Gervaise and the two sisters arranged themselves by the stove where they huddled together close to the warmth, talking quietly.

Coupeau was still snoring.
Madame Lorilleux was complaining that she didn't have a black dress and asked Gervaise about the black skirt they had given mother Coupeau on her saint's day.

Gervaise went to look for it.

Madame Lorilleux then wanted some of the old linen and mentioned the bed, the wardrobe, and the two chairs as she looked around for other odds and ends.

Madame Lerat had to serve as peace maker when a quarrel nearly broke out.
She pointed out that as the Coupeaus had cared for their mother, they deserved to keep the few things she had left.