She was no longer punctual, never came at the time arranged, and would keep her customers waiting for days on end.

Little by little she was giving way to a system of thorough disorder.
"For a week past I've been expecting you," continued the lace-mender.
"And you tell falsehoods too; you send your apprentice to me with all sorts of stories; you are then busy with my things, you will deliver them the same evening, or else you've had an accident, the bundle's fallen into a pail of water.

Whilst all this is going on, I waste my time, nothing turns up, and it worries me exceedingly.

No, you're most unreasonable.

Come, what have you in your basket?
Is everything there now?
Have you brought me the pair of sheets you've been keeping back for a month past, and the chemise which was missing the last time you brought home the washing ?" "Yes, yes," murmured Gervaise, "I have the chemise.