Mother Coupeau, dumb and stiff in the depths of the narrow chamber, was spreading more and more over the lodging and becoming heavy enough to crush the people in it.

And the family, in spite of itself, gradually fell into the ordinary mode of life, and lost some portion of its respect.
"You must have a mouthful with us," said Gervaise to Madame Lerat and Madame Lorilleux, when they returned.

"We're too sad; we must keep together." They laid the cloth on the work-table.

Each one, on seeing the plates, thought of the feastings they had had on it.

Lantier had returned.
Lorilleux came down.