the risk of such a stomach ache. Jervais, looking enormous, her elbows on the table,

Starting point is 08:32:25 ate great pieces of breast without uttering a word for fear of losing a mouthful, and merely felt slightly ashamed and annoyed at exhibiting herself thus, as gluttonous as a cat before Guzier. Guzay, however, was too busy stuffing himself to notice that she was all red with eating. Besides, in spite of her greediness, she remained so nice and good. She did not speak,

Starting point is 08:32:51 but she troubled herself every minute to look after a pair brew, and placed some dainty bid on his plate. It was even touching to see this glutton take a piece of wing almost from her mouth to give it to the old fellow, who did not appear to be very particular, and who swallowed everything with bowed head, almost besotted from having gobbled so much after he'd forgotten the taste of bread.

Starting point is 08:33:17 The Lohelieu expended their rage on the roast goose. They ate enough to last them three days. They would have stowed away the dish, the table, the very shop, if they could have ruined clump-clump by doing so. All the ladies had wanted a piece of the breast, traditionally the lady's portion. Madame L'Erat, Madame Boche, Madame Poutre,

Starting point is 08:33:39 were all picking bones, whilst Mother Coupeau, who adored the neck, was tearing off the flesh with her two last teeth. Vigini liked the skin when it was nicely browned, and the other guests

Starting point is 08:33:52 gallantly passed their skin to her, so much so, that Poisson looked at his wife severely and bade her stop because she'd had enough as it was. Once already, She'd been a fortnight in bed With her stomach swollen out

Starting point is 08:34:06 Through having eaten too much roast goose But Coupot got angry And helped Vigini to the upper part of her legs Saying that, by Jove's thunder If she did not pick it, she wasn't a proper woman. Had roast goose ever done harm to anybody? On the contrary, it cured all complaints of the spleen. One could eat it without bread, like dessert.

Starting point is 08:34:29 He could go on swallowing it all night without being the least bit inconvenienced, and just to show off, he stuffed a whole drumstick into his mouth. Meanwhile, Clements had got to the end of the rump and was sucking it with her lips, whilst she wriggled with laughter on her cheer because Bosch was whispering all sorts of smutty things to her. Ah, by Jove, yes, there was a dinner. When one's at it, one's at it, you know, and if one only has the chance now and then, one would be precious. stupid not to stuff oneself up to one's ears. Really, one could see their sides puff out by degrees. They were cracking in their skins, the blessed gormandizers. With their mouths open, their

Starting point is 08:35:15 chins besmeared with grease, they had such bloated red faces that one would have said they were bursting with prosperity. As for the wine, well, that was flowing as freely around the table as water flows in the seine. It was like a brook overflowing after a rainstorm when the soil is parched. Coupeau raised a bottle high when pouring to see the red jet foam in the glass. Whenever he emptied a bottle, he would turn it upside down and shake it. One more dead soldier. In a corner of a laundry, the pile of dead soldiers grew larger and larger, a veritable cemetery of bottles onto which other debris from the table was taught. Coupeau became indignant when Madame Poutois asked for water.

Starting point is 08:36:05 He took all the water pictures from the table. Do respectable citizens ever drink water? Did she want to grow frogs in her stomach? Many glasses were emptied at one gulp. You could hear the liquid gurgling its way down the throats like rainwater in a drainpipe after a storm. One might say it was raining wine. "'Mondieu, the juice of the grape was a remarkable invention. Surely the working man couldn't get along without his wine.

Starting point is 08:36:37 Papa Noah must have planted his grapevine for the benefit of zinc workers, tailors, and blacksmiths. It brightened you up and refreshed you after a hard day's work.' Coupot was in a high mood. He proclaimed that all the ladies present were very cute and jingled the three sous in his pocket as if they'd been five-franc pieces. Even Gouge, who was ordinarily very sober, had taken plenty of wine. Boucher's eyes were narrowing, those of L'Helieu were paling, and Poisson was developing expressions of stern severity on his soldierly face.

Starting point is 08:37:16 All the men were as drunk as lords, and the ladies had reached a certain point also, feeling so warm but they had to loosen their clothes. Only Clements carried this a bit too far. Suddenly, Jervais recollected the six sealed bottles of wine. She'd forgotten to put them on the table with the goose. She fetched them, and all the glasses were filled. Then Poisson rose, and holding his glass in the air, said, I drink to the health of the misses.

Starting point is 08:37:47 All of them stood up, making a great noise with her chairs, as they moved. Holding out their arms, they clinked glasses in the midst of an immense uproar. Here's to this day, fifty years hence, cried Virgini. No, no, replied Gervais, deeply moved and smiling. I shall be too old. Ah, a day comes when one's glad to go. Through the door, which was wide open, the neighborhood was looking on and taking part in the festivities. Passes by stopped, in the broad ray of light which shone over the pavement and laughed heartily at seeing all these people stuffing away so jovially. The aroma from the roasted goose brought joy to the whole

Starting point is 08:38:34 street. The clerks on the sidewalk opposite thought they could almost taste the bird. Others came out frequently to stand in front of their shops, sniffing the air and licking their lips. The little jeweller was unable to work, dizzy from having counted so many bottles. He saw, seemed to have lost his head among his merry little cuckoo clocks. Yes, the neighbors were devoured with envy, as Coupos said, but why should there be any secret made about the matter? The party, now fairly launched, was no longer ashamed of being seen at table. On the contrary, it felt flatter and excited at seeing the crowd gathered there,

Starting point is 08:39:14 gaping with gluttony. It would have liked to have knocked out the shop front and dragged the table into the roadway, and there to have enjoyed the dessert under the very nose of the public, and amidst the commotion of the thoroughfare. Nothing disgusting was to be seen in them, was there? Then there was no need to shut themselves in, like selfish people. Kupot, noticing the little clockmaker looked very thirsty, held up a bottle, and as the other nodded his head,

Starting point is 08:39:43 he carried him the bottle and a glass. A fraternity was established in the street. They drank to anyone who passed. They called in any chaps who looked the right sort. The feast spread, extending from one to another, to the degree that the entire neighborhood of the gut-door sniffed the grub and held its stomach, amidst the rumpus worthy of the devil and all his demons. For some minutes, Madame Vigouh, the charcoal dealer,

Starting point is 08:40:11 had been passing to and fro before the door. Hey! Madame Vigou! Madame Vigou! Maudem Vigou! yelled the party. She entered with a broad grin on her face, which was washed for once, and so fat that the body of her dress was bursting. The men like pinching her because they might pinch her all over without ever encountering a bone. Bush made room for her beside him and reached sly under the table to grab her knee. But she, being accustomed to that sort of thing, quietly tossed off a glass of wine,

Starting point is 08:40:45 and related that all the neighbors were at their windows, that some of the people of the house were beginning to get angry. Oh, that's our business, said Madame Bush. We're the concierges, aren't we? Well, we're answerable for good order. Let them come and complain to us. We'll receive them in a way they don't expect. In the back room, there had just been a furious fight between Nana and Augustine,

Starting point is 08:41:11 on account of the Dutch oven, which both wanted to scrape out. For a quarter of an hour, the Dutch oven had rebounded, the tile floor with the noise of an old saucepan. Nana was now nursing little Victor, who had a goosebone in his throat. She pushed her fingers under his chin and made him swallow big lumps of sugar by way of a remedy. That did not prevent her keeping an eye on the big table. And every minute she came and asked for wine, bread, or meat, for Etienne and Pauline, she said. Here, burst, her mother would say to her, perhaps you'll leave us in peace now.

Starting point is 08:41:49 the children were scarcely able to swallow any longer but they continued to eat all the same banging their forks down on the table to the tune of a canticle in order to excite themselves in the midst of a noise however a conversation was going on between pair brou and mother coupe the old fellow who was ghastly pale in spite of the wine and the food was talking of his sons who died in the crimea ah for lads had only lived he would have had bread to eat every day but mother cupo speaking thickly leaned towards him and said ah one has many worries with children for instance i appear to be happy here don't i well i cry more often than you think no don't wish you still had your children pere bruce shook his head I can't get work anywhere, murmured he. I'm too old. When I enter a workshop, the young fellow's joke and ask me if I polished Henri Cater's boots.

Starting point is 08:42:59 Today it's all over. They won't have me anywhere. Last year, I could still earn thirty sous a day painting a bridge. I had to lie on my back with the river flowing under me. I've had a bad cough ever since then. Now, I'm finished. he looked at his poor stiff hands and added it's easy to understand i'm no longer good for anything they're right were i in their place i should do the same you see the misfortune is that i'm not dead yes it's my fault one should lie down and croak when one's no longer able to work really said lorryloo who was listening

Starting point is 08:43:41 I don't understand why the government doesn't come to the aid of the invalids of labor. I was reading that in a newspaper the other day. But Watson thought his duty to defend the government. Workmen are not soldiers, declared he. The invalides for soldiers. You must not ask for what is impossible. Desert was now served. In the center of the table was a savoy cake in the form of a temple,

Starting point is 08:44:10 with a dome fluted with melon slices, and this dome were surmounted by an artificial rose, close to which was a silver paper butterfly, fluttering at the end of a wire. Two drops of gum in the center of the flower imitated dew. Then to the left, a piece of cream cheese floated in a deep dish, whilst in another dish to the right were piled up some large crushed strawberries, with the juice running from them.

Starting point is 08:44:38 However, there was still some salad left, some large coss lettuce leaves soaked with oil. Come, Madame Boch, said Gervais coaxingly. A little more salad. I know how fond you are of it. No, no, thank you. I've already had as much as I can manage, replied the concierge. The laundress turning towards Vigini.

Starting point is 08:45:02 The latter put her finger in her mouth as though to touch the food she'd taken. Really? I'm full. murmured she. There's no room left. I couldn't swallow a mouthful. Oh, but if you try it a little, resumed Gervais with a smile, one can always find a tiny corner empty. One doesn't need to be hungry to be able to eat salad. You're surely not going to let this be wasted. You can eat it tomorrow, said Madame Lera. It's nicer when it's wilted. The lady sighed as they looked regretfully at the salad bowl.

Starting point is 08:45:39 Clements related that she had one day eaten three bunches of watercresses at her lunch. Madame Poutre could do more than that. She would take a cost lettuce and munch it up with some salt, just as it was without separating the leaves. They could all have lived on salad, would have treated themselves to tubfuls. And this conversation aiding, the ladies cleaned out. the salad bowl. I could go on all fours in a meadow,

Starting point is 08:46:08 observed the concierge with her mouthful. Then they chuckled together as they eyed a dessert. Desert did not count. It came rather late, but that did not matter. They'd nurse it all the same. When you're that stuffed, you can't let yourself be stopped by strawberries and cake.

Starting point is 08:46:27 There was no hurry. They had the entire night if they wished. So they piled their plates with strawberries. strawberries and cream cheese. Meanwhile, the men lit their pipes. They were drinking the ordinary wine while they smoked, since the special wine had been finished. Now they insisted that Gervais cut the Savoy cake. Poisson got up and took the rose from the cake and presented it in his most gallant manner to the hostess amidst applause from the other guests. She pinned it over her left breast near the heart.

Starting point is 08:47:01 The silver butterfly fluttered with her every movement. Well, look! exclaimed Laurie Lou, who just made a discovery. It's your work table that we're eating off. Well, I dare say it's never seen so much work before. This malicious joke had a great success. Witty allusions came from all sides. Clements could not swallow a spoonful of strawberries without saying that it was another shirt ironed. Madame Lechard pretended that the cream cheese smelt of starch,

Starting point is 08:47:34 whilst Madame L'Hilu said between her teeth that it was capital fun to gobble up the money so quickly, on the very boards on which one had had so much trouble to earn it. There was quite a tempest of shouts and laughter. But suddenly a loud voice called for silence. It was Boche, who standing up in an affected and vulgar way, was commencing the the volcano of love or the seductive trooper. A thunder of applause greeted the first verse. Yes, yes, they would sing songs.

Starting point is 08:48:10 Everyone in turn. It was more amusing than anything else. And they all put their elbows on the table or lent back in their chairs, nodding their heads at the best parts and sipping their wine when they came to the choruses. That rogue bush had a special gift for comic songs. He would almost make the water-pitchers laugh when he imitated the raw recruit with his fingers apart and his hat on the back of his head.

Starting point is 08:48:38 Directly after the volcano of love, he burst out into the Baroness de Forbiche, one of his greatest successes. When he reached the third verse, he turned towards Clements and almost murmured it in a slow and voluptuous tone of voice. The Baroness had peeped. there are sisters

Starting point is 08:49:02 four, oh rare surprise, and three were dart, and one was fair between them, eight bewitching eyes. Then the whole party, carried away, joined in the chorus. The men beat time with their heels,

Starting point is 08:49:24 whilst the ladies did the same with their knives against their glasses, all of them singing at the top of their voices, By Jingo who on earth will pay a drink to the pa, to the pa, to the pa, by jingle who on earth will pay a drink to the pa, a drink to the pa, a drink to the paw, to the paw troll. The panes of glass of the shop front resounded, the singer's great volume of breath, agitated the muslin curtains. Whilst all this was going on, Vigini had already twice disappeared,

Starting point is 08:50:07 and each time on returning had leant towards Gervais's ear to whisper a piece of information. Once he returned the third time, in the midst of the uproar, she said to her, My dear, he's still at Francoises. He's pretending to read the newspaper.

Starting point is 08:50:25 He's certainly meditating some evil design. She was speaking of, Lantier. It was him that she'd been watching. At each fresh report, Jervais became more and more grave. Is he drunk? asked she of Virginie. No, replied Boutle, Brunette. He looks as though he had merely had what he required. It's that especially which makes me anxious. Why does he remain there if he's had all he wanted? Oh dear, I hope nothing is going to happen. Laundress, greatly upset, begged her to leave off. Her profound silence suddenly succeeded the clamor. Madame Poutre had just risen, and was about to sing the boarding of the pirate.

Starting point is 08:51:15 The guests, silent and thoughtful, watched her. Even Poisson had laid his pipe down on the edge of a table, the better to listen to her. She stood up to the full height of her little figure with a fierce expression about her, though her face looked quite pale beneath her. her black cap. She thrust out her left fist with a satisfied pride, as she thundered in a voice bigger than herself. If the pirate audacious should ard, the waves chase us, the buccaneer slaughter a cart him no water, to the guns every man, and with rum fill each can, while these pests of the seas dangle from the cross trees. This ends Chapter 7, Part 3.

Starting point is 08:52:13 Chapter 7, Part 4 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 7, Part 4. That was something serious. By Jove, it gave one a fine idea of the real thing. Poisson, who had been on board ship, nodded his head in approval of the description.

Starting point is 08:52:46 One could see, too, but that song was in accordance with Madame Poutre's own feeling. Coupot then told how Madame Poutoir, one evening on the rouxoulet, had slapped the face of four men who sought to attack her virtue. With the assistance of Mother Coupot, Jervais was now serving the coffee, though some of the guests had not yet finished their Savoy cake. They would not let her sit down again, but shouted that it was her turn. With a pale face and looking very ill at ease, she tried to excuse herself. She seemed so queer that someone inquired whether the goose had disagreed with her.

Starting point is 08:53:25 She finally gave them, Oh, let me slumber, in a sweet and feeble voice. When she reached the chorus, with its wish for a sleep filled with beautiful dreams, her eyelids partly closed, and her rapt gaze low. lost itself in the darkness of the street. Poisson stood next, and with an abrupt bout of a ladies, sang a drinking song, the wines of France. But his voice wasn't very musical, and only the final verse,

Starting point is 08:53:55 a patriotic one mentioning the tricolour flag, was his success. Then he raised his glass high, juggled at a moment, and poured the contents into his open mouth. Then came a string of bedside, ballads. Madame Bush's barcarola was all about Venice and the gondoliers. Madame Loughilu sang of Seville and the Andalusions in her bolero,

Starting point is 08:54:18 whilst Lohilu went so far as to allude to the perfumes of Arabia, in reference to the loves of Fatima the Dancer. Golden Horizons were opening up all around the heavily laden table. The men were smoking their pipes, and the women unconsciously smiling with pleasure. All were dreaming they were, were far away. Clermons began to sing softly, Let's Make a Nest, with a tremolo in her voice, which pleased them greatly, for it made them think of the open country, of songbirds, of dancing beneath an arbor, and of flowers. In short, it made them think of the Bois de Vincennes when they

Starting point is 08:54:58 went there for a picnic. But Versinie revived the joking with My Little Drop of Brandy. She imitated a camp follower, with one hand on her hip, the elbow arched to indicate the little barrel, and with the other hand she poured out the brandy into space by turning her fist around. She did it so well, but the party then begged Mother Kupo to sing, the mouse. The old woman refused, thoughing that she did not know that naughty song. Yet she started off with the remnants of her broken voice, and her wrinkled face with its lively little eyes underlined the illusions, the terrors of Mademoiselle Lisa, drawing her skirts around her at the sight of a mouse. All the table laughed. The women could not keep their countenances and continued

Starting point is 08:55:46 casting bright glances at their neighbors. It was not indecent, after all. There were no coarse words in it. All during the song, Bosch was playing mouse up and down the legs of a lady coal dealer. Things might have gotten a bit out of line if Gouge, in response to a glance from Gervais, had not brought back the respectful silence with the farewell of Abdul Cader, which he sang out loudly in his bass voice. The song rang out from his golden beard

Starting point is 08:56:17 as if from a brass trumpet. All the heart skipped the beat when he cried, Ah, my noble comrade, referring to the warrior's black mare. They burst into applause even before the end. Now, Père Brue, it's your. Tan, said Mother Kupo. Sing your song. The old ones are the best any day.

Starting point is 08:56:40 And everybody turned towards the old man, pressing him and encouraging him. He, in a state of torpor, with his immovable mask of tan skin, looked at them without appearing to understand. They asked him if he knew the five vowels. He held down his head. He could not recollect it. All the songs of the good old. days were mixed up in his head. As they made up their minds to leave him alone, he seemed to remember

Starting point is 08:57:09 and began to stutter in a cavernous voice. True la, true la, true la, true la, true la. His face assumed an animated expression. This chorus seemed to awake some far-off gaieties within him, enjoyed by himself alone, as he listened with a childish delight to his voice which became more and more hollow. Say there, my dear, Vigini came and whispered in Jervais's ear. I've just been there again, you know. It worried me. Well, Lantier has disappeared from François's. You didn't meet him outside, asked the laundress.

Starting point is 08:57:58 No, I walked quickly, not as if I was looking for him. But Vigini raised her eyes, interrupted herself, and heaved a sudden. smothered sigh. Ah, my dear, he's there on the pavement opposite. He's looking this way. Jervais, quite beside herself, ventured to glance in a direction indicated. Some persons had collected in the street to hear the party sing. And Lantier was indeed there in the front row, listening and coolly looking on.

Starting point is 08:58:31 It was rare cheek, everything considered. Jervais felt a chill. ascend from her legs to her heart, and she no longer dared to move, whilst old brew continued. True la, true la, true la, true la. True la, true la, true la, true la. Very good. Thank you, my ancient one. That's enough, said Kupo. Do you know the whole of it? You shall sing it for us another day when we need something sad. This raised a few laughs.

Starting point is 08:59:06 The old fellow stopped short, glanced round the table with his pale eyes, and resumed his look of a meditative animal. Coupeau called for more wine as the coffee was finished. Climence was eating strawberries again. With a pause and singing, they began to talk about a woman who'd been found hanging that morning in the building next door. It was Madame Le Ratt's turn, but she required to prepare herself. She dipped the corner of her napkin into a garden.

Starting point is 08:59:36 glass of water and applied it to her temples because she was too hot. Then she asked for a symbol full of brandy, drank it, and slowly wiped her lips. The child of God shall it be, she murmured, the child of God. And tall and masculine looking, with her bony nose and her shoulders as square as a grenadier she began. The lost child left by his mother all. alone, is sure of a home in heaven above. God sees and protects it on earth from his throne. The child that is lost is the child of God's love. Her voice trembled at certain words and dwelt on them in liquid notes. She looked out of the corner of her eyes to heaven, whilst her right hand swung before her chest,

Starting point is 09:00:39 were pressed against her heart with an impressive gesture. Then Gervais, tortured by Lantier's presence, could not restrain her tears. It seemed to her that the song was relating her own suffering, but she was the lost child, abandoned by its mother, and whom God was going to take under his protection. Clements was now very drunk, and she burst into loud, sobbing and placed her head down onto the table in an effort to smother her gasps. There was a hush vibrant with emotion. The ladies had pulled out their handkerchiefs and were drying their eyes,

Starting point is 09:01:15 with her heads erect from pride. The men had bowed their heads and were staring straight before them, blinking back their tears. Poisson bit off the end of his pipe twice while gulping and gasping. Bosch, with two large tears trickling down his face, wasn't even bothering to squeeze the coal-dealer's knee any longer. All these drunk revelers were as soft-hearted as lambs. Wasn't the wine almost coming out of their eyes?

Starting point is 09:01:45 When the refrain began again, they all let themselves go, blubbering into their plates. But Jervais and Virgini could not, in spite of themselves, take their eyes off the pavement opposite. Madame Boche, in her turn, caught sight of Lantier and uttered a faint cry without ceasing to besmear her face with her tears. Then all three had very anxious faces as they exchanged involuntary signs. My dear, if Coupot were to turn around, if Coupot caught sight of the other,

Starting point is 09:02:19 what a butchery, what carnage! And they went on to such an extent that the zinc worker asked them, "'Whatever are you looking at?' He leant forward and recognized Lantier. "'Damnation! It's too much,' muttered he. "'Ah, a dirty scoundrel. No, it's too much. It must come to an end.' And as he rose from his seat, muttering the most atrocious threats, Jervais, in a low voice, implored him to keep quiet.

Starting point is 09:02:50 "'Listen to me, I implore you, leave a knife alone. remain where you are. Don't do anything dreadful. Virginie had to take the knife which he'd picked up off the table from him, but you could not prevent him leaving the shop and going up to Lantier. Those around the table saw nothing of this so involved worthy in weeping over the song as Madame Larrat sang the last verse. It sounded like a moaning wail of the wind, and Madame Poutre was so moved that she spilled her wine over the table.

Starting point is 09:03:24 Chavez remained frozen with fright, one hand tied against her lips to stifle her sobs. She expected at any moment to see one of the two men fall unconscious in the street. As Coupot rushed toward Lantier, he was so astonished by the fresh air that he staggered, and Lantier, with his hands in his pockets, merely took a step to the side. Now the two men were almost shouting at each other. Coupeau calling the other a lousy pig and threatening to make sausage of his guts. They were shouting loudly and angrily

Starting point is 09:04:01 and waving their arms violently. Jervais felt faint and as it continued for a while she closed her eyes. Suddenly she didn't hear any shouting and opened her eyes. But two men were chatting amiably together. Madame Lerat's voice rose higher

Starting point is 09:04:20 and higher, warbling another verse. Jervais exchanged a glance with Madame Boche and Virginie. Was it going to end amicably then? Coupeau and Lantier continued to converse on the edge of the pavement. They were still abusing each other, but in a friendly way. As people were staring at them, they ended by strolling leisurely, side by side, passed the houses,

Starting point is 09:04:45 turning round again every ten yards or so. A very animated conventing, was now taking place. Suddenly, Koupo appeared to become angry again, whilst the other was refusing something and required to be pressed. And it was the zinc worker who pushed Lantier along and who forced him to cross the street and enter the shop.

Starting point is 09:05:08 I tell you, you're quite welcome, shouted he. You'll take a glass of wine. Men are men, you know. We ought to understand each other. Madame Lerat was finishing the last chorus. The ladies were singing all together as they twisted their handkerchiefs. The child that is lost is the child of God's love. The singer was greatly complimented,

Starting point is 09:05:35 and she resumed her seat, affecting to be quite broken down. She asked for something to drink, because she always put too much feeling into that song, and she was constantly afraid of straining her vocal cords. Everyone at the table now had their eyes fixed on Lanthier, who, quietly seated beside Coupot, was devouring the last piece of Savoy cake which he dipped in his glass of wine. With the exception of Virginie and Madame Boche, none of the guests knew him. The Laurre L'Orillus certainly scented some underhand business,

Starting point is 09:06:09 but not knowing what, they merely assumed their most conceited air. Guzé, who had noticed Jervais's emotion, gave a newcomer a sour look. As an awkward pause ensued, Coupot simply said, A friend of mine. And turning to his wife, added, Come, stir yourself, perhaps there's still some hot coffee left. Jervais, feeling meek and stupid, looked at them one after the other. At first, when her husband pushed her old lover into the shop,

Starting point is 09:06:44 she buried her head between her hands, the same as she instinctively did on stormy days at each clap of thunder. She could not believe it possible. The walls would fall in and crush them all. Then, when she saw the two sitting together peacefully, she suddenly accepted it as quite natural. A happy feeling of languor benumbed her,

Starting point is 09:07:08 retained her all in a heap at the edge of the table with the sole desire of not being bothered. mon dieu what is the use of putting oneself out when others do not and when things arrange themselves to be a satisfaction of everybody she got up to see if there was any coffee left in the back room the children had fallen asleep that squint-eyed augustine had tyrannized over them all during the dessert pilfering their strawberries and frightening them with the most abominable threats now she felt very ill and was bent double upon a stool not ordering a word, her face ghastly pale. Fat Pauline had let her head fall against Etienne's shoulder, and he himself was sleeping on the edge of a table. Nana was seated with Victor on the rug beside the bedstead.

Starting point is 09:08:00 She'd passed her arm round his neck and was drawing him towards her, and succumbing to drowsiness and with her eyes shut, she kept repeating in a feeble voice, Oh, Mama, I'm not well. Oh, Mama, I'm not well. No wonder, murmured Augustine, whose head was rolling about on her shoulders. They're drunk, they've been singing like grown-up persons. Chavez received another blow on beholding Etienne.

Starting point is 09:08:33 She felt as though she would choke when she thought of the youngster's father being there in the other room, eating cake, and that he had not even expressed a desire to kiss the little fellow. She was on the point of rousing Etienne and of carrying him there in her arms. Then she again felt that the quiet way in which matters had been arranged was the best. It would not have been proper to have disturbed the harmony of the end of the dinner.

Starting point is 09:09:00 She returned with the coffee pot and poured out a glass of coffee for Lantier. By the way, did not appear to take any notice of her. Now, it's my turn. stuttered Coupot in a thick voice. You've been keeping the best for last. Well, I'll sing you that piggish child.

Starting point is 09:09:24 Yes, yes, that piggish child, cried everyone. The uproar was beginning again. Lantier was forgotten. The ladies prepared their glasses and their knives for accompanying the chorus. They laughed beforehand as they looked at the zinc worker who steadied himself on his legs as he put on his most vulgar air.

Starting point is 09:09:45 Mimicking the hoarse voice of an old woman, he sang, When out of bed each more an eye-hop, I'm always precious queer. I send him for a little drop To the drinking den that's near. A good half hour or more he'll stay And that makes me so rile. He swigs it half upon his way

Starting point is 09:10:16 What a piggish child And the ladies striking their glasses Repeated in chorus in the midst of a formidable gaiety What a piggish child! What a piggish child! Even the Roud de la Goutre itself joined in now. The whole neighborhood was singing, what a piggish child! The little clockmaker, the grocery clerks, the tripe woman, and the fruit woman all knew the song and joined in the chorus. The entire street seemed to be getting drunk on the odors from the coupé party.

Starting point is 09:10:55 In the reddish haze from the two lamps, the noise of the party was enough to shut out the rumbling of the last vehicles in the street. Two policemen rushed over, thinking there was a riot. But on recognizing Poisson, they saluted him smartly and went away between the darkened bill. buildings. Kupot was now singing this verse. On Sundays at Petit Village, where the weather's fine, we call an uncle, old Tinette, who's in the dustman line. To feast upon some cherry stones, the young un'n's almost wild, and rolls amongst the dust and bones. piggis child, what a piggish child.

Starting point is 09:11:49 Then the house almost collapsed, such a yell ascended in the calm, warm night air, that the shouters applauded themselves, for it was useless, they're hoping to be able to ball any louder. Not one of the party could ever recollect exactly how the carouse terminated. It must have been very late, it's quite certain, for not a cat was to be seen in the street. Possibly, too, they'd all joined hands and danced round the table. But all was submerged in a yellow mist, in which red faces were jumping about, with mouths slit from ear to ear. They'd probably treated themselves to something stronger than wine towards the end, and there was a vague suspicion that someone had played them a trick of putting salt into the glasses. The children must

Starting point is 09:12:39 have undressed and put themselves to bed. On the morrow, Madame Bosch boasted of having treated Bosch to a couple of clouts in a corner, where he was conversing a great deal too close to the charcoal dealer. But Bosch, who recollected nothing, said she must have dreamt it. Everyone agreed that it wasn't very decent the way Clements had carried on. She'd ended by showing everything she had, and then been so sick that she'd completely ruined one of the muslin curtains. The men had at least the decency to go into the room.

Starting point is 09:13:12 the street. Laurie Lou and Poisson, feeling their stomachs upset, had stumblingly glided as far as the pork butcher's shop. It's easy to see when a person has been well brought up. For instance, the ladies, Madame Poutre, Madame Lera and Virginie, indisposed by the heat, had simply gone into the back room and taken their stays off. Virginia had even desired to lie on the bed for a minute just to obviate any unpleasant effect. Thus the party had seemed to melt away, some disappearing behind the others, all accompanying one another, and being lost sight of in the surrounding darkness, to the accompaniment of a final uproar, a furious quarrel between Melorheelieu and then obstinate and mournful,

Starting point is 09:14:02 True la, true la, true la, of old bruise. Jervais had an idea that Gouge had burst out sobbing when bidding her goodbye. Coupeau was still singing, and as for Lanthier, he must have remained till the end. At one moment even, she could still feel a breath against her hair, but she was unable to say whether it came from Lanthier or if it was the warm night air. Since Madame Lerat didn't want to return to Les Batignolle at such a late hour, they took one of the mattresses off the bed and spread it for her in a corner of the shop, after pushing back the table.

Starting point is 09:14:40 She slept right there amid all the dinner crumbs. All night long while the coupos were sleeping, a neighbor's cat took advantage of an open window and was crunching the bones of the goose with its sharp teeth, giving the bird its final resting place. This ends Chapter 7, Part 4. Chapter 8, Part 1 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli.

Starting point is 09:15:14 This Liebervox recording is in the public domain Read by Mark Leader Chapter 8, Part 1 On the following Saturday, Coupot, who had not come home to dinner, Brought Lantier with him towards ten o'clock, they had had some sheep's trotters at Che Tomas at Marmantre. You mustn't scold, wife, said the zinc worker. We're sober, as you can see.

Starting point is 09:15:43 Oh, there's no fear with him. he keeps me on the straight road. And he related how they happened to meet in the Rue Roshua. After dinner, Nantier had declined to have a drink at the black ball, saying that when one was married to a pretty and worthy little woman, one ought not to go liquoring up at all the wine shops. Jervais smiled slightly as she listened. Oh, she was not thinking of scolding.

Starting point is 09:16:10 She felt too much embarrassed for that. She'd been expected to see her former lover again, someday ever since their dinner party. But at such an hour when she was about to go to bed, the unexpected arrival of a two men had startled her. Her hands were quivering as she pinned back the hair which had slid down her neck. You know, resumed Kupo, as he was so polite as to decline a drink outside, you must treat us to one here. Ah, you certainly owe us that. The work women had left long ago. But the Koupo and Nana had just gone to bed. said. Jervais, who had been just about to put up the shutters when they appeared, left the shop

Starting point is 09:16:50 open and brought some glasses which he placed on a corner of the work-table with what was left of a bottle of brandy. Nantier remained standing and avoided speaking directly to her. However, when she served him, he exclaimed, Only a thimble for madame, if you please. Koupoe looked at them and then spoke his mind very plainly. They were not going to behave like a couple of geese, he hoped. The past was past, was it not? If people nursed grudges for nine and ten years together, one would end by no longer seeing anybody. No, no, he carried his heart in his hand, he did. First of all, he knew who he had to deal with, a worthy woman and a worthy man. In short, two friends. He felt easy. He knew

Starting point is 09:17:38 he could depend upon them. that certain, quite certain, repeated Gervais, looking on the ground and scarcely understanding what she said. She's a sister now, nothing but a sister, murmured Lantier in his turn. "'Mon Dieu, shake hands!' cried Coupot, and let those who don't like it got a blazes. When one has proper feelings, one is better off than millionaires. For myself, I prefer friendship before everything,

Starting point is 09:18:07 because friendship is friendship, and there's nothing to be. it. He dealt himself heavy blows on the chest, and seemed so moved that they had to calm him. They all three silently clinked glasses and drank their drop of brandy. Jervais was then able to look at Lantier at her ease, for on the night of her saint's day she had only seen him through a fog. He'd grown more stout, his arms and legs seeming too heavy because of his small stature. His face was still handswere. him, even though it was a little puffy now due to his life of idleness. He still took great pains with his narrow mustache. He looked about his actual age.

Starting point is 09:18:51 He was wearing grey trousers, a heavy blue overcoat, and a round hat. He even had a watch with a silver chain on which a ring was hanging as a keepsake. He looked quite like a gentleman. I'm off, said he. I live no end of a distance from here. He was already on the pavement when the zimbing. ink worker called him back to make him promise never to pass the door without looking in to wish them good day. Meanwhile, Javez, who'd quietly disappeared, returned pushing Etienne before her. The child, who was in his shirt-sleeves and half-asleep, smiled as he rubbed his eyes. But when he beheld Lantier, he stood trembling and embarrassed, and casting anxious glances

Starting point is 09:19:35 in the direction of his mother and Coupeau. "'Don't you remember this gentleman?' asked the latter. The child held down his head without replying. Then he made a slight sign, which meant that he did remember the gentleman. Well, then don't stand there like a fool. Go and kiss him! Lantier gravely and quietly waited. When Natchin had made up his mind to approach him, he stooped down, presented both his cheeks, and then kissed the youngster on the forehead himself.

Starting point is 09:20:05 At this the boy ventured to look at his father, but all on a sudden he burst out sobbing and scampered away like a mad creature with his clothes half falling off him, while Coupot angrily called him a young savage. The emotion's too much for him, said Jervais, pale and agitated herself. Oh, he's generally very gentle and nice, exclaimed Coupot. I've brought him up properly, as you'll see. He'll get used to you. He must learn to know people, we can't stay mad. We should have made up a long time ago for his sake.

Starting point is 09:20:39 I'd rather have my head cut off than keep a father from seeing his own son. Having thus delivered himself, he talked to finishing the bottle of brandy. All three clinked glasses again. Nantier showed no surprise but remained perfectly calm. By way of repaying the zinc worker's politeness, he persisted in helping him put up the shutters before taking his departure. Then, rubbing his hands together to get rid of a dust on them, he wished the couple good night. sleep well

Starting point is 09:21:09 I shall try and catch the last bus I promise you I look in again soon After that evening Lanier frequently called at the Rue de la Gute door He came when the zinc worker was there Inquiring after his health the moment he passed the door And affecting to have solely called on his account Then clean-shaven

Starting point is 09:21:30 His hair nicely combed and always wearing his overcoat He would take a seat by the window When conversed politely with the manners of an education hated man. It was thus that the coupos learnt little by little the details of his life. During the last eight years, he had for a while managed a hat factory, and then when they asked him why he had retired from it, he merely alluded to the rascality of a partner, a fellow from his native place, a scoundrel who'd squandered all the takings with women. His former position as an employer continued to affect his entire personality, like a title of nobility that he could not

Starting point is 09:22:07 abandoned. He was always talking of concluding a magnificent deal with some hat makers who were going to set him up in business. While waiting for this, he did nothing but stroll around all day like one of the idle rich. If anyone dared to mention a hat factory looking for workers, he smiled and said he was not interested in breaking his back working for others. A smart fellow like Lancais, according to Koupeau, knew how to take care of himself. He always looked prosperous and it took money to look thus. He must have some deal going. One morning Coupot had seen him having his shoes shined on the boulevard Montmartre. Nantier was very talkative about others, but the truth was that he told lies about himself. He would not even say where he lived,

Starting point is 09:22:55 only that he was staying with a friend and there was no use in coming to see him because he was never in. It was now early November. Nantier would gallantly bring bunch of of violets for Jervais and the workwomen. He was now coming almost every day. He won the favor of Clements and Madame Poutre with his little attentions. At the end of the month, they adore him. The bouches, whom he flattered by going to pay his respects in their concierge's lodge, went into ecstasies over his politeness.

Starting point is 09:23:29 As soon as the L'Hilin knew who he was, they howled at the impudence of Jervais in bringing her former lover into her home. however one day lantier went to visit them and made such a good impression when he ordered a necklace for a lady of his acquaintance that they invited him to sit down he stayed an hour and they were so charmed by his conversation that they wondered how a man of such distinction had ever lived with clump clump clump soon lantier's visits to the coups were accepted as perfectly natural he was in the good graces of every one along the rue de la guttaire was the only one who remained cold if he happened to be there when lantier arrived he would leave at once as he didn't want to be obliged to be friendly to him In the midst, however, of all this extraordinary affection for Lantier, Chavez lived in a state of great agitation for the first few weeks. She felt that burning sensation in the pit of her stomach which affected her on the day when Virginie first alluded to her past life. Her great fear was that she might find herself without strength if he came upon her all alone one night and took it into his head to kiss her. She thought of him too much. She was forever thinking of him.

Starting point is 09:24:47 but she gradually became calmer on seeing him behave so well never looking her in the face never even touching her with the tips of his fingers when no one was watching Then Virginie, who seemed to read within her, made her ashamed of all her wicked thoughts. Why did she tremble? One could not hope to come across a nicer man. She certainly had nothing to fear now. And one day Vatol Brunette maneuvered in such a way as to get them both into a corner and to turn the conversation to the subject of love. Nantier, choosing his words, declared in a grave voice that his heart was dead, that for the future he wished to consecrate his life solely for his son's happiness. Every evening he would kiss Etienne on the forehead, yet he was apt to forget him in teasing back and forth with Clements,

Starting point is 09:25:38 and he never mentioned Claude, who was still in the south. Chavez began to feel at ease. Nantier's actual presence overshadowed her memories, and seeing him all the time she no longer dreamed about him. She even felt a certain repugnance at the thought of their former relations, Yes, it was over. If he dared to approach her, she'd box his ears, or even better, she'd tell her husband. Once again her thoughts turned to Gouge and his affection for her. One morning, Clemos reported that the previous night, at about 11 o'clock, she'd seen Monsieur Lantier with a woman.

Starting point is 09:26:16 She'd hold about it maliciously and in coarse terms, to see how Jervais would react. Yes, Monsieur Lantier was on the rue Notre Dame de Lorette with a blonde, and she followed them. They'd gone into a shop where the worn-out and used-up woman had bought some shrimps. Then they went to the Rue de la Rousche-Foucault. Monsieur Lantier had waited on the pavement in front of the house while his lady friend went in alone. Then she had beckoned to him from the window to join her.

Starting point is 09:26:47 No matter how Climons went on with the story, Jervais went on peacefully ironing a white dress. Sometimes she smiled faintly. These Southerners, she said, are all crazy about women. They have to have them no matter what, even if they come from a dung heap. When Lantier came in that evening, Chavez was amused when Climence teased him about the blonde. He seemed to feel flattered that he'd been seen. Mont Dieu, she was just an old friend, he explained.

Starting point is 09:27:16 He saw her from time to time. She was quite stylish. He mentioned some of her former lovers, among them a count, an important merchant, and the son of a lawyer. He added that a bit of playing around didn't mean a thing. His heart was dead. In the end, Clements had to pay a price for her meanness. She certainly felt Lantier pinching her hard two or three times without seeming to do so. She was also jealous because she didn't reek of musk like that boulevard workhorse. When spring came, Lantier, who was now quite one of the family, talked of living in the neighborhood so as to be nearer his friends.

Starting point is 09:27:55 He wanted a furnished room in a decent house. Madame Bosch and even Jervais herself when searching about to find it for him. They explored the neighboring streets. But he was always too difficult to please. He required a big courtyard, a room on the ground floor, in fact every luxury imaginable. And then every evening at the hoopoes, he seemed to measure the height of the ceilings,

Starting point is 09:28:20 study the arrangement of the rooms, and covet a similar lodging. Oh, he would, never have asked for anything better. He would willingly have made himself a hole in that warm, quiet corner. Then, each time he wound up his inspection with these words, By Jove, you're comfortably situated here. One evening when he dined there, and was making the same remark during the dessert, Coupot, who now treated him most familiarly, suddenly exclaimed, You must stay here, old boy, if it suits you, it's easily arranged.

Starting point is 09:28:55 And he explained that the dirty clothes room, cleaned out, would make a nice apartment. A chanc could sleep in the shop on a mattress on the floor, that was all. No, no, said Lanchet, I cannot accept. It would inconvenience you too much. I know that it's willingly offered, but we should be too warm all jumbled up together. Besides, you know, each one likes his liberty. I should have to go through your room, and that wouldn't be exactly funny. Ah, the rogue resumed bzink worker, choking with laughter, banging his fists down on the table.

Starting point is 09:29:29 He's always thinking of something smutty. But, you joker, we're of an inventive turn of mind. There's two windows in the room, aren't there? Well, we'll knock one out and turn it into a door. Then you understand you come in by way of the courtyard, and we can even stop up the other door if we like. Thus, you'll be in your home, and we and I'll be in our home. A pause ensued. At length the Hatter murmured,

Starting point is 09:29:58 Ma, yes, in that manner, perhaps we might, and yet, no, I should be too much in your way. He avoided looking as Jervais, but he was evidently waiting for a word from her before accepting. She was very much annoyed at her husband's idea, not that the thought of seeing Lantier living with them wounded her feelings or made her particularly uneasy. but she was wondering where she would be able to keep the dirty clothes. Coupeau was going on about the advantages of the arrangement. Their rent, 500 francs, had always been a bit steep. Their friend could pay 20 francs a month for a nicely furnished room,

Starting point is 09:30:37 and it would help them with the rent. He would be responsible for fixing up a big box under their bed that would be large enough to hold all the dirty clothes. Chavez still hesitated. She looked toward Mother Coupeau for guidance. Nantier had won over Mother Coupo months ago by bringing her gum-drops for her cough. You would certainly not be in our way, Chervais ended by saying, We could so arrange things.

Starting point is 09:31:06 No, no thanks, repeated the Hatter. You're too kind. You would be asking too much. Coupot could no longer restrain himself. Was he going to continue making objections when they told him it was freely offered? He would be obliging them. There. Did he understand? Then, in an excited tone of voice, he yelled, Etyen, Etyin! The youngster had fallen asleep on the table. He raised his head with a start. Listen, tell him that you wish it. Yes, that gentleman there. Tell him as loud as you can.

Starting point is 09:31:42 I wish it. I wish it, stuttered Etienne. His voice thick with sleep. everyone laughed but lancheer resumed his grave and impressive air he squeezed coupot's hand across the table as he said i accept it's an all-good fellowship on both sides is it not yes i accept for the child's sake the next day when the landlord monsieur mariscoe came to spend an hour with the boshes shewes mentioned the matter to him he refused angrily at first then after a careful inspection of the premises particularly gazing upward to verify that the upper floors would not be weakened, he finally granted permission, on condition there would be no expense to him. He had the coupé's sign of paper saying they would restore everything to its original state on the expiration of Valise. Coupot brought in some friends of his that very evening,

Starting point is 09:32:41 a mason, a carpenter, and a painter. They would do this job in the evenings as a favor to him. Still, installing Bador and cleaning up the room, lost over 100 francs, not counting the wine that kept the work going. Koupoe told his friends he'd pay them something later, out of the rent from his tenant. Then the furniture for the room had to be sorted out. Chavez left Mother Koupeau's wardrobe where it was and added a table and two chairs taken from her own room. She had to buy a washing stand and a bed with mattress and bed clothes,

Starting point is 09:33:15 costing 130 francs, which she was to pay off at ten francs a month. month. Although Lantier's 20 francs would be used to pay off these debts for ten months, there would be a nice little profit later. It was during the early days of June that the Hatter moved in. The day before, Koupao had offered to go with him and fetch his box to save him the 30 sous for a cab. But the other became quite embarrassed, saying that the box was too heavy, as though he wished up to the last moment to hide the place where he lodged. He arrived in the afternoon towards three o'clock.

Starting point is 09:33:52 Coupot didn't happen to be in. And Jervais, standing at the shop door, became quite pale on recognizing the box outside the cab. It was their old box, the one with which they journeyed from Plesson, all scratched and broken now and held together by cords. She saw it return as she'd often dreamt it would, and it needed no great stretch of imagination to believe that the same cab that cabin which that strumpet of a burnisher had played her such a foul trick had brought the box back again.

Starting point is 09:34:25 Meanwhile, Bosch was giving Lantier helping hand. The laundress followed them in silence and feeling rather dazed. When they had deposited their burden in the middle of the room, she said for the sake of saying something, Well, that's a good thing finished, isn't it? Then pulling herself together, seeing that Lantier's, busy and undoing the cords was not even looking at her, she added, Monsieur Bosch, you must have a drink.

Starting point is 09:34:54 And she went and fetched a quart of wine and some glasses. Just then, Poisson passed along the pavement in uniform. She signaled to him, winking her eye and smiling. The policeman understood perfectly. When he was on duty and anyone winked their eye to him, it meant a glass of wine. He would even walk for hours up and down before the laundry, waiting for a wink.

Starting point is 09:35:19 Then, so as not to be seen, he would pass through the courtyard and toss off the liquor in secret. Ah, ah, said Lantier when he saw him enter. It's you, Battingay. He called him Battinget for a joke, just to show how little he cared for the emperor. Poisson put up with it in his stiff way, without one knowing whether it really annoyed him or not. Besides the two men, though separated by the political convictions, had become very very much. very good friends. You know that the emperor was once a policeman in London, said Bosch in his turn.

Starting point is 09:35:54 Yes, on my word, he used to take the drunken women to the station house. Jervais had filled three glasses on the table. She would not drink herself. She felt too sick at heart, but she stood there longing to see what the box contained, and watching Lantier remove the last cords. Before raising the lid, Lantier took his glass and clinked it with the oven. others. Good health. Same to you, replied Bosch in Poisson. The laundress filled the glasses again. The three men wiped their lips on the backs of their hands, and at last the hatter opened the box.

Starting point is 09:36:32 It was full of a jumble of newspapers, books, old clothes, and under linen in bundles. He took out successively a saucepan, a pair of boots, a bost of lead rue, Rolin with a nose broken, an embroidered shirt and a pair of working trousers. Jervais could smell the odor of tobacco and that of a man whose linen wasn't too clean, one who took care only of the outside of what people could see. The old hat was no longer in the left corner. There was a pin cushion she did not recognize.

Starting point is 09:37:06 Doubtless, a present from some woman. She became calmer, but felt a vague sadness as she continued to work. watched the objects that appeared, wondering if they were from her time or from the time of others. I say, Batigay, do you know this? resumed Lanier. He thrust under his nose a little book printed at Brussels. The amours of Napoleon, Trois, illustrated with engravings. It related, among other anecdotes, how the emperor had seduced the girl of thirteen, the daughter of a cook, and the picture represented Napoleon, Trois. bare-legged, and also wearing the grand ribbon of a legion of honor, pursuing a little girl who was trying to escape his lust.

Starting point is 09:37:52 Ah, that's it, exactly! exclaimed Bosch, whose sly ridiculous instincts felt flattered by the sight. It always happens like that. Poisson was seized with consternation, and he could not find a word to say in the emperor's defense. It was in a book, so he could not deny it. Then, Lanier, continuing to push the picture under his nose, in a jeering way. He extended his arms and exclaimed, Well, so what? This ends Chapter 8, Part 1.

Starting point is 09:38:32 Chapter 8, Part 2 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Mark Leader. Chapter 8, part 2. Lantier didn't reply. He busied himself arranging his books in newspapers on a shelf in the wardrobe. He seemed upset not to have a small bookshelf over his table, so Chevese promised to get him one. He had the history of ten years by Louis Blanc, except for the first volume,

Starting point is 09:39:14 La Martines de Girondin in installments, the mysteries of Paris and the Wandering Jew by Eugene Sue, and a quantity of booklets on philosophic and humanitarian subjects picked up from used book dealers. His newspapers were his prized possessions, a collection made over a number of years. Whenever he read an article in a cafe that seemed to him to agree with his own ideas, he would buy that newspaper and keep it. He had an enormous bundle of them, papers of every date and every title, piled up in no discernible order. He patted them and said to the other two,

Starting point is 09:39:53 You see that? No one else can boast of having anything to match it. You can't imagine all that's in there. I mean, if they put into practice only half the ideas, it would clean up the social order overnight. That would be good medicine for your emperor and all his stool pigeons. The policeman's red mustache and beard began to bristle on his pale face, and he interrupted.

Starting point is 09:40:18 and the army tell me, what are you going to do about that? Lantier flew into a passion. He banged his fists down on the newspapers as he yelled, I require the suppression of militarism, the fraternity of peoples. I require the abolition of privileges, of titles, and of monopolies.

Starting point is 09:40:38 I require the equality of salaries, the division of benefits, the glorification of the protectorate. All liberties, do you hear? All of them. and divorce. Yes, yes, divorce for morality, insisted Bosch. Poisson had assumed a majestic air. Yet, if I won't have your liberties, I'm free to refuse them, he answered.

Starting point is 09:41:04 Lancier was choking with passion. If you don't want them, if you don't want them, he replied. No, you're not free at all. If you don't want them, I'll send you off the devil's island. Yes, devil's island with your emperor and all the rats of his crew. They always quarrel thus every time they met. Jervais, who did not like arguments, usually interfered. She roused herself from a torpor into which the side of the box,

Starting point is 09:41:35 full of the stale perfume of her past love, had plunged her, and she drew the three men's attention to the glasses. Ah, yes, said Lantier, becoming suddenly calm. and taking his glass. Good health. Good health, replied Bosch in Poisson, clinking glasses with him. Bosch, however, was moving nervously about, troubled by an anxiety as he looked at the policeman out of the corner of his eye.

Starting point is 09:42:06 All this between ourselves, eh, Monsieur Poisson? murmured he at length. We say and show you things to show off. But Poisson did not let him finish. He placed his hand upon his heart, as though to explain that all remained buried there. He certainly did not go spying about on his friends. Coupeau arriving, they emptied a second court. Then the policeman went off by way of the courtyard and resumed his stiff and measured tread along the pavement.

Starting point is 09:42:38 At the beginning of a new arrangement, the entire routine of the establishment was considerably upset. Nantier had his own separate room with his own entrance and his own key. However, since they had decided not to close off the door between the rooms, he usually came and went through the shop. Besides, the dirty clothes were an inconvenience to Jervais because her husband never made the case he had promised, and she had to tuck the dirty laundry into any odd corner she could find. They usually ended up under the bed,

Starting point is 09:43:12 and this was not very pleasant on warms. summer nights. She also founded a nuisance having to make up Etienne's bed every evening in the shop. When her employees worked late, the lad had to sleep in a chair until they finished. Gouge had mentioned sending Etienne to Lille, where a machinist he knew was looking for apprentices. As the boy was unhappy at home and eager to be out on his own, Chavez seriously considered the proposal. Her only fear was that Lantier would refuse. Since he'd come to live with him solely to be near his son, surely he wouldn't want to lose him only two weeks after he moved in.

Starting point is 09:43:52 However, he approved wholeheartedly when she timidly broached the matter to him. He said that young men needed to see a bit of the country. The morning that Etienne left Lanthier made a speech to him, kissed him and ended by saying, Never forget that a working man is not a slave, and that whoever is not a working man is a lazy drone. The household was now able to get into the new routine. Chavez became accustomed to having dirty laundry lying all around.

Starting point is 09:44:26 Nantier was forever talking of important business deals. Sometimes he went out, wearing fresh linen and neatly combed. He would stay out all night and on his return pretend that he was completely exhausted because he'd been discussing very serious matters. Actually, he was merely taking life easy. He usually slept until ten. In the afternoons he would take a walk if the weather was nice. If it was raining, he would sit in the shop reading his newspaper.

Starting point is 09:44:55 This atmosphere suited him. He always felt at his ease with women and enjoyed listening to them. L'Antierre first took his meals at Francoise at the corner of the Rue de Poissonneers. But of the seven days in the week he dined with the coupons on three or four, so much so that he ended by offering to board with them and to pay them fifteen francs every Saturday. From that time he scarcely ever left the house, but made himself completely at home there. Morning, tonight, he was in the shop, even giving orders and attending to customers. Nantier didn't like the wine from Francoises, so he persuaded Jervais to buy her wine from Vigour,

Starting point is 09:45:36 the coal dealer. Then he decided that Kudelieu's bread was not baked to his satisfaction, so he sent Augustine to the Fiennese bakery in the Foubourg Poissonier for their bread. He changed from the grocer Le Angre, but kept the butcher, fat Charles, because of his political opinions. After a month, he wanted all the cooking done with olive oil. Clement's joke that with a Provenza like him, you could never wash out the oil stains. He wanted his omelets fried on both sides as hard as pancakes. He supervised Mother Coupeau's cooking, wanting his steaks cooked like shoe leather and with garlic on everything. He got angry if she put herbs in the salad.

Starting point is 09:46:22 They're just weeds, and some of them might be poisonous, he declared. His favorite soup was made with overboiled vermicelli. He would pour in half a bottle of olive oil. Only he and Jervais could eat this soup, the others being too used to Parisian cooking. Little by little, Lantier also came to mixing himself up in the affairs of the family. As the L'Ori-Loo always grumbled at having to part with the five francs from Mother Coupeau,

Starting point is 09:46:51 he explained that an action could be brought against them. They must think that they had a set of fools to deal with. It was ten francs a month, which they ought to give. And he'd go up himself for the ten francs so boldly and yet so amiably, that the chainmaker never dared refuse them. Madame Lerrat also gave two five-franc pieces now, Mother Coupeau could have kissed Lancier's hands. He was, moreover, the grand arbiter in all the quarrels between the old woman and Jervais.

Starting point is 09:47:22 Whenever the laundress, in a moment of impatience, behaved roughly to her mother-in-law, and the latter went and cried on her bed. He hustled them about and made them kiss each other, asking them if they thought themselves amusing with their bad tempers. And Nana, too, she was being brought up badly, according to his idea. In that he was right, for whenever the father spanked the child, the mother took her part, and if the mother in her turn boxed her ears, the father made a disturbance. Nana delighted at seeing her parents abuse each other, and knowing that she was forgiven beforehand was up to all kinds of tricks.

Starting point is 09:48:02 Her latest mania was to go and play in the blacksmith's shop opposite. She'd passed the entire day swinging on the shafts of the carts. She would hide with bands of urchins in the remotest corner, of the grey courtyard, lighted up with the red glare of the forge, and suddenly she would reappear, running and shouting, unkempt and dirty, and followed by the troop of urchins, as though a sudden clash of the hammers had frightened the ragamuffins away. Nantier alone could scold her, and yet she knew perfectly well how to get over him. This tricky little girl of ten would walk before him like a lady, swinging herself about and casting side glances at him, her eyes all

Starting point is 09:48:43 already full of vice. He'd ended by undertaking her education. He taught her to dance and to talk patois. A year passed thus. In the neighborhood it was thought that Lanthier had a private income, for this was the only way to account for the coupé's grand style of living. No doubt Jervais's continued to earn money, but now that she had to support two men in doing nothing, the shop certainly could not suffice. More, especially, as the shop no long had so good a reputation. Customers were leaving, and the workwomen were tippling from morning till night. The truth was that Lantier paid nothing, neither for rent nor bored.

Starting point is 09:49:26 During the first months he'd paid sums on account. Then he'd contented himself with speaking of a large amount he was going to receive, with which later on he would pay off everything in a lump sum. Jervais no longer dared ask him for a centime. She had the bread, the wine, the meat, all on credit. The bills increased everywhere, at the rate of three and four francs a day. She had not paid a sue to the furniture dealer, nor to the three comrades, the mason, the carpenter, and the painter. All these people commenced to grumble, and she was no longer greeted with the same politeness at the shops.

Starting point is 09:50:06 She was as though intoxicated by a mania for getting into debt. She tried to drown her thoughts, ordered the most expensive things, and gave full freedom to her gluttony now that she no longer paid for anything. She remained with all very honest at heart, dreaming of earning from morning to night hundreds of francs, though she did not exactly know how to enable her to distribute handfuls of five-franc pieces to her tradespeople. In short, she was sinking. And as she sank lower and lower, she talked of extending her business. instead she went deeper into debt Clements left around the middle of the summer

Starting point is 09:50:46 because there was no longer enough work for two women had she not been paid in several weeks during this impending ruin coupot and lantier were in effect devouring the shop and growing fat on the ruin of the establishment at table they would challenge each other to take more helpings and slap their rounded stomachs to make more room for dessert The great subject of conversation in the neighborhood

Starting point is 09:51:13 was asked to whether Lantier had really gone back to his old footing with Jervais. On this point, opinions were divided. According to a L'Aulieu, Clump-Clump was doing everything she could to hook Lantier again, but he would no longer have anything to do with her because she was getting old and faded, and he had plenty of younger girls that were prettier. On the other hand, according to the Boshes,

Starting point is 09:51:38 Chavez had gone back to her former mate the very first night, just as soon as poor Coupot had gone to sleep. The picture was not pretty, but there were a lot of worse things in life, so folks ended by accepting the threesome as altogether natural. In fact, they thought them rather nice, since there were never any fights, and the outward decencies remained.

Starting point is 09:52:00 Certainly, if you stuck your nose into some of the other neighborhood households, you could smell far worse things. So what if they slept together? like a nice little family. He never kept those neighbors awake. Besides, everyone was still very much impressed by Lanier's good manners. His charm helped greatly to keep tongues from wagging.

Starting point is 09:52:21 Indeed, when the fruit dealer insisted to the tripe cellar that there had been no intimacies, the latter appeared to feel that this was really too bad because it made the coupos less interesting. Chavez was quite at her ease in this matter, and not much troubled with these thoughts. Things reached the point that she was accused of being heartless. The family did not understand why she continued to bear a grudge against the hatter.

Starting point is 09:52:49 Madame L'Arra now came over every evening. She considered Lantier's utterly irresistible and said that most ladies would be happy to fall into his arms. Madame Bosch declared that her own virtue would not be safe if she were ten years younger. There was a sort of silent conceivable. to push Jervais into the arms of Lantier, as if all the women around her felt driven to satisfy their own longings by giving her a lover. Jervais didn't understand this because she no longer found Lantier seductive.

Starting point is 09:53:21 Certainly he'd changed for the better. He'd gotten a sort of education in the cafes and political meetings, but she knew him well. She could pierce to the depths of his soul, and she found things there that still gave her the shivers. Well, if the others found him so attractive, why didn't they try it themselves? In the end, he suggested this one day to Virginie, who seemed the most eager. Then, to excite Gervais, Madame Lerat and Virginie told her of the love of Lantier and tall Clements. Yes, she'd not noticed anything herself, but as soon as she went out on an errand, the hatter would bring the work girl into his room.

Starting point is 09:54:01 Now people met them out together. He probably went to see her at her own. place. Well, said Valdress, her voice trembling slightly. What can it matter to me? She looked straight into Vigini's eyes. Did this woman still have it in for her? Virginia replied with an air of innocence. It can't matter to you, of course. Only you ought to advise him to break off with that girl, who's sure to cause him some unpleasantness. The worst of it was that Lantier, feeling himself supported by public opinion, changed altogether in his behavior towards Gervais.

Starting point is 09:54:44 Now, whenever he shook hands with her, he held her fingers for a minute between his own. He tried her with his glance, fixing a bold look upon her, in which she clearly read that he wanted her. If he passed behind her, he dug his knees into her skirt, or breathed upon her neck.

Starting point is 09:55:02 Yet he waited a while before being rough and openly declaring himself. But one of you, evening, finding himself alone with her. He pushed her before him without a word, and viewed her all trembling against the wall at the back of a shop and tried to kiss her. It's so chanced that Gouge entered just at that moment. Then she struggled and escaped, and all three exchanged a few words, as though nothing had happened. Gouge, his face deadly pale, looked on the ground, fancying that he had disturbed them, and that she'd merely struggled to us not to be kissed before a

Starting point is 09:55:37 third party. This ends Chapter 8, Part 2. Chapter 8, Part 3 of La Samoire by Emil Zola. Translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader, Chapter 8, Part 3. The next day, Gervais moved restlessly about the shop. She was miserable and unable to iron even a single handkerchief. She only wanted to see Gouget and explained to him how Lanté happened to have pinned her against the wall. But since Etienne had gone to Lille, she had hesitated to visit Gouge's forge, where she felt she would be greeted by his fellow workers with secret laughter. This afternoon, however, she yielded to the impulse. She took an empty basket and went out

Starting point is 09:56:39 under the pretext of going for the petticoats of her customer around the rue des port blanche. then when she reached hughamacadde she walked very slowly in front of the bolt factory hoping for a lucky meeting guzay must have been hoping to see her too for within five minutes he came out as if by chance you've been on an errand he said smiling and now you are on your way home actually jervais had her back toward rue de posseignees he only said that for something to say They walked together up toward Montmartre, but without her taking his arm. They wanted to get a bit away from the factory, so as not to seem to be having a rendezvous in front of it. They turned into a vacant lot between a sawmill and a button factory. It was like a small green meadow. There was even a goat tied to a stake.

Starting point is 09:57:38 It's strange, remarked Jervais. You'd think you were in the country. They went to sit under a dead tree. Cheves placed the laundry basket by her feet. Yes, Jervais said, I had an errand to do, and so I came out. She felt deeply ashamed and was afraid to try to explain, yet she realized that they had come here to discuss it.

Starting point is 09:58:06 It remained a troublesome burden. Then, all in a rush, with tears in her eyes, she told him of the death that morning of Madame Bijard, her washerwoman. She had suffered horrible agonies. Her husband caused it by kicking her in the stomach, she said in a monotone. He must have damaged her insides. My dear, she was in agony for three days with her stomach all swelled up. Plenty of scoundrels have been sent to the galleys for less than that,

Starting point is 09:58:39 but the courts won't concern themselves with a wife, beat her, especially since the woman said she'd hurt herself falling. She wanted to save him from the scaffold, but she screamed all night long before she died. Gouge clenched his hands and remained silent. She weaned her youngest only two weeks ago, little Jules, Jervais went on. That's lucky for the baby, he won't have to suffer. Still, there's the child Lally, and she has two babies to look after. She isn't eight yet, but she's already sensible.

Starting point is 09:59:19 Her father will beat her now even more than before. Gougey gazed at her silently. Then his lips trembling. You hurt me yesterday. Yes, you hurt me badly. Jervais turned pale and clasped our hands as he continued. I thought it would happen. You should have told me.

Starting point is 09:59:45 You should have trusted me enough to confess what was happening, so as not to leave me thinking that... Gouge could not finish the sentence. Jervais stood up, realizing that he thought she'd gone back with Lantier as the neighbors asserted. Stretching her arms toward him, she cried, No, no, I swear to you. He was pushing against me, trying to kiss me,

Starting point is 10:00:09 but his face never even touched mine. It's true, and that was the first time he tried. Oh, I swear on my life, on the life of my children. Oh, believe me! Gouge was shaking his head. Chavez said slowly. Monsieur Gouge, you know me well. You know that I do not lie.

Starting point is 10:00:32 On my word of honor, it never happened, and it never will. Do you understand? Never. I'd be the lowest of a low if it ever happened, and I wouldn't deserve the friendship of an honest man like you. She seemed so sincere that he took her hand and made her sit down again. He could breathe freely, his heart rejoiced. This was the first time he'd ever held her hand like this. He pressed it in his own and they both sat quietly for a time.

Starting point is 10:01:07 I know your mother doesn't like me, Jervais said in a low voice. voice. Don't bother to deny it. We owe you so much money. He squeezed her hand tightly. He didn't want to talk of money. Finally, he said, I've been thinking of something for a long time. You are not happy where you are. My mother tells me things are getting worse for you. Well then, we can go away together. She didn't understand at first and stared at him, startled by the sudden declaration of a love that he'd never mentioned. Finally, she asked, What do you mean?

Starting point is 10:01:53 We'll get away from here, he said, looking down at the ground. We'll go live somewhere else, in Belgium, if you wish. With both of us working, we would soon be very comfortable. Chavez flushed. She thought she would have felt less shame if he'd taken her in his arms and kissed her. Gouge was an odd fellow proposing to elope, just the way it happens in novels. Well, she'd seen plenty of working men making up to married women, but they never took them even as far as San Denis.

Starting point is 10:02:29 Oh, Monsieur Gougette, she murmured, not knowing what else to say. Don't you see, he said, they would only be you. the two of us. It annoys me having others around. Having regained herself possession, however, she refused his proposal. It's impossible, Monsieur Gouge, it would be very wrong. I'm a married woman, and I have children. We'd soon regret it. I know you care for me, and I care for you also, too much to let you do anything foolish. It's much better to stay just as we are. We have respect each other, and that's a lot. It's been a comfort to me many times.

Starting point is 10:03:14 When people in our situation stay on the straight, it's better in the end. He nodded his head as he listened. He agreed with her and was unable to offer any arguments. Suddenly he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, crushing her. Then he let her go and said nothing more about their love. She wasn't angry.

Starting point is 10:03:38 She felt they'd earned that small moment of pleasure. Gouge now didn't know what to do with his hands, so we went around picking dandelions and tossing them into her basket. This amused him and gradually soothed him. Chavez was becoming relaxed and cheerful. When they finally left the vacant lot, they walked side by side and talked of how much Etienne liked being at Lille. Her basket was full of yellow dandelions.

Starting point is 10:04:10 Chavez, at heart, did not feel as courageous when with Lantier, as she said. She was indeed perfectly resolved not to hear his flattery, even with the slightest interest, but she was afraid, if ever he should touch her, of her old cowardice, of that feebleness and gloominess into which she allowed herself to glide, just to please people. Lantier, however, did not avow his affection. He several times found himself alone with her and kept quiet. He seemed to think of marrying the tripe-seller, a woman of forty-five and very well-preserved. Chavez would talk of a tripe-seller in Gouge's presence, so as to set his mind at ease.

Starting point is 10:04:56 She would say to Virginie and Madame Lera, whenever they were singing the Hatter's praises, that he could very well do without her admiration, because all the women of the neighborhood was smitten with him. Koupo went braying about everywhere, but Lantier was a friend and a true one. People might jabber about them. He knew what he knew, and did not care a straw for their gossip, for he had respectability on his side. When they all three went out walking on Sundays, he made his wife and the hatter walk arm and arm before him,

Starting point is 10:05:29 just by way of swaggering in the street, and he watched the people, quite prepared to administer a drubbing, if anyone had ventured on the least joke. It was true that he regarded Lantier as a bit of a high flyer. He accused him of avoiding hard liquor and teased him because he could read and spoke like an educated man. Still, he accepted him as a regular comrade.

Starting point is 10:05:54 They were ideally suited to each other, and friendship between men is more substantial than love for a woman. Coupeau and Lantier were forever going out junketing together. Lantier would now borrow money from Jervais, 10 francs, 20 francs at a time, whenever he smelt there was money in the house. Then on those days he would keep Coupot away from his work, talk of some distant errand and take him with him.

Starting point is 10:06:24 Then see that opposite to each other in the corner of some neighboring eating house, they would guzzle fancy dishes which one cannot get at home and wash them down with bottles of expensive wine. The zinc worker would have preferred to booze in a little, a less pretentious place, but he was impressed by the aristocratic tastes of Lantier, who would discover on the bill of fair dishes with the most extraordinary names. It was hard to understand the man so hard to please. Maybe it was from being a southerner. Lantier didn't like anything too rich and argued about every dish, sending back meat that was too

Starting point is 10:07:03 salty or too peppery. He hated drafts. If a door was left open, he complained loudly. At the same time, he was very stingy, only giving the waiter a tip of two sous for a meal of seven or eight francs. He was treated with respect in spite of that. The pair were well known along the exterior boulevards, from Batignolle to Belleville. They would go to the Grand Rue de Batonol to eat tripe cooked in the cayenne style. At the foot of Montmartre, they obtained the best oysters in my neighborhood at the town of Barleduke. When they ventured to the top of the height as far as the Galette windmill, they had a stewed rabbit. The lilacs in the Rue de Martyr had a reputation for their calf's head,

Starting point is 10:07:51 whilst the restaurant of the Golden Lion and the two chestnut trees in the Chose Clinancourt served them stewed kidneys which made them lick their lips. Usually they went toward Belleville, where they had tables reserved for them at some places of such excellent repute that you could order anything with your eyes closed. These eating sprees were always surreptitious, and the next day they would refer to them indirectly while playing with the potatoes served by Jervais. Once, Lantier brought a woman with him to the Galette windmill,

Starting point is 10:08:25 and Coupot left immediately after dessert. One naturally cannot both guzzle and work, so that ever since the Hatter was made one of the family, the zinc worker, who was already pretty lazy, had got to the point of never touching a tool. When tired of doing nothing, he sometimes let himself be prevailed upon to take a job. Then his comrade would look him up and chaff him unmercifully

Starting point is 10:08:51 when he found him hanging to his knotty cord like a smoked ham, and he would call to him to come down and have a glass of wine, and that settled it. The zinc worker would send the job to blazes and commence a booze which lasted days and weeks. Oh, it was a famous booze. A general review of all the dram shops of the neighborhood. The intoxication of the morning slept off by midday and renewed in the evening.

Starting point is 10:09:19 The goes of vitriol succeeded one another, becoming lost in the depths of a night, like the Venetian lanterns of an illumination, until the last candle disappeared with the last glass. That rogue of a haderned, never kept on to the end. He let the other get elevated, then gave him the slip and returned home smiling in his pleasant way. He could drink a great deal without people noticing it. When one got to know him well, one could only tell it by his half-closed eyes and his over-bold

Starting point is 10:09:51 behavior to women. As inkworker, on the contrary, became quite disgusting, and could no longer drink without putting himself into a beastly state. Thus, towards the beginning of November, Kupot went in for a booze which ended in a most dirty manner, both for himself and the others. The day before he'd been offered a job. This time, Lantier was full of fine sentiments. He lauded work, because work ennobles a man. In the morning he even rose before it was light, for he gravely wished to accompany his friend to the workshop,

Starting point is 10:10:30 honoring in him the workman really worthy of the name. But when they arrived before the little civic, which was just opening. They entered to have a plum and brandy, only one, merely to drink together to the firm observance of a good resolution. On a bench opposite the counter, and with his back against the wall,

Starting point is 10:10:50 Beebe the smoker was sitting smoking with a sulky look on his face. Hello, here's Bebe having a snoo, said Coupeau. Are you down in the dumps, old bloke? No, no, replied the comrade, stretching his arm. It's the employers who disgust me. I sent mine to the right about yesterday.

Starting point is 10:11:13 They're all toads and scoundrels. Beebe the smoker accepted a plumb. He was no doubt waiting there on that bench for someone to stand him a drink. Lanthier, however, took the part of the employers. They often had some very hard times, as he who had been in business himself well knew. The workers were a bad lot. forever getting drunk.

Starting point is 10:11:37 They didn't take their work seriously. Sometimes they quit in the middle of a job and only returned when they needed something in their pockets. Then, Lanier would switch his attack to the employers. They were nasty exploiters, regular cannibals. But he could sleep with a clear conscience as he had always acted as a friend to his employees. He didn't want to get rich the way others did.

Starting point is 10:12:03 Let's be off, my boy, he said. speaking to Coupot, we must be going, or we shall be late. This ends Chapter 8, Part 3. Chapter 8, Part 4 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 8, Part 4.

Starting point is 10:12:37 Bebe the Smoker followed them, swinging his arms. outside the sun was scarcely rising the pale daylight seemed dirtied by the muddy reflection of the pavement it had rained the night before and it was very mild the gas-lamps had just been turned out the rue de pasagne in which shreds of night rent by the houses still floated was gradually filling with the dull tramp of the workmen descending towards paris Coupeau, with a zinc-worker's bag slung over his shoulder, walked along in the imposing manner of a fellow who feels in good form for a change. He turned round and asked, "'Beebe, do you want the job? The boss told me to bring a pal if I could.' "'No, thanks,' answered Bebe the smoker. "'I'm purging myself. You should ask my boots. He was looking for something yesterday.

Starting point is 10:13:32 Wait a minute. My boots is most likely in there.' And as they reached the bottom of the street, they indeed caught sight of my boots inside Per Colombs. In spite of the early hour, La Cémoire was flaring. The shutters down, the gas lighted. Montier stood at the door, telling Coupot to make haste because they had only ten minutes left. What? You're going to work for that rascal bourguignon, yelled my boots, when the zinc worker had spoken to him. You'll never catch me in his hutch again. No, I'd rather go till next year with my tongue hanging out of my mouth. But old fella, you won't stay three days, and it's I who tell you so. Really now? Is it such a dirty hole? asked Coupot anxiously. Oh, it's about the dirtiest. You can't move

Starting point is 10:14:21 there. The apes forever on your back. And such queer ways, too. A missus who always says you're drunk, a shop where you mustn't spit. I sent them to the right about the first night, you know. Good. Now I'm warned. I can't stop there forever. I'll just go this morning to see what it's like. But if the boss bothers me, I'll catch him up and plant him upon his missus, you know, banged together like two fillets of soul. Then Coupot thanked his friend for the useful information and shook his hand. As he was about to leave, my boots cursed angrily. Was that lousy bouguinio going to stop them from having drink? Weren't they free anymore? He could well wait another five minutes. Nantier came in to share in the round, and they stood together at the counter. My boots, with his smock black with dirt,

Starting point is 10:15:18 and his cap flattened on his head, had recently been proclaimed king of pigs and drunks, after he'd eaten the salad of live beetles and shoot a piece of a dead cat. Say there, old Borgia, he called to Per Colum. Give us some of your yellow stuff, first-class mules wine. And when Per Colom, pale and quiet in his blue-knitted waistcoat, had filled the four glasses, these gentlemen tossed them off, so as not to let the liquor get flat. That does some good when it goes down, murmured Beebe the smoker.

Starting point is 10:15:55 The comic My Boots had a story to tell. He was so drunk on the Friday that his comrades had stuck his pipe in his mouth with a handful of plaster. Anyone else would have died of it. He merely strutted about and puffed out his chest. Do you gentlemen require anything more? asked Per Colom in his oily voice. Yes, fill us up again, said Lantier.

Starting point is 10:16:21 It's my turn. Now they were talking of women. Bebe the smoker had taken his girl to an aunt's at Mont Rouge on the previous Sunday. Coupot asked for the news of the Indian mail, a washerwoman of Chayot who was known in the establishment. They were about to drink when My Boots loudly called to Guje and L'Hilu who were passing by. They came just to the door but would not enter.

Starting point is 10:16:49 The blacksmith did not care to take anything. The chainmaker, pale and shivering, held in his pocket the gold chains he was going to deliver. And he coughed and asked them to excuse him, saying that the least drop of brandy would nearly make him split his sides. There are hypocrites for you, grunted my boots. I bet they have their drinks on a sly. And when he poked his nose in his glass, he attacked Pierre Colom. File, druggist, you've changed a bottle.

Starting point is 10:17:20 You know, it's no good you're trying to palm your cheap stuff off on me. The day had advanced. A doubtful sort of light lit up, Lassimois, where the landlord was turning out the gas. Koupo found excuses for his brother-in-law who could not stand drink, which after all was no crime. He even approved Gouge's behavior, for it was a real blessing never to be thirsty. And as he talked of going off to his work, Lantier, with his grand air of a gentleman, sharply gave him a lesson. One at least stood one's turn before sneaking off. One should not leave one's friends like a mean, blaggard, even when going to do one's duty.

Starting point is 10:18:03 "'Is he going to badger us much longer about his work?' cried My Boots. "'So this is your turn, sir,' asked Per Colom of Coupot. The latter paid, but when it came to Beebe the Smoker's turn, he whispered to the landlord who refused with the shake of the head. My Boots understood, and again set to abusing the old Jew Colombe. "'What? A rascalike like him dared to behave in that way, to a comrade? Everywhere else one could get a drink on tick.

Starting point is 10:18:38 It was only in such low, boozing dens that one was insulted. The landlord remained calm, leaning his big fists on the edge of the counter. He politely said, Lend the gentleman some money. That will be far simpler. My dear, yes, I'll lend him some, yelled my boots. Here, BB, throw this money in his face. the limb of Satan.

Starting point is 10:19:06 Then excited and annoyed at seeing Kupo with his bag slung over his shoulder, he continued speaking to the zinc worker. You look like a wet nurse. Drop your brat. It'll give you a hump back. Kupo hesitated an instant, and then quietly as though he'd only made up his mind after considerable reflection, he laid his bag on the ground, saying, it's too late now. I'll go to Bougignon's after lunch.

Starting point is 10:19:34 I'll tell him that the Mrs. was ill. Listen, Percolome, I'll leave my tools under this seat, and I'll call for them at twelve o'clock. Lantier gave his blessing to this arrangement with an approving nod. Labor was necessary, yes, but when you're with good friends, courtesy comes first. Now the four had five hours of idleness before them. They were full of noisy merriment. coupot was especially relieved they had another round and then went to a small bar that had a billiard table at first lantier turned up his nose at this establishment because it was rather shabby so much liquor had been spilled on the billiard table that the ball stuck to it

Starting point is 10:20:20 once the game got started though lantier recovered his good humor and began to flaunt his extraordinary knack with a cue when lunchtime came cupo had an idea He stamped his feet and cried, We must go in the fetch Salted Mouth. I know where he's working. We'll take him to Mayor Lewis's to have some pettitoes. The idea was greeted with acclamation. Yes, salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, was no doubt and want of some pettitoes.

Starting point is 10:20:52 They started off. Koupo took them to the Bolt factory in the Rue Macaday. As they arrived a good half hour before the time the workman came out. The zinc worker gave a youngster too soon to go in and tell Salted Mouth that his wife was ill and wanted him at once. The blacksmith made his appearance, waddling in his walk, looking very calm and scenting a talkout.

Starting point is 10:21:16 Ah, huge joker said he, as soon as he caught sight of them hiding in a doorway. I guessed it. Well, what are we going to eat? At Mother Lewis's, whilst they sucked the little bones of the pettitose, they again fell to abusing the employers. Saltedmouth, otherwise drink without thirst, related that they had a most pressing order to execute at the shop. Oh, the ape was pleasant for the time being. One could be late, and he would say nothing.

Starting point is 10:21:47 He no doubt considered himself lucky when one turned up at all. At any rate, no boss would dare to throw Salt and Mouth out the door because he couldn't find lads of his capacity anymore. After the petty toes they had an omelet. When each of them had emptied his bottle, Mayor Lewis brought out some ovarne wine, thick enough to cut with a knife. The party was really warming up.

Starting point is 10:22:14 What do you think is the ape's latest idea? cried Salted Mouth at dessert. Why, he's been and put a bell up in his shed. A bell! That's good for slaves. Ah, well, it can ring today. They won't catch me again at the anvil. For five days past, I've been sticking there. I may give myself a rest now.

Starting point is 10:22:35 If he deducts anything, I'll send him to blazes. Ah, said Coupeau, with an air of importance. I'm obliged to leave you. I'm off to work. Yes, I promised my wife. Amuse yourselves. My spirit, you know, remains with my pals. The others chuffed him.

Starting point is 10:22:55 But he seemed so decided that they all accompanied him when he talked of going to fetch his tools from Per Colombs. He took his bag from under the seat and laid it on the ground before him, whilst they had a final drink. But at one o'clock the party was still standing drinks. Then Coupot, with a bored gesture, placed the tools back again under the seat. They were in his way. He could not get near the counter without stumbling against them.

Starting point is 10:23:24 It was too absurd. He would go to Borgignon's on the morrow. The other four who were quarreling about the question of salaries were not at all surprised when the zinc worker, without any explanation, proposed a little stroll on the boulevard just to stretch their legs. They didn't go very far. They seemed to have nothing to say to each other out in the fresh air. Without even consulting each other with so much as a nudge,

Starting point is 10:23:52 they slowly and instinctively ascended the Rue de Poissan, where they went to François's in his own, had a glass of wine out of the bottle. Nantier pushed his comrades inside the private room at the back. It was a narrow place with only one table in it and was separated from a shop by a dull glazed partition. He liked to do his drinking in private rooms because it seemed more respectable.

Starting point is 10:24:18 Didn't they like it here? It was as comfortable as being at home. You could even take a nap here without being embarrassed. He called for the newspaper, spread it out open before him and looked through it, frowning the while. Coupeau and my boots had commenced the game of Piquet. Two bottles of wine and five glasses were scattered about the table. They emptied their glasses.

Starting point is 10:24:43 Then, Lanier read out loud, A frightful crime has just spread consternation throughout the commune of Gaillain, Department of Saint-E-Marn. A son has killed his father with blows from a spade in order to to rob him of thirty sous. They all uttered a cry of horror. There was a fellow whom they would have taken great pleasure in seeing guillotined. No, the guillotine was not enough.

Starting point is 10:25:10 He deserved to be cut into little pieces. The story of an infanticide equally aroused their indignation. But the hatter, highly moral, found excuses for the woman, putting all the wrong on the back of her husband. For, after all, if some beast of a man had not put the retort, woman into the way of bleak poverty, she could not have drowned it in a water closet. They were most delighted, though, by the exploit of a Marquise, who, coming out of a dance all at two in the morning, had defended himself against an attack by three blackguards on the

Starting point is 10:25:42 boulevard des invalides. Without taking off his gloves, he disposed of the first two villains by ramming his head into their stomachs, and then had marched the third one off to the police. What a man. Too bad he was a noble. Listen to this now, continued Lantier. Here's some society news. A marriage is arranged between the eldest daughter of the Countess de Bratigny and the young Baron de Valancé, a decamp to his majesty. The wedding trousseau will contain more than 300,000 francs worth of lace.

Starting point is 10:26:20 What's that to us, interrupted Beebe the smoker. We don't want to know the color of her mantle. The girl can have no end of lace. nevertheless you'll see the folly of loving. As Lanquier seemed about to continue his reading, salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, took the newspaper from him and sat upon it saying, Ah, no, that's enough. This is all the paper is good for.

Starting point is 10:26:46 Meanwhile, my boots, who'd been looking at his hand, triumphantly banged his fists down on the table. He scored 93. I've got the revolution, he exulted. resulted, you're out of luck, comrade, the others told Koupo. They ordered two fresh bottles. The glasses were filled up again as fast as they were emptied. The booze increased.

Starting point is 10:27:11 Towards five o'clock, it began to get disgusting, so much so that Lantier kept very quiet, thinking of how to give the others the slip. Brawling and throwing the wine about was no longer his style. Just think Koupo stood up to make the drunkard's sign of the cross. touching his head he pronounced mumpurnasse then menimonte as he brought his hand to his right shoulder banyolet giving himself a blow in the chest and wound up by saying stewed rabbit three times as he hit himself in the pit of the stomach then the hatter took advantage of the clamor which greeted the performance of this feat and quietly made for the door his comrades did not even notice his departure he'd already had a pretty good dose. But once

Starting point is 10:28:01 outside he shook himself and regained his self-possession, and he quietly made for the shop, where he told Jervais that Coupot was with some friends. Two days passed by. The zinc worker had not returned. He was

Starting point is 10:28:18 reeling about the neighborhood, but no one knew exactly where. Several persons, however, stated that they had seen him at Mother Bacqués, at the butterfly, and at the little old man with a cough. only some said that he was alone whilst others affirmed that he was in the company of seven or eight drunkards like himself shervais shrugged her shoulders in a resigned sort of way mon dieu she just had to get used to it she never ran about after her old man she even went out of her way if she caught sight of him inside a wine-shop so it was not to anger him and she waited at home till he returned listening in night-time

Starting point is 10:29:00 to hear if he was snoring outside the door. He would sleep on a rubbish heap, or on a seat, or in a piece of wasteland, or across a gutter. On the morrow, after having only badly slept off his booze of a day before, he'd start off again, knocking at the doors of all the consolation dealers, plunging afresh into a furious wandering, in the midst of nips of spirits, glasses of wine, losing his friends and then finding them again,

Starting point is 10:29:30 going regular voyages from which he returned in a state of stupor, seeing the streets dance the night fall and the day break, without any other thought than to drink and sleep off the effects wherever he happened to be. When in the latter state, the world was ended so far as he was concerned. On the second day, however, Jervais went to Per Colom's La Samoire to find out something about him. He'd been there another five times. They were unable to tell her anything more. All she could do was to take away his tools, which he'd left under a seat. In the evening, Lanier, seeing that the laundress seemed very worried, over to take her to a musical, just by way of passing a pleasant hour or two. She refused at first. She was in no mood for laughing.

Starting point is 10:30:22 otherwise she would not have said no, for the Hatter made the proposal in too straightforward a manner for her to feel any mistrust. He seemed to feel for her in quite a paternal way. Never before had Koupo slept out two nights running. So that, in spite of herself, she would go every ten minutes to the door with her iron in her hand and look up and down the street to see if her old man was coming. It might be that Kupo had broken a leg or fallen under a wagon and been crushed, and that might be good riddens to bad rubbish. She saw no reason for cherishing in her heart

Starting point is 10:31:01 any affection for a filthy character like him. But it was irritating all the same to have to wonder every night whether he would come in or not. When it got dark, Lantier again suggested the musical, and this time she accepted. She decided it was, be silly to deny herself a little pleasure when her husband had been out on the town for three days. If he wasn't coming in, then she might as well go out herself. Let the entire dump burn up

Starting point is 10:31:31 if it felt like it. She might even put a torch to it herself. She was getting tired of the boring monotony of her present life. They ate their dinner quickly. Then when she went off at eight a clock, arm in arm with the hatter. Jervais told Mother Rupot and Nana to go to bed at once. The shop was shut and the shutters up. She left by the door opening into the courtyard and gave Madame

Starting point is 10:31:56 Bosch the key, asking her if her pig of a husband came home to have the kindness to put him to bed. The hatter was waiting for her under the big doorway, arrayed in his best and whistling a tune. She had on her silk dress. They walked slowly

Starting point is 10:32:14 along the pavement, keeping close to each other, lighted up by the glare from the shop windows, which showed them smiling and talking together in low voices. The music hall was in the boulevard de Rousseau. It had originally been a little cafe and had been enlarged by means of a kind of wooden shed erected in the courtyard. At the door, a string of glass globes formed a luminous porch. Tall posters pasted on board stood upon the ground close to the gutter. Here we are, said Lantier. Tonight, first appearance of Mademoiselle Amanda, serio-comic. Then he caught sight of Bibi the Smoker, who was also reading the poster.

Starting point is 10:33:00 Bibi had a black eye, some punch he'd run up against the day before. Well, where's Coupot? inquired the Hatter, looking about. Have you then lost Coupot? Oh, long ago since yesterday, replied the other. there was a bit of a free-for-all on leaving Mother-Bacquay's. I don't care for Fistakuffs. We had a row, you know, with Mother-Bac-A's pot-boy, because he wanted to make us pay for a quart twice over.

Starting point is 10:33:29 Then I left. I went and had a bit of a snooze. He was still yawning. He'd slept 18 hours at a stretch. He was, moreover, quite sobered with a stupid look on his face, and his jacket smothered with fluff, for he'd no doubt tumbled. into bed with his clothes on.

Starting point is 10:33:49 And you don't know where my husband is, sir? asked the laundress. Well, no, not a bit. It was five o'clock when we left Motherbacques. That's all I know about it. Perhaps he went down the street. Yes, I fancy now that I saw him go to the butterfly with a coachman. Oh, how stupid it is. Really, we deserve to be shot. Nantier and Jervais spent a very pleasant evening at the music hall. At 11 o'clock when the place closed, they strolled home without hurrying themselves. The cold was quite sharp. People seemed to be in groups. Some of the girls were giggling in the darkness as their men pressed close to them.

Starting point is 10:34:32 Montier was humming one of Mademoiselle Amanda's songs. Jervais, with her head spinning from too much drink, hummed the refrain with him. It had been very warm at the music hall and the two drinks she had had, along with all the smoke, had upset her stomach a bit. She'd been quite impressed with Mademoiselle Amanda. She wouldn't dare to appear in public wearing so little, but she had to admit that the lady had lovely skin. Everyone's asleep, said Jervais,

Starting point is 10:35:04 after ringing three times without the bushe's opening Bador. That length Bador opened, but inside the porch it was very dark, and when she knocked at the window of the concierge's room to ask for her key, the concierge, who was half asleep, pulled out some rigmarole which she could make nothing of it first. She eventually understood that Poisson, the policeman, had brought Coupot home in a frightful state

Starting point is 10:35:30 and that the key was no doubt in the lock. The deuce, murmured Lantier, when they'd entered. Whatever has he been up to here, the stench is abominable. there was indeed a most powerful stench. As Jervais went to look for matches, she stepped into something messy. After she succeeded in lighting a candle, a pretty sight met their eyes. Coupeau appeared to have disgorged his very insides.

Starting point is 10:36:00 The bed was splattered all over, so was the carpet, and even the bureau had splashes on its sides. Besides that, he'd fallen from the bed where Poisson had probably thrown him, and was snoring on the floor in the midst of the filth, like a pig wallowing in the mire, exhaling his foul breath through his open mouth. His gray hair was straggling into the puddle around his head. Oh, the pig, the pig repeated Gervais, indignant and exasperated. He's dirty to everything. No, a dog wouldn't have done that.

Starting point is 10:36:36 Even a dead dog is cleaner. They both hesitated to move. not knowing where to place their feet. Koupoe had never before come home and put the bedroom into such a shocking state. This sight was a blow to whatever affection his wife still had for him. Previously she'd been forgiving

Starting point is 10:36:57 and not seriously offended, even when he'd been blind drunk. But this made her sick. It was too much. She wouldn't have touched Kupo for the world, and just the thought of this filthy bum touching her caused her repugnance such as she might have felt had she been required to sleep beside the corpse of someone who died from a terrible disease.

Starting point is 10:37:19 Oh, I must get into that bed, murmured she. I can't go and sleep in the street. I'll crawl into it foot first. She tried to step over, the drunkard, but had to catch hold of a corner of a chest of drawers to save herself from slipping in the mess. Koupo completely blocked the way to the bed. Then, Lantier, who laughed, himself on seeing that she certainly could not sleep on her own pillow that night, took hold of her hand, saying in a low and angry voice,

Starting point is 10:37:51 Shevades, he's a pig. She understood what he meant, and pulled her hand free. She sighed to herself, and in her bewilderment addressed him familiarly as in the old days. No, leave me alone, Auguste. Go to your own bed. I'll manage some. to lie at the foot of the bed. Come, Chavez, don't be foolish, resumed he. It's too abominable, you can't remain here. Come with me. He won't hear us.

Starting point is 10:38:23 What are you afraid of? No, she replied firmly, shaking her head vigorously. Then, to show that she would remain where she was, she began to take off her clothes, throwing her silk dress over a chair. She was quickly in only her chemise and petticoat. Well, it was a romewere. own bed. She wanted to sleep in her own bed and made two more attempts to reach a clean corner of the

Starting point is 10:38:48 bed. Nantier, having no intention of giving up, whispered things to her. What a predicament she was in, with a louse of a husband that prevented her from crawling under her own blankets and a low skunk behind her just waiting to take advantage of a situation to possess her again. She begged Lantier to be quiet. Turning toward the small room where Nana and Mother Koupoe slept, she listened anxiously. She could hear only steady breathing. Leave me alone, August, she repeated. You'll wake them. Be sensible. Lanier didn't answer, but just smiled at her. Then he began to kiss her on the ear, just as in the old days. Jervais felt like sobbing. Her strength deserted her.

Starting point is 10:39:41 She felt a great buzzing in her ears. A violent tremor passed through her. She advanced another step forward, and she was again obliged to draw back. It was not possible. The disgust was too great. She felt on the verge of vomiting herself. Koupooh, overpowered by intoxication,

Starting point is 10:40:02 lying as comfortably as though on a bed of down, was sleeping off his booze, without life in his limbs and with his mouth all on one side. The whole street might have entered and laughed at him without a hair of his body moving. Well, I can't help it, she faltered. It's his own fault. Mon Dieu, he's forcing me out of my own bed. I've no bed any longer.

Starting point is 10:40:31 No, I can't help it. It's his own fault. She was trembling, so she scarcely knew what she was doing. Rolantier was urging her into his room. Nana's face appeared at one of the glass panes in the door of a little room. The young girl, pale from sleep, had awakened and gotten out of bed quietly. She stared at her father lying in his vomit. Then she stood watching until her mother disappeared into Lanier's room.

Starting point is 10:41:02 She watched with the intensity and the wide-open eyes of a vicious child aflame with curiosity. This ends Chapter 8. Part 4. Chapter 9, Part 1 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visielli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 9, Part 1. That winter, Mother Coupeau nearly went off in one of her coughing fits. Each December she could count on her asthma keeping her on her back for two and three weeks at a time. She was no longer 15.

Starting point is 10:41:54 She would be 73 on St. Anthony's Day. With that, she was very rickety, getting a rattling in her throat for nothing at all, though she was plump and stout. The doctor said she would go off coughing, just time enough to say, Good night, the candle's out. When she was in her bed,

Starting point is 10:42:14 Mother Coupeau became positively unbearable. It's true, though, but the little room in which she slept with Nana was not at all gay. There was barely room for two chairs between the beds. The wallpaper, a faded grey, hung loose in long strips. The small window near the ceiling led in only a dim light. It was like a cavern. At night, as she lay awake, she could listen to the breathing of a sleeping Nana

Starting point is 10:42:40 as a sort of distraction. But in the daytime, as there was no one to keep her company from morning to night, she grumbled and cried and repeated to herself for hours together as she rolled her head on the pillow. Good heavens, what a miserable creature I am! Good heavens! What a miserable creature I am! They'll leave me to die in prison.

Starting point is 10:43:02 Yes, in prison! As soon as anyone called Virginie or Madame Bosch to ask after her health, she would not reply directly, but immediately started on her list of complaints. Oh, I pay dearly for the food I eat here. I'd be much better off with some. strangers. I asked for a cup of Tissin, and they brought me an entire pot of hot water. It was a way of

Starting point is 10:43:28 saying that I drank too much. I brought Nana up myself, and she scurries away in her bare feet every morning, and I never see her again all day. Then at night, she sleeps so soundly that she never wakes up to ask me if I'm in pain. I'm just a nuisance to them. They're waiting for me to die. That'll happen soon enough. I don't. even have a son anymore. That laundress has taken him from me. She'd beat me to death if she wasn't afraid of the law. Chervays was indeed rather hasty at times. The place was going to the dogs. Everyone's temper was getting spoiled, and they sent each other to the right about for the least word. Coupot, one morning that he had a hangover, exclaimed,

Starting point is 10:44:15 The old things always saying she's going to die, and yet she never does. The word struck Mother Coupeau to the heart. They frequently complained of how much she cost them, observing that they would save a lot of money when she was gone. When at her worst that winter, one afternoon, when Madame Lourilu and Madame Lerra had met at her bedside, Mother Coupeau winked her eye as a signal to them to lean over her. She could scarcely speak. She rather hissed than said in a low voice, it's becoming indecent. I heard them last night.

Starting point is 10:44:53 Yes, clump, clump, and the hatter. And they were kicking up such a row together. Kupos's too decent for her. And she related in short sentences, coughing and choking between each, that her son had come home dead drunk the night before. Then, if she was not asleep, she was easily able to account for all the noises

Starting point is 10:45:15 of clump-clumps bare feet tripping over the tiled floor, the hissing voice of the hat are calling her, the door between the two rooms gently closed, and the rest. It must have lasted till daylight. She could not tell the exact time, because, in spite of her efforts,

Starting point is 10:45:34 she'd ended up by falling into a doze. What's most disgusting is that Nana might have heard everything, continued she. She was indeed restless all the night, she who usually sleep so sound. She tossed about and kept turning over as though there had been some lighted charcoal in her bed. The other two women did not seem at all surprised.

Starting point is 10:45:59 Of course, murmured Madame Lohilu. It probably began the very first night, but as it pleases Coupot, we've no business to interfere. All the same, it's not very respectable. As for me, declared Madame L'Henouille. through clenched teeth. If I'd been there,

Starting point is 10:46:18 I'd have thrown a fright into them. I'd have shouted something, anything. A doctor's maid told me once, but the doctor had told her that a surprise like that at a certain moment could strike a woman dead. If she died right there,

Starting point is 10:46:32 that would have been well, wouldn't it? She would have been punished right where she'd sinned. It wasn't long until the entire neighborhood knew the Gervais visited Lantier's room every night. Madame L'Hilu was loudly indignant,

Starting point is 10:46:48 calling her brother a poor fool whose wife had shamed him. And her poor mother, forced to live in the midst of such horrors. As a result, the neighbors blamed Gervais. Yes, she must have led Lantier astray. You could see it in her eyes.

Starting point is 10:47:04 In spite of a nasty gossip, Lantier was still liked because he was always so polite. He always had candy or flowers to give the ladies. Mour deur, men shouldn't be expected to push away women who threw themselves at them. There was no excuse for Jervais. She was a disgrace. But Lory Luz used to bring Nanna up to their apartment

Starting point is 10:47:27 in order to find out more details from her, their godchild. But Nanna would put on her expression of innocent stupidity and lower her long, silky eyelashes, to hide the fire in her eyes as she replied. In the midst of this general indignation, Jervais lived quietly. on, feeling tired out and half asleep. At first she considered herself very sinful and felt a disgust for herself.

Starting point is 10:47:55 When she left Lanthier's room, she'd wash her hands and scrub herself, as if trying to get rid of an evil stain. If Coupeau then tried to joke with her, she would fly into a passion and run and shiveringly dress herself in the farthest corner of the shop, neither would she allow Valentier near her soon after her husband had kissed her. She would have liked to have changed her skin as she changed men. But she gradually became accustomed to it. Soon it was too much trouble to scrub herself each time. Her thirst for happiness led her to enjoy as much as she could be difficult situation. She'd always been disposed to make allowances for herself, so why not for others? She only wanted to avoid causing trouble.

Starting point is 10:48:42 As long as the household went along as usual, there was nothing to complain about. Then, after all, she could not be doing anything to make Hupo stop drinking. Matters were arranged so easily to the general satisfaction. One is generally punished if one does what is not right. His dissoluteness had gradually become a habit. Now it was as regular an affair as eating and drinking. Each time Hupo came home drunk, she'd go down. to Lantier's room.

Starting point is 10:49:14 This was usually on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Sometimes on other nights, if Coupot was snoring too loudly, she would leave in the middle of a night. It was not that she cared more for Lantier, but just that she slept better in his room. Mother Coupot never dared speak openly of it,

Starting point is 10:49:33 but after a quarrel, when Melondress had bullied her, the old woman was not sparing in her allusions. She would say that she knew men who were precious fools and women who were precious hussies, and she would mutter words far more biting, with the sharpness of language pertaining to an old waistcoat maker. The first time this had occurred, Gervais looked at her straight in the face without answering. Then, also avoiding going into details, she began to defend herself with reasons given in a general

Starting point is 10:50:04 sort of way. When a woman had a drunkard for a husband, a pig who lived in filth, that woman was to be excused if she sought for cleanliness elsewhere. Once she pointed out that Lantier was just as much her husband as Coupot was, hadn't she known him since she was fourteen, and didn't she have children by him? Anyway, she'd like to see anyone make trouble for her. She wasn't the only one around the Rue de la Gouta. Madame Vigourou, the coal-dealer, had a merry dance from morning till night. Then there was the grocer's wife, Madame Léau.

Starting point is 10:50:41 with her brother-in-law. Mon dieu, what a slab of a fellow. He wasn't worth touching with a shovel. Even the neat little clockmaker was said to have carried on with his own daughter, a street-walker. Ah, the entire neighborhood. Oh, she knew plenty of dirt.

Starting point is 10:51:01 One day when Mother Coupeau was more pointed than usual in her observations, Jervais had replied to her, clenching her teeth. You're confined to your bed, and you take advantage of it. But listen, you're wrong. You say that I behave nicely to you, for I've never thrown your past life into your teeth. Oh, I know all about it. No, don't cough. I finished what I had to say. It's only to request you to mind your own business. That's all.

Starting point is 10:51:30 The old woman almost choked. On the morrow, Gouget having called about his mother's washing, when Jervais happened to be out, Mother Coupeau called him to her and kept him sometime seated beside her bed. She knew all about the blacksmith's friendship and had noticed that for some time past he'd looked dismal and wretched from a suspicion of the melancholy things that were taking place.

Starting point is 10:51:55 So, for the sake of gossiping and out of revenge for the quarrel of a day before, she bluntly told him the truth, weeping and complaining as though Gervais's wicked behavior did her some special injury. when Gujar quitted the little room, he lengthed against the wall, almost stifling with grief. Then, when Melondress returned home, Mother Coupeau called to her that Madame Guzre required her to go round with her clothes, ironed or not, and she was so animated that Gervais, seeing something was wrong, guest would have taken place,

Starting point is 10:52:28 and had a presentiment of the unpleasantness which awaited her. Very pale, her limbs already trembling. She placed the things. in a basket and started off. For years past she had not returned the Gujares a sue of their money. But that still amounted to 425 francs. She always spoke of her embarrassments

Starting point is 10:52:51 and received the money for the washing. It filled her with shame because she seemed to be taking advantage of the blacksmith's friendship to make a fool of him. Coupeau, who had now become less scrupulous, would chuckle and say that Guzé no doubt had fooled around with her

Starting point is 10:53:07 a bit, and had so paid himself. But she, in spite of the relations she had fallen into with Koupoe, would indignantly ask her husband if he already wished to eat of that sort of bread. She would not allow anyone to say a word against Gouge in her presence. Her affection for the blacksmith remained like a last shred of her honor. Thus, every time she took the washing home to those worthy people, she felt a spasm of her heart the moment she put a foot on their stairs. Ah, it's you at last, said Madame Gujarre sharply, on opening the door to her. When I'm in want of death, I'll send you to fetch him. Chavez entered, greatly embarrassed, not even daring to mutter an excuse. She was no longer punctual, never came at the time

Starting point is 10:53:58 arranged, and would keep her customers waiting for days on end. Little by little she was giving way to a system of thorough disorder. For a week past I've been expecting you, continued the lace mender. And you tell falsehoods, too. You send your apprentice to me with all sorts of stories. You're then busy with my things. You'll deliver them the same evening, or else you've had an accident.

Starting point is 10:54:23 The bundles fall into a pail of water. Whilst all this is going on, I waste my time, nothing turns up, and it worries me exceedingly. No, you're most unreasonable. come, what have you in your basket? Is everything there now? Have you brought me the pair of sheets you've been keeping back for a month past? And the chemise, which was missing the last time you brought home the washing? Yes, yes, murmured Jervais, I have the chemise, here it is. But Madame Couget cried out, that chemise was not hers. She would have nothing to do with it. Her things were changed now.

Starting point is 10:55:01 It was too bad. Only the week before, there were two hands. handkerchiefs which hadn't her mark on them. It was not to her taste to have clothes coming from no one knew where. Besides that, she liked to have her own things. And the sheets, she resumed? They're lost, aren't they? Well, woman, you must see about them, for I insist upon having them tomorrow morning. Do you hear?

Starting point is 10:55:29 There was a silence which particularly bothered Jervais, when she noticed that Bador de Guzé's room was opened. If he was in there, it was most annoying that he should hear these just criticisms. She made no reply, meekly bowing her head, and placing the laundry on the bed as quickly as possible. Matters became worse when Madame Gujeet began to look over the things, one by one. She took hold of them and threw them down again, saying, Ah, you don't get them up nearly so well as you used to do. One can't compliment you every day now.

Starting point is 10:56:04 Yes, you've taken to mucking your work, doing it in a most slovenly way. Just look at this shirt front. It's scorched. There's the mark of the iron on the plates, and the buttons have all been torn off. I don't know how you manage it, but there's never a button left on anything. Oh, now, here's a petticoat body which I shall certainly not pay you for. Look there, the dirt's still on it. You've simply smoothed it over. So now the things are not even clean. She stopped, will she count of the different articles. Then she exclaimed, "'What? This is all you've brought?

Starting point is 10:56:42 There are two pairs of stockings, six towels, a tablecloth, and several dishcloth short. You're regularly trifling with me, it seems. I sent word that you were to bring me everything, iron or not. If your apprentice isn't here on the hour with the rest of the things, we shall fall out, Madame Coupeau. I warn you. At this, Gouge coughed in his room.

Starting point is 10:57:07 Jervais slightly started. Mon Dieu, how she was treated before him! And she remained standing in the middle of the rooms, embarrassed and confused and waiting for the dirty clothes. But after making up the account, Madame Gouche had quietly returned to her seat near the window and resumed the mending of a lace shawl. And the dirty things? Timidly inquired the laundress.

Starting point is 10:57:32 "'No, thank you,' replied the old woman. "'There will be no laundry this week.' Jervais turned pale. She was no longer to have the washing. Then she quite lost her head. She was obliged to sit down on a chair, for her legs were giving way under her. She did not attempt to vindicate herself.

Starting point is 10:57:54 All that she would find to say was, "'Is Monsieur Gouge ill?' "'Yes, he was not well.' He'd been obliged to come home instead of returning to the forge, and he'd gone to lie down on his bed to get a rest. Madame Guzé talked gravely, wearing her black dress as usual, and her white face framed in her nun like coiff.

Starting point is 10:58:19 The pay at the forge had been cut again. It was now only seven francs a day, because the machines did so much of the work. This forced her to save money every way she could. She would do her own washing from now on. It would naturally have been very helpful if the coupos had been able to return her the money lent them by her son. But she was not going to set the lawyers on them as they were unable to pay. As she was talking about Bidette, Gervais lowered her eyes in embarrassment.

Starting point is 10:58:51 All the same, continued the lacemaker. By pinching yourselves a little, you could manage to pay it off. For really, now, you live very well, and spend the great deal, I'm sure, if you were only to pay off ten francs a month. She was interrupted by the sound of Gouge's voice, as he called, Mama, Mama! And when she returned to her seat,

Starting point is 10:59:16 which was almost immediately, she changed the conversation. The blacksmith had doubtless begged her not to astravays for money, but in spite of herself, she again spoke of a debt at the expiration of five minutes. Oh, she had foreseen long ago what was, was now happening. Koupo was drinking all that the laundry business brought in and dragging his wife down with him. Her son would never have loaned the money if he'd only listen to her. By now,

Starting point is 10:59:45 he would have been married, instead of miserably sad, with only unhappiness to look forward to for the rest of his life. She grew quite stern and angry, even accusing Jervais of having schemed with Koupeau to take advantage of her foolish son. Yes, some women were able to play the hypocrite for years, but eventually the truth came out. Mama! Mama, again called Gouge, but louder this time. She rose from her seat, and when she returned, she said as she resumed her lace mending, Go in, he wishes to see you. Jervais, all in a tremble, left the door open.

Starting point is 11:00:25 This scene filled her with emotion because it was like an avowal of their affection before Madame Gouge. She again beheld the quiet little chamber with its narrow iron bedstead and papered all over with pictures, the whole looking like the room of some girl of fifteen. Couget's big body was stretched on the bed. Mother Coupot's disclosures and the things his mother had been saying seemed to have knocked all the life out of his limbs. His eyes were red and swollen.

Starting point is 11:00:56 His beautiful yellow beard was still wet. In the first moment of rage he must have. punched away at his pillow with his terrible fists, for the ticking was split and the feathers were coming out. Listen, Mama's wrong, said he, to the laundress in a voice that was scarcely audible. You owe me nothing. I won't have it mentioned again. He'd raised himself up and was looking at her. Big tears at once filled his eyes. Do you suffer, Monsieur Cougé? murmured she. What's the matter with you? Tell me. Nothing, thanks.

Starting point is 11:01:38 I tired myself with too much work yesterday. I'll rest a bit. Then his heart-breaking, he could not restrain himself and burst out. Mondeur. Ah, Monseigneur, it was never to be. Never, you swore it. And now it is. It is.

Starting point is 11:02:01 Ah, it pains me to be. much. Leave me." And with his hand he gently and imploringly motioned to her to go. She did not draw nearer to the bed. She went off as he requested her to, feeling stupid, unable to say anything to soothe him. When in the other room she took up her basket, but she did not go home, she stood there trying to find something to say. Madame Gujarne continued her mending without raising her head. It was she who at length said, Well, good night.

Starting point is 11:02:36 Send me back my things, and we will settle up afterwards. Yes, it will be best, so good night, stammered Jervais. She took a last look around the neatly arranged room and thought as she shut the door that she seemed to be leaving some part of her better self behind. She plotted blindly back to the laundry, scarcely knowing where she was going. When Gervais arrived, she found Mother Coupeau out of her bed, sitting on a chair by the stove. Jervais was too tired to scold her.

Starting point is 11:03:10 Her bones ached as though she'd been beaten, and she was thinking that her life was becoming too hard to bear. Surely a quick death was the only escape from the pain in her heart. After this, Gervais became indifferent to everything. With a vague gesture of her hand, she would send every, everybody about their business. At each fresh worry she buried herself deeper in her only pleasure, which was to have her three meals a day. The shop might have collapsed. So long as she was not beneath it, she would have gone off willingly without a chemise to her back. And the little shop was collapsing, not suddenly, but little by little, morning and evening. One by one,

Starting point is 11:03:56 the customers got angry and sent their washing elsewhere. Monsieur Madignier, Mademoiselle Hermannsue, the bouchers themselves had returned to Madame Focconier, where they could count on great punctuality. One ends by getting tired of asking for a pair of stockings for three weeks straight, and of putting on shirts with grease stains dating from the previous Sunday. Jervais, without losing a bite, wished them a pleasant journey and spoke her mind about them, saying that she was precious glad she would no longer have to poke her nose into her. their filth. The entire neighborhood could quit her. That would relieve her of the piles of

Starting point is 11:04:36 stinking junk and give her less work to do. Now her only customers were those who didn't pay regularly, the streetwalkers and women like Madame Godron, whose laundries smelled so bad that not one of the laundresses on the Runeuve would take it. She had to let Madame Poutoir go, leaving only her apprentice, squint-eyed Augustine, whose seemed to grow more stupid as time passed. Frequently, there was not even enough work for the two of them, and they sat on stools all afternoon doing nothing. Whilst idleness and poverty entered,

Starting point is 11:05:15 dirtiness naturally entered also, which would never have recognized that beautiful blue shop, the color of heaven, which had once been Jervais's pride. Its window frames and panes, which were never washed, were covered from top to bottom with the splash, ashes of the passing vehicles. On the brass rods and the windows were displayed three gray rags left by customers who had died in the hospital.

Starting point is 11:05:41 And inside it was more pitiable still. The dampness of the clothes hung up at the ceiling to dry had loosed all the wallpaper. The pompadour chins hung in strips like cobwebs covered with dust. The big stove, broken and in holes from the rough use of the poker, looked in its corner like the stock and trade of a dealer in old iron. The work table appeared as though it had been used by a regiment, covered as it was with wine and coffee stains, sticky with jam, greasy from spilled gravy.

Starting point is 11:06:16 Jervais was so at ease among it all that she never even noticed the shop was getting filthy. She became used to it all, just as she got used to wearing torn skirts and no longer washing herself carefully. but his order was like a warm nest. This ends Chapter 9, Part 1.

Starting point is 11:06:44 Chapter 9 Part 2 of La Somer by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. The Slibervok's recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 9, Part 2. Her own ease was her sole consoled She didn't care a pin for anything else. The debts, though still increasing, no longer troubled her. Her honesty gradually deserted her. Whether she would be able to pay or not was altogether uncertain, and she preferred not to think about it. When her credit was stopped at one shop, she would open an account and some other shop close by. She was in debt all over the neighborhood. She owed money every few yards. To take Merely the Rue de la Goutre, she no longer dared pass in front of the grocers,

Starting point is 11:07:40 nor the charcoal dealers, nor the green grocers, and this obliged her, whenever she required to be at the wash-house, to go round by the Rue de Poissonier, which was quite ten minutes out of her way. The tradespeople came and treated her as a swindler. One evening, the dealer from whom she'd purchased Lantier's furniture made a scene in the street. Seems like this upset her at the time, but were soon forgotten and never spoiled her appetite. What a nerve to bother her like that when she had no money to pay. They were all robbers anyway, and it served them right to have to wait.

Starting point is 11:08:19 Well, she'd have to go bankrupt, but she didn't intend to fret about it now. Meanwhile, Mother Coupeau had recovered. For another year the household jogged along. During the summer months there was naturally a little more work, the white petticoats and the cambric dresses of the streetwalkers of the exterior of Wilvard. The catastrophe was slowly approaching. The home sank deeper into the mire every week. There were ups and downs, however,

Starting point is 11:08:50 days when one had to rub one's stomach before the empty cupboard, and others when one ate veal enough to make one burst. Mother Coupeau was forever being seen in the street, hiding bundles under her apron and strolling in the direction of the pawn place in the rue polonsoe. She strutted along with the air of a devotees going to mass, for she did not dislike these errands.

Starting point is 11:09:14 Hagling about money amused her. This crying up of her wares like a second-hand dealer tickled the old woman's fancy for driving hard bargains. The clerks knew her well and called her Mama four francs because she always demanded four francs when they offered three, on bundles no bigger than two sous' worth of butter.

Starting point is 11:09:36 At the start, Gervais took advantage of good weeks to get things back from the pawn shops, only to put them back again the next week. Later, she let things go altogether, selling her pawn tickets for cash. One thing alone gave Gervais a pang. It was having to pawn her clock to pay an acceptance for twenty francs to a bailiff who came to seize her goods. Until then, she'd sworn rather to die of hunger than depart with her clock. When Mother Coupeau carried it away in a little bonnet box, she sunk onto a chair, without a particle of strength left in her arms, her eyes full of tears, as though a fortune was being torn from her.

Starting point is 11:10:20 But when Mother Coupeau reappeared with 25 francs, the unexpected loan, the five francs prophet consoled her. She at once sent the old woman out again for four sous worth of brandy and a glass just to toast the five-franc piece. But two of them would often have a drop together, when they were on good terms with each other. Mother Coupa was very successful at bringing back a full glass hidden in her apron pocket without spilling a drop. Well, the neighbors didn't need to know, did they? But the neighbors knew perfectly well. This turned the neighbor heard even more against Jervais. She was devouring everything. A few more mouthfuls in the place would be swept clean. In the midst of this general demolishment, Coupot continued to prosper. The confounded

Starting point is 11:11:12 Tippler was as well as well could be. The sour wine and the vitriol positively fattened him, ate a great deal and laughed at that stick, Lory Lou, who accused drink of killing people, and answered him by slapping himself on the stomach, the skin of which was so stretched by the fat that it resembled the skin of a drum. He would play a tune on it, the glutton's vespers, with rolls and beats loud enough to have made a quack's fortune. Lohilu annoyed at not having any fat himself, said that it was soft and unhealthy.

Starting point is 11:11:48 Koupo ignored him and went on drinking more and more, saying it was for his health's sake. His hair was beginning to turn gray, and his face to take on the drunkard's hue. of purplish wine. He continued to act like a mischievous child. Well, it wasn't his concern if there was nothing about the place to eat. When he went for weeks without work, he became even more difficult. Still, he was always giving Lantier friendly slaps on the back. People swore he had no suspicion at all. Surely something terrible would happen if he ever found out. Madame Lacha shook her head at this.

Starting point is 11:12:27 His sister said she'd known of husbands who didn't mind at all. Lanier wasn't wasting away either. He took great care of himself, measuring his stomach by the waistband of his trousers, with the constant dread of having to loosen the buckle or draw it tighter, for he considered himself just right, and out of coquetry, neither desired to grow fatter nor thinner. That made him hard to please in the matter of food, for he regarded every dish from the point of view of keeping

Starting point is 11:12:58 his waste as it was. Even when there was not a sou in the house, he required eggs, cutlets, light, and nourishing things. Since he was sharing the lady of the house, he considered himself to have a half-interest in everything, and would pocket any frank pieces he saw lying about. He kept Jervais running here and there, and seemed more at home than Coupot. Nana was his favourite, because he adored pretty little girls, but he paid less and less attention to Etienne, since boys, according to him, ought to know how to take care of themselves. If anyone came to see Coupot while he was out, Lantier, in shirt-sleeves and slippers, would come out of the back room with the bored expression of a husband who's been disturbed,

Starting point is 11:13:44 saying he would answer for Coupot as it was all the same. Between these two gentlemen, Gervais had nothing to laugh about. She had nothing to complain of his regards her health, thank goodness. She was growing too fat. But two men to coddle was often more than she could manage. Ah, mon dieu, one husband is already too much for a woman. The worst was that they got on very well together, the rogues. They never quarreled.

Starting point is 11:14:14 They would chuckle in each other's faces as they sat of an evening after dinner, their elbows on the table. They would romp up against one another all the live-long day, like cats would seek and cultivate their pleasure. But days when they came home in a rage, it was on her but they vented it. Go it! Hammer away at the animal! She had a good back. It made them all the better friends when they yelled together. And it never did for her to give them tit for tat.

Starting point is 11:14:43 In the beginning, whenever one of them yelled at her, she would appeal to the other. But this seldom worked. Koupo had a foul mouth and called her horrible things. Nantes chose his insults carefully, but they often hurt her even more. But one can get used to anything. Soon their nasty remarks, and all the wrongs done her by these two men, slid off her smooth skin like water off a duck's back. It was even easier to have them angry,

Starting point is 11:15:13 because when they were in good moods, they bothered her too much, never giving her time to get a bonnet ironed. Yes, Coupot and Lantier were wearing her out. The zinc worker, sure enough, lacked education, but the hatter had too much, or at least he had education in the same way that dirty people have a white shirt with uncleannliness underneath it. One night she dreamt that she was on the edge of a wall. Coupot was knocking her into it with a blow of his fist, while Lantier was tickling her in the ribs to make her fall quicker. Well, that resembled her life. It was no surprise if she was becoming slipshod.

Starting point is 11:15:55 The neighbors weren't fair in blaming her for the frightful habit she'd fallen into. Sometimes a cold shiver ran through her, but things could have been worse, so she tried to make the best of it. Once she had seen a play in which the wife detested her husband and poisoned him for the sake of her lover, wasn't it more sensible for the three of them to live together in peace? In spite of her debts and poverty, she thought she was quite happy and could live in peace if only Coupot and Lantier would stop yelling at her so much. Towards the autumn, unfortunately, things became worse. Lantier pretended he was getting thinner

Starting point is 11:16:37 and pulled a longer face over the matter every day. He grumbled at everything, sniffed at the dishes of potatoes. A mess he could not eat, he would say, without having the colic. Felice Zhangli now turned to quarrels in which they accused one another of being the cause of all their troubles, and it was a devil of a job to restore harmony before they all retired for the night. Lanier sensed the crisis coming, and it exasperated him to realize that this place was already so thoroughly cleaned out that he could see the day coming when he'd have to take his hat

Starting point is 11:17:12 and seek elsewhere for his bed and board. He'd become accustomed to this little paradise where he was nicely treated by everybody. He should have blamed himself for eating himself out of house and home, but instead he blamed the coupos for letting themselves be ruined in less than two years. He thought Jervais was too extravagant. What was going to happen to them now? One evening in December they had no dinner at all. There was not a radish left. Nantier, who was very glum, went out early, wandering about in search of some other den where the smell of the kitchen would bring a smile to one's face. He would now remain for hours beside the stove,

Starting point is 11:17:57 wrapped in thought. Then, suddenly, he began to evince a great friendship for the Poisson. He no longer teased the policeman, and even went so far as to concede that the emperor might not be such a bad fellow, after all. He seemed to especially admire Virginie. No doubt he was hoping to board with them. Viginie, having acquainted him with her design,

Starting point is 11:18:21 to set up in some sort of business, he agreed with everything she said and declared that her idea was a most brilliant one. She was just the person for trade, tall, engaging, and active. Oh, she would make as much as she liked. The capital had been available for some time, thanks to an inheritance from an aunt. Ante told her of all the shopkeepers who were making fortunes. The time was right for it. You could sell anything these days. virginie however hesitated she was looking for a shop that was to be let she did not wish to leave the neighbourhood then lantier would take her into corners and converse with her in an undertone for ten minutes at a time he seemed to be urging her to do something in spite of herself and she no longer said no but appeared to authorize him to act it was as a secret between them with winks and words rapidly exchanged some mysterious understanding which people were to act but she was a secret between them with winks and words rapidly exchanged some mysterious understanding which portrayed itself even in their handshakings.

Starting point is 11:19:25 From this moment the Hatter would covertly watch the coupos, whilst eating their dry bread, and becoming very talkative again, would deafen them with his continual Jeremiahids. All day long, Gervais moved in the midst of that poverty which he so obligingly spread out. Oh dear, he wasn't thinking of himself. He would go on starving with his friends as long as they liked. But look at it with common sense. They owed at least 500 francs in the neighborhood. Besides which, they were two quarters rent behind with the rent,

Starting point is 11:20:01 which meant another 250 francs. The landlord, Monsieur Mersko, even spoke of having them evicted if they did not pay him by the first of January. Finally, the pawn place had absorbed everything. One could not have got together three francs worth of odds and ends. The clearance had been so complete. The nails remained in the walls, and that was all, and perhaps there were two pounds of them at three sous the pound. Jervais thoroughly entangled in it all. Her nerves quite upset by this calculation would fly into a passion and bang her fists down upon the table,

Starting point is 11:20:39 or else she would end by bursting into tears like a fool. One night she exclaimed, I'll be off tomorrow. I prefer to put the key under the door and to sleep on the pavement rather than the continue. to live in such frights. It would be wiser, said Lantier slyly, to get rid of a lease if you could find someone to take it, when you are both decided to give up the shop. She interrupted him more violently.

Starting point is 11:21:07 At once, at once! Ah, it'll be a good riddance! Then the hatter became very practical. On giving up a lease, one would no doubt get the new tenant to be responsible for the two overdue quarters. And he ventured to mention the poissons. He reminded them that Virginie was looking for a shop.

Starting point is 11:21:28 Theirs would perhaps suit her. He remembered that he had heard her say she longed for one just like it. But when Virginie's name was mentioned, the laundress suddenly regained her composure. We'll see how things go along. When you're angry, you always talk of quitting. But it isn't so easy when you just stop to think about it.

Starting point is 11:21:48 During the following days it was in vain that Lantheir harped upon the subject. Chevese replied that she'd seen herself worse off and had pulled through. How would she be better off when she no longer had her shop? That would not put bread into their mouths. She would, on the contrary, engage some fresh workwomen and work up a fresh connection. Lanthier made the mistake of mentioning Virginie again. This stirs jervais into furious obstinacy. No, never.

Starting point is 11:22:23 She had always had her suspicions of what was in Virginie's heart. Virginia only wanted to humiliate her. She would rather turn it over to the first woman to come in from the street than to that hypocrite who'd been waiting for years to see her fail. Yes, Virginie still had in mind that fight in the wash house. Well, she'd be wiser to forget about it, unless she wanted another one now. In the face of this flow of angry retorts, Mantier began by attacking Gervais.

Starting point is 11:22:57 He called her stupid and stuck up. He even went so far as to abuse Coupeau, accusing him of not knowing how to make his wife respect his friend. Then, realizing that passion would compromise everything, he swore that he would never again interest himself in the affairs of other people, for one always got more kicks than thanks. And indeed he appeared to have given up all idea of talking them departing with the lease, but he was really watching for a favorable opportunity of broaching the

Starting point is 11:23:28 subject again and of bringing the laundress round to his views. January had now arrived. The weather was wretched, both damp and cold. Mother Coupeau, who'd coughed and choked all through December, was obliged to take to her bed after 12th night. It was her annuity which he expected every winter. This winter, This winter, though, those around her said she'd never come out of her bedroom except feet first. Indeed, her gasping sounded like a death rattle. She was still fat, but one eye was blind and one side of her face was twisted. The doctor made one call and didn't return again.

Starting point is 11:24:11 They kept giving her tisans and going to check on her every hour. She could no longer speak because her breathing was so difficult. One Monday evening, Coupot came home totally drunk. Ever since his mother was in danger, he'd lived in a continual state of deep emotion. When he was in bed, snoring soundly, Chavez walked about the place for a while. She was in the habit of watching over Mother Coupot during a part of the night. Nana had showed herself very brave, always sleeping beside the old woman, and saying that if she heard her dying, she would wake everywhere.

Starting point is 11:24:50 since the invalid seemed to be sleeping peacefully this night. Jervais finally yielded to the appeals of Lantier to come into his room for a little rest. They only kept a candle alight, standing on the ground behind the wardrobe. But towards three o'clock, Jervais abruptly jumped out of bed, shivering and oppressed with anguish. She thought she'd felt a cold breath pass over her body. The morsel of candle had burnt out. She tied on her petticoats in the dark, all bewildered and with feverish hands. It was not till she got into the little room, after knocking up against the furniture,

Starting point is 11:25:30 that she was able to light a small lamp. In the midst of the oppressive silence of night, the zinc-worker snores alone sounded as two grave notes. Nana, stretched on her back, was breathing gently between her pouting lips. and Jervais, holding down the lamp which caused big shadows to dance about the room, cast the light on Mother Coupot's face, and beheld it all white, the head lying on the shoulder, the eyes wide open. Mother Coupot was dead.

Starting point is 11:26:09 This ends Chapter 9, Part 2. Chapter 9 Part 3 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libre Vox's recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 9, Part 3. Gently, without uttering a cry, icy, cold, yet prudent,

Starting point is 11:26:42 Blondrous returned to Lancier's room. He'd gone to sleep again. She bent over him and murmured. Listen, it's all over. She's dead. Heavy with sleep, only half awake, he grunted at first. Leave me alone. Get into bed. We can't do her any good if she's dead. Then he raised himself on his elbow and asked,

Starting point is 11:27:06 What's the time? Three o'clock. Only three o'clock. Get into bed quick. You'll catch cold. When it's daylight, we'll see what's to be done. But she did not listen to him. She dressed herself completely, bundling himself in the blankets, Lanier muttered about how stubborn women were. What was the hurry to announce a death in the house? He was irritated at having his sleep spoiled by such gloomy matters.

Starting point is 11:27:39 Meanwhile, Javeza had moved her things back into her own room. Then she felt free to sit down and cry, no longer fearful of being caught in Lantier's room. She'd been fond of Mother Coupeau and felt a deep soul. sorrow at her loss. She sat, crying by herself, her sobs loud in the silence, but Kupot never stirred. She'd spoken to him, and even shaken him, and finally decided to let him sleep. He would be more of a nuisance if he woke up. On returning to the body, she found Nana sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes. The child understood, and with her vicious urchin's curiosity, stretched out her neck to get a

Starting point is 11:28:22 better view of her grandmother. She said nothing, but she trembled slightly, surprised, and satisfied in the presence of this death, which she'd been promising herself for two days past, like some nasty thing hidden away and forbidden to children, and her young cat-like eyes dilated before that white face all amaciated at the last gasp by the passion of life. She felt that tingling at her back which she felt behind the glass door when she crept there to spy on what was no concern of chits like her. Come, get up, said her mother in a low voice. You can't remain here. She regretfully slid out of bed, turning her head round and not taking her eyes off the corpse. Jervais was much worried about her, not knowing where to put her till daytime. She was about to tell her to dress herself

Starting point is 11:29:15 when Lantier, in his trousers and slippers, rejoined her. He could not get to sleep again and was rather ashamed of his behavior. Then everything was arranged. She can sleep in my bed, murmured he. She'll have plenty of room. Nana looked at her mother in Lantier with her big, clear eyes, and put on her stupid air, the same as her. on New Year's Day when anyone made her a present of a box of chocolate candy. And there was certainly no need for them to hurry her. She trotted off in her nightgown, her bare feet scarcely touching the tiled floor. She glided like a snake into the bed, which was still quite warm,

Starting point is 11:29:56 and she lay stretched out and buried in it, her slim body scarcely raising the counterpane. Each time her mother entered the room, she beheld her with her eyes sparkling in her motionless face. not sleeping, not moving, very red with excitement, and appearing to reflect on her own affairs. Natier assisted Jervais in dressing mother Coupeau, and it was not an easy matter, for the body was heavy. One would never have thought that that old woman was so fat and so white. They put on her stockings, a white petticoat, a short linen jacket, and a white cap, in short the best of her linen. Coupeau continued snoring, a high note and a low one, the one sharp, the other flat. One could almost have imagined it to be church music accompanying the Good Friday ceremonies.

Starting point is 11:30:50 When the corpse was dressed and properly laid out on the bed, Nantier poured himself out a glass of wine, for he felt quite upset. Chavez searched the chest of drawers to find a little brass crucifix, which she'd brought from Placein, but she recollected that Mother Coupeau had, in all probability, sold it herself. They'd lighted the stove, and they passed the rest of a night half asleep on chairs, finishing the bottle of wine that had been opened, worried and sulking, as though it was their own fault. Towards seven o'clock, before daylight, Koupo at length awoke. When he learned his loss, he at first stood still with dry eyes, stuttering and vaguely thinking, but they were playing him some joke.

Starting point is 11:31:35 Then he threw himself on the ground and went and knelt beside the corpse. He kissed it and wept like a child, with such a copious flow of tears that he quite wedded the sheet with wiping his cheeks. Chavez had recommenced sobbing, deeply affected by her husband's grief, and the best of friends with him again. Yes, he was better at heart than she thought he was, who posed a spare man. mingled with a violent pain in his head. He passed his fingers through his hair. His mouth was dry, like on the morrow of a booze, and he was still a little drunk in spite of his ten hours of sleep.

Starting point is 11:32:12 And, clenching his fist, he complained aloud. Mordieu, she was gone now, this poor mother, whom he loved so much. Ah, what a headache he had. It would settle him. It was like a wig of fire. And now they were tearing out his heart. though it was not just of fate thus to set itself against one man. Come, cheer up, old fellow, said Lantier, raising him from the ground. You must pull yourself together. He poured him out a glass of wine, but Kupo refused to drink. What's the matter with me? I've got copper in my throat.

Starting point is 11:32:50 It's Mama. When I saw her, I got a taste of copper in my mouth. Mama, Montieu. Mama, Mama, Mama. and he recommenced crying like a child. Then he drank the glass of wine, hoping to put out the flame searing his breast. Montier soon left, using the excuse of informing the family, and filing the necessary declaration at the town hall. Really, though, he felt the need of fresh air,

Starting point is 11:33:19 and so he took his time, smoking cigarettes and enjoying the morning air. When he left Madame Lerrat's house, he went into a dairy place on Les Batignolle for a cup of hot-co. coffee, and remained there an hour, thinking things over. Towards nine o'clock the family were all united in the shop, the shutters of which were kept up. L'Hilu did not cry. Moreover, he had some pressing work to attend to, and he returned almost directly to his room, after having stalked about with a face put on for the occasion. Madame L'Hilu and Madame L'Helot embraced the coupéth and wiped their eyes, from which a few tears were falling.

Starting point is 11:34:01 But Madame L'Hilu, after giving a hasty glance round the death chamber, suddenly raised her voice to say that it was unheard of, that one never left a lighted lamp beside a corpse. There should be a candle, and Nana was sent to purchase a packet of tall ones. Ah well, it made one long to die at clump-clumps. She laid one out in such a fine fashion. What a fool, not even to know what to do with a corpse. Had she then never buried anyone in her life?

Starting point is 11:34:31 Madame Lechotte had to go to the neighbors and borrow a crucifix. She brought one back which was too big, a cross of black wood with a Christ in painted cardboard fastened to it, which covered the whole of Mother Coupeau's chest and seemed to crush her under its weight. Then they tried to obtain some holy water, but no one had any, and it was again Nana who was sent to the church to bring some back in a bottle. In practically no time a tiny room presented quite another appearance. on a little table a candle was burning beside a glass full of holy water into which a sprig of boxwood was dipped now if any one came it would at least look decent

Starting point is 11:35:12 and they arranged the chairs in a circle in the shop for receiving people lontier only returned at eleven o'clock he'd been to the undertakers for information the coffin is twelve francs said he if you desire a mass it'll be ten francs more Then there's the hearse, which is charged for according to the ornaments. Oh, it's quite unnecessary to be fancy, murmured Madame Lohilu, raising her head in a surprised and anxious manner. We can't bring Mama to life again, can we? One must do according to one's means. Of course, that's just what I think, resumed the hatter. I merely asked the prices to guide you.

Starting point is 11:35:57 Tell me what you desire, and after lunch I will give the orders. They were talking in lowered voices. Only a dim light came into the room through the cracks in the shutters. The door to the little room stood half open, and from it came a deep silence of death. Children's laughter echoed in the courtyard. Suddenly they heard the voice of Nana,

Starting point is 11:36:20 who'd escaped from the bushes to whom she'd been sent. She was giving commands in her shrill voice, and the children were singing a song about a donkey. Jervais waited until it was quiet to say, "'We're not rich, certainly, but all the same we wish to act decently. If Mother Coupeau has left us nothing, it's no reason for pitching her into the ground like a dog. No, we must have a mass and a hearse with a few ornaments.' "'And who will pay for them?' violently inquired Madame L'Hulieu.

Starting point is 11:36:54 Not we, who lost some money last week, and you either, as you're stunned. Ah, you ought, however, to see where it has led you, this trying to impress people. Coupeau, when consulted, mumbled something with a gesture of profound indifference, and then fell asleep again on his chair. Madame Larrat said that she would pay her share. She was of Jervais's opinion. They should do things decently. Then the two of them fell to making calculations on a piece of paper. In all, it would amount to about 90 francs.

Starting point is 11:37:28 because they decided, after a long discussion, to have a hearse ornamented with a narrow scallop. We're three, concluded the laundress. We'll give thirty francs each. It won't ruin us. But Madame L'Henelieu broke out in a fury. Well, I refuse. Yes, I refuse. It's not for the thirty francs. I'd give a hundred thousand if I had them, and if it would bring Mama to life again. only I don't like vain people. You've got a shop. You only dream of showing off before the neighborhood. We don't fall in with it.

Starting point is 11:38:05 We don't. We don't try to make ourselves out what we are not. Oh, you can manage it to please yourself. Put plumes on the hearse if it amuses you. No one asks you for anything, Jervais ended by answering. Even though I should have to sell myself, I'll not have anything to reproach myself with. I fed Mother Hupot without your help, and I can certainly bury her without your help also. I already, once before, gave you a bit of my mind.

Starting point is 11:38:34 I pick up stray cats. I'm not likely to leave your mother in the mire. Then Madame L'Hilu burst into tears, and Lantier had to prevent her from leaving. The argument became so noisy that Madame Larrat felt she had to go quietly into the little room and glanced tearfully at her dead mother, as though fear. to find her awake and listening. Just at this moment the girls playing in the courtyard, led by Nana, began singing again.

Starting point is 11:39:04 Mont Dieu, how those children great on one's nerves with their singing, said Jervais, all upset and on the point of sobbing with impatience and sadness. Turning to the hatter, she said, Do, please make them leave off, and send Nana back to the concierge's with a kick. Madame Lera and Madame Lerat and Madame Lerat, and Madame Lohilu went away to eat lunch, promising to return.

Starting point is 11:39:29 The coupé sat down to eat a bite without much appetite, feeling hesitant about even raising a fork. After lunch, Lantier went to the undertakers again with the 90 francs. Thirty had come from Madame La Hatt, and Jervais had run with her hair all loose to borrow 60 francs from Gouge. Several of the neighbors called in the afternoon, mainly out of curiosity. They went into the little room to make the sign of the cross and sprinkle some holy water with the boxwood sprig. Then they sat in the shop and talked endlessly about the departed. Mademoiselle Remanjou had noticed that her right eye was still open.

Starting point is 11:40:12 Madame Gautron maintained that she had a fine complexion for her age. Madame Foconnier kept repeating that she'd seen her having coffee only three days earlier. Towards evening, the coupos were beginning to have had enough of it. It was too great an affliction for a family to have to keep a corpse so long a time. The government ought to have made a new law on the subject. All through another evening, another night, and another morning. No, it would never come to an end. When one no longer weeps, grief turns to irritation.

Starting point is 11:40:48 Is it not so? One would end by misbehaving oneself. mother coupe dumb and stiff in the depths of a narrow chamber were spreading more and more over the lodging and becoming heavy enough to crush the people in it and the family in spite of itself gradually fell into the ordinary mode of life and lost some portion of its respect you must have a mouthful with us said jervais to madame l'erat and madame lorilu

Starting point is 11:41:17 when they returned we're too sad we must keep together Then they laid the cloth on the work table. Each one, on seeing the plates, thought of the feastings they had had on it. Nantier had returned. L'Hilu came down. A pastry cook had just brought a meat pie, for the laundress was too upset to attend to any cooking. As they were taking their seats,

Starting point is 11:41:44 Bouch came to say that Monsieur Mariska asked to be admitted, and the landlord appeared, looking very grave, and wearing a broad decoration on his frock-coat. He bowed in silence and went straight to the little room where he knelt down. All the family, leaving the table, stood up greatly impressed. You see, Mariscoe, having finished his devotions, passed into the shop and said to the coupos, I have come for the two-quarters rent that's overdue.

Starting point is 11:42:13 Are you prepared to pay? No, sir, not quite, stammered Jervais, greatly put out at hearing this mention. before the L'Hilus. You see, with the misfortune which has fallen upon us, no doubt, but everyone has their troubles, resumed the landlord, spreading out his immense fingers, which indicated the former workman.

Starting point is 11:42:35 I am very sorry, but I cannot wait any longer. If I am not paid by the morning after tomorrow, I shall be obliged to have you put out. This ends Chapter 9, Part 3. Part 4 of La Samoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 9, Part 4.

Starting point is 11:43:17 Jervais, struck dumb, imploringly clasped our hands, her eyes full of tears. With an energetic shake of his big, bony head, he gave her to understand that supplications were useless. besides the respect due to the dead forbade all discussion. He discreetly retired, walking backwards. The house and pardons for having disturbed you, murmured he. The morning after tomorrow, do not forget. And as on withdrawing, he again passed before the little room. He saluted the corpse the last time through the wide open door by devoutly bending his knee.

Starting point is 11:43:57 They began eating and gobbled the food down very quickly, so as not to seem to be enjoying it, only slowing down when they reached the dessert. Occasionally, Gervais, or one of the sisters, would get up, still holding her napkin, to look into the small room. They made plenty of strong coffee to keep them awake through the night.

Starting point is 11:44:18 The Possons arrived about eight and were invited for coffee. Then Lantier, who'd been watching Jervais's face, seemed to seize an opportunity that he'd been waiting for ever since the morning. In speaking of the indecency of landlords who entered houses of mourning to demand their money, he said, he's a Jesuit, the beast, with his air of officiating at a mass, but in your place, I'd just chuck up the shop altogether. Jervais, quite worn out and feeling weak and

Starting point is 11:44:52 nervous, gave way and replied, Yes, I shall certainly not wait for the bailiffs. It's more than than I can bear, more than I can bear. The Laurilu, delighted at the idea that Clump Club would no longer have a shop, approved the plan immensely. One could hardly conceive the great cost of the shop was. If she only earned three francs working for others, she at least had no expenses, she did not risk losing large sums of money. They repeated this argument to Coupeau, urging him on. He drank a great deal and remained in a continuous fit of sensibility, weeping all day by himself in his plate. As the laundress seemed to be allowing herself to be convinced, Nantier looked at the

Starting point is 11:45:40 pussons and winked, and told Virginie intervened, making herself most amiable. You know, we might arrange the matter between us. I would relieve you of the rest of the lease and settle your matter with the landlord. In short, you would not be worried nearly so much. No thanks, declared Jervais, shaking herself as though she felt a shudder pass over her. I'll work. I've got my two arms, thank heaven, to help me out of my difficulties. We can talk about it some other time, the hatter hastened to put in. It's scarcely the thing to do this evening, some other time, in the morning, for instance. At this moment, Madame Lerrat, who'd gone into the little room, uttered a full,

Starting point is 11:46:27 faint cry. She had had a fright because she had found the candle burnt out. They all busied themselves in lighting another. They shook their heads, saying that it was not a good sign when the light went out beside a corpse. The wake commenced. Coupot had gone to lie down, not to sleep, said he, but to think. And five minutes afterwards, he was snoring. When they sent Nana off to sleep at the Bosch's she cried. She'd been looking forward ever since the morning to being nice and warm in her good friend, Lantier's big bed. The poissants stayed till midnight. Some hot wine had been made in a salad bowl, because the coffee affected the lady's nerves too much. The conversation became tenderly effusive. Virginia talked of the country. She'd like to be buried at the corner of a wood with wild flowers on her

Starting point is 11:47:21 grave. Madame Lechah had already put by in her wardrobe the sheet for her shroud, and she kept it perfumed with a bunch of lavender. She was always to have a nice smell under her nose when she would be eating bedandelions by the roots. Then, with no sort of transition, the policeman related that he had arrested a fine girl that morning who'd been stealing from a pork butcher's shop. On undressing her at the commissary of pleases, they'd found ten sausages hanging round her body. and madame lochelieu having remarked with a look of disgust that she would not eat any of those sausages the party burst into a gentle laugh the wake became livelier though not ceasing to preserve appearances but just as they were finishing the hot wine a peculiar noise a dull trickling sound issued from the little room all raised their heads and looked at each other it's nothing said lantier quietly lowering his voice.

Starting point is 11:48:24 She's emptying. The explanation caught the others to nod their heads in a reassured way, and they replaced their glasses on the table. When the Poissants left for home, Lanthier left also, saying he would sleep with a friend and leave his bed for the ladies in case they wanted to take turns napping. L'Hilu went upstairs to bed. Chavez and the two sisters arranged themselves by the stove,

Starting point is 11:48:51 where they huddled together close to the warmth, talking quietly. Coupot was still snoring. Madame L'Ori-Lu is complaining that she didn't have a black dress and asked Jervais about the black skirt they'd given Mother Coupot on her same stay. Chavez went to look for it.

Starting point is 11:49:10 Madame L'Holulu then wanted some of the old linen and mentioned the bed, the wardrobe, and the two chairs, as she looked around for other odds and ends. Madame Lerat. had to serve as peacemaker when a quarrel nearly broke out. She pointed out that as the coupos had cared for their mother, they deserved to keep the few things she had left.

Starting point is 11:49:31 Soon they were all dozing around the stove. The night seemed terribly long to them. Now and again they shook themselves, drank some coffee and stretched their necks in a direction of a little room, with a candle, which was not to be snuffed, was burning with a dull red flame, flickering the more because of the black soot on the wick. Towards morning they shivered in spite of the great heat of the stove.

Starting point is 11:49:59 Anguish and the fatigue of having talked too much was stifling them whilst their mouths were parched and their eyes ached. Madame Lerat threw herself on Lantier's bed and snored as loud as a man, whilst the other two, their heads falling forward and almost touching their knees, slept before the fire. at daybreak a shudder awoke them mother hoopoe's candle had again gone out and as in the obscurity the dull trickling sound recommenced madame lochilu gave the explanation of it anew in a loud voice so as to reassure herself she's emptying repeated she lighting another candle the funeral was to take place at half-past ten a nice morning to add to the night and the day before Jervais, though without a sue, said she would have given a hundred francs to anybody who would have come and taken Mother Coupot away three hours sooner.

Starting point is 11:51:01 No, one may love people, but they're too great a weight when they're dead, and the more one has loved them, the sooner one would like to be rid of their bodies. The morning of a funeral is, fortunately, full of diversions. One has all sorts of preparations to make. To begin with, they lunched. Then it happened to be old Bazouge, the undertaker's helper, who lived on the sixth floor, who brought the coffin in the sack of Bran. He was never sober, the worthy fellow. Eight o'clock that day, he was still lively from the booze of a day before. This is for here, isn't it? asked he. And he laid down the coffin, which creaked like a new box.

Starting point is 11:51:45 But as he was throwing the sack of bran on one side, he stood with a look of amazement in his eyes. His mouth opened wide on beholding Jervais before him. "'Begg pardon. Excuse me.' "'I've made a mistake,' stammered he. "'I was told it was for you.' He'd already taken up the sack again, and Melanders was obliged to call to him.

Starting point is 11:52:09 "'Leave it alone. It's for here.' "'Ah, Montier, now I understand,' resumed he, "'slapping his thigh. "'It's for the old lady.' Jervais had turned quite pale. Old Bazouge had brought the coffin for her. By way of apology, he tried to be gallant and continued, I'm not to blame, am I?

Starting point is 11:52:35 It was said yesterday that someone on the ground floor had passed away. Then I thought, you know, in our business, these things enter by one ear and go out by the other. All the same, my compliments to you, as late as possible, eh? That's best, though life isn't always amusing. Ah, no, by no means. As Jervais listened to him, she drew back, afraid he would grab her and take her away in the box. She remembered the time before, when he told her he knew of women who would thank him to come and get them.

Starting point is 11:53:09 Well, she wasn't ready yet. My dear, the thought sent chills down her spine. Her life may have been bitter, but she wasn't ready to give it up yet. No, she would starve for years first. He's abominably drunk, murmured she, with an air of disgust, mingled with dread. They at least oughtn't to send us tipplers. We pay dear enough. Then he became insolent and jeered. See here, little woman, it's only put off until another time.

Starting point is 11:53:44 I'm entirely at your service, remember. You've only to make me a sign. I'm the lady's consoler, and don't spit on old Basuz, because he's held in his arms finer ones than you, who let themselves be tucked in without a murmur, very pleased to continue their by-and-by in the dark. Hold your tongue, old Basus, said Lorilu severely, having hastened to the spot on hearing the noise, such jokes are highly improper. If we complained about you, you'd get the sack. Come, be off, as you've no respect for principals. Bazouge moved away, but one could hear him stuttering as he dragged along the pavement. Well, what, principles?

Starting point is 11:54:31 There's no such thing as principals. There's no such thing as principles. There's only common decency. At length, ten o'clock struck. The hearse was late. There were already several people in the shop, friends and neighbors. Monsieur de Mardinier, My Boots, Madame Godron,

Starting point is 11:54:53 Mademoiselle Remanjou, and every minute a man's or a woman's head was thrust out of the gaping opening of the door between the closed shutters to see if that creeping hearse was in sight. The family, altogether in the back room, was shaking hands. Short pauses occurred interrupted by rapid whisperings,

Starting point is 11:55:13 a tiresome and feverish waiting with sudden rushes of skirts. Madame Lohilu who had forgotten her handkerchief, or else Madame Lachau who was trying to borrow a prayer book. Everyone, on arriving, beheld the open coffin in the center of a little room before the bed, and in spite of oneself, each stood covertly studying it, calculating that plump mother-coupot would never fit into it. They all looked at each other with this thought in their eyes,

Starting point is 11:55:42 though without communicating it. But there was a slight pushing it, the front door. Monsieur Madignet, extending his arms, came and said in a low, grave voice, Here they are. It was not the hearseville. Four helpers entered hastily in single file with their red faces, their hands all lumpy like persons in the habit of moving heavy things, and their rusty black clothes worn and frayed from constant rubbing against coffins. Old Bazouge walked first, very drunk, and very proper. As soon as he was at work, he found his equilibrium.

Starting point is 11:56:23 They did not utter a word, but slightly bowed their heads, already weighing Mother Coupeau with a glance. And they did not dawdle. The poor old woman was packed in, in the time one takes to sneeze. The young fellow with a squint, the smallest of the men, poured the bran into the coffin and spread it out. The tall and thin one spread the winding-sheet.

Starting point is 11:56:46 over the bran. Then two at the feet and two at the head. All four took hold of the body and lifted it. Mother Coupeau was in the box, but it was a tight fit. She touched on every side. The undertaker's helpers were now standing up and waiting. The little one with a squint took the coffin lid by way of inviting the family to bid their last farewell, whilst Bazouge had filled his mouth with nails and was holding the hammer in readiness. Then Coupot, his two sisters and Gervais, threw themselves on their knees and kissed the mama who was going away, weeping bitterly, the hot tears falling on and streaming down the stiff face, now cold as ice.

Starting point is 11:57:32 There was a prolonged sound of sobbing. The lid was placed on, and old Bazouge knocked the nails in with the style of a packer, two blows for each, and they none of them listened any longer to their own weeping in that din, which resembled the noise of furniture being repaired. It was over. The time for starting had arrived. What a fuss to make it such a time, said Madame Lorryloo to her husband, as she caught sight of the hearse before the door.

Starting point is 11:58:03 The hearse was creating quite a revolution in the neighbourhood. The tripe-seller called to the grocer's men. The little clockmaker came out onto the pavement. The neighbours leant out of their windows, and all these people talked about the scallop with its white cotton fringe. Ah, the coupos would have done better to have paid their debts. But as the Laurie Luz said, when one is proud, it shows itself everywhere and in spite of everything.

Starting point is 11:58:32 It's shameful, Chavez was saying at the same moment, speaking of the chainmaker and his wife, to think that those skin flints have not even brought a bunch of violets for their mother. The Lorreelieu, true enough, had commented. Madame Larrat had given a wreath of artificial flowers, and a wreath of immortal and a bouquet bought by the coupons were also placed on the coffin. The undertaker's helpers had to give a mighty heave

Starting point is 11:59:03 to lift the coffin and carry it to the hearse. It was some time before the procession was formed. Coupeau and Lorillou, in frock-coats and with her hat in their hands were chief mourners. The first in his emotion which two glasses of white wine early in the morning had helped to sustain clung to his brother-in-law's arm,

Starting point is 11:59:25 with no strength in his legs and a violent headache. Then followed the other men. Monsieur Madignet, very grave and all in black, my boots wearing a great coat over his blouse, Bosch, whose yellow trousers produced the effect of a petard.

Starting point is 11:59:44 lantier gaudron bibi the smoker poissons and others the ladies came next in the first row madame lorilu dragging the deceased skirt which she had altered madame lachat hiding under a shawl her hastily gotten-up mourning a gown with lilac trimmings and following them fergini madame godron madame fauconier mademoiselle remanjou and the rest when the hearse started and slowly descended the rue de la guttaire amid signs of the cross and heads bared the four helpers took the lead two in front but two others on the right and left cheveses had remained behind to close the shop she left nana with madame bosh and ran to rejoin the procession whilst the child firmly held by the concierge under the porch watched with a deeply interested gaze her grandmother disappear at the end of a street in that beautiful carriage At the moment when Jervais caught up with the procession, Gouche arrived from another direction. He nodded to her so sympathetically that she was reminded of how unhappy she was and began to cry again as Gouge took his place with the men. The ceremony at the church was soon got through.

Starting point is 12:01:07 The mass dragged a little, though, because the priest was very old. My boots and Bibi the Smoker preferred to remain outside an account of the collection. Monsieur Madinier studied the priests all the while and communicated his observations to Lanthier. Those jokers, though so glib with their Latin, did not even know a word of what they were saying. They buried a person just in the same way they would have baptized or married him

Starting point is 12:01:34 without the least feeling in their heart. Happily, the cemetery was not far off, the little cemetery of La Chappelle, a bit of a garden which opened on to the Rue Machade. The procession arrived, disbanded, with stampings of feet and everybody talking of his own affairs. The hard earth resounded, and many would have liked to have moved about to keep themselves warm. The gaping hole beside which the coffin was laid was already frozen over and looked white and stony, like a plaster quarry,

Starting point is 12:02:09 and the followers, grouped round little heaps of gravel, did not find it pleasant standing in such piercing cold, whilst looking at the hole likewise bored. them. At length, a priest in a surplus came out of a little cottage. He shivered, and one could see his steaming breath at each de profundus that he uttered. At the final sign of the cross, he bolted off, without the least desire to go through the service again. The sexton took his shovel, but on account of the frost he was only able to detach large lumps of earth, which beat a fine tune down below, a regular bombardment of the coffin, an infallad of artillery

Starting point is 12:02:50 sufficient to make one think the wood was splitting. One may be a cynic. Nevertheless, that sort of music soon upsets one's stomach. The weeping recommenced. They moved off, they even got outside, but they still heard the detonations. My boots, blowing on his fingers, uttered an observation aloud,

Starting point is 12:03:14 to Nel de die, poor Mother Coupeau won't feel very warm. Ladies and gentlemen, said the zinc worker, to the few friends who remained in the street with the family. Will you permit us to offer you some refreshments? He led to a wine shop in the Rue Macaday, the arrival at the cemetery. Jervais, remaining outside, called Gouge, who was moving off, after again nodding to her.

Starting point is 12:03:45 Why didn't he accept a glass of wine? He was in a hurry. He was going back to the workshop. Then they looked at each other a moment without speaking. I must ask your pardon for troubling you about the sixty francs, at length murmured the laundress. I was half crazy. I thought of you... Oh, don't mention it. You're fully forgiven, interrupted the blacksmith. And you know, I'm quite at your service.

Starting point is 12:04:15 if any misfortune should overtake you. But don't say anything to Mama, because she has her ideas, and I don't wish to cause her annoyance. She gazed at him. He seemed to her such a good man, and sad-looking, and so handsome. She was on the verge of accepting his former proposal,

Starting point is 12:04:37 to go away with him and find happiness together somewhere else. Then an evil thought came to her. It was the idea of borrowing the six months back rent from him. She trembled and resumed in a caressing tone of voice. We're still friends, aren't we? He shook his head as he answered. Yes, we'll always be friends. It's just that, you know, all is over between us.

Starting point is 12:05:10 And he went off with long strides, leaving Jervais bewildered, listening to his last words which rang in her ears with the clang of a big bell. On entering the wine shop, she seemed to hear a hollow voice within her which said, All is over. Well, all is over. There's nothing more for me to do if all is over. Sitting down, she swallowed a mouth full of bread and cheese and emptied a glass full of wine which she found before her. The wine shop was a single long room. with a low ceiling occupied by two large tables on which loaves of bread, large chunks of breed cheese, and bottles of wine were set out. They ate informally without a tablecloth.

Starting point is 12:05:59 Near the stove at the back, the undertaker's helpers were finishing their lunch. "'Mondieu!' exclaimed Monsieur Madignet. "'We each have our time. The old folks make room for the young ones. their lodging will seem very empty to you now when you go home. Oh, my brother is going to give notice, said Madame Lourilu quickly. That shops ruined. They'd been working upon, Coupot. Everyone was urging him to give up the lease. Madame Lerat herself, who'd been on very good terms with Lantier and Virginie for some time past,

Starting point is 12:06:37 and who was tickled with the idea that they were at trifle smitten with each other, talked of bankruptcy and prison, putting on the most terrified airs. And suddenly, the zinc worker, already overdosed with liquor, flew into a passion. His emotion turned to fury. Listen, cried he, poking his nose in his wife's face. I intend that you shall listen to me. Your confounded head will always have its own way. But this time, I intend to have mine. I warn you.

Starting point is 12:07:08 Ah well, said Lantier, one never yet brought her to reason by fair words. It wants a mallet to drive it into her head. For a time, they both went on at her. Meanwhile, debris was quickly disappearing and the wine bottles were pouring like fountains. Chervais began to weaken under this persistent pounding. She answered nothing,

Starting point is 12:07:34 but hurried herself, her mouth ever full, as though she'd been very hungry. When they got tired, she gently raised her head and said, "'That's enough, isn't it? I don't care a straw for the shop. I want no more of it. Do you understand? It can go to the deuce.

Starting point is 12:07:53 All is over.' Then they ordered some more bread and cheese and talked business. The Poissons took the rest of the lease and agreed to be answerable for the two-quarters rent overdue. Bush, moreover, pompously agreed to. the arrangement in the landlord's name. He even then there led a lodging to the coupos, the vacant one on the sixth floor, in the same passage as the L'Orillou's apartment. As for Lantier, well, he would like to keep his room if it did not inconvenience the poissons. The policeman bowed. It did not inconvenience of at all. Friends always get on together,

Starting point is 12:08:34 in spite of any difference in the political ideas. And Lantier, without mixing himself all any more in the matter, like a man who has at length settled his little business, helped himself to an enormous slice of bread and cheese. He leant back in his chair and ate devoutly, his blood tingling beneath his skin, his whole body burning with a sly joy. And he blinked his eyes to peep first at Jervais. Hi, old bazouge, called Coupot. Come and have a drink. We're not proud. We're all workers. The four undertaker's helpers, who'd started to leave, came back to raise glasses with the group. They thought that the lady had weighed quite a bit, and they had

Starting point is 12:09:20 certainly earned a glass of wine. Old Bazouge gazed steadily at Gervais without saying a word. It made her feel uneasy, though, and she got up and left the men who were beginning to show signs of being drunk. Hupot began to sob again, saying he was feeling very sad. That evening when Jervais found herself at home again, she remained in a stupefied state on a chair. It seemed to her that the rooms were immense and deserted. Really, it would be a good riddance. But it was certainly not only Mother Coupeau that she'd left at the bottom of the hole in the little

Starting point is 12:10:00 garden of the Ul Macaday. She missed too many things, most likely a part of her life and her shop, and her pride of being an employer, and other feelings besides, which she'd buried on that day. Yes, the walls were bare, and her heart also. It was a complete clear-out, a tumble into the pit, and she felt too tired. She would pick herself up again later on if she could. At ten o'clock when undressing, Nana cried and stamped. She wanted to sleep in Mother Coupeau's bed. Her mother tried to frighten her, but the child was too precocious.

Starting point is 12:10:45 Corpses only filled her with a great curiosity, so that, for the sake of peace, she was allowed to lie down in Mother Coupeau's place. She liked big beds, the chit. She spread herself out and rolled about. She slept uncommonly well that night in the warm and pleasant feather bed. This ends Chapter 9. Part 4 Chapter 10, Part 1 of La Samoire by Emil Zola,

Starting point is 12:11:21 translated by Ernest Alfred Visiitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 10, Part 1 The Coupeau's new lodging was on the sixth floor, Staircase B. After passing Mademoiselle Remanjeu's door, you took the corridor to the left

Starting point is 12:11:45 and then turned again further along. The first door was for the apartment of the Bijards. Almost opposite, in an airless corner under a small staircase leading to the roof, was where Per Bruges slept. Two doors further was Bazuge's room, and the coupos were opposite him overlooking the court, with one room and a closet. There were only two more doors along the corridor

Starting point is 12:12:09 before reaching that of L'Orillus at the far end. A room and a closet. closet. No more. The coupos perched there now, and the room was scarcely larger than one's hand, and they had to do everything in there, eat, sleep, and all the rest. Nanna's bed just squeezed into the closet. She had to dress in her father and mother's room, and her door was kept open at night time, so that she should not be suffocated. There was so little space that Jervais had left many things in the shop for the Poissons. A bed, a ten, a ten. and four chairs completely filled their new apartment, but she didn't have the courage to part

Starting point is 12:12:50 with her old bureau, and so it blocked off half the window. This made the room dark and gloomy, especially since one shutter was stuck shut. Chavez was now so fat that there wasn't room for her in the limited window space, and she had to lean sideways and crane her neck if she wanted to see the courtyard. During the first few days, the launters would consider. continually sit down and cry. It seemed to her too hard not being able to move about in her home, after having been used to so much room. She felt stifled. She remained at the window for hours, squeezed between the wall and the drawers, and getting a stiff neck. It was only there that she could breathe freely. However, the courtyard inspired rather melancholy thoughts. Opposite her,

Starting point is 12:13:43 On the sunny side, she would see that same window she dreamed about long ago where the spring brought scarlet vines. Her own room was on the shady side, where pots of Mignonette died within a week. Oh, this wasn't at all the sort of life she dreamed of. She had to wallow in filth instead of having flowers all about her. On leading out one day, Jervais experienced a peculiar sensation. She fancied she beheld herself down below, near the concierge's room under the porch, her nose in the air, and examining the house for the first time. And this leap, thirteen years backwards, caused her heart to throb. The courtyard was a little dingier and the walls more stained. Otherwise, it hadn't changed much. But she herself felt terribly changed and worn. To begin with,

Starting point is 12:14:38 she was no longer below, her face raised to heaven, feeling content and courageous. and aspiring to a handsome lodging. She was right up under the roof, among the most wretched in the dirtiest hole, the park that never received a ray of sunshine. And that explained her tears. She could scarcely feel enchanted with her fate. However, when Jervais had grown somewhat used to it, the early days of a little family in their new home did not pass off so badly. The winter was almost over, and the trifle of money was still. received for the furniture sold to Virginie helped to make things comfortable. Then, with the fine weather, came a piece of luck.

Starting point is 12:15:21 Coupeau was engaged to work in the country at Etaup, and he was there for nearly three months without once getting drunk, cured for a time by the fresh air. One has no idea what a quench it is to the Tipper's thirst to leave Paris, where the very streets are full of the fumes of wine and brandy. On his return he was as fresh as arose, and he brought back in his pocket for hundred francs, with which they paid the two overdue quarters rent at the shop that the poissons had become answerable for, and also the most pressing of their little debts in the neighborhood. Cheveses thus opened two or three streets through which she had not passed for a long time. She had naturally become an ironer again.

Starting point is 12:16:07 Madame Fauconnier was quite good-hearted if you flattered her a bit, and she was happy to take Gervais's back, even paying her the same three francs a day as her best worker. This was out of respect for her former status as an employer. The household seemed to be getting on well, and Jervais looked forward to the day when all the debts would be paid. Hard work and economy would solve all their money troubles. Unfortunately, she dreamed of this in the warm satisfaction of the large sum earned by her husband. Soon, she said that the good things never lasted and took things as they came. What the coupos most suffered from at that time was seeing the poissons installing themselves at their former shop. They were not naturally of a particularly jealous disposition, but people

Starting point is 12:16:58 aggravated them by purposely expressing amazement in their presence at the embellishments of their successors. The boshes and the lor-h-h-h-h-lues especially never tired. According to them, no one had ever seen so beautiful a shop. They were also continually mentioning the filthy state in which the proscenes had found the premises, saying that it had cost 30 francs for the cleaning alone. After much deliberation, Vichene had decided to open a shop specializing in candies, chocolate, coffee, and tea. Lanthier had advised this, saying that there was much money to be made from such delicacies.

Starting point is 12:17:39 The shop was stylish. painted black with yellow stripes. Three carpenters worked for eight days on the interior, putting up shelves, display cases, and counters. Poisson's small inheritance must have been almost completely used, but Virginie was ecstatic. The Loryluse and the bushes made sure the Jervais did not miss a single improvement and chuckled to themselves while watching her expression. There was also a question of a man beneath all this. It was reported that Lanthier had broken off with Gervais. The neighborhood declared that it was quite right.

Starting point is 12:18:18 In short, it gave a moral tone to the street, and all the honor of a separation was accorded to the crafty hatter, on whom all the ladies continued to dote. Some said that she was still crazy about him, and he had to slap her to make her leave him alone. Of course, no one told the actual truth. It was too simple and not interesting enough. actually lantier climbed to the sixth floor to see her whenever he felt the impulse mademoiselle remanjou had often seen him coming out of the coups at odd hours

Starting point is 12:18:51 the situation was even more complicated by neighborhood gossip blinking lantier and virginie the neighbors were a bit too hasty in this also he had not even reached the stage of bodic pinching with her still the lorre l'luse delighted in talking sympathetically to jervais about the affair between l'an Montier and Virginie. The Borses maintained that they had never seen a more handsome couple. The odd thing in all this was that the Hu de la Goutre seemed to have no objection to this new arrangement which everyone thought was progressing nicely. Those who'd been so harsh to Gervais were now quite lenient towards Virginie. Jervais had previously heard numerous reports about Lantier's affairs with all sorts of girls on the street, and they'd bothered her so little that she had to be.

Starting point is 12:19:42 and even felt enough resentment to break off the affair. However, this new intrigue with Virginie wasn't quite so easy to accept, because she was sure that the two of them were just out to spite her. She hit her resentment, though, to avoid giving any satisfaction to her enemies. Mademoiselle Ramonieu thought that Jervais had words with Lantier over this, because one afternoon she heard the sound of a slap. There was certainly a quarrel because Lantier stopped speaking to her. Gervais for a couple of weeks. But then he was the first one to make up, and things seemed to go along

Starting point is 12:20:18 the same as before. Coupot found all this most amusing. The complacent husband who'd been blind to his own situation laughed heartily at Poisson's predicament. Then Coupot even teased Gervais. Her lovers always dropped her. First the blacksmith, and now the hat-maker. The trouble was that she got involved with undependable trades. She should take up with a mason, a good solid man. He said such things as if he were joking, but they upset Jervais, because his small, grey eyes seemed to be boring right into her.

Starting point is 12:20:56 On evenings when Coupot became bored being alone with his wife up in their tiny hole under the roof, he would go down for Lantier and invite him up. He thought their dump was too dreary without Lantier's company, so he patched things up between Jervais and Lanté's. Lantier, whenever they had a falling out. In the midst of all this, Lantier put on the most consequential airs. He showed himself both paternal and dignified.

Starting point is 12:21:24 On three successive occasions, he'd prevented a quarrel between the coupos and the poissons. The good understanding between the two families formed a part of his contentment. Thanks to the tender, though firm, glances with which he watched over Jervais in Virgini, they always pretended to entertain a great friendship for each other. He reigned over both blonde and brunette with the tranquility of a pasha and fattened on his cunning. The rogue was still digesting the coupos when he already began to devour the prosons. Oh, it did not inconvenience him much. As soon as one shop was swallowed, he started on a second.

Starting point is 12:22:04 It was only men of his sort who ever have any law. It was in June of that year that Nana was confirmed. She was then nearly 13 years old, as tall as an asparagus chute run to seed, and had a bold, impudent air about her. The year before she'd been sent away from the catechism class on account of her bad behavior, and the priest had only allowed her to join at this time

Starting point is 12:22:30 through fear of losing her altogether, and of casting one more heathen onto the street. Nana danced for joy as she thought, of the white dress. The Lorilu's, being godfather and godmother, had promised to provide it, and took care to let everyone in the house know of their present. Madame Larrat was to give the veil and the cap,

Starting point is 12:22:51 Virginia the purse, and L'Anthe-Praer-Book, so that the coupos looked forward to the ceremony without any great anxiety. Even the poissons, wishing to give a house-warming, chose this occasion, no doubt on the Hatter's advice. They invited the coupos, the bushes, whose little girl was also going to be confirmed. They provided a leg of mutton and trimmings for the evening in question.

Starting point is 12:23:17 It so happened that on the evening before, Koupo returned home in a most abominable condition, just as Nana was lost in admiration before the presence spread out on the top of a chest of drawers. The Paris atmosphere was getting the better of him again, and he fell foul of his wife and child with drunken arguments and disgusting lambs. language, which no one should have uttered at such a time. Nana herself was beginning to get hold of some very bad expressions in the midst of the filthy conversation she was continually hearing. On the days when there was a row,

Starting point is 12:23:52 she would often call her mother an old camel and a cow. "'Where's my food?' yelled the zinc worker. "'I want my soup, you couple of jades. There's females for you, always thinking of finery. I'll sit on the gie-gaws, you know, if I don't get my soup. He's unbearable when he's drunk, murmured Jervais. Out of patience and turning towards him, she exclaimed,

Starting point is 12:24:17 It's warming up, don't bother us. Nana was being modest because she thought it nice on such a day. She continued to look at the presence on the chest of drawers, effectively lowering her eyelids and pretending not to understand her father's naughty words. But the zinc worker was an awful plague on the nights when he had had had. too much. Poking his face right against her neck, he said, "'I'll give you white dresses. So the finery tickles your fancy. They excite your imagination.

Starting point is 12:24:48 Just you cut away from there, you ugly little brat. Move your hands about. Bundle them all into a drawer.' Nana, with bowed head, did not answer a word. She'd taken up a little tool cap and was asking her mother how much it cost. And as Kupo thrust out his hand to seize hold of the cap. It was Urvays who pushed him aside, exclaiming, Do leave the child alone. She's very good. She's doing no harm. Then the zinc worker let out in real earnest. Ah, the Viragos!

Starting point is 12:25:22 The mother and daughter, they make the pair. It's a nice thing to go to church just to leer at the men. Dare to say it isn't true, little slattern. I'll dress you in a sack just to disgust you, you and your priests. I don't want you to be taught anything worse than you know already. Oh dear, just listen to me, both of you. At this, Nana turned round in a fury, whilst Jervais had to spread out her arms

Starting point is 12:25:49 to protect the things which Hupot talked of tearing. The child looked her father straight in the face, then, forgetting the modest bearing inculcated by her confessor, she said, clenching her teeth. Pig! As soon as the zinc worker had had his soup, he went off to sleep. On the morrow he awoke in a very good humor. He still felt a little of the booze of the day before,

Starting point is 12:26:16 but only just sufficient to make him amiable. He assisted at the dressing of the child, deeply affected by the white dress in finding that a mere nothing gave a little vermin quite the look of a young lady. The two families started off together for the church. Nana and Pauline walked first, their prayer books in their hands, and holding down their veils on account of the wind. They did not speak, but were bursting with delight at seeing people come to their shop doors,

Starting point is 12:26:46 and they smiled primly and devoutly every time they heard anyone say as they passed that they looked very nice. Madame Boche and Madame Loughilloo lagged behind, because they were interchanging their ideas about clump, clump, a gobble-all whose daughter would never have been confirmed if the relations had not found everything for her. Yes, everything, even a new chemise, out of respect, for the holy altar. Madame L'Orilu was rather concerned about the dress, calling Nana a dirty thing every time the child got dust on her skirt by brushing against the storefronts. The church, Coupot wept all the time.

Starting point is 12:27:27 It was stupid, but he could not help it. It affected him to see the priest holding out his arms, and all the little girls looking like angels passed before him, clasping their hands, and the music of the organs start up his stomach and the pleasant smell of the incense forced him to sniff, the same as though someone had thrust a bouquet of flowers into his face. In short, he saw everything cerulean, his heart was touched.

Starting point is 12:27:55 Anyway, other sensitive souls around him were wetting their handkerchiefs. This was a beautiful day, the most beautiful of his life. After leaving the church, Coupot went for a drink with Laurie Lou, who had remained dry-eyed. That evening, the Poisson's house-warming was very lively.

Starting point is 12:28:17 Friendship reigned without a hitch from one end of the feast to the other. When bad times arrive, one thus comes in for some pleasant evenings, hours during which sworn enemies love each other. Lantier, with Jervais on his left, and Virginie on his right, was most amiable to both of them,

Starting point is 12:28:36 lavishing little tender caresses like a cock who desires peace in his poultry yard. But the queens of the feast were the two little ones, Nana and Pauline, who'd been allowed to keep on their things. They sat bolt upright through fear of spilling anything on their white dresses, and at every mouthful they were told to hold up their chin so as to swallow cleanly.

Starting point is 12:28:59 Nana, greatly bored by all this fuss, ended by slobbering her wine over the body of her dress, so it was taken off and the stains were at once washed out in the glass of water. Then at dessert, the children's future careers were gravely discussed. Madame Boch had decided that Pauline would enter a shop to learn how to punch designs on gold and silver, that paid five or six francs a day. Chavez didn't know yet because Nana had never indicated any preference. "'In your place,' said Madame Larrat,

Starting point is 12:29:34 "'I would bring Nanna up as an artificial flower-maker. "'It's a pleasant and clean employment.' "'Flower-makers?' muttered Lorry Lou. "'Every one of them might as well walk the streets.' "'Well, what about me?' objected Madame Lerat, "'pursing her lips. "'You're certainly not very polite. "'I assure you that I don't lie down for anyone who whistles.'

Starting point is 12:29:59 "'Then all the rest joined together in hushing her. Madame Lechart! Oh, Madame Lechat! By side glances, they reminded her of the two girls, fresh from communion, who were burying their noses in their glasses

Starting point is 12:30:14 to keep from laughing out loud. The men had been very careful, for propriety's sake, to use only suitable language, but Madame Lechard refused to follow their example. She flattered herself on her command of language, as she had often been complimented

Starting point is 12:30:30 on the way she could say anything before children, without any offence to decency. Just you listen, there are some very fine women among the flower-makers, she insisted. They're just like other women, and they show good taste when they choose to commit a sin. Mon dieu, interrupted Gervais. I have no dislike for artificial flower-making.

Starting point is 12:30:52 Only, it must please Nana. That's all I care about. One should never thwart children on the question of a vocation. Come, Nana, don't be stupid. tell me now, would you like to make flowers? The child was leaning over her plate, gathering up the cake crumbs with her wet finger, which she afterwards sucked.

Starting point is 12:31:13 She did not hurry herself. She grinned in her vicious way. Why, yes, Mama, I should like to, she ended by declaring. Then the matter was at once settled. Coupot was quite willing that Madame LaHaut should take the child with her on the morrow, to the place where she worked in the Rue de Caillard. And they all talked very gravely of the duties of life. Bosch said that Nana and Pauline were women now,

Starting point is 12:31:41 but they had partaken of communion. Poisson added that for the future they ought to know how to cook, men's socks, and look after a house. Something was even said of their marrying, and of the children they would someday have. The youngsters listened, laughing to themselves, elated by the thought of being women. What pleased them the most was when Lantier teased them, asking if they didn't already have little husbands.

Starting point is 12:32:07 Nana eventually admitted that she cared a great deal for Victor Fauconnier, son of her mother's employer. Ah, well, said Madame Lourilu to the Boshes, as they were all leaving. She's our god, daughter, but as they're going to put her into artificial flower-making, we don't wish to have anything more to do with her. Just one more for the boulevards. She'll be leading them a merry chase before six months are over. On going up to bed, the coupos agreed that everything had passed off well, and that the pussons were not at all bad people.

Starting point is 12:32:44 Chavez even considered the shop was nicely got up. She was surprised to discover that it hadn't pained her at all to spend an evening there. While Nana was getting ready for bed, she contemplated her white dress, and asked her mother if the young lady on the third floor had had one like it when she was married last month. This was their last happy day. Two years passed by, during which they sank deeper and deeper.

Starting point is 12:33:13 The winters were especially hard for them. If they had bread to eat during the fine weather, the rain and cold came accompanied by famine, by drubings before the empty cupboard, and by dinner hours with nothing to eat in the little Siberia of their larder. Villanist December brought numbing, freezing, spells and the black misery of cold and dampness. The first winter they occasionally had a fire, choosing to keep warm rather than to eat. But the second winter, the stove stood mute with its rust,

Starting point is 12:33:48 adding a chill to the room, standing there like a cast-iron gravestone. And what took the life out of their limbs, what above all utterly crushed them was the rent. Oh, the January quarter when there was not a radish in the house, and old Boche came up with the bill. It was like a bitter storm, a regular tempest from the north. Monsieur Mariscot then arrived the following Saturday, wrapped up in a good warm overcoat, his big hands hidden in woolen gloves, and he was forever talking of turning them out,

Starting point is 12:34:22 whilst the snow continued to fall outside, as though it were preparing a bed for them on the pavement with white sheets. To have paid the quarter's rent, they would have sold their very flesh. It was the rent which emptied the larder and the stove. No doubt the coupos had only themselves to blame. Life may be a hard fight, but one always pulls through when one is orderly and economical.

Starting point is 12:34:49 Witnessed DeLauri Lus, who paid their rent of a day, the money folded up in bits of dirty paper. But they, it is true, led a life of starved spiders, which were discussed one with hard work. Nana as yet earned nothing at flower-making. She even cost a good deal for her keep. At Madame Fauconnier's, Chervais was beginning to be looked down upon. She was no longer so expert.

Starting point is 12:35:15 She bungled her work to such an extent that the mistress had reduced her wages to two francs a day, the price paid to the clumsiest bungler. But she was still proud, reminding every one of her former stater-sad's boss of her own shop. when Madame Fauconier hired Madame Pouta. Jervais was so annoyed at having to work beside her former employee that she stayed away for two weeks. As for Coupot, he did perhaps work, but in that case he certainly made a present of his labor to the government,

Starting point is 12:35:49 for since the time he returned from Etaupom, Jervais had never seen the color of his money. She no longer looked in his hands when he came home on pay days. He arrived six. swinging his arms, his pockets empty, and often without his handkerchief. Well, yes, he'd lost his rag, or else some rascally comrade had sneaked it. At first he always fibbed. There was a donation to charity, or some money slipped through the hole in his pocket,

Starting point is 12:36:17 or he paid off some imaginary debts. Later, he didn't even bother to make up anything. He'd nothing left because it had all gone into his stomach. This ends Chapter 10, Part 1. Chapter 10, Part 2 of Vlasamoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Mark Leder.

Starting point is 12:36:52 Chapter 10, Part 2. Madame Bosch suggested to Jevés that she go to wait for him at the shop exit. This rarely worked, though, because Coupeau's comrades would warn him and the money would disappear into his shoe or someone else's pocket. Yes, it was their own fault if every season found them lower and lower.

Starting point is 12:37:16 But that's the sort of thing one never tells oneself, especially when one is down in the mire. They accused their bad luck. They pretended that fate was against them. Their home had become a regular shambles where they wrangled the whole day long. However, they'd not yet come to blows, with the exception of a few impulsive smacks, which somehow flew about at the height of their quarrels.

Starting point is 12:37:41 The saddest part of the business was that they had opened the cage of affection. All their better feelings had taken flight like so many canaries. The genial warmth of father, mother, and child, when united together and wrapped up in each other, deserted them, and left them shivering each in his or her own corner. All three, Coupot, Jave, and Nana were always in the most abominable tempers, biting each other's noses off for nothing at all, their eyes full of hatred, and it seemed as though something had broken the main spring of the family,

Starting point is 12:38:16 the mechanism which, with happy people, causes hearts to beat in unison. Ah, it was certain, Javis was no longer moved as she used to be when she saw Koupo at the edge of a roof, 40 or 50 feet above the pavement. She would not have pushed him off herself, but if he'd fallen accidentally, in truth it would have freed the earth of one who was of but little account. The days when they were more especially at enmity, she would ask him why he didn't come back on a stretcher. She was awaiting it. It would be her good luck they were bringing back to her. What use was he, that drunkard, to make her weep, to devour all she possessed, to drive her to sin? well men so useless as he should be thrown as quickly as possible into the hole and the polka of deliverance be danced over them and when the mother said kill him my daughter responded knock him on the head natter read all of the reports of accidents in the newspapers and made reflections that were unnatural for a girl her father had such good luck and omnibus had knocked him down without even sobering him would the beggar never croak

Starting point is 12:39:30 In the midst of her own poverty, Jervais suffered even more because other families around her were also starving to death. Their corner of a tenement housed the most wretched. There was not a family that ate every day. Jervais felt the most pity for Père Brou in his cubbyhole under a staircase where he hibernated. Sometimes he stayed on his bed of straw without moving for days. Even hunger no longer drove over. him out since there was no use taking a walk when no one would invite him to dinner. Whenever he didn't show his face for several days,

Starting point is 12:40:08 the neighbors would push open his door to see if his troubles were over. No, he was still alive, just barely. Even death seemed to have neglected him. Whenever Jervais had any bread, she gave him the crusts. Even when she hated all men because of her husband, she still felt sincerely sorry for Pair Bru. the poor old man they were letting him starve to death because he could no longer hold tools in his hand the laundress also suffered a great deal from the close neighborhood of bazouge the undertaker's helper a simple partition and a very thin one separated the two rooms he could not put his fingers down his throat without her hearing it as soon as he came home of an evening she listened in spite of herself to everything he did his black leather hat

Starting point is 12:41:01 laid with a dull thud on the chest of drawers like a shovel full of earth. The black cloak hung up and rusting against the walls like the wings of some nightbird. All the black toggery flung into the middle of the room and filling it with the trappings of mourning. She heard him stamping about, felt anxious at the least movement and was quite startled if he knocked against the furniture or rattled any of his crockery. This confounded drunkard was her preoccupation, filling her with a secret fear mingled with a desire to know. He, jolly, his belly full every day, his head all upside down, coughed, spat, sang Mother Godichon, made use of many dirty expressions and fought with the four walls before finding his bedstead. And she remained quite pale, wondering what he could be doing in there.

Starting point is 12:41:57 She imagined the most atrocious things. She got into her head that he must have brought a corpse home and was stowing it away under his bedstead. Well, the newspapers had related something of the kind, an undertaker's helper who collected the coffins of little children at his home, so as to save himself trouble and to make only one journey to the cemetery. For certain, directly bazouge arrived, a smell of death seemed to permeate the partition.

Starting point is 12:42:29 One might have thought oneself lodging against the Perlaché's cemetery in the midst of the kingdom of moles. He was frightful, the animal, continually laughing all by himself, as though his profession enlivened him. Even when he'd finished his rumpus and had laid himself on his back, he snored in a manner so extraordinary that it caused the laundress to hold her breath. For hours she listened attentively, with an idea that funerals were passing. through her neighbor's room. The worst was that in spite of her terrors, something incited Jervais to put her ear to the wall, the better to find out what was taking place.

Starting point is 12:43:11 Bazuz had the same effect on her as handsome men have on good women. They would like to touch them. Well, if fear had not kept her back, Jervais would have liked to have handled death, to see what it was like. She became so peculiar at times, holding her breath, listening attentively, expecting to unravel the secret through one of Bazouche's movements, that Koupo would ask her with a chuckle if she had a fancy for that grave-digger next door.

Starting point is 12:43:40 She got angry and talked of moving. The close proximity of this neighbor was so distasteful to her. And yet, in spite of herself, as soon as the old chap arrived, smelling like a cemetery, she became wrapped again in her reflections, with the excited and texed. timorous air of a wife thinking of passing a knife through the marriage contract. Had he not twice offered to pack her up and carry her off with him to some place where the enjoyment of sleep is so great that in a moment one forgets all one's wretchedness? Perhaps it was really very pleasant. Little by little of a temptation to taste it became stronger.

Starting point is 12:44:22 She would have liked to have tried it for a fortnight or a month. Oh, to sleep a month, especially in winter, the month when the rent became due, when the troubles of life were killing her. But it was not possible. One must sleep forever if one commences to sleep for an hour, and the thought of this froze her. A desire for death departed before the eternal and stern friendship which the earth demanded. However, one evening in January she knocked with both her fists against the partition, She'd passed a frightful week, hustled by everyone without a sou and utterly discouraged. That evening she was not at all well.

Starting point is 12:45:07 She shivered with fever and seemed to see flames dancing about her. Then, instead of throwing herself out of the window, as she had at one moment thought of doing, she set to knocking and calling, Old bazooge! Old bazooge! The undertaker's helper was taking off his shoes and singing, there were three lovely girls. He'd probably had a good day, for he seemed even more maudlin than usual.

Starting point is 12:45:35 Old bazouge! Old Basouge! repeated Jervais, raising her voice. Did he not hear her then? She was ready to give herself at once. He might come and take her on his neck and carry her off to the place where he carried his other women, the poor and the rich, whom he consoled.

Starting point is 12:45:54 It pained her to hear his song. They were three lovely girls, because she discerned in it the disdain of a man with too many sweethearts. What is it? What is it? Stuttered Bazouge. Who's unwell? We're coming, little woman.

Starting point is 12:46:12 But the sound of this husky voice awoke Jervais as though from a nightmare, and a feeling of horror ascended from her knees to her shoulders at the thought of seeing herself lugged along in the old fellow's arms, all stiff and her. face as white as a china plate. Well, is there no one there now? Resumed Bazouge in silence. Wait a bit. We're always ready to oblige the ladies.

Starting point is 12:46:42 It's nothing. Nothing, said the laundress at length in a choking voice. I don't require anything. Thanks. She remained anxious, listening to old Bazooge grumbling himself. to sleep, afraid to stir for fear he would think he heard her knocking again. In her corner of misery, in the midst of her cares and the cares of others, Jervais had, however, a beautiful example of courage in the home of her neighbors, the Bijard's. Little Lally, only

Starting point is 12:47:16 eight years old and no larger than a sparrow, took care of the household as competently as a grown person. The job was not an easy one because she had too little her brother Jules and her sister Henriette, aged three and five, to watch all day long whilst sweeping and cleaning. Ever since Bija had killed his wife with a kick in the stomach, Lali had become the little mother of them all. Without saying a word and of her own accord, she filled the place of one who'd gone, to the extent that her brute of a father, no doubt to complete the resemblance, now belabored the daughter, as he had formerly belabored the mother.

Starting point is 12:47:58 Whenever he came home drunk, he required a woman to massacre. He did not even notice that Lali was quite little. He would not have beaten some old troll-up harder. Little Lali, so thin it made you cry, took it all without a word of complaint in her beautiful, patient eyes. Never would she revolt. She bent her neck to protect her face and stifled her so as not to alarm the neighbors. When her father got tired of kicking her, she'd rest a bit until she got her strength back,

Starting point is 12:48:32 and then resume her work. It was part of her job being beaten daily. Jervais entertained a great friendship for her little neighbor. She treated her as an equal, as a grown-up woman of experience. It must be said that Laleigh had a pale and serious look, with the expression of an old girl. one might have thought her thirty on hearing her speak. She knew very well how to buy things, mend the clothes, attend to the home,

Starting point is 12:49:04 and she spoke of the children as though she'd already gone through two or three nurseries in her time. It made people smile to hear her talk thus at eight years old, and then a lump would rise in their throats, and they would hurry away so as not to burst out crying. Chavez drew the child towards her as much as she could, gave her all she could spare of food and old clothing. One day, as she tried one of Nana's old dresses on her,

Starting point is 12:49:30 she almost choked with anger on seeing her back covered with bruises, the skin off her elbow, which was still bleeding, and all her innocent flesh martyred and sticking to her bones. Well, old Bajouz could get a box ready. She would not last long at that rate. But the child had begged Boulon to her. not to say a word. She would not have her father bothered on her account. She took his part, affirming that he would not have been so wicked if it had not been for the drink. He was mad. He did

Starting point is 12:50:05 not know what he did. Oh, she forgave him, because one ought to forgive madmen, everything. From that time, Jervais watched and prepared to interfere directly, she heard Bijar coming up the stairs. But on most of the occasion, she only caught some war. whack for her trouble. When she entered the room in the daytime, she often found Lali tied to the foot of the iron bedstead. It was an idea of a locksmiths before going out to tie her legs in her body with some stout rope without anyone being able to find out why. A mere whim of a brain diseased by drink, just for the sake, no doubt, of maintaining his tyranny over the child when he was no longer there. Lally, as stiff as a snake,

Starting point is 12:50:53 pins and needles in her legs, remained whole days at the post. She once even passed a night there, Bajar, having forgotten to come home. Whenever Jervais carried away by her indignation, talked of unfastening her, she implored her not to disturb the rope, because her father became furious if he did not find Mennaz tied the same way he'd left them. Really, it wasn't so bad, it gave her arrest. She smiled as she said this, though her legs were swollen and bruised. What upset her the most was that she couldn't do her work

Starting point is 12:51:30 while tied to the bed. She could watch the children, though, and even did some knitting so as not to entirely waste the time. The locksmith had thought of another little game, too. He heated sous in the frying pan, then placed them on a corner of the mantelpiece, and he called Lally,

Starting point is 12:51:50 and told her to fetch a couple of pounds of bread. The child took up the sous unsuspectingly, uttered a cry and threw them on the ground, shaking her burnt hand. Then he flew into a fury. Who had saddled him with such a piece of carrion? She lost the money now. And he threatened to beat her to a jelly if she did not pick the sous up at once. When the child hesitated she received the first warning,

Starting point is 12:52:17 a clout of such force that it made her see, 36 candles. Speechless, and with two big tears in the corners of her eyes, she would pick up the soothes and go off, tossing them in the palm of her hand to cool them. No, one could never imagine the ferocious ideas which may sprout from the depths of a drunkard's brain. One afternoon, for instance, Lally having made everything tidy, was playing with the children. The window was open. There was a draft, and the wind blowing along the passage gently shook the door. "'It's Monsieur Hardy,' the child was saying. "'Come in, Monsieur Hardy, pray have the kindness to walk in.' And she curtseyed before the door. She bowed to the wind.

Starting point is 12:53:08 Henriette and Jules behind her also bowed, delighted with the game, and splitting their sides with laughing, as though being tickled. She was quite rosy at seeing them so heartily amused, and even found some pleasure in it on her own account, which generally only happened to her on the 36th day of each month. "'Good day, Monsieur Hardy? How do you do, Monsieur Hardy?' But a rough hand pushed open the door, and Bijard entered. Then the scene changed. Andriette and Jules fell down flat against the wall, with Laleigh.

Starting point is 12:53:44 terrified, remained standing in the very middle of the curtsy. The locksmith held in his hand a big wagoner's whip, quite new, with a long white wooden handle and a leather thong, terminating with a bit of whip cord. He placed the whip in the corner against the bed and did not give the usual kick to the child, who was already preparing herself by presenting her back. A chuckle exposed his blackened teeth,

Starting point is 12:54:10 and he was very lively, very drunk. His red face lighted up by some idea that amused him immensely. This ends Chapter 10, Part 2. Chapter 10, Part 3 of Vlasamoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder, Chapter 10, Part 3. What's that?

Starting point is 12:54:52 he. You're playing the deuce, eh? You confounded young, hussy. I could hear you dancing about from downstairs. Now then, come here. Nearer and fuller face. I don't want to sniff you from behind. Am I touching you that you tremble like a mass of giblet? Take my shoes off. Lally turned quite pale again, and amazed at not receiving her usual drubbing, took his shoes off. He had seated himself on the edge of the bed. He lay down with his clothes on and remained with his eyes open, watching the child move about the room. She busied herself with one thing and another, gradually becoming bewildered beneath his glance,

Starting point is 12:55:41 her limbs overcome by such a fright that she ended by breaking a cup. Then, without getting off the bed, he took hold of the whip and showed it to her. See, little chicky, look at this. It's a present for you. Yes, it's another fifty sous you've cost me. With this plaything, I shall no longer be obliged to run after you, and it'll be no use you getting into the corners. Will you have a try? Ah, you broke a cup. Now then, gee up. Dance away, make your curtsies to Monsieur Hardy. He did not even raise himself, but lay sprawling on his

Starting point is 12:56:24 back, his head buried in his pillow, making the big whip crack about the room with the noise of a postilion starting his horses. Then lowering his arm, he lashed Lally in the middle of the body, encircling her with the whip and unwinding it again as though she were atop. She fell and tried to escape on her hands and knees, but lashing her again, he jerked her to her feet. Gee up! Gee up! yelled he. It's the donkey race. Hey, it'll be fine of a cold morning in winter. I can lie snug without getting cold or hurting my chillblains and catch the calves from a distance.

Starting point is 12:57:05 In that corner there, I hit, you hussy. And in that other corner, I hit again. And in that one, another hit. Ah, if you crawl under the bed, I'll whack you with the handle. Che up, you jade, chie up, jeep. A slight foam came to his lips. His yellow eyes were starting from their black orbits. Lally, maddened, howling, jumped to the four corners of the room,

Starting point is 12:57:35 curled herself up on the floor and clung to the walls. But the lash at the end of the big whip caught her everywhere, cracking against her ears with a noise of fireworks, streaking her flesh with burning wheels. A regular dance of the animal being taught its tricks. This poor kitten waltzed. It was a sight. Her heels in the air like little girls playing at skipping and crying,

Starting point is 12:58:02 Father! She was all out of breath, rebounding like an India rubber ball, letting herself be beaten, unable to see or any longer to seek a refuge. And her wolf of a father triumphed, calling her Virago, asking her if she'd had enough

Starting point is 12:58:19 and whether she understood sufficiently that she was in future to give up all hope of escaping from him. But Jervais suddenly entered the room, attracted by the child's howls. On beholding such a scene, she was seized with a furious indignation. Ah, you brute of a man, cried she. Leave her alone, you brigand. I'll put the police on to you.

Starting point is 12:58:46 Bejar growled like an animal being disturbed and stuttered. mind your own business a bit limper perhaps you'd like to put gloves on when i stir her up it's merely to warm her as you can plainly see simply to show her that i've a long arm and he gave a final lash with a whip which caught la lia across the face the upper lip was cut the blood flowed treves had seized the chair and was about to fall on to the locksmith but the child held her hands towards her imploringly, saying that it was nothing and that it was all over. She wiped away the blood with the corner of her apron, and quieted the babies, who were sobbing bitterly, as though they had received all the blows. Whenever Jervais's thought of Lally,

Starting point is 12:59:39 she felt she had no right to complain for herself. She wished she had as much patient courage as the little girl who was only eight years old, and had to endure more than the rest of the women on their staircase put, together. She'd seen Lali living on stale bread for months and growing thinner and weaker. However, she smuggled some remnants of meat to Lali. It almost broke her heart to see the child weeping silently and nibbling it down only by little bits because her throat was so shrunken. Jervais looked on Lali as a model of suffering and forgiveness and tried to learn from her how to

Starting point is 13:00:18 suffer in silence. In the Coupot household, the vitriol of La Samois was also commencing its ravages. Javades could see the day coming when her husband would get a whip like Bijs to make her dance. Yes, Coupot was spinning an evil thread. The time was past when a drink would make him feel good. His unhealthy, soft fat of earlier years had melted away, and he was beginning to wither and turn a leaden gray. He seemed to have a greenish tint like a corpse putrefying in a pond.

Starting point is 13:00:55 He no longer had a taste for food, not even the most beautifully prepared stew. His stomach would turn and his decayed teeth refused to touch it. A pint a day was his daily ration, the only nourishment he could digest. When he awoke in the mornings he sat coughing and spitting up bile for at least a quarter of an hour. It never failed. you might as well have the basin ready. He was never steady on his pins till after his first glass of consolation.

Starting point is 13:01:26 A real remedy, the fire of which quarterized his bowels. But during the day his strength returned. At first he would feel a tickling sensation, a sort of pins and needles in his hands and feet, and he would joke relating that someone was having a lark with him, that he was sure his wife put horsehair between the sheets. then his legs would become heavy.

Starting point is 13:01:50 Partickling sensation would end by turning into the most abominable cramps, which gripped his flesh as though in a vice. That, though, did not amuse him so much. He no longer laughed. He stopped suddenly on the pavement in a bewildered way, with a ringing in his ears and his eyes blinded with sparks. Everything appeared to him to be yellow. The houses danced, and he real,

Starting point is 13:02:16 about for three seconds with a fear of suddenly finding himself sprawling on the ground. At other times, while the sun was shining full on his back, he would shiver as though iced water had been poured down his shoulders. What bothered him the most was a slight trembling of both his hands. The right hand especially must have been guilty of some crime. It suffered from so many nightmares. Oh dear, was he then no longer a man? He was becoming an old woman. He furiously strained his muscles. He seized hold of his glass and bet that he would hold it perfectly steady as with a hand of marble.

Starting point is 13:02:57 But in spite of his efforts, the glass danced about, jumped to the right, jump to the left, with a hurried and regular trembling movement. Then, in a fury, he emptied it into his gullet, yelling that he would require dozens like it. And afterwards, he undertook to carry a cask without so much as moving, a finger. Chavez, on the other hand, told him to give up drink if he wished to cease trembling, and he laughed at her, emptying quartz until he experienced the sensation again, flying into a rage and accusing the passing omnibuses of shaking up his liquor. In the month of March, Coupot returned home one evening soaked through. He had come with my boots from Mont Rouge,

Starting point is 13:03:44 where they had stuffed themselves full of eel soup, and he had received the full force of a shower all the way from the Barre des Fouonneaux to the Barre Porsonnier, a good distance. During the night he was seized with a confounded fit of coughing. He was very flushed, suffering from a violent fever and panting like a broken bellows. When the Bosh's doctor saw him in the morning

Starting point is 13:04:10 and listened against his back, he shook his head and drew Jervais aside to advise. her to have her husband taken to the hospital. Coupeau was suffering from pneumonia. Chavez did not worry herself, you may be sure. At one time she would have been chopped into pieces before trusting her old man to the sawbones. After the accident in the Rue de la Nation,

Starting point is 13:04:34 she had spent their savings in nursing him. But those beautiful sentiments don't last when men take to wallowing in the mire. No, no, she did not intend to make a fuss like that again. They might take him and never bring him back. She would thank them heartily. Yet, when the litter arrived and Coupeau was put into it like an article of furniture, she became all pale and bitter lips. And if she grumbled and still said it was a good job, her heart was no longer in her words. Had she but ten francs in her drawer, she would not have

Starting point is 13:05:09 let him go. She accompanied him to the Larre Boisier Hospital, so the nurses put him a bed at the end of a long hall, where the patients in a row, looking like corpses, raised themselves up and followed with their eyes the comrade who had just been brought in. It was a veritable death chamber. There was a suffocating, feverish odor and a chorus of coughing. The long hall gave the impression of a small cemetery with its double row of white beds looking like an aisle of marble tombs. When Coupot remained motionless, on his pillow. Sherveys left, having nothing to say, nor anything in her pocket that could comfort him. Outside, she turned to look up at the monumental structure of the hospital, and recalled the days

Starting point is 13:06:00 when Coupot was working there, putting on the zinc roof, perched up high and singing in the sun. He wasn't drinking in those days. She used to watch for him from her window in the Hotel Boncourt, and they would both wave their handkerchiefs in Greek. Now, instead of being on the roof like a cheerful sparrow, he was down below. He had built his own place in the hospital where he had come to die. Oh dear, it all seemed so far away now, that time of young love. On the day after the morrow, when Jervais called to obtain use of him, she found the bed empty. A sister of charity told her that they'd been obliged to remove her husband

Starting point is 13:06:47 to the asylum of St. Anne, because the day before he'd suddenly gone wild. Oh, a total leave-taking of his senses, attempts to crack his skull against the wall, howls which prevented the other patients from sleeping. It all came from drink, it seemed. Jervais went home very upset. Well, her husband had gone crazy. What would it be like if he came home? Nana insisted that they should leave him in the hospital,

Starting point is 13:07:17 because he might end by killing both of them. Chavez was not able to go to St. Anne until Sunday. It was a tremendous journey. Fortunately, the omnibus from the Boulevard de Rous Chouard to L'Aldacier passed close to the asylum. She went down the Rue de la Saint, buying two oranges on her way, so it was not to arrive empty-handed.

Starting point is 13:07:41 It was another monumental building, with gray courtyards, interminable corridors, and a smell of rank medicaments, which did not exactly inspire liveliness. But when they had admitted her into a cell, she was quite surprised to see Coupeau almost jolly. He was just then seated on the throne,

Starting point is 13:08:02 a spotlessly clean wooden case, and they both laughed at her finding him in this position. Well, one knows what an invalid is. He squatted there like a pope with his cheek of earlier days. Oh, he was better as he could do this. And the pneumonia inquired Belondress. Done for, replied he. They cured it in no time. I still cough a little, but that's all that's left of it.

Starting point is 13:08:31 Then, at the moment of leaving the throne to get back into his bed, he joked once more. It's lucky you have a strong nose and are not bothered. They laughed louder than ever. At heart they felt joyful. It was by way of showing their contentment without a host of phrases that they just joke together. One must have had to do with patients to know the pleasure one feels at seeing all their functions at work again.

Starting point is 13:08:59 When he was back in bed, she gave him the two oranges, and this filled him with emotion. He was becoming quite nice again, ever since he'd had nothing but to sound to drink. She ended by venturing to speak to him about his violent attack. surprised at hearing him reason like in the good old times. "'Ah, yes,' said he, joking at his own expense.

Starting point is 13:09:23 "'I talked a precious lot of nonsense. "'Just fancy. I saw rats and ran about on all fours "'to put a grain of salt under their tails. "'And you, you call to me, men were trying to kill you.' "'In short, all sorts of stupid things, ghosts in broad daylight. "'Oh, I remember it well. my noodle still solid. Now it's over.

Starting point is 13:09:47 I dream a bit when I'm asleep. I have nightmares, but everyone has nightmares. Jervais remained with him until the evening. When the house surgeon came at the six o'clock inspection, he made him spread his hands. They hardly trembled at all, scarcely a quiver at the tips of the fingers. However, as night approached,

Starting point is 13:10:11 Coupot was little by little seized with uneasiness. He twice sat up in bed, looking on the ground and in the dark corners of the room. Suddenly, he thrust out an arm and appeared to crush some vermin against the wall. What is it? As Jervais, frightened. The rats, murmured he. Then, after a pause, gliding into sleep, he tossed about uttering disconnected in phrases. Oh dear, they're tearing my skin.

Starting point is 13:10:49 Are the filthy beasts. Keep steady. Hold your skirts right round you. Beware of a dirty bloke behind you. Mont dear, she's down, and the scoundrels laugh. Scoundrels! Blaggards, brigands! He dealt blows into space.

Starting point is 13:11:09 Caught hold of his blanket and rolled it into a bundle against his chest, as though to protect the latter from the violence of the bearded men whom he beheld. Then, an attendant having hastened to the spot, Jervais withdrew, quite frozen by the scene. But when she returned a few days later, she found Coupot completely cured. Even the nightmares had left him. He could sleep as ten hours,

Starting point is 13:11:35 right off as peacefully as a child, and without stirring a limb. So his wife was allowed to take him away. The house surgeon gave him the usual good advice on leaving and advised him to follow it. If he recommenced drinking, he would again collapse and would end by dying. Yes, it solely depended upon himself. He'd seen how jolly and healthy one could become when one did not get drunk. Well, he must continue at home the sensible life he had led at St. Anne, fancy himself under lock and key and that dram shops no longer existed.

Starting point is 13:12:12 but gentlemen's right said jervais in the omnibus which was taking them back to the rue de la gutor of course he's right replied coupot then after thinking a minute he resumed oh you know a little glass now and again can't kill a man it helps the digestion and that very evening he swallowed a glass of bad spirit just to keep his stomach in order for eight days he was pretty reason He was a great coward at heart. He had no desire to end his days in the Bicetre madhouse. But his passion got the better of him. The first little glass led him in spite of himself to a second, to a third and to a fourth, and at the end of a fortnight, he'd got back to his old ration, a pint of vitriol a day. Chavez, exasperated, could have beaten him. To think that she'd been stupid enough to dream once more of Lille a worthy life, just because she'd seen him at the asylum in full possession of his good sense.

Starting point is 13:13:20 Another joyful hour had flown, the last one, no doubt. Oh, now as nothing could reclaim him, not even the fear of his near death. She swore she would no longer put herself out. The home might be all at sixes and sevens. She did not care any longer, and she talked also of leaving him. then hell upon earth recommenced, a life sinking deeper into the mire without a glimmer of hope for something better to follow. Nana, whenever her father clouded her, furiously asked why the brute was not at the hospital. She was awaiting the time when she would be earning money, she would say, to treat him to brandy and make him croak quicker. Chevese on her side flew into a passion one day that Coupot was regretting their marriage. Ah, she'd brought him her saucy children.

Starting point is 13:14:13 Ah, she'd got herself picked up from the pavement, wheedling him with rosy dreams. Oh dear, he had a rear cheek. So many words, so many lies. She hadn't wished to have anything to do with him. That was the truth. He dragged himself at her feet to make her give way, whilst she was advising him to think well what he was about.

Starting point is 13:14:37 And if it was all to come over again, he would hear how she would just say no she would sooner have an arm caught off yes she'd had a lover before him but a woman who has had a lover and who is a worker is worth more than a sluggard of a man who sullies his honour and that of his family in all the dram shops that day for the first time the coupons went in for a general brawl and they whacked each other so hard that an old umbrella and the broom were broken Chavez kept her word. She sank lower and lower. She missed going to her work oftener, spent whole days in gossiping, and became as soft as a rag whenever she had a task to perform. If a thing fell from her hands, it might remain on the floor. It was certainly not she who would have stooped to pick it up. She took her ease about everything and never handled a broom except when the accumulation of filth almost brought her to the ground.

Starting point is 13:15:39 The L'Oliu's now made a point of holding something to their noses whenever they passed her room. The stench was poisonous, said they. Those hypocrites slyly lived at the end of the passage, out of the way of all these miseries, which filled the corner of the house with whimpering, locking themselves in so as not to have to lend twenty sous-pieces. Oh, kind-hearted folks, neighbors awful. obliging. Yes, you may be sure.

Starting point is 13:16:08 One had only to knock and ask for a light, or a pinch of salt, or a jug of water, one was certain of getting the door banged in one's face. With all that, they had viper's tongues. They protested everywhere, but they never occupied themselves with other people. This was true whenever it was a question of assisting a neighbor. But they did so from morning to night, directly they had a chance of pulling anyone to pieces. With the door bolted and a rug hung up to cover the chinks in the keyhole, they would treat themselves to a spiteful gossip without leaving their gold wire for a moment. The fall of Clump Clump in particular kept them purring like pet cats.

Starting point is 13:16:52 Completely ruined, not a Sioux remaining. They smiled gleefully at the small piece of bread she would bring back when she went shopping and kept count of her days when she had nothing at all to eat. And the clothes she wore now, disgusting rags! That's what happened when one tried to live high. Jervais, who had an idea of the way in which they spoke of her, would take her shoes off and place her ear against their door. But the rug over the door prevented her from hearing much.

Starting point is 13:17:27 She was heartily sick of them. She continued to speak to them to avoid her. remarks, though expecting nothing but unpleasantness from such nasty persons, but no longer having strength even to give them as much as they gave her, passed the insults off as a lot of nonsense. And besides, she only wanted her own pleasure, to sit in a heap twirling her thumbs, and only moving when it was a question of amusing herself, nothing more. One Saturday, Koupa would promise to take her to the circus. It was well worthwhile disturbing oneself

Starting point is 13:18:03 To see ladies galloping along on horses And jumping through paper hoops Kupot had just finished a fortnight's work He could well spare a couple of francs And they had also arranged to dine out Just the two of them Nana having to work very late that evening at her employers Because of some pressing order

Starting point is 13:18:24 But at seven o'clock there was no coupot At eight o'clock it was still the same Jervais was furious. Her drunkard was certainly squandering his earnings with his comrades at the shopper-dram shops of the neighborhood. She'd washed a cap and been slaving since the morning over the holes of an old dress, wishing to look decent. At last, towards nine o'clock, her stomach empty, her face purple with rage. She decided to go down and look for Coupot. Is it your husband you want? called Madame Boch, on catching sight of Jervais, looking very glum. He's at Per Colombs. Bosch has just been having some cherry brandy with him.

Starting point is 13:19:09 Jervais uttered her thanks and stalked stiffly along the pavement, with a determination of flying at Coupeau's eyes. A fine rain was falling, which made the walk more unpleasant still. But when she reached La Samois, the fear of receiving the drubbing herself if she badgered her old man, suddenly calmed her, and made her prudent. The shop was ablaze with the lighted gas, the flames of which were as brilliant as suns, and the bottles and jars illuminated the walls with their colored glass. She stood there an instant stretching her neck, her eyes close to the window, looking between two bottles placed there for show,

Starting point is 13:19:50 watching Coupot, who was right at the back, he was sitting with some comrades at a little zinc table, all looking vague and blue in the tobacco smoke, and, as one could not have, hear them yelling. It created a funny effect to see them gesticulating with their chins thrust forward and their eyes starting out of their heads. Good heavens, was it really possible that men could leave their wives and their homes to shut themselves up thus in a hole where they were choking? The rain trickled down her neck. She drew herself up and went off to

Starting point is 13:20:25 the exterior boulevard, wrapped in thought and not daring to enter. Ah, Well, Coupeau would have welcomed her in a pleasant way, he who objected to be spied upon. Besides, it really scarcely seemed to her the proper place for a respectable woman. Twice she went back and stood before the shop window. Her eyes again riveted to the glass, annoyed it still beholding those confounded drunkards out of the rain and yelling and drinking. The light of La Samois was reflected in the puddles on the pavement, which simmered with little bubble, caused by the downpour. At length, she thought she was too foolish, and pushing open the door, she walked straight up to the table where Coupeau was sitting. After all, it was her husband she came

Starting point is 13:21:13 for, was it not? And she was authorized in doing so, because he'd promised to take her to the circus that evening. So much the worse. She had no desire to melt like a cake of soap out on the pavement. Oh, it's you, old woman, exclaimed the zinc worker. half choking with a chuckle. Ah, that's a good joke. Isn't it a good joke now? All the company laughed. Chervais remained standing, feeling rather bewildered.

Starting point is 13:21:45 Koupoe appeared to her to be in a pleasant humor, so she ventured to say, You remember, we've somewhere to go. We must hurry, we shall be in time to see something. I can't get up. I'm glued. Oh, without joking, resumed Koupo, who continued laughing. Try, just to satisfy yourself. Pull my arm with all your strength.

Starting point is 13:22:11 Try it. Harder than that, tug away, up with it. You see, it's that louse per Colom who screwed me to his seat. Chavez had humored him at this game. And when she let go of his arm, the comrades thought the joke so good that he thumbled up against one another, braying and rubbing their shoulders like donkeys being groomed. This ink-worker's mouth was so wide with laughter that you could see right down his throat.

Starting point is 13:22:41 You great noodle, said he at length. You can surely sit down a minute. You're better here than splashing about outside. Well, yes, I didn't come home as I promised. I'd business to attend to. Though you may pull a long face who won't alter matters. make room you others if madame would accept my knees she would find them softer than the seat gallantly said my boots jervais not wishing to attract attention took a chair and sat down at a short distance from the table she looked at what the men were drinking some rot-gut brandy which shone like gold in the glasses a little of it had dropped upon the table and salted mouth otherwise drink without Thirst, dipped his finger in it whilst conversing, and wrote a woman's name, Yulali, in big letters. She noticed that Beebe the Smoker looked shockingly jaded and thinner than a hundred weight of nails.

Starting point is 13:23:45 My Boots' nose was in full bloom, a regular purple burgundy dahlia. They were all quite dirty, their beards stiff, their smocks ragged and stained, their hands grimy with dirt. yet they were still quite polite. Jervais noticed a couple of men at the bar. They were so drunk that they were spilling the drink down their chins when they thought they were wetting their whistles. Fat pair Colom was calmly serving round after round.

Starting point is 13:24:16 The atmosphere was very warm. The smoke from the pipes ascended in the blinding glare of the gas, amidst which it rolled about like dust, drowning the customers in a gradually thickening. missed. And from this cloud, there issued a deafening and confused uproar, cracked voices, clinking of glasses, oaths and blows sounding like detonations. So Jervais pulled a very rye face, for such a sight is not funny for a woman, especially when she's not used to it. She was stifling, with a smarting sensation in her eyes, and her head already feeling heavy from the alcoholic fumes exhaled by

Starting point is 13:24:57 the whole place. then she suddenly experienced the sensation of something more unpleasant still behind her back she turned round and beheld the still the machine which manufactured drunkards working away beneath the glass roof of a narrow courtyard with the profound trepidation of its hellish cookery Of in the evening, the copper parts looked more mournful than ever, lit up only on their rounded surface with one big red glint, and the shadow of the apparatus on the wall at the back formed most abominable figures. Bodies with tails, monsters opening their jaws as though to swallow everyone up. Listen, mother, talk too much. Don't make any of your grimaces, cried Coupot. To blazes, you know, with all wet blankets. What'll you drink? "'Nothing, of course,' replied Belondress.

Starting point is 13:25:52 "'I haven't dined yet. "'Well, that's all the more reason for having a glass. "'A drop of something sustains one.' But as she still retained her glum expression, "'my boots again did the gallant. "'Madame probably likes sweet things,' murmured he. "'I like men who don't get drunk,' retorted she, "'geting angry.

Starting point is 13:26:17 "'Yes, I like a fellow who brings home his earnings and who keeps his word when he makes a promise. Ah, so that's what upsets you, said the zinc worker without ceasing to chuckle. Yes, you want your share. Then, big goose, why do you refuse a drink? Take it. It's so much to the good. She looked at him fixedly in a grave manner, a wrinkle marking her forehead with a black line,

Starting point is 13:26:45 and she slowly replied, Why, you're right. It's a good idea. That way, we can drink up the coin together. Dibi the smoker rose from his seat to fetch her a glass of Anisette. She drew her chair up to the table. Whilst she was sipping her Anisette, a recollection suddenly flashed across her mind.

Starting point is 13:27:08 She remembered the plumb she'd taken with Coupeau, near Vador in the old days, when he was courting her. At that time, she used to leave the juice of fruits preserved in the... brandy. And now, here was she going back to liqueurs. Oh, she knew herself well. She had not two symbolfuls of will. One would only have had to have given her a walloping across the back to have made her regularly wallow in drink. The Anaset even seemed to be very good, perhaps rather too sweet and slightly sickening. She went on sipping as she listened to salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst,

Starting point is 13:27:49 Talap his affair with Fatul Ali, a fish peddler and very shrewd at locating him. Even if his comrades tried to hide him, she could usually sniff him out when he was late. Just the night before she'd slapped his face with a flounder to teach him not to neglect going to work. Bebe the smoker and my boots nearly split their sides laughing. They slapped Jervais on the shoulder,

Starting point is 13:28:13 and she began to laugh also, finding an amusing in spite of herself. They then advised her to follow Urali's example and bring an iron with her so as to press Coupos' ears on the counters of the wine shops. Ah, well, no thanks, cried Coupot, as he turned upside down the glass his wife had emptied. You pump it out pretty well.

Starting point is 13:28:37 Just look, you fellow, she doesn't take long over it. Well, madame, take another, asked Salted Mouth, otherwise drink without thirst. No, she'd had enough. Yet she hesitated. The Anisette had slightly bothered her stomach. She should have taken straight brandy to settle her digestion. She cast side glances at the drunkard manufacturing machine behind her.

Starting point is 13:29:05 That confounded pot, as round as the stomach of a tinker's fat wife, with its nose that was so long and twisted, sent a shiver down her back. a fear mingled with the desire. Yes, one might have thought at the metal pluck of some big wicked woman, of some witch who was discharging drop by drop the fire of her entrails. A fine source of poison, an operation which should have been hidden away in a cellar, it was so brazen and abominable. But all the same she would have liked to have poked her nose inside it,

Starting point is 13:29:38 to have sniffed the odor, have tasted the filth, though the skin might have peeled off her burnt tongue, like the rind off an orange. What's that you're drinking? asked she slyly of the men. Her eyes lighted up by the beautiful golden color of their glasses. That old woman, answered Koupo,

Starting point is 13:29:58 is Per Colom's camphor. Don't be silly now, and we'll give you a taste. And when they brought her a glass of the vitriol, the rot-gut, and her jaws had contracted at the first mouthful, the zinc worker resumed, slapping his thighs. Ah, it tickles your gullet.

Starting point is 13:30:16 Drink it off at one go. Each glassful cheats the doctor of six francs. At the second glass, Jervais no longer felt the hunger which had been tormenting her. Now she'd made it up with Coupot. She no longer felt angry with him for not having kept his word. They would go to Berserkers some other day. It was not so funny to see jugglers galloping about on horses. There was no rain inside Percolons,

Starting point is 13:30:42 and if the money went in brandy, one at least had it in one's body. One drank it bright and shining like beautiful liquid gold. Ah, she was ready to send the whole world to blazes. Life was not so pleasant after all. Besides, it seemed some consolation to her to have her share in squandering the cash. As she was comfortable, why should she not remain?

Starting point is 13:31:08 One might have a discharge of artillery. She did not care to budge once she'd settle. in a heap. She nursed herself in a pleasant warmth, her bodice sticking to her back, overcome by a feeling of comfort which benumbed her limbs. She laughed all to herself, her elbows on the table, a vacant look in her eyes, highly amused by two customers, a fat, heavy fellow and a tiny shrimp seated at a neighboring table and kissing each other lovingly. Yes, she laughed at the things to see in La Samois, at Piercolum's full moon face, a regular bladder of lard, at the customers smoking the short clay pipes,

Starting point is 13:31:48 yelling and spitting, and at the big flames of gas which lighted up the looking-glasses in the bottles of liqueurs. The smell no longer bothered her. On the contrary, it tickled her nose, and she thought it very pleasant. Her eyes slightly closed, while she breathed very slowly, without the least feeling of suffocation, tasting the enjoyment of the gentle slumber which was overcoming her. Then, after her third glass, she let her chin fall on her hands. She now only saw Kupot and his comrades, and she remained nose to nose with them, quite close, her cheeks warmed by their breath, looking at their dirty beards as though she'd been counting the hairs. My boots drooled his pipe between his teeth, with the dumb and grave air of a dozing

Starting point is 13:32:40 ox. Bebe the smoker was telling a story, the manner in which he emptied a bottle at a draft, giving it such a kiss that one instantly saw its bottom. Meanwhile, salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, had gone and fetched the wheel of fortune from the counter and was playing with Kupot for drinks. Two hundred! You're lucky. You get high numbers every time. The needle of the wheel graded, and the figure of fortune, a big red woman placed under glass, turned round and round, until it looked like a mere spot in the center, similar to a wine stain. Three hundred and fifty, you must have been inside you, confounded Laskar. Ah, I shan't play any more.

Starting point is 13:33:30 Chavez amused herself with the wheel of fortune. She was feeling awfully thirsty and calling my boots my child. Behind her the machine for manufacturing drunkards continued working with its murmur of an underground stream, and she despaired of ever stopping it, of exhausting it, filled with a sullen anger against it, feeling a longing to spring upon the big still as upon some animal, to kick it with her heels and stave in its belly. Then everything began to seem all mixed up. The machine seemed to be moving itself, and she thought she was being grabbed by its copper claw,

Starting point is 13:34:08 in that the underground stream was now flowing over her body. Then the room danced around. The gas jet seemed to shoot like stars. Chavez was drunk. She heard a furious wrangle between salted mouth, otherwise drink without thirst, and that rascal per Colompe. There was a thief of a landlord who wanted one to pay for what one had not had.

Starting point is 13:34:32 Yet one was not at a gangster's hangout. Suddenly there was a scuffling. Yoles were heard and tables were heard, and tables were upset. It was Per Colom who was turning the party out without the least hesitation and in the twinkling of an eye. On the other side of a door they black guarded him and called him a scoundrel. It still rained and blew icy cold. Jervais lost Coupot, found him, and then lost him again. She wished to go home. She felt the shops to find her way. This sudden darkness surprised her immensely. At the corner of the Rue de Poissonier, she sat down in the gutter, thinking she was at the

Starting point is 13:35:15 washhouse. The water which flowed along caused her head to swim and made her very ill. At length she arrived. She passed stiffly before the concierge's room, where she perfectly recognized that Lorre Lus and the Poissons seated at the table having dinner, and who made grimeses of disgust than beholding her in that sorry state. she never remembered how she had got up all those flights of stairs just as she was turning into the passage at the top little lally who heard her footsteps hastened to meet her opening her arms caressingly and saying with a smile madame jervais papa has not returned just come and see my little children sleeping oh they look so pretty but on beholding bellandress's besotted face she tremblingly drew back. She was acquainted with that brandy-laden breath, those pale eyes, that convulsed mouth. Then Jervais stumbled past without uttering a word, whilst the child, standing on the

Starting point is 13:36:23 threshold of her room, followed her with her dark eyes, grave and speechless. This ends Chapter 10, Part 3. by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 11, Part 1. Nana was growing up and becoming wayward. At 15 years old, she'd expanded like a calf, white-skinned and very fat.

Starting point is 13:37:10 So plump indeed you might have called her a pincushion. Yes, such she was. was, 15 years old, full of figure and no stays. A saucy magpie face dipped in milk, a skin as soft as a peach skin, a funny nose, pink lips and eyes sparkling like tapers, which men would have liked to light their pipes at. Her pile of fair hair, the color of fresh oats, seemed to have scattered gold dust over her temples, freck alike as it were, giving her brow a sunny crown. Ah, a pretty doll, as the Laurie Luce, a dirty nose that needed wiping, with fat shoulders, which were as fully rounded and as powerful as those of a full-grown woman.

Starting point is 13:37:56 Nana no longer needed to stuff wads of paper into her bodice. Her breasts were grown. She wished they were larger, though, and dreamed of having breasts like a wet nurse. What made her particularly tempting was a nasty habit she had of protruding the tip of her tongue between her white teeth. No doubt on seeing herself in the looking-glasses, she'd thought she was pretty like this, and so all day long she poked her tongue out of her mouth

Starting point is 13:38:24 in view of improving her appearance. "'Hight your lying tongue!' cried her mother. Coupot would often get involved, pounding his fist, swearing and shouting, make haste and draw that red rag inside again. Nana showed herself very coquettish. She did not always wash her feet, but she bought such tight boots that she suffered martyrdom in St. Crispin's prison. And if folks questioned her when she turned purple with pain, she answered that she had the stomach ache, so to avoid confessing her coquetry.

Starting point is 13:38:59 When bread was lacking at home, it was difficult for her to trick herself out. But she accomplished miracles, brought ribbons back from the workshop and concocted toilets, dirty dresses set off with bows and puffs. The summer was the season of her greatest triumphs. With a cambric dress which had cost her six francs, she filled the whole neighborhood of the Goutte d'Or with her fair beauty. Yes, she was known from the outer boulevards to the fortifications, and from the Chalcée de Clingoncourt to the grand rue of La Chappelle.

Starting point is 13:39:34 Folks called her chicky. Folks called her chicky, for she was really as tender and her. as fresh looking as a chicken. There was one dress which suited her perfectly, a white one with pink dots. It was very simple and without a frill. The skirt was rather short and revealed her ankles.

Starting point is 13:39:54 The sleeves were deeply slashed and loose, showing her arms to the elbow. She pinned the neck back into a wide V as soon as she reached a dark corner of a staircase to avoid getting her ears boxed by her father for exposing the snowy whiteness of her throat, and the golden shadow between her breasts. She also tied a pink ribbon round her blonde hair.

Starting point is 13:40:18 Sunday, she spent the entire day out with the crowds and loved it when the men eyed her hungrily as they passed. She waited all week long for these glances. She would get up early to dress herself and spend hours before the fragment of mirror that was hung over the bureau. Her mother would scold her because the entire building could see her through the windows

Starting point is 13:40:39 in her chemise as she mended her dress. Ah, she looked cute like that, said Father Koupo, sneering and jeering at her, a real magdalen in despair. She might have turned savage woman at a fair and have shown herself for a penny. Hide your meat, he used to say, and let me eat my bread.

Starting point is 13:41:01 In fact, she was adorable, white and dainty under her overhanging golden fleece, losing temper to the point that her skin turned pink, not daring to answer her father, but cutting her thread with her teeth with a hasty, furious jerk which shook her plump but youthful form. Then immediately after breakfast, she tripped down the stairs into the courtyard. The entire tenement seemed to be resting sleepily in the peacefulness of a Sunday afternoon. The workshops on the ground floor were closed. Gaping windows revealed tables in some apartments that were already set for dinner, awaiting families out working up an appetite by

Starting point is 13:41:41 strolling along the fortifications. Then, in the midst of the empty echoing courtyard, Nana, Pauline, and other big girls engaged in games of Battledore and Shuttlecock, they'd grown up together and were now becoming queens of their building. Whenever a man crossed the court, flute-like Lafrewit arise, and then starched skirts would rustle like the passing of Augusta, wind. The games were only an excuse for them to make their escape. Suddenly stillness fell upon the tenement. The girls had glided out into the street and made for the outer boulevards. Then linked arm and arm across the full breadth of the pavement they went off, the whole six of them, clad in light colors, with ribbons tied around their bare heads. With bright eyes darting stealthy

Starting point is 13:42:32 glances through their partially closed eyelids, they took note of everything. They took note of everything. and constantly threw back their necks to laugh, displaying the fleshy part of their chins. They'd swing their hips, or grouped together tightly, or flaunt along with awkward grace, all for the purpose of calling attention to the fact that their forms were filling out. Nana was in the center with her pink dress all the glow in the sunlight. She gave her arm to Pauline, whose costume, Yellow flowers on a white ground, glared in similar fashion, dotted as it were with little flames. As they were the tallest of the band, the most woman-like and most unblushing,

Starting point is 13:43:14 they led the troop and drew themselves up with breasts well forward whenever they detected glances or heard complimentary remarks. The others extended right and left, puffing themselves out in order to attract attention. Nana and Pauline resorted to the complicated devices of experienced coquettes. If they ran till they were out of breath, it was in view of showing their white stockings and making the ribbons of their chignon wave in the breeze. When they stopped, pretending complete breathlessness, you would certainly spot someone they knew quite near, one of the young fellows of a neighborhood.

Starting point is 13:43:52 This would make them dawdle along languidly, whispering and laughing among themselves, but keeping a sharp watch through their downcast eyelids. They went on these strolls of a sands. Sunday, mainly for the sake of these chance meetings. Tall lads, wearing their Sunday best, would stop them, joking and trying to catch them round their waists. Pauline was forever running into one of Madame Godron's sons, a 17-year-old carpenter who would treat her to fried potatoes. Nanny could spot Victor Fauconnier, the laundress's son, and they would exchange

Starting point is 13:44:27 kisses in dark corners. It never went farther than that, but they told each other some tall tales. Then when the sun set, the great delight of these young hussies was to stop and look at the mount banks. Conjurers and strongmen turned up and spread threadbare carpets on the soil of the avenue. Loungers collected, and a circle formed whilst the mount bank in the center tried his muscles under his faded tights. Nana and Pauline would stand for hours in the thickest part of the crowd. Their pretty, fresh frocks Would get crushed between great coats And dirty work smocks

Starting point is 13:45:06 In this atmosphere of wine and sweat They would laugh gaily Finding amusement in everything Blooming naturally Like roses growing out of a dung hill The only thing that vexed them Was to meet their fathers Especially when the latter had been drinking

Starting point is 13:45:23 So they watched and warned one another Look Nana Pauline would suddenly cry out "'Here comes Father Coupeau.' "'Well, he's drunk, too.' "'Oh, dear,' said Nana, greatly bothered. "'I'm going to beat it, you know. "'I don't want him to give me a wallop.'

Starting point is 13:45:42 "'Hullo! How he stumbles! "'Good Lord, we could only break his neck!' "'At other times, when Coupeau came straight up to her "'without giving her time to run off, "'she crouched down, made herself small and muttered, "'Just you hide me, you others. "'He's looking for me, and he promised he'd knock my head off if he caught me hanging about.

Starting point is 13:46:03 Then, when the drunkard had passed them, she drew herself up again, and all the others followed her with bursts of laughter. He'll find her, he will. He won't. It was a true game of hide and seek. One day, however, Bosch had come after Pauline and caught her by both ears, and Coupot had driven Nana home with kicks. Nana was now a flower-maker and earned forty sous a day at Titreville. place in the Rue de Caillard, where she'd served as apprentice. The coupos had kept her there

Starting point is 13:46:36 so that she might remain under the eye of Madame Larrat, who'd been four women in the workroom for ten years. Of a morning when her mother looked at the cuckoo clock, off she went by herself, looking very pretty with her shoulders tightly confined in her old black dress, which was both too narrow and too short, and Madame L'Hatt had to note the hour of her arrival and tell it to Javéves. she was allowed twenty minutes to go from the rue de la gutta to the rue de caire and it was enough for these young hussies have the legs of race-horses sometimes she arrived exactly on time but so breathless and flushed that she must have covered most of a distance at a run after dawdling along the way more often she was a few minutes late then she would fawn on her aunt all day hoping to soften her and keep her from telling madame laura understood what it was to be young and would lie to the coupos. But she also lectured Nana, stressing the dangers a young girl runs on the streets of Paris.

Starting point is 13:47:40 Mondeur, she herself was followed often enough. Oh, I watch, you needn't fear, said the widow to the coupos. I will answer to you for her as I would for myself, and rather than let a blackguard squeeze her, why, I'd step between them. The workroom at Tietreville's was a large apartment on the first floor, with a broad work table standing on trestles in the center. Round the four walls, the plaster of which was visible in parts, with a dirty yellowish-gray paper was torn away. There were several stands covered with old cardboard boxes, parcels, and discarded patterns under a thick coating of dust. The gas had left what appeared to be like a daub of soot on the ceiling. for two windows opened so wide that without leaving the work-table the girls could see the people walking past on the pavement over the way madame lehatt arrived the first in view of setting an example

Starting point is 13:48:38 then for a quarter of an hour the door swayed to and fro and all the work-girl scrambled in perspiring with tumbled hair one july morning nana arrived the last as very often happened ah me she said it won't be a pity when i have a carriage of my own and without even taking off her hat one which she was weary of passing up she approached the window and lent out looking to the right and the left to see what was going on in the street what are you looking at asked madame lechart suspiciously did your father come with you no you may be sure of that answered nana coolly i'm looking at nothing i'm seeing how high Hot it is, it's enough to make anyone having to run like that. It was a stifling hot morning. The workgirls had drawn down the Venetian blinds, between which they could spy out into the street, and they had at last begun working on either side of a table, at the upper end of which sat Madame Lerat.

Starting point is 13:49:43 They were eight in number, each with her pot of glue, pincers, tools, and curling stand in front of her. On the work table lay a massive wire, reels, cotton wool, green and brown paper, leaves and petals cut out of silk, satin or velvet. In the center, in the neck of a large decanter, one flower girl had thrust a little penny nosegay, which had been fading on her breast since the day before. Oh, I have some news, said a pretty brunette named Leonie, as she leaned over her cushion to crimp some rose petals. poor Caroline is very unhappy about that fellow who used to wait for her every evening.

Starting point is 13:50:26 Ah, said Nana, who was cutting thin strips of green paper. A man who cheats on her every day. Madame Lara had to display severity over the muffled laughter. Then, the or knee whispered suddenly, Quiet, the boss! It was indeed Madame Tietreville who entered. The tall, thin woman usually. stayed down in the shop.

Starting point is 13:50:51 The girls were quite in awe of her because she never joked with them. All the heads were now bent over the work in diligent silence. Madame Tietreveu slowly circled the work table. She told one girl her work was sloppy and made her do the flower over. Then she stalked out as stiffly as she

Starting point is 13:51:10 had come in. The complaining and low laughter began again. Really young ladies, said Madame Lacha. trying to look more severe than ever. You will force me to take measures. The workgirls paid no attention to her. They were not afraid of her. She was too easygoing because she enjoyed being surrounded by these young girls

Starting point is 13:51:34 whose zest for life sparkled in their eyes. She enjoyed taking them aside to hear their confidences about their lovers. She even told their fortunes with cards whenever a corner of the work table was free. she was only offended by coarse expressions. As long as you avoided those, you could say what you pleased. To tell the truth, Nana perfected her education in nice style in the workroom. No doubt she was already inclined to go wrong. But this was the finishing stroke,

Starting point is 13:52:06 associating with a lot of girls who were already worn out with misery and vice. They all hob-nobbed and rotted together, just the story of the baskets of apples when they are rotten ones among them. They maintained a certain propriety in public, but the smut flowed freely when they got to whispering together in a corner. For inexperienced girls like Nana, there was an undesirable atmosphere around the workshop, an air of cheap danceholes and unorthodox evenings brought in by some of the girls.

Starting point is 13:52:39 The laziness of mornings after a gay night, the shadows under the eyes, the lounging, the hoarse voices, all spread an odor of dark perversion over the work table, which contrasted sharply with the brilliant fragility of the artificial flowers. Nana eagerly drank it all in and was dizzy with joy when she found herself beside a girl who'd been around. She always wanted to sit next to Big Lisa,

Starting point is 13:53:06 who was said to be pregnant, and she kept glancing curiously at her neighbor, as though expecting her to swell up suddenly. It's hot enough to make one stifle, Nana said, approaching a window as if to draw the blind farther down. But she leant forward and again looked out both to the right and the left. At the same moment, Leonie, who was watching a man stationed at the foot of the pavement over the way, exclaimed, What's that old fellow about? He's been spying here for the last quarter of an hour.

Starting point is 13:53:39 Some tomcat said Madame Lerrat. Nana, just come and sit down. I told you not to stand at the window. Nana took up the stems of some violet she was rolling, and the whole workroom turned its attention to the man in question. He was a well-dressed individual wearing a frock coat, and he looked about fifty years old. He had a pale face, very serious and dignified in expression,

Starting point is 13:54:06 framed round with a well-trimmed grey beard. He remained for an hour in front of a herbalist shop with his eyes fixed on the Venetian blinds of the workroom. The flower-girls indulged in little bursts of laughter which died away amid the noise of the street, and while leaning forward to all appearance busy with their work, they glanced askance so as not to lose sight of the gentleman. Ah, remarked Leonie, he wears glasses. He's a swell.

Starting point is 13:54:37 He's waiting for Augustine, no doubt. But Augustine, a tall, ugly, fair-haired girl, sourly answered that she did not like old men. Whereupon Madame Larrat, jerking her head, answered with a smile full of underhand meaning, "'That is a great mistake on your part, my dear. The old ones are more affectionate.' At this moment Leonie's neighbor, a plump little body, whispered something in her ear, and Leonie suddenly threw herself back on her chair, seized with a fit of noisy laughter, wriggling, looking at the gentleman and then laughing all the louder.

Starting point is 13:55:14 That's it. Oh, that's it, she stammered. How dirty that Sophie is. What did she say? What did she say? asked the whole workroom, a glow with curiosity. The only wiped the tears from her eyes without answering. When she became somewhat calmer, she began curling her flowers again and declared, It can't be repeated. The others insisted. but she shook her head, seized again with a gust of gaiety. Thereupon Augustine, her left-hand neighbor, besought her to whisper it to her,

Starting point is 13:55:49 and finally Leonie consented to do so with her lips close to Augustine's ear. Augustine threw herself back and wriggled with convulsive laughter in her turn. Then she repeated the phrase to a girl next to her, and from ear to ear, traveled round the room amid exclamations and stifled laughter. When they were all of them acquainted with Sophie's disgusting remark, they looked at one another and burst out laughing together, although a little flushed and confused. Madame de Rotte alone was not in the secret, and she felt extremely vexed. That's very impolite behaviour on your part, young ladies, said she. It's not right to whisper when other people are present. Something indecent, no doubt.

Starting point is 13:56:34 Ah, that's becoming. She did not dare go so far as to ask him to pass Sophie's remark on to her, although she burned to hear it. So she kept her eyes on her work, amusing herself by listening to the conversation. Now no one could make even an innocent remark without the others twisting it around and connecting it with the gentleman on the sidewalk. Madame Lara herself once sent them into convulsions of laughter when she said, Mademoiselle Lisa, my fire's gone out. pass me yours. Oh, Madame Lerratz fire's out, laughed the whole shop.

Starting point is 13:57:11 They refused to listen to any explanation, but maintained they were going to call in the gentleman outside to rekindle Madame Lerat's fire. However, the gentleman over the way had gone off. The room grew calmer, and the work was carried on in the sultry heat. When twelve o'clock struck, meal time, they all shook themselves. Nana, who'd hastened to the window again, volunteered to do the errands if they liked, and Leonie ordered two sous' worth of shrimps, Augustine, a screw of fried potatoes,

Starting point is 13:57:44 Lisa, a bunch of radishes, Sophie, a sausage. Then as Nana was going down the stairs, Madame Lerat, who found her partiality for the window that morning, rather curious, overtook her with her long legs. Wait a bit, said she, I'll go with you, I want to buy something too, But in the passage below, she perceived the gentleman, stuck there like a candle in exchanging glances with Nana. The girl flushed very red, whereupon her aunt had once caught her by the arm and made her trot over the pavement whilst the individual followed behind. Ah, so the tomcat had come for Nana. Well, that was nice. At fifteen years and a half to have men

Starting point is 13:58:28 trailing after her. Then Madame Larrat hastily began to question her. Oh, dear! Nanna didn't know. He'd only been following her for five days, but she could not poke her nose out of doors without stumbling on men. She believed he was in business. Yes, a manufacturer of bone buttons. Madame Larrat was greatly impressed. She turned round and glanced at the gentleman out of the corner of her eye. One can see he's got a deep purse, she muttered. Listen to me, kitten. You must tell me everything. You've nothing more to fear now. While speaking, they hastened from shop to shop, to the pork-burchers, the fru-erers, the cook-shop,

Starting point is 13:59:14 and the errands and greasy paper were piled up in their hands. Still, they remained amiable, flouncing along and casting bright glances behind them with gusts of gay laughter. Madame Larrot herself was acting the young girl on account of the button manufacturer who was still following them. He's very distinguished-looking, she declared, as they returned into the passage. If he only has honorable views,

Starting point is 13:59:41 then as they were going up the stairs, she suddenly seemed to remember something. By the way, tell me what the girls were whispering to each other. You know, what Sophie said? Nandi did not make any ceremony. only she caught madame lechak by the hand and caused her to descend a couple of steps for really it wouldn't do to say it aloud not even on the stairs when she whispered it to her it was so obscene that madame la racque could only shake her head opening her eyes wide and pursing her lips well at least her curiosity wasn't troubling her any longer from that day forth madame lehatt regaled herself with her niece's first love adventure She no longer left her but accompanied her morning and evening, bringing her responsibility well to the fore.

Starting point is 14:00:33 This somewhat annoyed, Nana, but all the same she expanded with pride at seeing herself guarded like a treasure. And the talk she and her aunt indulged in in the street with the button manufacturer behind them flattered her, and rather quickened her desire for new flirtations. Oh, her aunt understood the feelings of the heart. She even compassionated the button manufacturer, this elderly gentleman, who looked so respectable, for after all, sentimental feelings are more deeply rooted among people of a certain age. Still, she watched. And, yes, he would have to pass over her body before stealing her niece. This ends Chapter 11, Part 1. Chapter 11 Part 2 of Vlasamoire by Emil Zola, translated.

Starting point is 14:01:27 by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Libravox reporting is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader Chapter 11, Part 2. One evening she approached the gentleman and told him as straight as a bullet that his conduct was most improper. He bowed to her politely without answering,

Starting point is 14:01:52 like an old satyr who was accustomed to hear parents tell him to go about his business. She really could not be cross-exam. with him. He was too well-mannered. Then came lectures on love, allusions to dirty blackguards of men, and all sorts of stories about hussies who had repented of flirtations,

Starting point is 14:02:12 which left Nana in a state of pouting, with eyes gleaming brightly in her pale face. One day, however, in the Rue de Farborg-Posanier, the button manufacturer ventured to poke his nose between the aunt and the niece to whisper some things which ought not to have been said,

Starting point is 14:02:29 Thereupon Madame La Cotte was so frightened that she declared she no longer felt able to handle the matter, and she told the whole business to her brother. Then came another row. There were some pretty rumpuses in the coupot's room. To begin with, the zinc worker gave Nana a hiding. What was that, he learnt? The hussy was flirting with old men? All right, only let her be caught floundering out of doors again she'd be done for.

Starting point is 14:02:58 he, her father would cut off her head in a jiffy. Have the like ever been seen before? A dirty nose who thought of beggaring her family. Thereupon he shook her, declaring in God's name that she'd have to walk straight, for he'd watch her himself in future. He now looked her over every night when she came in, even going so far as to sniff at her

Starting point is 14:03:21 and make her turn round before him. One evening she got another hiding because he discovered a mark on her neck that he maintained was the mark of a kiss. Nana insisted it was a bruise that Leonie had given her when they were having a bit of a rough house. Yet at other times her father would tease her, saying she was certainly a choice morsel for men.

Starting point is 14:03:43 Nana began to display the sullen submissiveness of a trapped animal. She was raging inside. Why don't you leave her alone? repeated Gervais, who was more reasonable. you will end by making her wish to do it by talking to her about it so much. Ah, yes indeed she did wish to do it. She itched all over, longing to break loose and gad all the time, as Father Hupo said.

Starting point is 14:04:12 He insisted so much on the subject that even an honest girl would have fired up. Even when he was abusing her, he taught her a few things she did not know as yet, which, to say the least, was astonishing. Then, little by little, she acquired some... singular habits. One morning, he noticed her rummaging in a paper bag and rubbing something on her face. It was rice powder, which she plastered on her delicate satin-like skin with perverse taste. He caught up the paper bag and rubbed it over her face violently enough to graze her skin and called her a Miller's daughter. On another occasion, she brought some ribbon home to do up her old

Starting point is 14:04:52 black hat, which she was so ashamed of. He asked her in a furious, voice, where she'd got those ribbons from. Had she earned them by lying on her back, or had she bagged them somewhere? A hussy or a thief, or perhaps both by now. More than once he found her with some pretty little doodad. She had found a little interlaced heart in the street on Rue Dabukir. Her father crushed the heart under his foot, driving her to the verge of throwing herself at him to ruin something of his. For two years she'd been lost. longing for one of those hearts, and now he'd smashed it. This was too much. She was reaching the end of a line with him.

Starting point is 14:05:36 Coupeau was often in the wrong, in the manner in which he tried to rule, Nana. His injustice exasperated her. She at last left off attending the workshop, and when the zinc worker gave her a hiding, she declared she would not return to Tietreville's again, for she was always placed next to Augustine, who must have swallowed her feet to have such a foul breath. Then Coupot took her himself to the Rue de Caillard, and requested the mistress of the establishment to place her always next to Augustine by way of punishment. Every morning for a fortnight he took the trouble to come down from the Barre-Possignier to escort Nanna to the door of the flower-shop, and he remained for five minutes on the footway to make sure that she'd gone in.

Starting point is 14:06:22 But one morning while he was drinking a glass with a friend in a wine-shop in the Rousse-Sand-a. Denise, he perceived the hussy darting down the street. For a fortnight, she'd been deceiving him. Instead of going into the workroom, she climbed a story higher and sat down on the stairs, waiting till he'd gone off. When Coupot began casting the blame on Madame Larrat, the latter flatly replied that she would not accept it. She had told her niece all she ought to tell her to keep her on her guard against men, and it was not her fault if the girl still had a liking for the nasty beasts. Now she washed her hands of the whole business. She swore she would not mix up in it, for she knew what she knew about scandal-mongers in her own family. Yes, certain persons who have

Starting point is 14:07:10 been nerved to accuse her of going astray with nana and finding an indecent pleasure in watching her take her first misstep. Then Coupo found out from the proprietress that Nana was being corrupted by that little flusy Leonie who'd given up flower-making. to go on the street. Nanna was being tempted by the jingle of cash and the lure of adventure on the streets. In the tenement in the Roud de la Gout door, Nana's old fellow was talked about, as a gentleman everyone was acquainted with. Oh, he remained very polite, even a little timid, but awfully obstinate and patient, following her ten paces behind like an obedient poodle. Sometimes, indeed, he ventured into the courtyard. One evening, Madame Gautron met him on the second floor landing, and he glided

Starting point is 14:08:02 down alongside the balusters, with his nose lowered and looking as if on fire, but frightened. But L'Hilus threatened to move out if that wayward niece of theirs brought men trailing in after her. It was disgusting. The staircase was full of them. The Bolshe said that they felt sympathy for the old gentleman, because he'd fallen for a tramp. He was really a respectable business. man. They'd seen his button factory on the boulevard de la Villette. He would be an excellent catch for a decent girl. For the first month, Nana was greatly amused with her old flirt. You should have seen him always dogging her, a perfect great nuisance who followed far behind in the crowd without seeming to do so. And his legs, regular lucifers. No more moth on his pate, only four straight

Starting point is 14:08:53 hairs falling on his neck so that she was always tempted to ask him where his hairdresser lived. Ah, what an old gaffer. He was comical and no mistake, nothing to get excited over. Then, on finding him always behind her, she no longer thought him so funny. She became afraid of him and would have called out if he had approached her. Often, when she stopped in front of a jeweller's shop, she heard him stammering something behind her. And what he said was true. She would have liked. to have had a cross with a velvet neckband, or a pair of coral earrings, so small you would have thought they were drops of blood.

Starting point is 14:09:33 More and more as she plodded through the mire of the streets, getting splashed by passing vehicles and being dazzled by the magnificence of the window displays. She felt longings that tortured her like hunger pangs, yearnings for better clothes, for eating in restaurants, for going to a theatre, for a room of her own with nice furniture. Right at those moments it never failed that her old gentleman would come up to whisper something in her ear. Oh, if only she wasn't afraid of him, how readily she would have taken up with him. When the winter arrived, life became impossible at home. Nana had her hiding every night.

Starting point is 14:10:15 When her father was tired of beating her, her mother smacked her to teach her how to behave. And they were free-for-alls. As soon as one of them began to beat her, the other took her part, so that all three of them ended by rolling on the floor in the midst of the broken crockery. And with all this, there were short rations, and they shivered with cold. Whenever the girl bought anything pretty, a bow or a pair of buttons, her parents confiscated the purchase and drank what they could get for it. She had nothing of her own, accepting her allowance of blows,

Starting point is 14:10:49 before coiling herself up between the rags of a sheet, where she shivered under her little black skirt, which he stretched out by way of a blanket. No, that cursed life could not continue. She was not going to leave her skin in it. Her father had long since ceased to count for her. When a father gets drunk like hers did, he isn't a father, but a dirty beast one longs to be rid of.

Starting point is 14:11:13 And now, too, her mother was going down the hill in her esteem. She drank as well. She liked to go and fetch her husband at Père Colombs, so as to be treated, and she willingly sat down, with none of the air of disgust that she had assumed on the first occasion, draining glasses indeed at one gulp, dragging her elbows over the table for hours, and leaving the place with her eyes starting out of her head. When Nana passed in front of La Samoire and saw her mother inside with her nose in her glass,

Starting point is 14:11:45 fuddled in the midst of the disputing men, she was seetced with anger. For youth, which has other dainty thoughts uppermost, does not understand drink. on these evenings it was a pretty sight father drunk mother drunk a hell of a home that stank with liquor and where there was no bread to tell the truth a saint would not have stayed in the place so much the worse if she fled the coop one of these days her parents would have to say their maya culpa and own but they'd driven her out themselves one saturday when nana came home she found her father and her mother in a lamentable condition Hupot, who'd fallen across the bed, was snoring. Jervais, crouching on a chair, was swaying her head, with her eyes vaguely and threateningly staring into vacancy. She had forgotten to warm the dinner, the remains of the stew.

Starting point is 14:12:43 A tallow dip which she neglected to snuff revealed the shameful misery of their hovel. It's you, shrimp, stammered Jervais. Oh well, your father will take it. care of you." Nana did not answer, but remained pale, looking at the cold stove, the table on which no plates were laid, the lugubrious hovel which this pair of drunkards invested with the pale horror of their callousness. She did not take off her hat but walked round the room, then with her teeth tightly set,

Starting point is 14:13:17 she opened the door and went out. You're going down again? asked her mother, who was unable even to turn her her head. Yes, I've forgotten something. I shall come up again. Good evening. And she did not return. On the morrow, when the coupos were sobered, they fought together, reproaching each other with being the cause of Nana's flight. Ah, she was far away if she were running still. As children are told of sparrows, her parents might set a pinch of salt on her tail, and then perhaps they would catch her. It was a great blow and crossed Jervais, for despite the impairment of her faculties, she realized perfectly well that her daughter's misconduct lowered her still more.

Starting point is 14:14:07 She was alone now, with no child to think about, able to let herself sink as low as she could fall. She drank steadily for three days. Coupoe prowled along the exterior boulevards without seeing Nana, and then came home to smoke his pipe peacefully. He was always back in time for his soup. In this tenement where girls flew off every month like canaries whose cages are left open, no one was astonished to hear of the coupé's mishap. But the Lory Lou were triumphant.

Starting point is 14:14:42 Ah, they had predicted that the girl would reward her parents in this fashion. It was deserved. All artificial flower girls went that way. The boshes and the paussons also sneered, with an extraordinary display and outlay of grief. Nantier alone covertly defended Nanna. Maudieu, said he, with his puritanical air. No doubt a girl who so left her home did offend her parents,

Starting point is 14:15:11 but with a gleam in the corner of his eyes, he added that, dash it, the girl was, after all, too pretty to lead such a life of misery at her age. Do you know, cried Madame L'Orilu, one day in the Bosch's room, where the party were taking coffee. Well, as sure as daylight, Clump, Clump sold her daughter. Yes, she sold her, and I have proof of it. That old fellow, who was always on the stairs, morning and night, went up to pay something on account. It's theirs one in the face. They were

Starting point is 14:15:42 seen together at the Ambiguille-Tieatre, the young wench and her old Tomcat. Upon my word of honor, they're living together. It's quite plain. They discussed the scandal thoroughly, while finishing their coffee. Yes, it was quite possible. Soon, most of her neighborhood accepted the conclusion that Jervais had actually sold her daughter. Cheveses now shoveled along in her slippers, without carrying a rap for anyone. You might have called her a thief in the street she wouldn't have turned round. For a month past, she hadn't looked at Madame Fauconnier's. The latter had had to turn her out of the place to avoid disputes. In a few weeks' time, she had success entered the service of eight washerwomen. She only lasted two or three days in each place before

Starting point is 14:16:33 she got the sack, so badly did she iron the things entrusted to her, careless and dirty, her mind failing to such a point that she quite forgot her own craft. At last, realizing her own incapacity, she abandoned ironing, and went out washing by the day at the washhouse in the who nerve, where she still jogged on, floundering about in the water. Fighting with filth. Reduced to the roughest but simplest work, a bit lower on the downhill slopes. The wash-house scarcely beautified her. A real mud-splashed dog when she came out of it, soaked in showing her blue skin.

Starting point is 14:17:15 At the same time, she grew stouter and stouter, despite her frequent dances before the empty sideboard, and her leg became so crooked that she could no longer walk beside anyone without the risk of knocking him over, so great indeed was her limp. Naturally enough, when a woman falls to this point, all her pride leaves her. Chavez had divested herself of all her old self-respect, coquetry in need of sentiment, propriety and politeness. You might have kicked her, no matter where. She did not feel kicks, for she'd become too fat and flabby. Lanier had altogether neglected her.

Starting point is 14:17:55 He no longer escorted her, or even bothered to give her a pinch now and again. She did not seem to notice this finish of a long liaison slowly spun out, and ending in mutual insolence. It was at chore the less for her. Even Lanier's intimacy with Virginie left her quite calm, so great was her indifference now

Starting point is 14:18:16 for all that she'd been so upset about. in the past. She would even have held a candle for them now. Everyone was aware that Virginie and Lantier were carrying on. It was much too convenient, especially with Poisson on duty every other night. Lantier had thoughts of himself when he advised Virginie to deal in dainties. He was too much of a provincial not to adore sugared things. And in fact, he would have lived off sugar candy, lozenges, pastilles, sugar plums, and chocolate. it. Sugared almonds especially left a little froth on his lips, so keenly did they tickle his palate.

Starting point is 14:18:55 For a year he'd been living only on sweet meats. He opened the drawers and stuffed himself whenever Virgini asked him to mine the shop. Often, when he was talking in the presence of five or six other people, he would take the lid off a jar on the counter, dip his hand into it, and begin to nibble at something sweet. The glass jar remained open than its contents diminished. People ceased paying attention to it. It was a mania of his, so he had declared. Besides, he had devised a perpetual cold and irritation of the throat, which he always talked of calming. He still did not work, for he had more and more important schemes than ever in view. He was contriving a superb invention, the umbrella hat, a hat which transformed itself into an umbrella on your head

Starting point is 14:19:44 as soon as a shower commenced to fall, and he promised Poisson half shares in the profit of it, and even borrowed twenty franc pieces of him to defray the costs of experiments. Meanwhile, the shop melted away on his tongue. All the stock and trade followed suit down to the chocolate cigars and pipes and pink caramel. Whenever he was stuffed with sweetmeats and seized with a fit of tenderness, he paid himself for the last lick on the groceress in a corner, who found him all sugar with lips which tasted like burnt almonds. Such a delightful man to kiss,

Starting point is 14:20:20 he was positively becoming all honey. The Boshes said he merely had to dip a finger into his coffee to sweeten it. Softened by this perpetual dessert, Lanier showed himself paternal towards Gervais. He gave her advice, and scolded her because she no longer liked to work. Indeed, a woman of her age ought to know how to turn herself round. and he accused her of having always been a glutton. Nevertheless, as one ought to hold out a helping hand,

Starting point is 14:20:52 even to folks who don't deserve it, he tried to find her a little work. Thus he had prevailed upon Virginie to let Jervais come once a week to scrub the shop and the rooms. That was the sort of thing she understood, and on each occasion she earned her thirty sous. Jervais arrived on the Saturday morning with a pail and a scrubbing brush, without seeming to suffer in the lease

Starting point is 14:21:16 at having to perform a dirty, humble duty, a charwoman's work in the dwelling place where she had reigned as the beautiful, fair-haired mistress. It was a last humiliation, the end of her pride. On Saturday she had a hard job of it. It had rained for three days, and the customers seemed to have brought

Starting point is 14:21:36 all the mud of the neighborhood into the shop on the soles of their boots. Virginie was at the counter doing the grand, with her hair well combed, and wearing a little white collar and a pair of lace cuffs. Beside her on the narrow seat covered with red oil cloth, Lanier did the dandy, looking for the world as if he were at home, as if he were the real master of the place, and from time to time he carelessly dipped his hand into a jar of peppermint drops,

Starting point is 14:22:04 just to nibble something sweet, according to his habit. Look here, Madame Coupeau, cried Virginie, who was watching the scrubbing with compressed lips. You've let some dirt over there in the corner. Scrub that rather better, please. Chervais obeyed. She returned to the corner and began to scrub again. She bent double on her knees in the midst of a dirty water,

Starting point is 14:22:29 with her shoulders protruding, her arms stiff and purple with cold. Her old skirt, fairly soaked, stuck to her figure. And there on the floor she looked a dirty, ill-combed drab, the wrenths in her jacket showing her puffy form, her fat, flabby flesh, which heaved, swayed, and floundered about as she went about her work, and all the while she perspired to such a point that from her moist face, big drops of sweat fell onto the floor. The more elbow grease one uses, the more it shines, said Lantier sententiously,

Starting point is 14:23:07 with his mouth full of peppermint drops. Virginie, who sat back with a demeanor of a princess, her eyes partly open, were still watching the scrubbing and indulging in remarks. A little more on the right there. Take care of the wainscot. You know I was not very well pleased last Saturday. There were some stains left. And both together, the hatter and the groceress assumed a more important air, as if they'd been on a throne, whilst Jervais dragged herself through the black mud at their feet. Virginie must have enjoyed herself, through a yellowish flame darted from her cat's eyes, and she looked at Lancier with an insidious smile. At last she was revenged for that hiding she had received at the washhouse, and which she had never forgotten.

Starting point is 14:23:58 Whenever Jervais ceased scrubbing, a sound of soaring could be heard from the back room. Through the open doorway, Poisson's profile stood out against the pale light of the courtyard. He was off duty that day, and was profiting by his leisure time to indulge in his mania for making little boxes. He was seated at a table and was cutting out arabesques in a cigar box with extraordinary care. Say, Padengue! cried Lantier, who'd given him this surname again out of friendship. I shall want that box of yours as a present for a young lady. Vigny gave him a pinch, and he reached onto the counter to run his finger, like a creeping mouse up her leg.

Starting point is 14:24:42 Quite so, said the policeman. I was working for you, August, in view of presenting you with a token of friendship. Ah, if that's the case, I'll keep your little memento, rejoined Lanier with a laugh. I'll hang it round my neck with a ribbon. Then suddenly, as if this thought brought another one to his memory, By the way, he cried.

Starting point is 14:25:04 I met Nana last night. This news caused Jervais such a, emotion that she sunk down in the dirty water which covered the floor of the shop. Ah, she muttered speechlessly. Yes, as I was going down to Houdemartier, I caught sight of a girl who was on the arm of an old fellow in front of me, and I said to myself, I know that shape. I stepped faster, and sure enough found myself face to face with Nana. There's no need to pity her. She looked very happy, with her pretty woolen dress on her back,

Starting point is 14:25:38 a gold cross and an awfully pert expression. Ah, repeated Gervais in a husky voice. Lantier, who'd finished the pastilles, took some barley sugar out of another jar. She's sneaky, he resumed. She made a sign to me to follow her, with wonderful composure. Then she left her old fellow somewhere in a cafe. Oh, wonderful chap, the old bloke quite used up, and she came and joined me under her doorway.

Starting point is 14:26:08 pretty little serpent, pretty and doing the grand and fawning on you like a little dog. Yes, she kissed me and wanted to have news of everyone. I was very pleased to meet her. Ah, said Jervais for the third time. She drew herself together and still waited. Hadn't her daughter had a word for her then? In the silence, Poisson's saw could be heard again. Montier, who felt gay, was sucking his barley sugar and smacking his lips. Well, if I saw her, I should go over to the other side of the street, interposed Vercini, who had just pinched the hatter again most ferociously. It isn't because you're there, Madame Coupeau, but your daughter is rotten to the core.

Starting point is 14:26:54 Why, every day Poisson arrests girls who are better than she is. Chavez said nothing, nor did she move, her eyes. staring into space. She ended by jerking her head to and fro, as if an answer to her thoughts, Wilf the Hatter, with a gluttonous mean, muttered. Ah, a man wouldn't mind getting a bit of indigestion for that sort of rottenness. It's as tender as chicken. But the grocer gave him such a terrible look that he had to pause and quiet her with some delicate attention. He watched the policeman, and perceiving that he had his nose lowered over his little box again, he profited of the opportunity to shove some barley sugar into Virginie's mouth.

Starting point is 14:27:39 Thereupon, she laughed at him good-naturedly and turned all her anger against Gervais. Just make hay stay. The work doesn't do itself while you remain stuck there like a street post. Come, look alive. I don't want to flound her about in the water till night-time. And she added hatefully in a lower tone. It isn't my fault if her daughter's gone and left her. No doubt Jervais did not hear. She'd begun to scrub the floor again with her back bent and dragging herself along with a frog-like motion. She still had to sweep a dirty water out into the gutter and then do the final rinsing. After a pause, Lantier, who felt bored, raised his voice again.

Starting point is 14:28:27 Do you know, Badengue, he cried. I met your boss yesterday in the Rue de Rivoli. He looked awfully down in the mouth. He hasn't six months' life left in his body. Ah, after all, with the life he leads. He was talking about the emperor. The policeman did not raise his eyes, but curtly answered, If you were the government, you wouldn't be so fat.

Starting point is 14:28:53 Ah, my dear fellow, if I were the government, rejoined the Hatter, suddenly affecting an air of gravity, things would go on rather better. I give you my word for it. Thus, their foreign policy, why for some time past it has been enough to make a fellow sweat. If I, I who speak to you, only knew a journalist to inspire him with my ideas. He was growing animated, and as he had finished crunching his barley sugar, he opened a drawer from which he took a number of jujubis, which he swallowed while gesticulating. It's quite simple. Before anything else, I should give Poland her independence again,

Starting point is 14:29:32 and I should establish a great Scandinavian state to keep the giant of the north at bay. Then, I should make a republic out of all the little German states. As for England, she's scarcely to be feared. If she budged ever so little, I should send a hundred thousand men to India. Add to that, I should send the sultan back to Mecca and the Pope to Jerusalem, belaboring their backs with the butt end of a rifle. Eh?

Starting point is 14:29:59 Europe would soon be clean. Come, Battingay, just look here. He paused to take five or six jujubis in his hand. Why, it wouldn't take longer than to swallow these. And he threw one jujubi after another into his open mouth. The Emperor has another plan, said the policeman, after reflecting for a couple of minutes. Oh, forget it, rejoined the Hatter.

Starting point is 14:30:24 We know what his plan is. All Europe is laughing at us. Every day the Twilery's footmen find your boy, under the table between a couple of high society flusies. Poisson rose to his feet. He came forward and placed his hand on his heart saying, You hurt me, August. Discuss, but don't involve personalities.

Starting point is 14:30:48 Thereupon, Virginie intervened, bidding them stop their row. She didn't care a fig for Europe. How could two men who shared everything else always be disputing about politics? for a minute they mumbled some indistinct words. Then the policeman, in view of showing that he harbored no spite, produced the cover of his little box, which he had just finished. It bore the inscription in marketry, to August, a token of friendship.

Starting point is 14:31:18 Nantier, feeling exceedingly flattered, lounged back and spread himself out so that he almost sat upon Virginie. And the husband viewed the scene with his face the color of an old wall, and his bleared eyes fairly expressionless. But all the same, at moments the red hairs of his moustaches stood up on end of their own accord in a very singular fashion, which would have alarmed any man who was less sure of his business than the hatter.

Starting point is 14:31:46 This beast of Alantier had the quiet cheek which pleases ladies. As Poisson turned his back, he was seized with the idea of printing a kiss on Madame Poisson's left eye. As a rule, he was stealthily prudent. But when he'd been disputing about politics, he risked everything, so as to show the wife his superiority. These gloating caresses, cheekily stolen behind the policeman's back, revenged him on the empire which had turned France into a house of quarrels. Only on this occasion he'd forgotten Gervais's presence. She just finished rinsing and wiping the shop, and she stood near the counter waiting for her thirty-sou.

Starting point is 14:32:27 However, the kiss on Virginie's eye left her perfectly calm as being quite natural and as part of a business she had no right to mix herself up in. Virginie seemed rather vexed. She threw the 30 sous onto the counter in front of Jervais. The latter did not budge but stood there waiting, still palpitating with the effort she'd made in scrubbing and looking as soaked and as ugly as a dog fished out of the sewer.

Starting point is 14:32:57 This ends chapter 11. 11, part 2. Chapter 11, part 3 of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Vizzitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. Chapter 11, Part 3. Then she didn't tell you anything, she asked to had her at last.

Starting point is 14:33:31 Oh, he cried. Ah, yes, you mean Nana. No, nothing else. What a tempting mouth she has, a little hussy. Real strawberry jam. Chavez went off with her thirty sous in her hand. The holes in her shoes spat water forth like pumps. They were real musical shoes and played a tune

Starting point is 14:33:53 as they left moist traces of their broad souls along the pavement. In the neighborhood, the feminine tipplers of her own class now related that she drank to console herself for her daughter's misconduct. conduct. She herself, when she gulped down her dram of spirits on the counter, assumed a dramatic air and tossed the liquor into her mouth, wishing it would do for her. And on the days when she came home boozed, she stammered that it was all through grief. But honest folks shrugged their shoulders. They knew what that meant, ascribing the effects of the peppery fire of La Samaire to grief, indeed. At all events, she ought to have called it bottled grief.

Starting point is 14:34:35 No doubt at the beginning She couldn't digest Nana's flight All the honest feelings remaining In her revolted at the thought And besides, as a rule a mother Doesn't like to have to think that her daughter At that very moment perhaps Is being familiarly addressed

Starting point is 14:34:51 By the first chance comer Per Chavez was already Too stultified with a sick head And a crushed heart To think of the shame for long With her it came and went She remained sometimes for a week together without thinking of her daughter, and then suddenly a tender or an angry feeling seized hold of her. Sometimes when she'd had her stomach empty, and others when it was full, a furious longing to catch Nana in some corner where she would perhaps have kissed her or perhaps have beaten her, according to the fancy of the moment.

Starting point is 14:35:25 Whenever these thoughts came over her, Chavez looked on all sides in the streets with the eyes of a detective. Ah, if she'd only seen her little sinner, how quickly she would have brought her home again. The neighborhood was being turned topsy-turvy that year. The boulevard magenta and the boulevard were being pierced. They were doing away with the old barre-a-possanier and cutting right through the outer boulevard. The district could not be recognized. The whole of one side of the Rue de Posagnier had been pulled down. From the Rue de la Goutre, a large clearing could now be seen,

Starting point is 14:36:07 a dash of sunlight and open air, and in place of the gloomy buildings which had hidden the view in this direction, there rose up on the boulevard Omanaut, a perfect monument, a six-storied house carved all over like a church with clear windows, which, with their embroidered curtains, seemed symbolical of wealth. This White House, standing just in front of the street, illuminated it with a jet of light, as it were,

Starting point is 14:36:33 and every day it caused discussions between Lantier and Poisson. Chevese said several times, had tidings of Nana. There are always ready tongues anxious to pay you a sorry compliment. Yes, she'd been told that the hussy had left her old gentleman, just like the inexperienced girl she was. She'd gotten along famously with him, petted, adored, and free, too, if she'd only known how to manage the situation.

Starting point is 14:37:01 But youth is foolish, and she had no doubt gone off with some young rake. No one knew exactly where. What seemed certain was that one afternoon she'd left her old fellow on the Place de la Bastille just for half a minute, and he was still waiting for her to return. Other persons swore they'd seen her since,

Starting point is 14:37:20 dancing on her heels at the grand hall of folly in the rue de la chapelle. Then it was that Jervais took it into her head to frequent all the dancing places of the neighborhood. She did not pass in front of a public ballroom without going in. Koupo accompanied her. At first they merely made the round of the room, looking at the drabs who were jumping about. But one evening, as they hid some coin, they sat down and ordered a large bowl of hot wine in view of reggae.

Starting point is 14:37:50 themselves, and waiting to see if Nana would turn up. At the end of a month or so, they'd practically forgotten her, but they frequented the halls for their own pleasure, liking to look at the dancers. They would remain for hours without exchanging a word, resting their elbows on the table, stultified amidst the quaking of the floor, and yet no doubt amusing themselves,

Starting point is 14:38:13 as they stared with pale eyes at the barrier, women in the stifling atmosphere, and ruddy glow of the whole. It happened one November evening that they went into the Grand Hall of Folly to warm themselves. Out of doors a sharp wind cut you across the face. But the hall was crammed. There was a thundering big swarm inside, people at all the tables, people in the middle, people up above, quite an amount of flesh.

Starting point is 14:38:42 Yes, those who cared for tripes could enjoy themselves. When they'd made the round twice without finding a vacant table, they decided to remain standing and wait till somebody went off. Coupot was teetering on his legs in a dirty blouse, with an old cloth cap which had lost its peak flattened down on his head. And as he blocked the way, he saw a scraggy young fellow who was wiping his coat sleeve after elbowing him. Say, cried Coupot in a fury, as he took his pipe out of his black mouth.

Starting point is 14:39:14 Can't you apologize? And you play the disgusted one? just because a fellow wears a blouse. The young man turned round and looked at the zinc worker from head to foot. I'll just teach you, you scragy young scamp, continued Kupo, but the blouse is the finest garment out. Yes, the garment of work. I'll wipe you if you like with my fists.

Starting point is 14:39:37 Did one ever hear of such a thing? A ne'er-do-well insulting a workman. Chavez tried to calm him, but in vain. He drew himself up in his rags in full view, and struck his blouse, roaring, There's a man's chest under that. Thereupon the young man dived into the midst of the crowd, muttering. What a dirty blackard.

Starting point is 14:40:02 Kupo wanted to follow and catch him. He wasn't going to let himself be insulted by a fellow with a coat on. Probably it wasn't even paid for. Some second-hand toggery to impress a girl with, without having to fork out a Santim. If he caught the chap again, he'd bring him down on his knees and make him bow to the blouse. But the crush was too great. There was no means of walking. He and Jervais turned slowly round by dancers.

Starting point is 14:40:31 There were three rows of sightseers packed close together, whose faces lighted up whenever any of a dancers showed off. As Coupot and Jervais were both short, they raised themselves up on tiptoe, trying to see something besides the chignon and hats that were bobbing about. The cracked brass instruments of the orchestra were furiously thundering a quadrille, a perfect tempest which made the whole shake,

Starting point is 14:40:57 while the dancers, striking the floor with their feet, raised a cloud of dust which dimmed the brightness of the gas. The heat was unbearable. Look there, said Jervais suddenly. Look at what? Why, at that velvet hat over there. They raised themselves up on tiptoe. On the left hand there was an old black velvet hat trimmed with ragged feathers bobbing about.

Starting point is 14:41:25 Regular hearse's plumes. It was dancing a devil of a dance, this hat, bouncing and whirling round, diving down and then springing up again. Koupo and Jervais lost sight of it as the people roundabout moved their heads. But then suddenly they saw it again, swaying farther off, with such droll of front. that folks laughed merely at the side of this dancing hat, without knowing what was underneath it. Well, asked Koupo, "'Don't you recognize that head of hair?' muttered Jervais in a stifled voice. "'May my head be cut off if it isn't her!'

Starting point is 14:42:03 With one shove, the zinc worker made his way through the crowd. "'Mondieu, yes, it was, Nana!' And in a nice pickle, too. She had nothing on her back But an old silk dress All stained and sticky From having wiped at tables of boozing dens And with its flounces so torn

Starting point is 14:42:22 That they fell in tatters round about Not even a bit of a shawl over her shoulders And to think but the hussy had had such an attentive, loving gentleman And had yet fallen to this condition Merely for the sake of following some rascal Who'd beaten her, no doubt Nevertheless, she had remained fresh

Starting point is 14:42:42 and insolent, with her hair as frizzy as a poodles, and her mouth bright pink under that rascally hat of hers. Just wait a bit. I'll make her dance, resumed Coupot. Naturally enough, Nana was not on her guard. You should have seen how she wriggled about. She twisted to the right and to the left, bending doubles as if she were going to break herself in two, and kicking her feet as high as her partner's face.

Starting point is 14:43:09 A circle had formed about her, and this excited. her even more. She raised her skirts to her knees and really let herself go in a wild dance, whirling and turning, dropping to the floor in splits and then jigging and bouncing. Koupo was trying to force his way through the dancers and was disrupting the quadrille. I tell you, it's my daughter, he cried. Let me pass. Nana was now dancing backwards, sweeping the floor with her flounces, rounding her figure and wriggling it, so as to look all the more tempting. She suddenly received a masterly blow just on the right cheek.

Starting point is 14:43:48 She raised herself up and turned quite pale on recognizing her father and mother. Bad luck, and no mistake. Turn him out, howled the dancers. But Coupeau, who had just recognized his daughter's cavalier, as the scraggy young man in the coat, did not care a fig for what the people said. Yes, it's us, he roared. Hey, you didn't expect it.

Starting point is 14:44:12 So we catch you here and with a whippersnapper too, who insulted me a little while ago. Chavez, whose teeth were tight set, pushed him aside, exclaiming, Shut up! There's no need of so much explanation! And stepping forward, she dealt Nana a couple of hearty cuffs. The first knocked the feathered hat on one side, and the second left a red mark on the girl's white cheek. Nana was too stupefied, either to cry or reason.

Starting point is 14:44:40 resist. The orchestra continued playing. The crowd grew angry and repeated savagely, Turn them out! Turn them out! Come, make haste, resume Jervais. Just walk in front and don't try to run off. You shall sleep in prison if you do. The scraggy young man had prudently disappeared. Manna walked ahead, very stiff and still stupefied by her bad luck. Whenever she showed the least unwillingness, a cuff from behind brought her back to the direction of a door. And thus they went out, all three of them, amid the jeers and banter of the spectators, whilst the orchestra finished playing the finale with such thunder that the trombones seemed

Starting point is 14:45:24 to be spitting bullets. The old life began again. After sleeping for twelve hours in her closet, Nana behaved very well for a week or so. She'd patched herself a modest little dress and wore a cap with the strings tied under her chignon. Seized indeed with remarkable fervor, she declared she would work at home, where one could earn what one light without hearing any nasty workroom talk. And she procured some work and installed herself at a table, getting up at five o'clock in the morning on the first few days to roll her sprigs of violets. But when she had delivered a few gross, she stretched her arms

Starting point is 14:46:04 and yawned over her work, with her hands cramped, for she'd lost her knack of stem rolling. and suffocated, shut up like this at home after allowing herself so much open-air freedom during the last six months. Then the glue dried, the petals and the green paper got stained with grease, and the flower dealer came three times in person to make a row and claimed his spoiled materials. Nana idled along, constantly getting a hiding from her father and wrangling with her mother morning and night, quarrels in which the two women flung horrible words at each other's head. It couldn't last. The twelfth day she took herself off,

Starting point is 14:46:46 with no more luggage than her modest dress on her back and her cap perched over one ear. The Laurie Luz, who had pursed their lips on hearing of her return in repentance, nearly died of laughter now. Second performance, Eclipse number two, all aboard for the train to San Lazare, the prison hospital for streetwalkers. No, it was really too comical.

Starting point is 14:47:11 Nana took herself off in such an amusing style. Well, if the coupos wanted to keep her in the future, they must shut her up in a cage. In the presence of other people, the coupos pretended they were very glad to be rid of the girl, though in reality they were enraged. However, rage can't last forever, and soon they heard without even blinking

Starting point is 14:47:33 that Nana was seen in the neighborhood. Chavez, who accused her of doing it to enrage them, set herself above the scandal. She might meet her daughter on the street, she said. She wouldn't even dirty her hand to cuff her. Yes, it was all over. She might have seen her lying in the gutter, dying on the pavement,

Starting point is 14:47:52 and she would have passed by without even admitting that such a hussy was her own child. Nana, meanwhile, was enlivening by dancing halls of the neighborhood. She was known from the ball of Queen Blanche, to the great hall of folly. When she entered the Elis Saint-Mormatre, folks climbed onto the tables to see her do the sniffling crawfish during the pastoral. As she had twice been turned out of the Chateau Rouge Hall, she walked outside the door waiting for someone she knew to escort her inside. The black ball on the outer boulevard and the Grand Turk in the Rue de Poissan were respectable places where she only went when she had some fine dress on.

Starting point is 14:48:33 Of all the jumping places of a neighborhood, however, though she most preferred were the hermitage ball in a damp courtyard, and Robert's ball in the Impostu Cadran, two dirty little halls, lighted up with a half-dozen oil lamps and kept very informally, everyone pleased and everyone free, so much so that the men and their girls kissed each other at their ease, in the dances, without being disturbed.

Starting point is 14:49:01 Nana had ups and downs, perfect transit, transformations, now tricked out like a stylish woman, and now all dirt. Ah, she had a fine life. On several occasions the coupos fancied they saw her in some shady dive. They turned their backs into camped in another direction, so it was not to be obliged to recognize her. They didn't care to be laughed at by a whole dancing hall again for the sake of bringing such a adult home. One night, as they were going to bed, however, someone knocked at the door. it was nana who matter-of-factly came to ask for a bed and in what a state oh dear her head was bare her dress in tatters and her boots full of holes such a toilet as might have led the police to run her in and take her off to the depot

Starting point is 14:49:53 naturally enough she received a hiding and then she gluttonously fell on a crust of stale bread and went to sleep worn out with the last mouthful between her teeth then this sort of life continued as soon as she was somewhat recovered she'd go off and not a sight or sound of her weeks or months would pass and she would suddenly appear with no explanation the coupons got used to these comings and goings well as long as she didn't leave her but she would suddenly appear with no explanation the coupons got used to these comings and goings well as long as she didn't leave her leave the door open. What could you expect? There was only one thing that really bother Jéves. This was to see her daughter come home in a dress with a train and a hat covered with feathers. No, she couldn't stomach this display. Nanna might indulge in riotous living if she chose, but when she came home to her mother she ought to dress like a work girl. The dresses with trains caused quite a sensation in the house, but L'Or L'Hiluz sneered. Lantier whose mouth sneered, turned the girl round to sniff at her delicious aroma.

Starting point is 14:50:58 The boches had forbidden Pauline to associate with this baggage in her frippery. And Jervais was also angered by Nana's exhausted slumber, when after one of her adventures she slept till noon, with her chignon undone and still full of hairpins, looking so white and breathing so feebly that she seemed to be dead. Her mother shook her five or six times in the course of the morning, threatening to throw a jug full of water over her. The sight of this handsome, lazy girl, half naked and besotted with wine,

Starting point is 14:51:30 exasperated her as she saw her lying there. Sometimes Nana opened an eye, closed it again, and then stretched herself out all the more. One day after approaching her with the life she led, and asking if she had taken on an entire battalion of soldiers, Jervais put her threat into execution to the extent of shaking, her dripping hand over Nana's body. Quite infuriated, the girl pulled herself up in the sheet and cried out,

Starting point is 14:51:58 "'That's enough, Mama. It would be better not to talk of men. You did as you liked, and now I do the same.' "'What?' "'What?' stammered the mother. "'Yes. I never spoke to you about it.' "'For it didn't concern me, but you didn't use to be very fussy. I often saw you when we lived at the shop sneaking off as soon as Papa started snoring. So just shut up. You shouldn't have set me the example.

Starting point is 14:52:26 Jervais remained pale, with trembling hands, turning round without knowing what she was about, whilst Nana, flattened on her breast, embraced her pillow with both arms, and subsided into the torpor of her leaden slumber. Koupoe growled, no longer sane enough to think of launching out of whack. He was altogether losing his mind. And really, there was no need to call him an untowulf.

Starting point is 14:52:51 principled father, for liquor had deprived him of all consciousness of good and evil. Now it was a settled thing. He wasn't sober once in six months. Then he was laid up and had to go into the St. Anne Hospital, a pleasure trip for him. Belori Lou said that the Duke of Bowel Twister had gone to visit his estates. At the end of a few weeks he left the asylum, repaired and set together again. And then he began to pull himself to bits once more. till he was down on his back and needed another mending. In three years he went seven times to St. Anne in this fashion. The neighborhood said that his cell was kept ready for him.

Starting point is 14:53:34 But the worst of the matter was that this obstinate Tipler demolished himself more and more each time so that from relapse to relapse one could foresee the final tumble. The last cracking of the shaky cask, all the hoops of which were breaking away, one after the other. At the same time, he forgot to improve in appearance, a perfect ghost to look at. The poison was having terrible effects. By dintif imbibing alcohol, his body shrunk up like the embryos displayed in glass jars in chemical laboratories. When he approached a window, you could see

Starting point is 14:54:12 through his ribs so skinny had he become. Those who knew his age, only 40 years just gone. shuddered when he passed by, bent and unsteady, looking as old as the streets themselves, and the trembling of his hands increased, the right one danced to such an extent that sometimes he had to take his glass between both fists to carry it to his lips. Oh, that cursed trembling,

Starting point is 14:54:40 it was the only thing that worried his addled brains. You could hear him growling ferocious insults against those hands of his. This last summer, during which Nanny usually came home to spend her nights after she'd finished knocking about, was especially bad for Kupot. His voice changed entirely as if liquor had set a new music in his throat. He became deaf in one ear. Then, in a few days, his sight grew dim, and he had to clutch hold of a stair railings to prevent himself from falling. As for his health, he had abominable headaches in disdeme.

Starting point is 14:55:18 All on a sudden he was seized with acute pains in his arms and legs. He turned pale, was obliged to sit down and remained on a chair, witless for hours. Indeed, after one such attack, his arm remained paralyzed for the whole day. He took to his bed several times. He rolled himself up and hit himself under his sheet, breathing hard and continuously like a suffering animal. Then the strange scenes of St. Anne began again, suspicious and nervous, worried with a burning fever. He rolled about in a mad rage, tearing his blouse and biting the furniture with his convulsed jaws, or else he sank into a great state of emotion, complaining like a child, sobbing and lamenting because nobody loved him. One night when Jervais and Nana returned home together,

Starting point is 14:56:14 they were surprised not to find him in his bed. He'd laid the bolster in his place, and when they discovered him, hiding between the bed and the wall, his teeth were chattering, and he related that some men had come to murder him. The two women were obliged to put him to bed again, and quiet him like a child.

Starting point is 14:56:34 Koupo knew only one remedy to toss down a pint of spirits, a whack in his stomach, which set him on his feet again. This was how he dopherson, at his gripes of a morning. His memory had left him long ago. His brain was empty, and he no sooner found himself on his feet than he poked fun at illness. He'd never been ill. Yes, he'd got to the point when a fellow kicks the bucket, declaring that he's quite well.

Starting point is 14:57:02 And his wits were going a wool-gathering in other respects, too. When Nana came home, after gadding about for six weeks or so, he seemed to fancy she'd returned from doing some errand in the neighborhood. Often, when she was hanging on an acquaintance's arm, she met him and laughed at him without his recognizing her. In short, he no longer counted for anything. She might have sat down on him if she'd been at a loss for a chair. When the first frosts came, Nana took herself off once more under the pretense of going to the fruiterers to see if there were any baked pears. She scented winter and didn't care to let her teeth chatter in front of the fireless stove. The coupos had called her no good because they had waited for the pears.

Starting point is 14:57:50 No doubt she would come back again. The other winter she stayed away three weeks to fetch her father two sous' worth of tobacco. But the months went by and the girl did not show herself. This time she must have indulged in a hard gallop. When June arrived, she did not even turn up with the sunshine. Evidently it was all over. She'd found a new meal ticket somewhere or other. One day when the coupos were totally broke, they sold Nana's iron bedstead for six francs, which they drank together at Saint-Huan. The bedstead had been in their way.

Starting point is 14:58:29 One morning in July, Virginie called to Jeves, who was passing by, and asked her to lend a hand in washing up, for Lanthier had entertained a couple of friends on the day before. And while Jervais was cleaning up the plates and dishes, greasy with the traces of the spread, the hatter, who was still digesting in that shop, suddenly called out, Say, I saw Nanna the other day. Virgini, who was seated at the counter

Starting point is 14:58:56 looking very careworn in front of a jars and drawers, which were already three parts emptied, jerked her head furiously. She restrained herself so as not to say too much, but really it was angering her. Nantier was seeing Nanthier was seeing Nanette. often. Oh, she was by no means sure of him. He was a man to do much worse than that when a fancy for a woman came into his head. Madame Lechard, very intimate just then with Virginie, who confided

Starting point is 14:59:24 in her, had that moment entered the shop, and hearing Lantier's remark, she pouted ridiculously and asked, What do you mean? You saw her? Oh, in the street here, answered the hatter, who felt highly flattered and began to laugh and twirl his moustaches. She was in a carriage, and I was floundering on the pavement. Really, it was so, I swear it. There's no use denying it. The young fellows of position who were on friendly terms with her are terribly lucky. His eyes had brightened, and he turned towards Jervais,

Starting point is 14:59:56 who was standing in the rear of the shop wiping a dish. Yes, she was in a carriage and wore such a stylish dress. I didn't recognize her. She looked so much like a lady of the upper set, with her white teeth and her face as fresh as a face as a fleshyrish. flower. It was she who waved her glove to me. She has caught a count, I believe. Oh, she's launched for good. She can afford to do without any of us. She's head over heels and happiness, a little beggar. What a love of a little kitten. Now, you've no idea what a

Starting point is 15:00:28 little kitten she is. Chavez was still wiping the same plate, although it had long since been clean and shiny. Fersigny was reflecting, anxious about a couple of bills which fell due on the morrow, and which he didn't know how to pay. Rils'Lantier, stout and fat, perspiring the sugary fed off, ventured his enthusiasm for well-dressed little hussies. The shop, which was already three parts eaten up, smelt of ruin. Yes, there were only a few more burnt almonds to nibble, a little more barley sugar to suck, to clean the Poisson's business out. Suddenly, on the pavement over the way, he perceived the policeman, who was on duty, passed by all buttoned up with his sword dangling by his side. And this made him all the

Starting point is 15:01:17 gayer. He compelled Virchini to look at her husband. Dear me, he muttered, but then gay looks fine this morning. Just look, see how stiff he walks. He must have stuck a glass eye in his back to surprise people. When Chavez went back upstairs, she found Coupeau seated on the bed, in the torpid stayed induced by one of his attacks. He was looking at the window panes with his dim, expressionless eyes. She sat herself down on a chair, tired out, her hands hanging beside her dirty skirt, and for a quarter of an hour she remained in front of him without saying a word.

Starting point is 15:01:58 I've had some news, she muttered at last. Your daughter's been seen. Yes, your daughter's precious stylish, and hasn't any more need of you. She's awfully happy, she is. Ah, mon dieu, I'd give a great deal to be in her place. Coupot was still staring at the window pane. But suddenly he raised his ravaged face

Starting point is 15:02:26 and stammered with an idiotic laugh. Well, my little lamb, I'm not stopping you. You're not yet so bad-looking when you wash yourself. As folks say, however old a pot may be, it ends by finding its lid. And, after all, I wouldn't care if it only buttered our bread. This ends Chapter 11, Part 3. Chapter 12, Part 1 of La Sommar by Emil Zola. Translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli.

Starting point is 15:03:07 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader. chapter twelve part one it must have been the saturday after quarter-day something like the twelfth or thirteenth of january shervais didn't quite know she was losing her wits for it was centuries since she had had anything warm in her stomach ah what an infernal week a complete clear-out two loaves of four pounds each on tuesday which had lasted till thursday day. Then a dry crust found the night before. And finally, not a crumb for 36 hours, a real dance before the cupboard. What did she know, by the way? What she felt on her back was the frightful cold, a black cold. The sky as grimy as a frying pan, thick with snow which obstinately refused to fall. When winter and hunger are both together in your guts, you may tighten your belt as much

Starting point is 15:04:16 as you like, it hardly feeds you. Perhaps Kupa would bring back some money in the evening. He said that he was working. Anything is possible, isn't it? And Jervais, although she'd been caught many and many a time, had ended by relying on this coin. After all sorts of incidents, she herself couldn't find as much as a duster to wash in the whole neighborhood,

Starting point is 15:04:42 and even an old lady whose room she did had just given. her the sack, charging her with swilling her liqueurs. No one would engage her. She was washed up everywhere, and this secretly suited her, for she had fallen to that state of indifference when one prefers to croak rather than move one's fingers. At all events, if Coupeau brought his pay home, they would have something warm to eat. And meanwhile, as it wasn't yet noon, she remained stretched on the mattress, for one doesn't feel so cold or so hungry when one is lying down. The bed was nothing but a pile of straw in a corner.

Starting point is 15:05:24 Bed and bedding had gone piece by piece to the second-hand dealers of a neighborhood. First she'd ripped open the mattress to sell handfuls of wool at ten sous a pound. When the mattress was empty, she got thirty suit for the sack so as to be able to have coffee. everything else had followed. Well, wasn't the straw good enough for them? Chaffaes bent herself like a gun-trigger on the heap of straw, with her clothes on, had her feet drawn up under her rag of a skirt so as to keep them warm.

Starting point is 15:06:00 And huddled up, with her eyes wide open, she turned some scarcely amusing ideas over in her mind that morning. Ah, no, they couldn't continue living without food. She no longer felt her hungry, only he had a leaden weight on her chest and her brain seemed empty certainly there was nothing gay to look at in the four corners of the hovel a perfect kennel now where greyhounds who wear wrappers in the streets would not even have lived in effigy her pale eyes stared at the bare walls everything had long since gone to uncles all that remained with the chest of drawers the table and a chair Even the marble top of a chest of drawers and the drawers themselves had evaporated in the same direction as the bedstead.

Starting point is 15:06:51 A fire could not have cleaned them out more completely. The little knick-knacks had melted, beginning with a ticker, a 12-franc watch down to the family photos, the frames of which had been bought by a woman keeping a second-hand store. A very obliging woman, by the way, to whom Jervais carried a saucepan, an iron, a comb, and who gave her five, three or two sue in exchange, according to the article. Enough, at all events, to go upstairs again with a bit of bread.

Starting point is 15:07:21 But now there only remained a broken pair of candle snuffers, which the woman refused to give her even a sue for. Oh, if she could only have sold the rubbish and refuse, the dust and the dirt, how speedily she would have opened shop, for the room was filthy to behold. She only saw cobwebs in the corn, corners, and although cobwebs are good for cuts, there are, so far, no merchants who buy them. Then turning her head, abandoning the idea of doing a bit of trade, Chavez gathered herself

Starting point is 15:07:54 together more closely on her straw, preferring to stare through the window at the snow-laden sky, at a dreary daylight, which froze the marrow in her bones. What a lot of worry! Though, after all, what was the use of putting herself in such a state and puzzling her brains. If she'd only been able to have a snooze. But her whole of a home wouldn't go out of her mind. M. Mariscoe, the landlord, had come in person the day before to tell them that he would turn them out into the street if a two-quarters rent now overdue were not paid during the ensuing week. Well, so he might. They certainly couldn't be worse off on the pavement. Fancy this ape in his overcoat and his woolen glove.

Starting point is 15:08:41 coming upstairs to talk to them about rent, as if they had had a treasure hidden somewhere. Just the same with that brute of a coupot who couldn't come home now without beating her. She wished him in the same place as the landlord. She sent them all there, wishing to rid herself of everyone and of life, too. She was becoming a real storehouse for blows. Coupot had a cudgel, which he called his ass's fan, and he fanned his old woman. You should have seen him giving her abominable thrashings, which made her perspire all over. She was no better herself, for she bit and scratched him.

Starting point is 15:09:21 Then they stamped about in the empty room and gave each other such drubings as were likely to ease them of all taste for bread for good. B'Jvets ended by not carrying a fig for these flax, not more than she did for anything else. Coupot might celebrate St. Monday for weeks altogether. go off on the spree for months at a time, come home mad with liquor, and seek to sharpen her as he said. She'd grown accustomed to it. She thought him tiresome, but nothing more. It was on these occasions that she wished him somewhere else. Yes, somewhere, a beast of a man, and the lor-ilus, and the bouches and the poissons too. In fact, the whole neighbourhood which she had such contempt for.

Starting point is 15:10:05 She sent all Paris there with a gesture of supreme carelessness and was pleased to be able to revenge herself in this style. One could get used to almost anything, but still it's hard to break the habit of eating. That was the one thing that really annoyed Jervais, the hunger that kept gnawing at her insides. Oh, those pleasant little snacks she used to have. Now she'd fallen low enough to gobble anything she could, could find. On special occasions, she would get waste scraps of meat from the butcher for four

Starting point is 15:10:42 sous a pound, blacked and dried out meat that couldn't find a purchaser. She'd mixed us with potatoes for a stew. On other occasions, when she had some wine, she treated herself to a sop, a true parrot's pottage, two sous worth of Italian cheese, bushels of white potatoes, quarts of dry beans, cooked in their own juice. These also were dainties that she was not often able to indulge in now. She came down to leavings from low eating dens, where for a sous she had a pile of fish bones, mixed with the pairings of mouldy roast meat. She fell even lower. She begged a charitable eating housekeeper to give her his customers dry crusts, and she made herself a bread soup, letting the crust simmer as long as possible on a neighbor's fire.

Starting point is 15:11:34 On the days when she was really hungry, she searched about with the dogs to see what might be lying outside the trades people's doors before the dustmen went by. And thus at times she came across rich men's food, rotten melons, stinking mackerel in chops, which she carefully inspected for fear of maggots. Yes, she had come to this. The idea may be a repugnant one to delicate-minded folks,

Starting point is 15:12:02 but if they hadn't shoot anything for three days running, we should hardly see them quarreling with their stomachs. They would go down on all fours and eat filth like other people. Ah, the death of the poor, the empty entrails, howling hunger, the animal appetite that leads one with chattering teeth to fill one's stomach with beastly refuse in this great Paris, so bright and golden. and to think that Jervais used to fill her belly with fat goose.

Starting point is 15:12:32 Now, the thought of it brought tears to her eyes. One day, when Coupot bagged two bread tickets from her to go and sell them and get some liquor, she nearly killed him with the blow of a shovel, so hungered and so enraged was she by the theft of a bit of bread. However, after a long contemplation of the pale sky, she'd fallen into a painful dose. She dreamt that the snow-laden sky was falling on her, so cruelly did the cold pinch.

Starting point is 15:13:05 Suddenly she sprang to her feet, awakened with a start by a shudder of anguish. Oh dear, was she going to die? Shivering and haggard, she perceived that it was still daylight. Wouldn't the night ever come? How long the time seems when the stomach is empty. Herz was waking up in its turn and beginning to torture her.

Starting point is 15:13:30 Sinking down on the chair with her head bent and her hands between her legs to warm them, she began to think what they would have for dinner as soon as Coupot brought the money home. A loaf, a quart of wine, and two platefuls of tripe in the Leonese fashion. Three o'clock struck by Father Bazouge's clock. Yes, it was only three o'clock. Then she began to cry. She would never have strength enough to wait until seven. Her body swayed backwards and forwards.

Starting point is 15:14:04 She oscillated like a child nursing some sharp pain, bending herself double and crushing her stomach so as not to feel it. Ah, an accoucheon is less painful than hunger. And unable to ease herself, seized with rage, she rose and stamped about, hoping to send her home. to sleep by walking it to and fro, like an infant. For half an hour or so, she knocked against the four corners of the empty room. Then, suddenly, she paused with a fixed stare. So much the worse. They might say what they liked. She would lick their feet if needs be, but she would go

Starting point is 15:14:43 and ask the Lory Lou to lend her ten sous. At wintertime, up these stairs of the house, the pauper stares. There was a constant borrowing of ten sous and twenty sous, petty services which these hungry beggars rendered each other. Only they would rather have died than have applied to a l'or-ilus, for they knew they were too tight-fisted. Thus, Jervais displayed remarkable courage in going to knock at their door. She felt so frightened in the passage that she experienced the sudden relief of people who ring a dentist's bell. Come in, cried the chainmaker in a sour voice. How warm and nice it was inside.

Starting point is 15:15:28 The forge was blazing, its white flame lighting up a narrow workroom. Roast Madame Lourielou set a coil of gold wire to heat. L'Hilu in front of his worktable was perspiring with the warmth as he soared the links of a chain together. And it smelled nice. Some cabbage soup was simmering on the stove, exhaling a steam which turns Jervais's heart,

Starting point is 15:15:51 Popsie-turvy, and almost made her faint. Ah, it's you, growled Madame L'Orolet, without even asking her to sit down. What do you want? Chavez did not answer for a moment. She'd recently been on fairly good terms with the L'Hilu's, but she saw Bush sitting by the stove. He seemed very much at home, telling funny stories. What do you want? repeated Lorylou.

Starting point is 15:16:21 You haven't seen Coupeau? Chervais finally stammered at last. I thought he was here. The chainmakers and the concierge sneered. No, for certain they hadn't seen Coupeau. They didn't stand treat often enough to interest Coupeau. Chavez made an effort and resumed stuttering. It's because he promised to come home.

Starting point is 15:16:45 Yes, he's to bring me some money. And as I have absolute need of something, Silence followed. Madame Lourilu was roughly fanning the fire of the stove. Lorilu had lowered his nose over the bit of chain between his fingers, while Bosch continued laughing, puffing out his face till it looked like the full moon. If I only had Tensu, muttered Jervais in a low voice. The silence persisted.

Starting point is 15:17:20 Couldn't you lend me Tensu? Oh, I would return them too. you this evening. Madame Lorylou turned round and stared at her. Here was a wheedler trying to get round them. Today she asked them for ten sous. Tomorrow it would be for twenty, and there would be no reason to stop.

Starting point is 15:17:39 No, indeed, it would be a warm day in winter if they lent her anything. But my dear, cried Madame Lorylou, you know very well that we haven't any money. Look, there's the lining of my pocket. You can search us. If we could, it would be with a willing heart, of course. The heart's always there, growled Lorryloo.

Starting point is 15:18:01 Only when one can't, one can't. Chavez looked very humble and nodded her head approvingly. However, she did not take herself off. She squinted at the gold, at the gold tied together hanging on the walls. At the gold wire the wife was drawing out with all the strength of her little arms, at the gold lynx lying in a heap under the husband's knotty fingers. And she thought that the least bit of this ugly black metal would suffice to buy her a good dinner.

Starting point is 15:18:33 The workroom was as dirty as ever, full of old iron, coal dust, and sticky oil stains half wiped away. But now, as Jervais saw it, it seemed resplendent with treasure, like a money-changer's shop. And so she ventured to repeat softly. I would return them to you. Return them without fail. Ten-sue wouldn't inconvenience you. Her heart was swelling with the effort she made, not to own that she had had nothing to eat since the day before.

Starting point is 15:19:05 Then she felt her legs give way. She was frightened that she might burst into tears, and she still stammered. It would be kind of you. You don't know. Yes, I'm reduced to that, good lord. Reduce to that. Thereupon Valori Lus pursed their lips

Starting point is 15:19:22 And exchanged covert glances So clump-clump was begging now Well the fall was complete But they did not care for that kind of thing by any means If they'd known they would have barricaded the door For people should always be on their guard against beggars Folks who make their way into apartments Under a pretext and carry precious objects away with them

Starting point is 15:19:46 And especially so in this place as there was something worthwhile stealing. One might lay one's fingers no matter where and carry off 30 or 40 francs by merely closing the hands. They had felt suspicious several times already on noticing how strange Jervais looked when she stuck herself in front of the gold.

Starting point is 15:20:07 This time, however, they meant to watch her. And as she approached nearer with her feet on the board, the chainmaker roughly called out without giving any further answer to her question. look out pest take care you'll be carrying some scraps of gold away on the soles of your shoes one would think you would grease them on purpose to make the gold stick to them shervais slowly drew back for a moment she leant against the rack and seeing that madame lorilu is looking at her hands she opened them and showed them saying softly without the least anger like a fallen woman who accepts anything i've taken nothing You can look. And then she went off because the strong smell of the cabbage soup and the warmth of the workroom made her feel too ill.

Starting point is 15:21:00 Ah, Valori Lou did not detain her. Good riddance, just see if they opened the door to her again. They'd seen enough of her face. They didn't want other people's misery in their rooms, especially when that misery was so well-deserved. They reveled in their selfish delight at being seated so cold. coarsely in a warm room with a dainty soup cooking. Bosch also stretched himself,

Starting point is 15:21:25 puffing with his cheeks still more and more, so much indeed that his laugh really became indecent. They were all nicely revenged on clump-clump, for her former manners, her blue shop, her spreads, and all the rest. It had all worked out just as it should, proving where a love of showing off would get you. So that's the thing. the style now, begging for Ten-Sou, cried Madame L'Hilou as soon as Jervais had gone.

Starting point is 15:21:55 Wait a bit, I'll lend her Ten-Su, and no mistake, to go and get drunk with. Jervais shuffled along the passage in her slippers, bending her back and feeling heavy. On reaching her door, she did not open it. Her room frightened her. It would be better to walk about. She would learn patience. As she passed by, she stretched out her neck. peering into Per Brouz's kennel under the stairs. There, for instance, was another one who must have a fine appetite, for he'd breakfasted and dined by heart during the last three days. However, he wasn't at home.

Starting point is 15:22:34 There was only his hole, and Jervais felt somewhat jealous, thinking that perhaps he'd been invited somewhere. Then as she reached the bijard, she heard Laleigh moaning, and as the key was in the lock as usual, She opened the door and went in. What is the matter? she asked. The room was very clean.

Starting point is 15:22:56 One could see that Lali had carefully swept it and arranged everything during the morning. Misery might blow into the room as much as it liked, carry off the chattels and spread all the dirt and refuse about. Lally, however, came behind and tidied everything, imparting at least some appearance of comfort within. She might not be rich, but you realize that there was a housewife in the place. That afternoon her two little ones, Henriette and Gilles,

Starting point is 15:23:26 had found some old pictures which they were cutting out in the corner. Bejervais was greatly surprised to see Laleigh herself in bed, looking very pale, with the sheet drawn up to her chin. In bed, indeed, then she must be seriously ill. What is the matter with you? inquired Jervais, feeling anxious. Lally no longer groaned. She slowly raised her white eyelids and tried to compel her lips to smile,

Starting point is 15:23:58 although they were convulsed by a shudder. There's nothing the matter with me, she whispered, very softly. Really, nothing at all. Then closing her eyes again, she added with an effort. I made myself too tired during belast. few days, and so I'm doing the idol. I'm nursing myself, as you see. But her childish face, streaked with livid stains, assumed such an expression of anguish, that Gervais, forgetting her own agony, joined her hands and fell on her knees near the bed.

Starting point is 15:24:37 For the last month she'd seen the girl clinging to the walls for support when she went about, bent double indeed, by a cough which seemed to presage a coffin. Now the poor child could not even cough. She had a hiccup, and drops of blood oozed from the corners of her mouth. It's not my fault if I hardly feel strong, she murmured, as if relieved. I've tired myself today, trying to put things to her rights. It's pretty tidy, isn't it? And I wanted to clean the windows as well.

Starting point is 15:25:16 But my legs failed. me. How stupid. However, when one has finished, one can go to bed. She paused, then said, Pray, see if my little ones are not cutting themselves with the scissors. And then she relapsed into silence, trembling and listening to a heavy footfall which was approaching up the stairs. Suddenly, Father Bijard brutally opened the door. As usual, he was far gone, and his eyes shone with the furious madness imparted by the vitriol he'd swallowed. When he perceived Lali in bed, he tapped on his thighs with a sneer and took the whip from where it hung. Ah, by blazes, that's too much, he growled. We'll soon have a laugh.

Starting point is 15:26:09 So the cows lie down on their straw at noon now. I are poking fun at me, you lazy, beggar. Come, quick now, up you get. And he cracked the whip over the bed. But the child beggingly replied, pray, Papa, don't. Don't strike me. I swear to you, you will regret it. Don't strike. Will you jump up, he roared, still louder, or else I'll tickle your ribs. Jump up, you little hound. Then she softly said, I can't. Do you understand? I'm going to die. Jervais had sprung upon Bajar and torn the whip away from him.

Starting point is 15:26:56 He stood bewildered in front of the bed. What was the dirty brat talking about? Do girls die so young without ever having been ill? Some excuse to get sugar out of him, no doubt. Ah, he'd make inquiries, and if she lied, let her look out. you will see it's the truth she continued as long as i could i avoided worrying you but be kind now and bid me good-bye papa bijar wriggled his nose as he fancied she was deceiving him and yet it was true she had a singular look the serious mien of a grown-up person the breath of death which passed through the room in some measure sobered him He gazed around like a man awakened from a long sleep, saw the room so tidy,

Starting point is 15:27:52 the two children clean, playing and laughing. And then he sank onto a chair stammering, Our little mother! Our little mother! Those were the only words he could find to say, and yet they were very tender ones to Lali, who'd never been but spoiled. She consoled her father. what especially worried her was to go off like this without having completely brought up the little ones he would take care of them would he not with her dying breath she told him how they ought to be cared for and kept clean but stultified with fumes of drink seizing hold of him again he wagged his head watching her with an uncertain stare as she was dying all kinds of things were touched in him but he could find no more to say

Starting point is 15:28:46 and he was too utterly burnt with liquor to shed a tear. Listen, resumed Lally after a pause. We owe four francs and seven sous to the baker. You must pay that. Madame Gaudron borrowed an iron of ours which you must get from her. I wasn't able to make any soup this evening. But there's some bread left, and you can warm up.

Starting point is 15:29:16 the potatoes. This ends chapter 12, part one. Chapter 12, part two of La Semoire by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visiatelli. This Librevox's recording is in the public domain, read by Mark Leder. Chapter 12, part two. Till her last rattle, the poor kitten still remained the little mother. Surely she could never be replaced. She was dying because she had had at her age a true mother's reason, because her breast was too small and weak for so much maternity. And if a ferocious beast of a father lost his treasure, it was his own fault. After kicking the mother to death, hadn't he murdered the daughter as well? But two good angels would lie in the pauper's grave, and all that could be in store for him was to kick the bucket like a dog in the gutter.

Starting point is 15:30:26 Chervais restrained herself not to burst out sobbing. She extended her hands, desirous of easing the child, and as the shred of a sheet was falling, she wished to tack it up and arrange the bed. Then the dying girl's poor little body was seen. Ah, my dear, what misery, what woe! Stones would have wept. Lally was bare, with only the remnants of a camisole on her shoulders by way of chemise.

Starting point is 15:30:57 Yes, bare, with the grievous, bleeding nudity of a martyr. She had no flesh left. Her bones seemed to protrude through the skin. From her ribs to her thighs there extended a number of violet stripes. The marks of the whip forcibly imprinted on her. A livid bruise, moreover, encircled. her left arm, as if a tender limb, scarcely larger than a lucifer, had been crushed in a vice. There was also an imperfectly closed wound on her right leg, left there by some ugly blow,

Starting point is 15:31:31 in which opened again and again of a morning when she went about doing her errands. From head to foot indeed she was but one bruise. Oh, this murdering of childhood, those heavy hands crushing this lovely girl! How abominable that such weakness should have such a weighty cross to bear! Again did Jervais crouch down, no longer thinking of tucking in the sheet, but overwhelmed by the pitiful sight of this martyrdom, and her trembling lips seemed to be seeking for words of prayer. Madame Coupeau murmured the child, I beg you.

Starting point is 15:32:11 With a little arm she tried to draw up the sheet again, ashamed as it were for her father. bijard is stultified as ever with his eyes on the corpse which was his own work still wagged his head but more slowly like a worried animal might do When she had covered Lally up again, Jervais felt she could not remain there any longer. The dying girl was growing weaker and ceased speaking. All that was left to her was her gaze. The dark look she had had as a resigned and thoughtful child, in which she now fixed on her two little ones who were still cutting out their pictures. The room was growing gloomy, and Bajard was working off his liquor,

Starting point is 15:32:56 while the poor girl was in her death agonies. No, no, life was too abominable. How frightful it was! How frightful! And Jervais took herself off and went down the stairs, not knowing what she was doing, her head wandering and so full of disgust that she would willingly have thrown herself under the wheels of an omnibus to have finished with her own existence. As she hastened on, growling against cursed fate, she suddenly found herself in front of the place where Coupot, pretended that he worked. Her legs had taken her there, and now her stomach began singing its song

Starting point is 15:33:36 again, the complaint of hunger in ninety verses, a complaint she knew by heart. However, if she caught Kupo as he left, she would be able to pounce upon the coin at once and buy some grub. A short hours waiting at the utmost, she could surely stay that out, though she had sucked her thumb since the day before. She was at the corner of Rue de la Chabonier and Rue de Chardtres. A chill wind was blowing and the sky was an ugly leaden grey. The impending snow hung over the city, but not a flake had fallen as yet. She tried stamping her feet to keep warm, but soon stopped as there was no use working up an appetite.

Starting point is 15:34:20 There was nothing amusing about. The few passers-by strode rapidly along. wrapped up in comforters. Naturally enough, one does not care to tarry when the cold is nipping at your heels. However, Jervais perceived four or five women who were mounting guard like herself outside the door of the zinc works. Unfortunate creatures, of course. Wives watching for the pay to prevent it going to the dram shop. There was a tall creature as bulky as a gendarme leaning against the wall,

Starting point is 15:34:52 ready to spring on her husband as soon as he showed himself, A dark little woman with a delicate humble air Was walking about on the other side of the way Another one, a fat creature, had brought her two brats with her And was dragging them along, one on either hand, And both of them shivering and sobbing. And all these women, Jervais, like the others, passed and repassed, exchanging glances, but without speaking to one another.

Starting point is 15:35:21 A pleasant meeting and no mistake. They didn't need to make friends to learn what number they lived at. They could all hang out the same sideboard, misery and company. It seemed to make one feel even colder to see them walk about in silence, passing each other in this terrible January weather. However, nobody has yet left the zinc works. But presently one workman appeared, then two, and then three. But these were no doubt decent fellows who took their...

Starting point is 15:35:53 pay home regularly, for they jerked their heads significantly as they saw the shadows wandering up and down. The tall creature stuck closer than ever to the side of the door, and suddenly fell upon a pair little man who was prudently poking his head out. Oh, it was soon settled. She searched him and collared his coin. Caught, no more money, not even enough to pay for a dram. Then the little man, looking very vexed and cast down, followed his gendarme. weeping like a child. The workmen were still coming out, and as the fat mother with the two brats approached the door,

Starting point is 15:36:31 a tall fellow with a cunning look who noticed her, went hastily inside again to warn her husband. And when the latter arrived, he had stuffed a couple of cartwheels away, two beautiful new five-franc pieces, one in each of his shoes. He took one of the brats on his arm and went off telling a variety of lies to his old woman

Starting point is 15:36:52 who was complaining. There were other workmen also, mournful-looking fellows, who carried in their clinched fists the pay for the three or five days' work they'd done during a fortnight, who reproached themselves with her own laziness and took drunkard's oaths. But the saddest thing of all was the grief of the dark little woman, with a humble, delicate look. Her husband, a handsome fellow, took himself off under her very nose, and so brutally indeed that he almost knocked her down. and she went home alone, stumbling past the shops and weeping all the tears in her body.

Starting point is 15:37:31 At last the defile finished. Jervais, who stood erect in the middle of the street, was still watching Bador. The lookout seemed a bad one. A couple of workmen who were late appeared on the threshold, but there were still no signs of Coupot. And when she asked the workmen if Coupot wasn't coming, they answered her, being up to snuff, that he'd gone off by the back door with Lantamesh. Chervais understood what this meant. Another of Coupot's lies, she could whistle for him if she liked.

Starting point is 15:38:04 Then shuffling along in her worn-out shoes, she went slowly down the rue de la Chabonier. Her dinner was going off in front of her, and she shuddered as she saw it running away in the yellow twilight. This time it was all over. Not a copper, not a hope, nothing but night and hunger. Ah, a fine night to kick the bucket,

Starting point is 15:38:29 this dirty night which was falling over her shoulders. She was walking heavily up the Rue de Poissanier when she suddenly heard Coupeau's voice. Yes, he was there in the little civet, letting my boots treat him. That comical chap, my boots had been cunning enough at the end of last summer to espouse in authentic fashion,

Starting point is 15:38:50 a lady who, although rather advanced, advanced in years, had still preserved considerable traces of beauty. She was the lady of the evening of the Rhe de Martyr, none of your common street hussies. And you should have seen this fortunate mortal, living like a man of means, with his hands in his pockets, well-clad and well-fed. He could hardly be recognized so fat had he grown. His comrade said that his wife had as much work as she liked among the gentlemen of her acquaintance. wife like that and a country house is all one can wish for to embellish one's life. And so Coupot squinted admiringly at my boots.

Starting point is 15:39:32 Why, the lucky dog even had a gold ring on his little finger. Jervais touched Coupot on the shoulder, just as he was coming out of a little sibbet. Say, I'm waiting. I'm hungry. I've got an empty stomach, which is all I ever get from you. But he silenced her, in a capital style. You're hungry, eh? Well, eat your fist, and keep the other for tomorrow. He considered it highly improper to do the dramatic in other people's presence.

Starting point is 15:40:03 What, he hadn't worked? And yet the baker's kneaded bread all the same. Did she take him for a fool to come and try to frighten him with her stories? Do you want me to turn thief, she muttered, in a dull voice. My boots stroked his chin and condescended. conciliatory fashion. No, that's forbidden, said he. But when a woman knows how to handle herself,

Starting point is 15:40:29 Hencoupot interrupted him to call out, Bravo! Yes, a woman always ought to know how to handle herself, but his wife had always been a helpless thing. It would be her fault if they died on the straw. Then he relapsed into his admiration for my boots. How awfully fine he looked. A regular,

Starting point is 15:40:50 landlord with clean linen and swell shoes. They were no common stuff. His wife at all events knew how to keep the pot boiling. But two men walked towards the outer boulevard, and Jervais followed them. After a pause, she resumed, talking behind Koupo's back. I'm hungry, you know, I relied on you. You must find me something to nibble. He did not answer, and she repeated in a tone of despairing agony. Is that all I get from you? Montieu, I've no coin, he roared, turning round in a fury. Just leave me alone, eh?

Starting point is 15:41:34 Or else I'll hit you. He was already raising his fist. She drew back and seemed to make up her mind. All right, I'll leave you. I guess I can find a man. The zinc worker laughed at this. He pretended to make a joke of the matter and strengthened her purpose without seeming to do so.

Starting point is 15:41:56 That was a fine idea of hers, and no mistake. In the evening, by gaslight, she might still hook a man. He recommended her to try the Capersheen restaurant, where one could dine very pleasantly in a small private room. And as she went off along the boulevard, looking pale and furious, he called out to her. Listen, bring me back some dessert. I like cakes.

Starting point is 15:42:20 And if your gentleman is well-dressed, ask him for an old overcoat. I could use one. With these words ringing in her ears, Chavez walked softly away. But when she found herself alone in the midst of the crowd, she slackened her pace. She was quite resolute. Between thieving and the other. Well, she preferred the other, for at all events she wouldn't harm anyone. No doubt it wasn't proper, but what was proper and what was improper was sorely muddled together in her brain.

Starting point is 15:42:56 When you were dying of hunger, you don't philosophize. You eat whatever bread turns up. She'd gone along as far as the Choseinacourt. It seemed as if a night would never come. However, she followed the boulevards, like a lady who was taking a stroll before dinner. Her neighborhood in which she felt so ashamed, so greatly was it being embellished, was now full of fresh air. Lost in the crowd on the broad footway, walking past the little plain trees, Jervais felt alone and abandoned. The vistas of the avenues seemed to empty her stomach all the more. And to think that among this flood of people there were many in easy circumstances, and yet not a Christian who could guess her position and slip a tensu piece into her hand.

Starting point is 15:43:49 Yes, it was too great and too beautiful. Her head swam and her legs tottered under this broad expanse of gray sky, stretched over so vast a space. The twilight had a dirty, yellowish tinge of Parisian evenings, a tint that gives you a longing to die at once, so ugly does street life seem. The horizon was growing indistinct, assuming a month, mud-colored tinge, as it were.

Starting point is 15:44:18 Jervais, who was already weary, met all the work people returning home. At this hour of the day, the ladies and bonnets and the well-dressed gentlemen living in the new houses, mingled with the people, with the files of men and women still paled from inhaling but tainted atmosphere of workshops and workrooms. From the boulevard, magenta, and the rue du Faubour-Bour-Bour-Posnierre came bands of people, rendered breathless by their uphill walk. As the omnivans and the cabs rolled by less noiselessly among the vans in trucks

Starting point is 15:44:52 returning home empty at a gallop, an ever-increasing storm of blouses and blue vests covered the pavement. Commissionaires returned with their crotchets on their backs. Two workmen took long strides, side by side, talking to each other in loud voices with any amount of gesticulation, but without looking at one,

Starting point is 15:45:14 another. Others who were alone in overcoats and caps walked along the curbstones with lowered noses. Others again came in parties of five or six, following each other, with pale eyes and their hands in their pockets, and not exchanging a word. Some still had their pipes, which had gone out between their teeth. Four masons poked their white faces out of the windows of a cab which they'd hired between them, and on the roof of which their mortar troughs rocked to and fro. House painters were swinging their pots. A zinc worker was returning laden with a long ladder, with which he almost poked people's eyes out,

Starting point is 15:45:54 whilst a belated plumber, with his box on his back, played the tune of the good King Dagobert on his little trumpet. Ah, the sad music, a fitting accompaniment of a tread of the flock, the tread of the weary beasts of burden. Suddenly, on raising her eyes, she noticed the old Hotel Boncourt in front of her. After being an all-night cafe, which the police had closed down, the little house was now abandoned. The shutters were covered with posters, the lantern was broken, and the whole building was rotted and crumbling away from top to bottom, with its smudgy claret-colored paint,

Starting point is 15:46:34 quite moldy. The stationers and the tobacconists were still there. the rear, over some low buildings, you could see the leprous facades of several five-storied houses, rearing their tumble-down outlines against the sky. The grand balcony dancing hall no longer existed. Some sugar-cutting works, which hissed continually, had been installed in the hall with the ten flaming windows. And yet it was here in this dirty den, the Hotel that the whole cursed life had commenced. Jervais remained looking at the window of the first floor, from what's hung a broken shudder,

Starting point is 15:47:17 and recalled to mind her youth with Lantier, their first rouse and the ignoble way in which he had abandoned her. Never mind. She was young then, and it all seemed gay to her, seen from a distance. Only twenty years. My dear, and yet she'd fall into street-walking. Then the sight of a lodging-house suppressed her, and she walked up the boulevard in the direction of Montmartre. The night was gathering, but children were still playing on the heaps of sand between the benches.

Starting point is 15:47:51 The march passed continued, the work-girls went by, trotting along and hurrying to make up for the time they'd lost in looking in at the shop windows. One tall girl who had stopped left her hand in that of a big fellow who accompanied her to within three-door, of her home. Others, as they parted from each other, made appointments for the night at the Great Hall of Folly or the Black Ball. In the midst of the groups, peace-workmen went by, carrying their clothes folded under their arms. The chimney-sweep, harnessed with leather braces, was drawing a card along, and nearly got himself crushed by an omnibus. Among the crowd which was now growing scantier, there were several women running with bare heads. After lighting the they'd come downstairs again and were hastily making their purchases for dinner.

Starting point is 15:48:42 They jostled the people they met, darted into the bakers and the pork butchers, and went off again with all dispatch, their provisions in their hands. There were little girls of eight years old who'd been sent out on errands, and who went along past the shops, pressing long loaves of four-pound weight, as tall as they were themselves against their chests, as if these lobes had been beautiful yellow dolls. At times these little ones forgot themselves for five minutes or so, in front of some pictures in a shop window, and rested their cheeks against the bread.

Starting point is 15:49:17 Then the flow subsided. The groups became fewer and farther between. The working classes had gone home, and as the gas blazed now but the day's toil was over, idleness and amusement seemed to wake up. Ah, yes, Jervais had finished her day. She was wearier even than all this mob of toilers who jostled her as they went by. She might lie down there in croak,

Starting point is 15:49:44 for work would have nothing more to do with her, and she toiled enough during her life to say, "'Who's turned now? I've had enough.' At present everyone was eating. It was really the end. The sun had blown out its candle. The night would be a long one. my dear, to stretch oneself at one's ease and never get up again,

Starting point is 15:50:08 to think one had put one's tools by for good, and that one could ruminate like a cow forever. That's what is good after tiring oneself out for twenty years. And Jervais, as hunger twisted her stomach, thought in spite of herself of the fat days, the spreads and the revelry of her life. Of one occasion especially, an awfully cold, old day, a mid-lent Thursday. She'd enjoyed herself wonderfully well. She was very pretty,

Starting point is 15:50:38 fair-haired, and fresh-looking at that time. Her wash-house in the Runeuve had chosen her as queen, in spite of her leg. And then they had had an outing on the boulevards in carts, decked with greenery, in the midst of stylish people who ogled her. Real gentlemen put up their glasses as if she'd been a true queen. In the evening there was a wonderful spread, and they had danced till daylight. Queen. Yes, queen! With a crown and a sash for twenty-four hours. Twice round the clock!

Starting point is 15:51:13 And now oppressed by hunger, she looked on the ground, as if she was seeking for the gutter in which she'd let her fallen majesty tumble. She raised her eyes again. She was in front of a slaughter-houses which were being pulled down. Through the gaps in the façade one could see, a dark, stinking courtyard still damp with blood. And when she'd gone down the boulevard again, she also saw the L'Ari Boisier Hospital,

Starting point is 15:51:41 with its long grey wall, above which she could distinguish the mournful fan-like wings, pierced with windows at even distances. A door in the wall filled the neighborhood with dread. It was the door of the dead in solid oak, and without a crack, as stern and as silent as a tombstone. Then to escape her thoughts, she hurried further down till she reached the railway bridge. The high parapets of riveted sheet iron hid the line from view.

Starting point is 15:52:12 She could only distinguish a corner of a station standing out against the luminous horizon of Paris, with a vast roof black with coal dust. Through the clear space, she could hear the engines whistling and the cars being shunted, in token of colossal hidden activity. Then a train passed by, leaving Paris, with puffing breath and a growing rumble. And all she perceived that this train was a white plume, a sudden gust of steam which rose above the parapet, and then evaporated. But the bridge had shaken, and she herself seemed impressed by this departure at full speed. She turned round as if to follow the invisible engine, the noise of which was dying away.

Starting point is 15:52:56 She caught a glimpse of open country through a gap between tall buildings. Oh, if only she could have taken a train and gone away, far away from this poverty and suffering, she might have started an entirely new life. Then she turned to look at the posters on the bridge sidings. One was on pretty blue paper and offered a 50-franc reward for a lost dog. someone must have really loved that dog. This ends Chapter 12, Part 2. Chapter 12, Part 3 of La Semoire by Emil Zola,

Starting point is 15:53:43 translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leder. Chapter 12, Part 3. Jervais slowly resumed her walk. In the smoky fog which was falling, the gas lamps were being lighted up, and the long avenues, which had grown bleak and indistinct, suddenly showed themselves plainly again, sparkling to their full length and piercing through the night, even to the vague darkness of the horizon. A great gust swept by, the widened spaces were lighted up with girdles of little flames, shining under the far-stretching moonless sky. It was the hour when, from one end of the boulevard to the other, the ram shops and the dancing halls flamed gaily as the first glasses were merrily drunk in the first dance begun.

Starting point is 15:54:43 It was the great fortnightly payday, and the pavement was crowded with jostling revelers on the spree. There was a breath of merry-making in the air, deuce fine revelry, but not objectionable so far. fellows were filling themselves in the eating houses. Through velighted windows you could see people feeding with their mouths full and laughing without taking the trouble to swallow first. Drunkards were already installed in the wine shops squabbling and gesticulating, and there was a cursed noise on all sides, voices shouting amid the constant clatter of feet on the pavement.

Starting point is 15:55:22 Say, are you coming to sip? Make haste, old man, I'll pay for a glass of bottle, wine. Here's Pauline. Can't we just laugh? The door swung to and fro, letting a smell of wine and a sound of cornet playing escape into the open air. There was a gathering in front of Per Colombs' la Samoir, which was lighted up like a cathedral for high mass. Mon dieu, you would have said a real ceremony was going on, for several capital fellows with rounded paunches and swollen sheeks, looking for all the world like professional choristers were singing inside. They were celebrating St. Pay, of course, a very amiable saint who no doubt keeps the cash box in paradise. Only on seeing how gaily the evening

Starting point is 15:56:10 began, the retired petty tradesmen who'd taken their wives out for a stroll, wagged their heads, and repeated that there would be any number of drunken men in Paris that night. And the night stretched very dark, deadlike and icy, above the revelry, perforated only with lines of gas lamps extending to the four corners of heaven. Jervais stood in front of La Samoire, thinking that if she had had a couple of sous, she could have gone inside and drunk a dram. No doubt a dram would have quieted her hunger. Ah, what a number of drams she'd drunk in her time! Liquors seemed good stuff to her after all, and from outside she watched a drunk-making machine, realizing that her misfortune,

Starting point is 15:56:57 was due to it, and yet dreaming of finishing herself off with brandy on the day that she had some coin. But a shudder passed through her hair, as she saw it was now almost dark. Well, the night time was approaching. She must have some pluck and sell herself coaxingly if she didn't wish to kick the bucket in the midst of a genital revelry. Looking at other people gorging themselves didn't precisely fill her own stomach. She slackened her pace again and looked around her. her. There was a darker shade under the trees. Few people passed along, only folks in a hurry who swiftly crossed the boulevards. An on the broad, dark, deserted footway, where the sound of the revelry died away, women were standing and waiting. They remained for long

Starting point is 15:57:46 intervals motionless, patient and as stiff-looking as the scrubby little plain trees. Then they slowly began to move, dragging their slippers over the frozen soil, taking ten steps or so and then waiting again, rooted as it were to the ground. There was one of them with a huge body and insect-like arms and legs, wearing a black silk rag, with a yellow scarf over her head. There was another one, tall and bony, who was bareheaded and wore a servant's apron, and others too, old ones plastered up, and young ones so dirty that a rag-picker would not have picked them up. However, Jervais tried to learn what to do by imitating them.

Starting point is 15:58:32 Girlish-like emotion tightened her throat. She was hardly aware whether she felt ashamed or not. She seemed to be living in a horrible dream. For a quarter of an hour she remained standing erect. Men hurried by without even turning their heads. Then she moved about in her turn, and venturing to accost the man who was whistling with his hands in his pockets, She murmured in a strangled voice.

Starting point is 15:58:58 Sir, listen a moment. The man gave her a side glance and then went off, whistling all the louder. Chavez grew bolder, and with her stomach empty, she became absorbed in this chase, fiercely rushing after her dinner, which was still running away. She walked about for a long while, without thinking of the flight of time or of the direction she took. Around her, the dark, mute, wind. and went to and fro under the trees like wild beasts in a cage. They stepped out of the shade like apparitions,

Starting point is 15:59:31 and passed under the light of a gas lamp with their pale masks fully apparent. Then they grew vague again, as they went off into the darkness, with a white strip of petticoats swinging to and fro. Men let themselves be stopped at times, talked jokingly, and then started off again, laughing. Others would quietly follow a woman to her room. discreetly ten paces behind there was a deal of muttering quarrelling in an undertone and furious bargaining which suddenly subsided into profound silence and as far as jervais went she saw these women standing like sentinels in the night they seemed to be placed along the whole length of the boulevard as soon as she met one she saw another twenty paces further on and the file stretched out unceasingly entire paris

Starting point is 16:00:24 was guarded. She grew enraged on finding herself disdained. She now perambulated between the Chasse de Quignan and the Grand Rue of La Chappelle. All were beggars. Sir, just listen. But the men passed by. She started from the slaughterhouses, which stank of blood. She glanced on her way at the old Hotel Boncourt, now closed. She passed in front of a L'Aribe Borsier. a hospital and mechanically counted the number of windows that were illuminated with a pale, quiet glimmer, like that of nightlights at the bedside of some agonizing sufferers. She crossed the railway bridge as the trains rushed by with a noisy rumble, rending the air in twain with her shrill whistling.

Starting point is 16:01:14 Ah, how sad everything seemed at night-time. Then she turned on her heels again and filled her eyes with the sight of the same houses, doing this ten and twenty times without pausing, without resting for a minute on a bench. No one wanted her. Her shame seemed to be increased by this contempt. She went down towards the hospital again, and then returned towards the slaughterhouses. It was her last promenade, from the blood-stained courtyards where animals were slaughtered, down to the pale hospital wards, where death stiffened the patients stretched between the sheets.

Starting point is 16:01:53 It was between these two establishments that she had passed her life. Sir, just listen. But suddenly she perceived her shadow on the ground. When she approached the gas-lamp, it gradually became less vague, till it stood out at last in full force. An enormous shadow it was, positively grotesque, so portly had she become. Her stomach, breast and hips,

Starting point is 16:02:20 all equally flabby, jostled together at it. it were. She walked with such a limp, but the shadow bobbed almost topsy-turvy at every step she took. It looked like a real punch. Then as she left the street-lamp behind her, the punch grew taller, becoming in fact gigantic, filling the whole boulevard, bobbing to and fro in such style that it seemed faded to smash its nose against the trees or the houses. Oh dear, how frightful she was! She'd never realized her disfigurement. so thoroughly. And she could not help looking at her shadow. Indeed, she waited for the gas lamps, still watching the punches it bobbed about. Ah, she had a pretty companion beside her.

Starting point is 16:03:07 What a figure. It ought to attract the men at once. And at the thought of her unsightliness, she lowered her voice and only just dared to stammer behind the passers-by. Sir, just listen. It was not. now getting quite late. Matters were growing bad in the neighborhood. The eating houses had closed, and voices, gruff with drink, could be heard disputing in the wine shops. Revely was turning to quarrelling and fisticuffs. A big ragged chap roared out, I'll not get a bit, just count your bones. Our large woman had quarreled with a fellow outside a dancing place and was calling him dirty, blaggered and lousy bum, whilst he on his side just muttered under his breath.

Starting point is 16:03:57 Drinks seemed to have imparted a fierce desire to indulge in blows, and the passers-by, who were now less numerous, had pale, contracted faces. There was a battle at last. One drunken fellow came down on his back, with all four limbs raised in the air, whilst his comrade, thinking he had done for him, ran off with his heavy she was clattering over the pavement. Groups of men sang dirty songs, and then there would be long silences, broken only by hiccups or the thud of a drunk falling down. Chavez still hobbled about, going up and down with the idea of walking forever. At times she fell drowsy and almost went to sleep, rocked as it were by her lame leg. Then she looked around her with a start, and noticed she'd

Starting point is 16:04:49 walked a hundred yards unconsciously. Her feet were swelling in her ragged shoes. The last clear thought that occupied her mind was that her hussy of a daughter was perhaps eating oysters at that very moment. Then everything became cloudy, and, albeit she remained with open eyes, it required too great an effort for her to think. The only sensation that remained to her in her utter annihilation was that it was frightfully cold, so sharply, mortally cold she'd never known the like before, why even dead people could not feel so cold in their graves. With an effort she raised her head, and something seemed to lash her face. It was the snow which had at last decided to fall from the smoky sky.

Starting point is 16:05:41 Fine, thick snow, which the breeze swept round and round. for three days it had been expected, and what a splendid moment it chose to appear. Woken up by the first gusts, Chervais began to walk faster. Eager to get home, men were running along with their shoulders already white. And as she suddenly saw one who, on the contrary, was coming slowly towards her under a tree, she approached him again. She approached him, and again said, Sir, just listen. The man has stopped, but he did not seem to have heard her.

Starting point is 16:06:19 He held out his hand and muttered in a low voice, Charity, if you please. They looked at one another. Ah, mon dieu, they were reduced to this, Per Brou begging, Madame Coupeau walking the streets. They remained stupefied in front of each other. They could join hands as equals now. The old workmen had prowled about the whole evening, not daring to stop anyone, and the first person he accosted was as hungry as himself.

Starting point is 16:06:55 Lord, was it not pitiful, to have toiled for fifty years and be obliged to beg, to have been one of the most prosperous laundresses in the Roud de la Gouta, and to end beside the gutter. They still looked at one another. Then, without saying a word, they went off in different directions. under the lashing snow. It was a perfect tempest. On these heights, in the midst of this open space, the fine snow revolved round and round as if the wind came from the four corners of heaven.

Starting point is 16:07:31 You could not see ten paces off. Everything was confused in the midst of this flying dust. The surroundings had disappeared. The boulevard seemed to be dead, as if the storm had stretched the silence of its white sheet over the hiccups of the last drunkards. Jervais still went on, blinded, lost. She felt her way by touching the trees. As she advanced the gas lamp shone out amidst the whiteness like torches. Then, suddenly,

Starting point is 16:08:01 whenever she crossed an open space, these lights failed her. She was enveloped in the whirling snow, unable to distinguish anything to guide her. Below stretched the ground, vaguely white. Grey walls surrounded her. And when she paused, hesitating in turning her head she divined that behind this icy veil extended the immense avenue with interminable vistas of gas lamps the black and deserted infinite of paris asleep She was standing where the outer boulevard meets the boulevard magenta and Ornano, thinking of lying down on the ground, when suddenly she heard a footfall. She began to run, but the snow blinded her, and the footsteps went off without her being able to tell whether it was to the right or to the left.

Starting point is 16:08:52 At last, however, she perceived a man's broad shoulders, a dark form which was disappearing amid the snow. Oh, she wouldn't let this man get away. and she ran on all the faster, reached him and caught him by the blouse. Sir, sir, just listen. The man turned round. It was Gouge. So now she had accosted golden beard.

Starting point is 16:09:20 But what had she done on earth to be tortured like this by Providence? It was the crowning blow, to stumble against Gouge and be seen by her blacksmith friend, pale and begging, like a common street-walker. And it happened just under a gas-lamp. She could see her deformed shadow swaying on the snow, like a real caricature. Mon Dieu, not to have a crust of bread or a drop of wine in her body, and to be taken for a drunken woman.

Starting point is 16:09:53 It was her own fault. Why did she booze? Gouje no doubt thought she'd been drinking in that she was up to some nasty pranks. He looked at her while the snow scattered daisies over his beautiful yellow beard. Then as she lowered her head and stepped back, he detained her. Come, said he. And he walked on first. She followed him.

Starting point is 16:10:18 They both crossed the silent district, gliding noiselessly along the walls. Poor Madame Gujaré had died of rheumatism in the month of October. Gouge still resided in the little house in the Runeur. living gloomily alone. On this occasion he was belated because he'd sat up nursing a wounded comrade. When he'd opened the door and lighted a lamp, he'd turned towards Jervais, who remained humbly on the threshold. Then, in a low voice, as if he were afraid his mother could still hear him, he exclaimed,

Starting point is 16:10:53 Come in. The first room, Madame Gujares, was piously preserved in the state she'd left it. On a chair near the window lay the tambour by the side of a large armchair, which seemed to be waiting for the old lace worker. The bed was made, and she could have stretched herself beneath the sheets if she'd left the cemetery to come and spend the evening with her child. There was something solemn, a perfume of honesty and goodness about the room. Come in, repeated the blacksmith, in a louder tone.

Starting point is 16:11:31 She went in, half frightened, like a disreputable woman gliding into a respectable place. He was quite pale and trembled at the thought of ushering a woman like this into his dead mother's home. They crossed the room on tipto, as if they were ashamed to be heard. Then when he had pushed Gervais into his own room, he closed the door. Here he was at home. It was the narrow closet she was acquainted with, a schoolgirl's room with a little iron bedstead hung with white,

Starting point is 16:12:02 curtains. On the walls the engravings cut out of illustrated newspapers had gathered and spread, and they now reached to the ceiling. The room looked so pure that Jervais did not dare to advance, but retreated as far as she could from the lamp. Then, without a word, in a transport, as it were, he tries to seize hold of her, and press her in his arms. But she felt faint and murmured, Oh, my dear, oh, my dear. The fire in the stove, having been covered with coke dust, was still a light, and the remains of a stew which Gouche had put to warm, thinking he should return to dinner, was smoking in front of the cinders.

Starting point is 16:12:46 Jervais, who felt her numbness lever in the warmth of this room, would have gone down on all fours to eat out of the saucepan. Her hunger was stronger than her will. her stomach seemed rent in two, and she stooped down with a sigh. Couget had realized the truth. He placed the stew on the table, cut some bread, and poured her out a glass of wine. Thank you, thank you, said she. Oh, how kind you are, thank you.

Starting point is 16:13:18 She stammered. She could hardly articulate. When she caught hold of her fork, she began to tremble so acutely that she let it fall again. The hunger that possessed her made her wag her head as if senile. She carried the food to her mouth with her fingers. As she stuffed the first potato into her mouth, she burst out sobbing. Big tears coursed down her cheeks and fell onto her bread. She still ate gluttonously devouring this bread, thus moistened by her tears, and breathing

Starting point is 16:13:50 very hard all the while. Gouge compelled her to drink to prevent her from stifling, and her glass chinked as it were against her teeth. Will you have some more bread? he asked in an undertone. She cried. She said no. She said yes. She didn't know. Ah, how nice and yet how painful it is to eat when one is starving. And standing in front of her, Guzé looked at her all the while, under the bright light cast by the lampshade. He could see her well. How aged and altered she seemed.

Starting point is 16:14:29 The heat was melting the snow on her hair and clothes, and she was dripping. Her poor wagging head was quite grey. There were any number of grey locks which the wind had disarranged. Her neck sank into her shoulders, and she'd become so fat and ugly you might have cried on noticing the change. He recollected their love when she was quite rosy, working with her irons, and showing the childlike crease which set such a charming necklace around her. her throat. In those times he'd watched her for hours, glad just to look at her. Later on, she'd come to the forge, and there they had enjoyed themselves whilst he beat the iron, and she stood by watching his hammer dance. How often at night, with his head buried in his

Starting point is 16:15:17 pillow, had he dreamed of holding her in his arms. Chavez rose. She had finished. She remained for a moment with her head lowered, and ill at ease. Then, thinking she detected a gleam in his eyes, she raised her hand to her jacket and began to unfasten the first button. Bougouche had fallen on his knees, and taking hold of her hands, he exclaimed softly, I love you, Madame Javais. Oh, I love you still, and in spite of everything, I swear it to you. Don't say that, Monsieur Gouche, she cried.

Starting point is 16:15:55 Maddened to see him like this at her feet. No, don't say that. grieve me too much. And as he repeated, that he could never love twice in his life, she became yet more despairing. No, no, I am too ashamed, for the love of God, get up. It is my place to be on the ground. He rose, he trembled all over and stammered. Will you allow me to kiss you? Overcome with surprise and emotion. She could not speak. but she assented with a nod of the head. After all, she was his.

Starting point is 16:16:34 He could do what he chose with her. But he merely kissed her. That suffices between us, Madame Gervais, he muttered. It sums up all our friendship, does it not? He had kissed her on the forehead, on a lock of her grey hair. He had not kissed anyone since his mother's death. His sweetheart Gervais alone remained to him in life, and then when he kissed her with so much respect

Starting point is 16:17:02 he fell back across his bed with sobs rising in his throat and Jervais could not remain there any longer it was too sad and too abominable to meet again under such circumstances when one loved I love you Monsieur Gouge she exclaimed I love you dearly also oh it isn't possible you still love me good-bye

Starting point is 16:17:26 goodbye It would smother us both. It would be more than we could stand. And she darted through Madame Gouge's room and found herself outside on the pavement again. When she recovered her senses, she'd wrung at the door in the Rue de la Goudot, and Bosch was pulling the string. The house was quite dark, and in the black night the yawning, dilapidated porch looked like an open mouth. To think that she'd been ambitious of having a corner in this, barracks. Had her ears been stopped up then? That she'd not heard the cursed music of despair which sounded behind the walls? Since she had set foot in the place, she'd begun to go downhill.

Starting point is 16:18:12 Yes, it must bring bad luck to shut oneself up in these big workmen's houses. The cholera of misery was contagious there. That night everyone seemed to have kicked the bucket. She only heard the bushes snoring on the right-hand side, while Lanthier and Virginie on the left were purring like a couple of cats who were not asleep, but have their eyes closed and feel warm. In the courtyard she fancied she was in a perfect cemetery. The snow paved the ground with white. The high frontages, livid gray in tint, rose up unlighted like ruined walls, and not a sigh could be heard. It seemed as if a whole village stiffened with cold and were buried here. She had to step over a black gutter, water from Madai Works, which smoked and

Starting point is 16:19:04 streaked the whiteness of the snow with its muddy course. It was the color of her thoughts. The beautiful light blue and light pink waters had long since flowed away. Then, whilst descending the six flights of stairs in the dark, she could not prevent herself from laughing, an ugly laugh which hurt her. She recalled her ideal of former days, to work quietly, always have bread to eat, and a tidy house to sleep in, to bring up her children, not to be beaten, and to die in her bed. No, really, it was comical how all that was becoming realized. She no longer worked, she no longer ate, she slept on filth, her husband frequented all sorts of wine shops, and her husband drubbed her at all hours of a day. All that was left for her to do was to die on the pavement, and it would not take

Starting point is 16:20:00 long if on getting into her room she could only pluck up the courage to fling herself out of the window. Was it not enough to make one think that she'd hoped to earn 30,000 francs a year and no end of respect? Ah, really, in this life it's no use being modest when it only gets sat upon, not even pap and a nest. That's the common lot. What increased her ugly laugh was the recollection of her grand hope of retiring into the country after twenty years passed in ironing. Well, she was on her way to the country. She was going to have her green corner in the Perlachers Cemetery.

Starting point is 16:20:45 When she entered the passage, she was like a mad woman. Her poor head was whirling round. At heart her great grief was at having bid the blacksmith an eternal farewell. All was ended between them. They would never see each other more. Then besides that, all her other thoughts of misfortune pressed upon her, and almost caused her head to split. As she passed, she poked her nose in at the bichard and beheld Laleigh dead, with a look of contentment on her face, at having at last been laid out and slumbering forever.

Starting point is 16:21:19 Ah, well, children were luckier than grown-up people. And as a glimmer of light passed under old Bazouge's door, she walked boldly in, seized with a mania for going off on the same journey as the little one. That old Joker, Bazouge, had come home that night in an extraordinary state of gaiety. He had had such a booze that he was snoring on the ground in spite of a temperature, and that no doubt did not prevent him from dreaming something pleasant, for he seemed to be laughing from his stomach as he slept. The candle, which he'd not put out, lighted up his old garments, his black cloak,

Starting point is 16:21:58 which he'd drawn over his knees as though it had been a blanket. On beholding him, Jervais uttered such a deep wailing that he awoke. "'Montieu! Shut the door! It's so cold! Oh, it's you! What's the matter? What do you want?' Then Jervais, stretching out her arms, no longer knowing what she stuttered, began passionately to implore him. Oh, take me away. I've had enough. I want to go off. You mustn't bear me any grudge, I didn't know.

Starting point is 16:22:32 One never knows until one's ready. Oh, yes, one's glad to go one day. Take me away. Take me away, and I shall thank you. She fell on her knees, all shaken with a desire which caused her to turn ghastly pale. Never before had she thus dragged herself at a man's feet. Old Bazouche's ugly mug, with his mouth wall on one side and his hide begrimed with the dust of funerals, seemed to her as beautiful and resplendent as a son. The old fellow who was scarcely awake thought, however, that it was some sort of bad joke.

Starting point is 16:23:12 Look here, murmured he. No jokes. Take me away, repeated Gervais. more ardently still. You remember, I knocked one evening against the partition. Then I said it wasn't true because I was still a fool. But see, give me your hands. I'm no longer frightened. Take me away to bye-bye.

Starting point is 16:23:35 You'll see how still I'll be. Oh, sleep, that's all I care for. Oh, I love you so much. Bazouge, ever gallant, thought that he ought not to be hasty with a lady who appeared to have taken such a fancy to him. She was falling to pieces, but all the same, what remained was very fine, especially when she was excited. "'What you say is very true,' said he, in a convinced manner. I packed up three more today, who would only have been too glad to have given me something for myself, could they have

Starting point is 16:24:10 but got their hands to their pockets. But, little woman, it's not so easily settled as all that. "'Take me away, take me away,' continued Gervais. "'I want to die.' "'Ah, but there's a little operation to be gone through beforehand. "'You know, glug,' "'and he made a noise in his throat as though swallowing his tongue. "'Then, thinking it a good joke, he chuckled. "'Gervais slowly rose to her feet,

Starting point is 16:24:42 "'so he too could do nothing for her. "'She went to her. her room and threw herself on her straw, feeling stupid, and regretting she had eaten. Ah, no indeed, misery did not kill quickly enough. This ends Chapter 12, Part 3. Chapter 13, Part 1 of La Samoir by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visielli. This Libre Fox recording is in the public domain. Read by Mark Leader

Starting point is 16:25:24 Chapter 13 Part 1 That night, Coupeau went on a spree Next day, Gervais received ten francs from her son Etienne, who was a mechanic on some railway. The youngster sent her a few francs from time to time, knowing that they were not very well off at home. She made some soup and ate it all alone, for that scoundrel coupé did not return on the morrow.

Starting point is 16:25:55 On Monday he was still absent, and on Tuesday also. The whole week went by. Ah, it would be good luck if some woman took him in. On Sunday, Gervais received a printed document. It was to inform her that her husband was dying at the St. Anne asylum. Gervais did not disturb herself. He knew the way. He could very well get home from the asylum by himself.

Starting point is 16:26:25 They'd cured him there so often. that they could once more do him the sorry service of putting him on his pins again. Had she not heard that very morning that for the week before, Coupot had been seen as round as a ball, rolling about Belleville from one drampshop to another in the company of My Boots. Exactly so, and it was My Boots too who stood treat. He must have hooked his missus's stocking with all the savings gained it very hard work. It wasn't clean money they had used,

Starting point is 16:26:57 but money that could infect them with any manner of vile diseases. Well, anyway, they hadn't thought to invite her for a drink. If you wanted to drink by yourself, you could croak by herself. However, on Monday, as Jervais had a nice little meal planned for the evening, the remains of some beans and a pint of wine, she pretended to herself that a walk would give her an appetite. The letter from the asylum which she'd left lying on the bureau bothered her. the snow had melted the day was mild and gray and on the whole fine with just a slight keenness in the air which was invigorating she started at noon for her walk was a long one she had to cross paris and her bad leg always slowed her

Starting point is 16:27:44 with that the streets were crowded but the people amused her she reached her destination very pleasantly when she had given her name she was told the most astounding story to the effect that Coupot had been fished out of the sand close to the Ponduve. He jumped over the parapet, under the impression that a bearded man was barring his way. A fine jump, was it not? And as for finding out how Hupot got to be on the Pond Neuf, that was a matter he could not even explain himself. One of the keepers escorted Jervais.

Starting point is 16:28:21 She was ascending a staircase when she heard howlings, which made her shiver to her very bones. He's playing a nice music, isn't he? observed the keeper. Who is? asked she. Why, your old man. He's been yelling like that ever since the day before yesterday. And he dances. You'll just see.

Starting point is 16:28:43 Montieu. What a sight. She stood as one transfixed. The cell was padded from the floor to the ceiling. On the floor there were two strong. straw mats, one piled on top of the other, and in a corner were spread a mattress and a bolster, nothing more. Inside there, Kupa was dancing and yelling, his blouse and tatters and his limbs beating the air. He wore the mask of one about to die. What a breakdown. He bumped up against

Starting point is 16:29:15 the window, then retired backwards, beating time with his arms and shaking his hands as though he were trying to wrench them off and fling them in somebody's face. One meets with buffoons in low dancing places who imitate the delirium trements, only they imitate it badly. One must see this drunkard's dance if one wishes to know what it's like when gone through in earnest. The song also had its merits, a continuous yell worthy of carnival time, a mouth wide open uttering the same hoarse trombone notes for hours together.

Starting point is 16:29:49 Koupoe had the howl of a beast with a crushed paw. Strike up, music. Gentlemen, choose your partners. Dear, what's the matter with him? What is the matter with him? Repeated Jervais, seized with fear. A house surgeon, a big, fair fellow with a rosy countenance and wearing a white apron, was quietly sitting taking notes.

Starting point is 16:30:15 The case was a curious one. The doctor did not leave the patient. stay a while if you like said he to the laundress but keep quiet try and speak to him he will not recognize you cupo indeed did not even appear to see his wife she'd only had a bad view of him on entering he was wriggling about so much when she looked him full in the face she stood aghast mon dieu was it possible he had a countenance like that his eyes full of blood and his lips covered with scabs she was she was it possible he had a countenance like that his eyes full of blood and his lips covered with scabs She would certainly never have known him. To begin with, he was making too many grimaces, without saying why, his mouth suddenly out of all shape, his nose curled up, his cheeks drawn in,

Starting point is 16:31:01 a perfect animal's muzzle. His skin was so hot the air steamed around him, and his hide was as though varnished, covered with a heavy sweat which trickled off him. In his mad dance, one could see all the same that he was not at his ease. His head was heavy, and his limbs ached.

Starting point is 16:31:21 Chavez drew near to the house surgeon, who was strumming a tune with the tips of his fingers on the back of his chair. Tell me, sir, it's serious then, this time? The house surgeon nodded his head without answering. Isn't he jabbering to himself? Hey, don't you hear? What's it about?

Starting point is 16:31:43 About things he sees, murmured the young man. Keep quiet. Let me listen. Coupeau was speaking in a jerky voice. A glimmer of amusement lit up his eyes. He looked on the floor to the right, to the left, and turned about as though he'd been strolling in the Bois de Vincent, conversing with himself. Ah, that's nice.

Starting point is 16:32:08 That's grand. There are cottages, a regular fare, and some jolly fine music. What about us our feast. They're smashing the crockers. and they're awfully swell. Now it's being lit up, red balls in the air, and it jumps, and it flies. Oh, what a lot of lanterns in the trees. It's confoundedly pleasant. There's water flowing everywhere. Fountains, cascades, water with sings, oh, with the voice of a chorister. The cascades are grand.

Starting point is 16:32:43 And he drew himself up, as though the better to hear the delicious song of the water. He sucked in forcibly, fancying he was drinking the fresh spray blown from the fountains. But little by little his face resumed in agonized expression. Then he crouched down and flew quicker than ever around the walls of the cell, uttering vague threats. More traps, all that. I thought as much.

Starting point is 16:33:13 Silence, you said of swindlers. Yes, you're making a fool of me. It's for that you're drinking and bawling inside there with your Varagos. I'll demolish you, you and your cottage. Damnation! Will you leave me in peace? He clenched his fists. Then he uttered a hoarse cry, stooping as he ran. And he stuttered, his teeth chattering with fright. It's so that I may kill myself. No, I won't throw. throw myself in. All that water means that I've no heart. No, I won't throw myself in. The cascade which fled at his approach, advanced when he retired, and all of a sudden he looked stupidly around him, mumbling, in a voice which was scarcely audible. It isn't possible. They set conjurers against me. I'm off, sir. I've got to go. Good night, said Gervais to the house-surgeon. It upsets me too much.

Starting point is 16:34:19 I'll come again. She was quite white. Koupo was continuing his breakdown from the window to the mattress and from the mattress to the window, perspiring, toiling, always beating the same rhythm. Then she hurried away.

Starting point is 16:34:38 But though she scrambled down the stairs, she still heard her husband's confounded jig until she reached the bottom. Ah, my dear, how pleasant it was out of doors. What could breathe there? That evening, everyone in a tenement was discussing Coupot's strange malady. The Boch's invited Gervais to have a drink with them, even though they now considered clump-clump beneath them,

Starting point is 16:35:05 in order to hear all the details. Madame Lourilou and Madame Poisson were there also. Bush told of a carpenter he'd known who'd been a drinker of absence. The man shed his clothes, went out in the street and danced the polka until he died. That rather struck the ladies' comic, even though it was very sad. Chervais got up in the middle of the room and did an imitation of Koupo. Yes, that's just how it was. Can anyone feature a man doing that for hours on end?

Starting point is 16:35:38 If they didn't believe they could go see for themselves. On getting up the next morning, Chervais promised herself she would, not return to the St. Anne again. What use would it be? She did not want to go off her head also. However, every ten minutes she felt amusing and became absent-minded. It would be curious, though, if he were still throwing his legs about. When twelve o'clock struck, she could no longer resist. She started off, and did not notice how long the walk was her brain was so full of her desire to go and the dread of what awaited her. Oh, there was no need for her to ask for news.

Starting point is 16:36:21 She heard Coupeau's song the minute she reached the foot of a staircase. Just the same tune, just the same dance. She might have thought herself going up again after having only been down for a minute. The attendant of a day before, who was carrying some jugs of Tissan along the corridor, winked his eye as he met her by way of being amiable. still the same then said she oh still the same he replied without stopping she entered the room but she remained near vador because there were some people with the fair rosy house-surgeon was standing up having given his chair to a bald old gentleman who was decorated and had a pointed face like a weasel he was no doubt the head doctor for his glance was as sharp and piercing as a jimlet. All the dealers in sudden death have a glance like that. No, really, it was not a pretty

Starting point is 16:37:22 sight, and Jervais, all in a tremble, asked herself why she had returned. To think that the evening before they accused her at the bushes of exaggerating the picture. Now she saw better how Koupo said about it, his eyes wide open looking into space, and she would never forget it. She overheard a few words between the house surgeon and the head doctor. The former was giving some details of the night. Her husband had talked and thrown himself about. That was what it amounted to. Then the bold-headed old gentleman, who was not very polite, by the way, at length appeared to become aware of her presence. And when the house surgeon had deformed him that she was the patient's wife, he began to question her in the harsh manner of a commissary of the police.

Starting point is 16:38:12 Did this man's father drink? Yes, sir, just a little like everyone. He killed himself by falling from a roof one day when he was tipsy. Did his mother drink? Well, sir, like everyone else, you know, a drop here, a drop there. Oh, the family is very respectable. There was a brother who died very young in convulsions. And you, you drink too, don't you?

Starting point is 16:38:42 you? Jervais stammered, protested and placed her hand upon her heart as though to take her solemn oath. You drink. Take care. See where drink leads to. One day or other, you will die thus. Then she remained close to the wall. The doctor returned his back to her. He squatted down without troubling himself as to weather his overcoat trailed in the dust of the matting, for a long while he studied who posed trembling, waiting for its reappearance, following it with his glance. That day the legs were going in their turn,

Starting point is 16:39:22 but trembling had descended from the hands to the feet, a regular puppet with his strings being pulled, throwing his limbs about, whilst the trunk of his body remained as stiff as a piece of wood. The disease progressed little by little. It was like a musical box beneath the skin. It started off every three or three, four seconds and rolled along for an instant, then it stopped and then it started off again,

Starting point is 16:39:48 just the same as the little shiver which shakes stray dogs in winter, when cold and standing in some doorway for protection. Already the middle of the body and the shoulders quivered like water on the point of boiling. It was a funny demolition all the same, going off wriggling like a girl being tickled. Hupon, meanwhile, was complaining in a hollow voice. He seemed to suffer a great deal more than the day before. His broken murmurs disclosed all sorts of ailments. Thousands of pins were pricking him. He felt something heavy all about his body.

Starting point is 16:40:25 Some cold, wet animal was crawling over his thighs and digging its fangs into his flesh. Then there were other animals sticking to his shoulders, tearing his back with their claws. I'm thirsty. Oh, I'm thirsty. groaned he continually. The house surgeon handed him a little lemonade from a small shelf.

Starting point is 16:40:49 Kupo seized the mug in both hands and greedily took a mouthful, spilling half the liquid over himself. But he spat it out at once with furious disgust, exclaiming, Damnation! It's brandy! Then, on a sign from the doctor, the house surgeon tried to make him drink some water without leaving go of the bottle. This time he swallowed. the mouthful, yelling as though he'd swallowed fire.

Starting point is 16:41:16 It's brandy damnation! It's brandy! Since the night before. Everything he had had to drink was brandy. It redoubled his thirst and he could no longer drink because everything burned him. They'd brought him some broth, but they were evidently trying to poison him, for the broth smelled a vitriol. The bread was sour and moldy. There was nothing but poison around him. The cell stank of sulfur. He even accused persons of rubbing matches under his nose to infect him. All on a sudden he exclaimed,

Starting point is 16:41:52 Oh, the rats! There are the rats now! There were black balls that were changing into rats. These filthy animals got fatter and fatter. Then they jumped onto the mattress and disappeared. There was also a monkey which came out of the wall and went back into the wall in which approached so near him each time

Starting point is 16:42:13 that he drew back through fear of having his nose bitten off. Suddenly there was another change. The walls were probably cutting capers, for he yelled out, choking with terror and rage. That's it. Gee up! Shake me, I don't care. Gee up!

Starting point is 16:42:30 Tumble down. Yes, ring the bells, you black crows. Play the organ to prevent my calling the police. They've put a bomb behind the wall for lousy scoundrels. I can hear it. It snorts. They're going to blow us up. Fire! Damnation! Fire! There's a cry of fire. There, it blazes. Oh, it's getting lighter. Lighter. All the skies burning. Red fires, green fires, yellow fires. I help! Fire! His cries became lost in a rattle. He now only mumbled disconnected word, foaming at the mouth, his chin wet with saliva. The doctor rubbed his nose with his finger, a movement no doubt habitual with him in the presence of serious cases. He turned to the house surgeon and asked him in a low voice, "'And the temperature? Still the hundred degrees, is it not?'

Starting point is 16:43:29 "'Yes, sir.' The doctor pursed his lips. He continued there another two minutes, his eyes fixed on coupon. Then he shrugged his shoulders, adding, the same treatment, broth, milk, lemonade, and the potion of extract of quinine. Do not leave him, and call me if necessary. He went out, and Jervais followed him to ask him if there was any hope. But he walked so stiffly along the corridor that she did not dare approach him. She stood rooted there a minute, hesitating whether to return and look at her husband. The time she'd already passed had been far from pleasant. As she again heard him calling out

Starting point is 16:44:15 but the lemonade smelt of brandy, she hurried away, having had enough of the performance. In the streets, the galloping of the horses and the noise of the vehicles made her fancy that all the inmates of St. Anne were at her heels, and that the doctor had threatened her. Really, she already thought she had the complaint. in the rue de la guttaur the boches and the others were naturally awaiting her the moment she appeared they called her into the concierge's room well was ol coupon still in the land of a living

Starting point is 16:44:50 oh dear yes he still lived bosh seemed amazed and confounded he'd bet a bottle at ol coupot would not last till the evening what he still lived and they all exhibited their astonishment and slapped their thoughts eyes. There was a fellow who lasted. Madame L'Ollilu reckoned up the hours. Thirty-six hours and twenty-four hours? Sixty hours. Sacre dee. Already sixty hours that he'd been doing the jig and screaming. Such a feat of strength had never been seen before. But Bosch, who was upset that he'd lost the bet, questioned Jervais with an air of doubt, asking her if she was quite sure he'd not filed a little.

Starting point is 16:45:36 off behind her back. Oh no, he'd no desire to. He jumped about too much. Then Bosch, still doubting, begged her to show them again a little how he was acting, just so they could see. Yes, yes, a little more. The request was general. The company told her she would be very kind if she would oblige. But just then two neighbors happened to be there who'd not been present the day before, and who would come down purposely to see the performance. The concierge's call to everybody to make room. They cleared the center of the apartment, pushing one another with her elbows and quivering with curiosity.

Starting point is 16:46:19 Chervais, however, hung down her head. Really, she was afraid it might upset her. Desirous, though, of showing that she did not refuse for the sake of being pressed, she tried two or three little leaps, but he became quite queer, stopped on her word of honor. She was not equal to it. There was a murmur of disappointment. It was a pity. She imitated it perfectly. However, she could not do it. It was no use insisting.

Starting point is 16:46:49 And when Vigini left to return to her shop, they forgot all about old coupé and began to gossip about the poissons in their home. A real mess now. The day before, the bail-ups had been. The policeman was about to lose his place, as Valancho. he was now making up to the daughter of the restaurant-keeper next door, a fine woman who talked of setting up as a tripe-seller. Ah, it was amusing. Everyone already beheld a tribe-seller occupying the shop, after the suite should come something substantial.

Starting point is 16:47:22 And that blind croissant, how could a man whose profession required him to be so smart failed to see what was going on in his own home? They stopped talking suddenly when they noticed that Gervais was all, in a corner by herself, imitating Hupot. Her hands and feet were jerking. Yes, they couldn't ask for a better performance. Then Jervais started as if waking from a dream and hurried away, calling out good night to everyone.

Starting point is 16:47:52 On the morrow, the boches saw her start off at 12, the same as on the two previous day. They wished her a pleasant afternoon. That day, the corridor at St. Anne positively shook with Hupo's. yells and kicks. She had not left the stairs when she heard him yelling, What a lot of bugs! Come this way again that I may squash you. Ah, they want to kill me. Ah, the bugs! I'm a bigger swell than the lot of you. Clear out, damnation! Clear out! For a moment she stood panting before the door. Was he then fighting against an army? When she entered the The performance had increased, and was embellished even more than on previous occasions.

Starting point is 16:48:40 Coupot was a raving madman, the same as one seized at the Chantan Tom Madhouse. He was throwing himself about in the center of the cell, slamming his fists everywhere, on himself, on the walls, on the floor, and stumbling about punching empty space. He wanted to open the window, and he hid himself, defended himself, called, answered, produced all this uproar without the least assistance in the exasperated way of a man beset by a mob of people. Then Jervais understood that he fancied he was on a roof, laying down sheets of zinc.

Starting point is 16:49:18 He imitated the bellows with his mouth. He moved the iron about in the fire and knelt down so as to pass his thumb along the edges of the mat, thinking that he was soldering it. Yes, his handicraft returned to him at the moment of croaking, And if he yelled so loud, if he fought on his roof, it was because ugly scoundrels were preventing him doing his work properly. On all the neighboring roofs were villains, mocking and tormenting him. Besides that, the jokers were letting troops of rats loose about his legs.

Starting point is 16:49:53 Ah, the filthy beasts! He saw them always. Though he kept crushing them, bring his foot down with all his strength. Fresh hordes of them continued passing, until they were. quite covered the roof. And there were spiders there, too. He roughly pressed his trousers against his thigh to squash some big spiders which had crept up his leg. Mondeur, he would never finish his days were.

Starting point is 16:50:18 They wanted to destroy him. His employer would send him to prison. Then whilst making haste, he suddenly imagined he had a steam engine in his stomach. With his mouth wide open, he puffed out the smoke, a dense smoke which filled the cell and found an outlet by the window. And bending forward, still puffing,

Starting point is 16:50:39 he looked outside of the cloud of smoke as it unrolled and ascended to the sky, where it hid the sun. This ends Chapter 13, Part 1. Chapter 13, Part 2 of La Somoir by Emil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. read by Mark later

Starting point is 16:51:10 Chapter 13 Part 2 Look, cried he There's the band of the Chosee Clagnancourt disguised as bears with drums, putting on a show He remained crouching before the window As though he'd been watching a procession in a street

Starting point is 16:51:30 From some rooftop There's the Cathalcade Lions and Panthers making grimaces There's brats dressed up as dogs and cats There's tall Clements with a week full of feathers. Oh dear, she's turning head over heels. She's showed everything. He better run, Ducky.

Starting point is 16:51:50 Hey, the cops, leave her alone. Just you leave her alone. Don't shoot, don't shoot! His voice rose, hoarse and terrified, and he stooped down quickly, saying that the police and the military were below, men who were aiming at him with rifles. In the wall he saw the barrel of a pistol emerging,

Starting point is 16:52:09 pointed at his breast. They dragged the girl away. Don't shoot! Montere, don't shoot! Then the buildings were tumbling down. He imitated the cracking of a whole neighborhood collapsing, and all disappeared, all flew off. But he had no time to take breath.

Starting point is 16:52:28 Other pictures passed with extraordinary rapidity. A furious desire to speak filled his mouth full of words, which he uttered without any connection and with a gurgling sound in his throat. He continued to raise his voice, louder and louder. Hello, it's you? Good day, no jokes. Don't make me nuzzle your hair.

Starting point is 16:52:51 And he passed his hand before his face. He blew to send the hairs away. The house surgeon questioned him. Who is it, you see? My wife, of course. He was looking at the wall with his back to Jervais. The latter had a rare fright, and she examined the wall to see if she could also catch sight of herself there. He continued talking.

Starting point is 16:53:16 Now, you know, none of your wheedling. I won't be tied down. You are pretty. You have got a fine dress. Where did you get the money for it, cow? You've been at a party, camel. Wait a bit, and I'll do for you. Ah, you're hiding your boyfriend behind your skirts. Who is it? down that I may see. Damn, nation! It's him again! With a terrible leap, he went headfirst against the wall, but the padding softened the blow.

Starting point is 16:53:47 One only heard his body rebounding onto the matting, where the shock had sent him. Who is it you see, repeated the house surgeon. The hatter! The hatter! yelled Coupot! And the house surgeon questioning, Jerviz, the latter stuttered without being able to answer, for this scene stir up within her all the worries of her life. The zinc worker thrust out his fists.

Starting point is 16:54:13 We'll settle this between us, my lad. It's full time I did for you. Ah, you coolly come, with that ferrago on your arm, to make a fool of me before everyone. Well, I'm going to throttle you. Yes, yes, I, and without putting any gloves on either,

Starting point is 16:54:30 I'll stop your swaggering. Take that, and that, and that. He hit about in the air viciously. Then a wild rage took possession of him. Having bumped against the wall and walking backwards, he thought he was being attacked from behind. He turned round and fiercely hammered away at the padding. He sprang about, jumped from one corner to another,

Starting point is 16:54:54 knocked his stomach, his back, his shoulder, rolled over and picked himself up again. His bones seemed softened. His flesh had a sound like damp oakum. He accompanied this pretty game with atrocious threats and wild and guttural cries. However, the battle must have been going badly for him, for his breathing became quicker. His eyes were starting out of his head, and he seemed little by little to be seized with the cowardice of a child. Murder! Murder!

Starting point is 16:55:26 Be off with you both! Oh, you brutes, they're laughing. There she is on her back, the Varago. She must give in. It's settled. Ah, the brigand, he's murdering her. He's cutting off her leg with his knife. The other legs on the ground. The stomach's in two. It's full of blood. Oh, my own dear. Oh, my own dear!

Starting point is 16:55:49 And covered with perspiration, his hair standing on end, looking a frightful object, he retired backwards, violently waving his arms, as though to send the abominable sight from him. He uttered two heart-rending wails and fell flat on his back on his back, the mattress, against which his heels had caught. He's dead, sir. He's dead, said Jervais, clasping her hands. The house surgeon had drawn near and was pulling Koupo into the middle of the mattress. No, he was not dead. They had taken his shoes off. His bare feet hung off the end of the mattress and they were dancing all by themselves,

Starting point is 16:56:30 one beside the other in time, a little hurried and regular dance. Just then the head doctor entered. He had brought two of his colleagues, one thin, the other fat, and both decorated like himself. All three stooped down without saying a word and examined the man all over. Then they rapidly conversed together in a low voice.

Starting point is 16:56:55 They had uncovered Coupeau from his thighs to his shoulders, and by standing on tipto, Jervais could see the naked trunk spread out. Well, retryptu. was complete, but trembling had descended from the arms and ascended from the legs, and now the trunk itself was getting lively. He's sleeping, murmured the head doctor. And he called the two others' attention to the man's countenance.

Starting point is 16:57:23 Coupot, his eyes closed, had little nervous twinges which drew up all his face. He was more hideous still, thus flattened out, with his jaw projecting, and his visage deformed like a corpse. that had suffered from nightmare. But the doctors, having caught sight of his feet, went and poked their noses over them, with an air of profound interest. The feet were still dancing.

Starting point is 16:57:48 Though Kupos slept, the feet danced. Oh, their owner might snore. That did not concern them. They continued their little occupation without either hurrying or slackening. Regular mechanical feet, feet which took their pleasure wherever they found it. Jervais, having seen the doctors place their hands on her old man, wished to feel him also.

Starting point is 16:58:12 She approached gently and laid a hand on his shoulder, and she kept it there a minute. Oh dear, whatever was taking place inside! It danced down into the very depths of the flesh. The bones themselves must have been jumping. Quivering, undulations, coming from afar, flowed like a river beneath the skin. When she pressed a little, she felt she distinguished the suffering cries of the marrow. What a fearful thing. Something was boring away like a mole. It must be the rot-gut from La Semoire that was hacking away inside him. Well, his entire body had been soaked in it. But doctors had gone away. At the end of an hour, Jévez, who'd remained with the house surgeon, repeated in a low voice,

Starting point is 16:59:03 He's dead, sir. He's dead. But the house surgeon, who was watching the feet, shook his head. The bare feet projecting beyond the mattress still danced on. They were not particularly clean, and the nails were long. Several more hours passed. All on a sudden they stiffened and became motionless. Then the house surgeon turned towards your vase, saying, it's over now.

Starting point is 16:59:36 Death alone had been able to stop those feet. When Jervais got back to the Rue de la Goutre, she found at the bushes a number of women who were cackling in excited tones. She thought they were awaiting her to have the latest news, the same as the other days. He's gone, said she, quietly as she pushed open the door, looking tired out and dull. but no one listened to her the whole building was topsy-turvy oh a most extraordinary story poissant had caught his wife with lantier exact details were not known because everyone had a different version however he had appeared just when they were not expecting him

Starting point is 17:00:21 Some further information was given, which the ladies repeated to one another as they pursed their lips. A sight like that had naturally brought Poisson out of his shell. He was a regular tiger. This man who talked but little and who always seemed to walk with a stick up his back had begun to roar and jump about. Then nothing more had been heard. Nantia had evidently explained things to the husband. Anyhow, it could not last much longer. in Bolsh announced that the girl of the restaurant was for certain going to take the shop for selling tripe.

Starting point is 17:00:55 That rogue of a hat or adored tripe. On seeing Madame L'Hilu and Madame Lerrat arrive, Jervais repeated faintly, He's gone. My dear, four days dancing and yelling. Them the two sisters could not do otherwise than pull out their handkerchiefs. Their brother had had many faults, but after all he would. was their brother? Boss shrugged his shoulders and said,

Starting point is 17:01:24 Loud enough to be heard by everyone. Bah, it's a drunkard the less. From that day, as Jervais often got a bit befuddled, one of the amusements of the house was to see her imitate coupé. It was no longer necessary to press her. She gave the performance gratis, her hands and feet trembling as she uttered little involuntary shrieks. She must have caught this.

Starting point is 17:01:49 habit at St. Anne from watching her husband too long. Chavez lasted in this state several months. She fell lower and lower still, submitting to the grossest outrages and dying of starvation a little every day. As soon as she had four sous she drank and pounded on the walls. She was employed on all the dirty errands of a neighborhood. Once, they even better she wouldn't eat filth, but she did it in order to earn ten.

Starting point is 17:02:21 Ken Su. Monsieur Marquescoe had decided to turn her out of her rooms on the sixth floor. But, as Per Brou had just been found dead in his cubbyhole under the staircase, the landlord had allowed her to turn into it. Now she roosted there in the place of Per Brou. It was inside there, on some straw, that her teeth chattered, whilst her stomach was empty and her bones were frozen. The earth would not have her, apparently.

Starting point is 17:02:51 She was becoming idiotic. She did not even think of making an end of herself by jumping out of a sixth-floor window onto the pavement of the courtyard below. Death had to take her little by little, bit by bit, dragging her thus to the end through the accursed existence she had made for herself. It was never even exactly known what she did die of. There was some talk of a cold, but the truth was she died of privation, and of the filth and of the hilt. hardship of her ruined life. Overeating and disillutinous killed her, according to the Loryluse. One morning, as there was a bad smell in the passage, it was remembered that she had not been seen for two days,

Starting point is 17:03:36 and she was discovered already green in her hole. It happened to be old Bazouge, who came with the pauper's coffin under his arm to pack her up. He was again precious drunk that day, but a jolly fellow all the same, and as lively as a cricket. When he recognized the customer he had to deal with, he uttered several philosophical reflections whilst performing his little business.

Starting point is 17:04:02 Everyone has to go. There's no occasion for jostling. There's room for everyone. And it's stupid being in a hurry that just slows you up. All I want to do is to please everybody. Some will, others won't. What's the result? here's one who wouldn't then she would so she was made to wait anyhow it's all right now and faith she's earned it merrily just take it easy

Starting point is 17:04:34 and when he took hold of jervais in his big dirty hands he was seized with emotion and he gently raised this woman who had had so great a longing for his attention then as he laid her out with paternal care at the bottom of the coffin he stuck between two hiccups. You know? Now listen, it's me. Bibi the Gay, call the ladies consoler. There, you're happy now. Go bye-bye, my beauty. This ends Chapter 13, part two.

Starting point is 17:05:11 This ends La Somo by Amil Zola, translated by Ernest Alfred Visitelli.

Classic Audiobook Collection - LAssommoir, Book Seven of Rougon-Macquart Cycle by Emile Zola ~ Full Audiobook [tragedy]

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