Certainly he had changed for the better.
He had gotten a sort of education in the cafes and political meetings but she knew him well.

She could pierce to the depths of his soul and she found things there that still gave her the shivers.

Well, if the others found him so attractive, why didn't they try it themselves.
In the end she suggested this one day to Virginie who seemed the most eager.

Then, to excite Gervaise, Madame Lerat and Virginie told her of the love of Lantier and tall Clemence.

Yes, she had not noticed anything herself; but as soon as she went out on an errand, the hatter would bring the workgirl into his room.