A firm resolution from that hour must guide her, and the struggle between her son-in-law and herself could only end by the crushing of one of them.
In the distance the music from the work-people's ball was heard.

Madame Desvarennes mechanically bent her steps toward the tent under which the heavy bounds of the dancers reechoed.

Every now and then large shadows appeared on the canvas.

A joyful clamor issued from the ballroom.

Loud laughter resounded, mingled with piercing cries of tickled women.
The voice of the master of the ceremonies could be heard jocose and solemn: "La poule! Advance! Set to partners!" Then the stamping of heavy shoes on the badly planed floor, and, above all, the melancholy sounds of the clarionet and the shrill notes of the cornet were audible.
At the entrance of the ballroom, surrounded by tables and stools, two barrels of wine on stands presented their wooden taps, ready for those who wanted to quench their thirst.