The two men were chatting amiably together.
Madame Lerat's voice rose higher and higher, warbling another verse.
Gervaise exchanged a glance with Madame Boche and Virginie.

Was it going to end amicably then?
Coupeau and Lantier continued to converse on the edge of the pavement.

They were still abusing each other, but in a friendly way.

As people were staring at them, they ended by strolling leisurely side by side past the houses, turning round again every ten yards or so.

A very animated conversation was now taking place.