Leave the knife alone.

Remain where you are, don't do anything dreadful." Virginie had to take the knife which he had picked up off the table from him.

But she could not prevent him leaving the shop and going up to Lantier.
Those around the table saw nothing of this, so involved were they in weeping over the song as Madame Lerat sang the last verse.

It sounded like a moaning wail of the wind and Madame Putois was so moved that she spilled her wine over the table.

Gervaise remained frozen with fright, one hand tight against her lips to stifle her sobs.