Then it was that Gervaise took it into her head to frequent all the dancing places of the neighborhood.
She did not pass in front of a public ball-room without going in.
Coupeau accompanied her.

At first they merely made the round of the room, looking at the drabs who were jumping about.

But one evening, as they had some coin, they sat down and ordered a large bowl of hot wine in view of regaling themselves and waiting to see if Nana would turn up.
At the end of a month or so they had practically forgotten her, but they frequented the halls for their own pleasure, liking to look at the dancers.

They would remain for hours without exchanging a word, resting their elbows on the table, stultified amidst the quaking of the floor, and yet no doubt amusing themselves as they stared with pale eyes at the Barriere women in the stifling atmosphere and ruddy glow of the hall.
It happened one November evening that they went into the "Grand Hall of Folly" to warm themselves.

Out of doors a sharp wind cut you across the face.