Her nightdress had slipped down on her shoulders, and her hair, unfastened and entangled, flowed over them in masses.
"Without doubt," she murmured, becoming thoughtful; "but what's to be done to gain time?
I'm going to have all sorts of bothers today.

Now let's see, has the porter come upstairs yet this morning ?" Then both the women talked together seriously.

Nana owed three quarters' rent; the landlord was talking of seizing the furniture.

Then, too, there was a perfect downpour of creditors; there was a livery-stable man, a needlewoman, a ladies' tailor, a charcoal dealer and others besides, who came every day and settled themselves on a bench in the little hall.

The charcoal dealer especially was a dreadful fellow--he shouted on the staircase.