Besides, it seemed good to him to loaf around like a bum! On the afternoons when Coupeau felt dull, he would call on the Lorilleuxs.

The latter would pity him immensely, and attract him with all sorts of amiable attentions.

During the first years following his marriage, he had avoided them, thanks to Gervaise's influence.

Now they regained their sway over him by twitting him about being afraid of his wife.

He was no man, that was evident! The Lorilleuxs, however, showed great discretion, and were loud in their praise of the laundress's good qualities.