Gervaise, exasperated, could have beaten him.

To think that she had been stupid enough to dream once more of leading a worthy life, just because she had seen him at the asylum in full possession of his good sense! Another joyful hour had flown, the last one no doubt! Oh! now, as nothing could reclaim him, not even the fear of his near death, she swore she would no longer put herself out; the home might be all at sixes and sevens, she did not care any longer; and she talked also of leaving him.
Then hell upon earth recommenced, a life sinking deeper into the mire, without a glimmer of hope for something better to follow.

Nana, whenever her father clouted her, furiously asked why the brute was not at the hospital.

She was awaiting the time when she would be earning money, she would say, to treat him to brandy and make him croak quicker.

Gervaise, on her side, flew into a passion one day that Coupeau was regretting their marriage.