If he happened to be there when Lantier arrived, he would leave at once as he didn't want to be obliged to be friendly to him.
In the midst, however, of all this extraordinary affection for Lantier, Gervaise lived in a state of great agitation for the first few weeks.
She felt that burning sensation in the pit of her stomach which affected her on the day when Virginie first alluded to her past life.

Her great fear was that she might find herself without strength, if he came upon her all alone one night and took it into his head to kiss her.

She thought of him too much; she was for ever thinking of him.

But she gradually became calmer on seeing him behave so well, never looking her in the face, never even touching her with the tips of his fingers when no one was watching.

Then Virginie, who seemed to read within her, made her ashamed of all her wicked thoughts.