During the time she was occupied with this work, she made a point of turning her back on Virginie.

But she heard her chuckles; she could feel her sidelong glances.

Virginie appeared only to have come there to provoke her.

At one moment, Gervaise having turned around, they both stared into each other's faces.
"Leave her alone," whispered Madame Boche.

"You're not going to pull each other's hair out, I hope.