Others hastened forward, their hands smothered with soap.

A ring was formed.
"Ah! the virago!" repeated tall Virginie.

"What's the matter with her?
She's mad!" Gervaise, standing on the defensive, her chin thrust out, her features convulsed, said nothing, not having yet acquired the Paris gift of street gab.

The other continued: "Get out! This girl's tired of wallowing about in the country; she wasn't twelve years old when the soldiers were at her.

She even lost her leg serving her country.