It was for his own amusement, a way of occupying his time while waiting for his appointment to the police force.

It was all that remained with him from his former occupation of cabinetmaking.
Poisson rose from his seat and politely bowed to Gervaise, when his wife introduced her as an old friend.

But he was no talker; he at once returned to his little saw.

From time to time he merely glanced in the direction of the mackerel placed on the corner of the chest of drawers.
Gervaise was very pleased to see her old lodging once more.

She told them whereabouts her own furniture stood, and pointed out the place on the floor where Nana had been born.