However, Gervaise perceived four or five women who were mounting guard like herself outside the door of the zinc-works; unfortunate creatures of course--wives watching for the pay to prevent it going to the dram-shop.
There was a tall creature as bulky as a gendarme leaning against the wall, ready to spring on her husband as soon as he showed himself.

A dark little woman with a delicate humble air was walking about on the other side of the way.

Another one, a fat creature, had brought her two brats with her and was dragging them along, one on either hand, and both of them shivering and sobbing.

And all these women, Gervaise like the others, passed and repassed, exchanging glances, but without speaking to one another.

A pleasant meeting and no mistake.