She put her cap and shawl on again and went upstairs very stiffly in her skirts, looking very stately.

Down below the laundress continued to stir her vermicelli soup without saying a word.

The guests suddenly became serious and solemnly waited.
It was Madame Lerat who appeared first.

She had gone round by the street so as to give more pomp to the reconciliation.

She held the shop-door wide open whilst Madame Lorilleux, wearing a silk dress, stopped at the threshold.