And as I have absolute need of something--" Silence followed.

Madame Lorilleux was roughly fanning the fire of the stove; Lorilleux had lowered his nose over the bit of chain between his fingers, while Boche continued laughing, puffing out his face till it looked like the full moon.
"If I only had ten sous," muttered Gervaise, in a low voice.
The silence persisted.
"Couldn't you lend me ten sous?
Oh! I would return them to you this evening!" Madame Lorilleux turned round and stared at her.

Here was a wheedler trying to get round them.

To-day she asked them for ten sous, to-morrow it would be for twenty, and there would be no reason to stop.

No, indeed; it would be a warm day in winter if they lent her anything.
"But, my dear," cried Madame Lorilleux.