later she married Anselme Thomas, a harness-maker at
Plassans. They had two children, and would have lived happily but for
the husband's dislike to her eldest child, Charles Rougon. Her conduct
after marriage was exemplary in every way. Le Docteur Pascal.

MEHUDIN (MADAME), originally came from Rouen to Paris, where she ever
afterwards remained in the fish trade. As her two daughters, Louise
and Claire, got on badly together, she ultimately divided her business
between them, Louise going to the general fish-market, while Claire
installed herself among the fresh-water fish. "From that time the old
mother, although she pretended to have retired from business altogether,
would flit from one stall to the other, still interfering in the selling
of the fish, and causing her daughters continual annoyance by the foul
insolence with which she at times spoke to customers." Le Ventre de
Paris.

MEHUDIN (CLAIRE), the second daughter of Madame Mehudin, was an idle,
fair-complexioned girl, with a gentle manner. She had, however, a strong
will, and was invariably at loggerheads with others. When Florent became
Inspector at the Fish Market, Claire took his part against her mother
and sister, but afterwards went to the opposite extreme when his
relations with Louise had become friendly. It appeared that she had a
real affection for him, however, as after his arrest she assaulted her
sister in the belief that she had given information to the police. Le
Ventre de Paris.

MEHUDIN (LOUISE), commonly called La Normande. She was a beautiful
woman who had at one time been engaged to be married to a clerk in the
corn-market. He was, however, accidentally killed, leaving Louise with
a son, who was known in the market by the nickname of _Muche_. When
Florent was first appointed Inspector in the Fish Market, Louise, who
had quarrelled with his sister-in-law, Lisa, did everything she could to
annoy him. Afterwards, partly gratified by his kindness to her son,
and partly to annoy Madame Lisa Quenu, she became reconciled to him. Le
Ventre de Paris.

MEINHOLD (MADAME DE), a lady well-known in the Society of the Second
Empire. She was a friend of Madame de Lauwerens and of the Saccards. La
Curee.

MELANIE, cook in the employment of the Gregoires, with whom she had been
for thirty years. Germinal.

MELANIE, the servant of Denizet, the examining magistrate at Rouen. The
latter was anxious for promotion, in order that his old servant might be
bet