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 better fed and consequently better tempered.  La Bete Humane.

MELIE, niece of the Fancheurs.  She was a girl from the village of Bennecourt, who waited on Claude Lantier and Christine in their cottage there, and greatly amused them by her stupidity.  After the death of the Fancheurs, the inn came into the possession of Melie, but soon lost favour on account of its dirt and disorder.  L’Oeuvre.

MENU (MADEMOISELLE), aunt of Fanny Menu, who lived with her.  She had been an embroideress for thirty years, but her sight failed and she was obliged to give up work.  Fortunately she received a small legacy from a relative, and on this, added to the earnings of her niece, she was able to live.  Pot-Bouille.