GERMINAL
mained on the threshold while they went away slowly, talking very loudly. The streets were full of people, and they had to pass through several groups of women, attracted by the news of their visit, which was hawked from house to house.
Just then, Levaque, in front of her door, had stopped Pierronne, who was drawn by curiosity. Both of them affected a painful surprise. What now? Were these people going to bed at the Maheus? But it was not so very delightful a place.
"Always without a sou, with all that they earn! Lord! when people have vices!"
"I have just heard that she went this morning to beg at Piolaine, and Maigrat, who had refused them bread, has given them something. We know how Maigrat pays himself!"
"On her? Oh, no! that would need some courage. It's Catherine that he's after."
"Why, didn't she have the cheek to say just now that she would strangle Catherine if she were to come to that? As if big Chaval for ever so long had not put her backside on the shed!"
"Hush! here they are!"
Then Levaque and Pierronne, with a peaceful air and without impolite curiosity, contented themselves with watching the visitors out of the corners of their eyes. Then by a gesture they quickly called Maheude, who was still carrying Estelle in her arms. And all three, motionless, watched the visitors slowly disappear. When they were some thirty paces off the gossiping rccommenced with redoubled vigour.
"They carry plenty of money on their skins; worth more than themselves, perhaps."
"Ah, sure! 1 don't know the other, but the one that belongs here, I wouldn't give four sous for her, big as she is. They do tell stories"
"Eh? What stories?"
"Why, she has men! First, the engineer."
"That lean, little creature! Oh, he's too small! She would lose him in the sheets."
"What does that matter, if it amuses her? I don't trust a woman who puts on such proud airs and never seems to be pleased where she is. Just look how she wags her rump, as if she felt contempt for us all. Is that nice?"
The visitors went along at the same slow pace, still talking,
[95]
