However, if she caught Coupeau as he left, she would be able to pounce upon the coin at once and buy some grub.

A short hour's waiting at the utmost; she could surely stay that out, though she had sucked her thumbs since the day before.
She was at the corner of Rue de la Charbonniere and Rue de Chartres.
A chill wind was blowing and the sky was an ugly leaden grey.

The impending snow hung over the city but not a flake had fallen as yet.

She tried stamping her feet to keep warm, but soon stopped as there was no use working up an appetite.
There was nothing amusing about.

The few passers-by strode rapidly along, wrapped up in comforters; naturally enough one does not care to tarry when the cold is nipping at your heels.