He gallantly placed the pots, one on the right, the other on the left of Gervaise's glass; then bending over and kissing her, he said: "I had forgotten you, my lamb.

But in spite of that, we love each other all the same, especially on such a day as this." "Monsieur Coupeau's very nice this evening," murmured Clemence in Boche's ear.

"He's just got what he required, sufficient to make him amiable." The good behavior of the master of the house restored the gaiety of the proceedings, which at one moment had been compromised.

Gervaise, once more at her ease, was all smiles again.

The guests finished their soup.
Then the bottles circulated and they drank their first glass of wine, just a drop pure, to wash down the vermicelli.