Are you prepared to pay ?" "No, sir, not quite," stammered Gervaise, greatly put out at hearing this mentioned before the Lorilleuxs.

"You see, with the misfortune which has fallen upon us--" "No doubt, but everyone has their troubles," resumed the landlord, spreading out his immense fingers, which indicated the former workman.
"I am very sorry, but I cannot wait any longer.

If I am not paid by the morning after to-morrow, I shall be obliged to have you put out." Gervaise, struck dumb, imploringly clasped her hands, her eyes full of tears.

With an energetic shake of his big bony head, he gave her to understand that supplications were useless.

Besides, the respect due to the dead forbade all discussion.