Downstairs at Madame Gaudron's, a child was crying.

The sinks on the landings smelled more offensive than ever in the midst of the darkness and stillness.
In the courtyard, Gervaise turned back for a last look at the tenement as Coupeau called out to the concierge.

The building seemed to have grown larger under the moonless sky.

The drip-drip of water from the faucet sounded loud in the quiet.

Gervaise felt that the building was threatening to suffocate her and a chill went through her body.