54/81 The fellow was already on the second landing; but I certainly recognized Monsieur Lantier's overcoat. Virginie has a situation now, where she goes twice a week. Only it's highly imprudent all the same, for they've only one room and an alcove, and I can't very well say where Virginie managed to sleep." She interrupted herself an instant, turned round, and then resumed, subduing her loud voice: "She's laughing at seeing you cry, that heartless thing over there. I'd stake my life that her washing's all a pretence. She's packed off the other two, and she's come here so as to tell them how you take it." Gervaise removed her hands from her face and looked. |