It was not going to prevent her getting Coupeau's dinner ready as soon as she was indoors; then she might perhaps lie down on the bed a little, but without undressing.

On the staircase she was seized with such a violent pain, that she was obliged to sit down on one of the stairs; and she pressed her two fists against her mouth to prevent herself from crying out, for she would have been ashamed to have been found there by any man, had one come up.

The pain passed away; she was able to open her door, feeling relieved, and thinking that she had decidedly been mistaken.

That evening she was going to make a stew with some neck chops.

All went well while she peeled the potatoes.