It was well worth while disturbing oneself to see ladies galloping along on horses and jumping through paper hoops.

Coupeau had just finished a fortnight's work, he could well spare a couple of francs; and they had also arranged to dine out, just the two of them, Nana having to work very late that evening at her employer's because of some pressing order.

But at seven o'clock there was no Coupeau; at eight o'clock it was still the same.
Gervaise was furious.

Her drunkard was certainly squandering his earnings with his comrades at the dram-shops of the neighborhood.

She had washed a cap and had been slaving since the morning over the holes of an old dress, wishing to look decent.