I only mention the matter out of pity for my poor mother, whom all that gang treat in a most revolting manner." "They are wretches!" Silvere murmured.
"Oh! you don't know, you don't understand.

These Rougons pour all sorts of insults and abuse on the good woman.

Aristide has forbidden his son even to recognise her.

Felicite talks of having her placed in a lunatic asylum." The young man, as white as a sheet, abruptly interrupted his uncle: "Enough!" he cried.

"I don't want to know any more about it.