And he added, with a slightly ironical smile: "A new dynasty is never founded excepting upon an affray.

Blood is good manure.

It will be a fine thing for the Rougons to date from a massacre, like certain illustrious families." These words, accompanied by a sneer, sent a cold chill through Felicite's bones.

But she was a strong-minded woman, and the sight of Monsieur Peirotte's beautiful curtains, which she religiously viewed every morning, sustained her courage.

Whenever she felt herself giving way, she planted herself at the window and contemplated the tax-receiver's house.