He would not speak ten words the entire evening.

He was moved to pity by the sight of her pouring Coupeau's tea and medicine into a cup, or stirring the sugar in it very carefully so as to make no sound with the spoon.

It stirred him deeply when she would lean over Coupeau and speak in her soft voice.

Never before had he known such a fine woman.

Her limp increased the credit due her for wearing herself out doing things for her husband all day long.