It so happened that the Boches had left the Rue des Poissonniers at the April quarter, and were now taking charge of the great house in the Rue de la Goutte-d'Or.

It was a curious coincidence, all the same! One thing that worried Gervaise who had lived so quietly in her lodgings in the Rue Neuve, was the thought of again being under the subjection of some unpleasant person, with whom she would be continually quarrelling, either on account of water spilt in the passage or of a door shut too noisily at night-time.

Concierges are such a disagreeable class! But it would be a pleasure to be with the Boches.

They knew one another--they would always get on well together.

It would be just like members of the same family.
On the day the Coupeaus went to sign their lease, Gervaise felt her heart swollen with pride as she passed through the high doorway.