If she hadn't catered to them so much in the beginning, they wouldn't have gotten into the habit of expecting it and might have remained on good terms with her.
Now the concierge began to spread slander about Gervaise.

There was a great fuss with the landlord, Monsieur Marescot, at the October rental period, because Gervaise was a day late with the rent.

Madame Boche accused her of eating up all her money in fancy dishes.

Monsieur Marescot charged into the laundry demanding to be paid at once.

He didn't even bother to remove his hat.