She contemplated it with eager longing.

Sometimes, when the windows of this abode were open, she could catch a glimpse of rich furniture and tasteful elegance which made her burn with envy.
At this period the Rougons passed through a curious crisis of vanity and unsatiated appetite.

The few proper feelings which they had once entertained had become embittered.

They posed as victims of evil fortune, not with resignation, however, for they seemed still more keenly determined that they would not die before they had satisfied their ambitions.

In reality, they did not abandon any of their hopes, notwithstanding their advanced age.