He crossed the square stealthily, without raising his head.

Then doubtless hearing some dangerous and compromising remarks among the groups of bystanders, he made all haste to turn the corner of the Rue de la Banne.
"Bah! he won't come here," said Felicite bitterly.

"It's all up with us.
Even our children forsake us!" She shut the window violently, in order that she might not see or hear anything more.

When she had lit the lamp, she and her husband sat down to dinner, disheartened and without appetite, leaving most of their food on their plates.

They only had a few hours left them to take a decisive step.