He said to himself that he would be able to strangle the Rougons alone if he could ever get them into a corner.

His envious rage and slothful greed were increased by certain successive accidents which compelled him to resume work.

In the early part of 1850 Fine died, almost suddenly, from inflammation of the lungs, which she had caught by going one evening to wash the family linen in the Viorne, and carrying it home wet on her back.

She returned soaked with water and perspiration, bowed down by her load, which was terribly heavy, and she never recovered.
Her death filled Macquart with consternation.

His most reliable source of income was gone.