He discreetly retired, walking backwards.
"A thousand pardons for having disturbed you," murmured he.

"The morning after to-morrow; do not forget." And as on withdrawing he again passed before the little room, he saluted the corpse a last time through the wide open door by devoutly bending his knee.
They began eating and gobbled the food down very quickly, so as not to seem to be enjoying it, only slowing down when they reached the dessert.
Occasionally Gervaise or one of the sisters would get up, still holding her napkin, to look into the small room.

They made plenty of strong coffee to keep them awake through the night.

The Poissons arrived about eight and were invited for coffee.
Then Lantier, who had been watching Gervaise's face, seemed to seize an opportunity that he had been waiting for ever since the morning.

In speaking of the indecency of landlords who entered houses of mourning to demand their money, he said: "He's a Jesuit, the beast, with his air of officiating at a mass! But in your place, I'd just chuck up the shop altogether." Gervaise, quite worn out and feeling weak and nervous, gave way and replied: "Yes, I shall certainly not wait for the bailiffs.