In the end Clemence had to pay a price for her meanness.

She certainly felt Lantier pinching her hard two or three times without seeming to do so.
She was also jealous because she didn't reek of musk like that boulevard work-horse.
When spring came, Lantier, who was now quite one of the family, talked of living in the neighborhood, so as to be nearer his friends.

He wanted a furnished room in a decent house.

Madame Boche, and even Gervaise herself went searching about to find it for him.

They explored the neighboring streets.