VERONIQUE, maid-servant to the Chanteau family, was a tall, stout young woman of unattractive appearance and uncertain temper.  She had been in the service of the Chanteaus for twenty years, and having become necessary to them, took advantage of her position.  From the first, Veronique resented Pauline Quenu’s presence in the Chanteau household, and treated her as an intruder.  In course of time, however, she came to see that Pauline was being despoiled of her means by Madame Chanteau, and her sense of justice made her take the young girl’s part.  The death of Madame Chanteau made a deep impression on Veronique whose ill-will towards Pauline gradually returned.  Her mind, not strong at best, became unhinged, and in a fit of temper she went into the orchard and hanged herself.  La Joie de Vivre.

VIAL (ABBE), one of the clergy of Plassans.  When his appointment became vacant it was promised to Abbe Bourrette, but was eventually given to Abbe Faujas.  La Conquete de Plassans.

VIAL (MELANIE), second wife of Jean Macquart, to whom she was married in 1871.  She was the only daughter of a peasant in easy circumstances, and was of a fine robust physique.  She had three healthy children in as many years.  Le Docteur Pascal.

VIAN, a wheelwright of Plassans, to whom Silvere Mouret was apprenticed.  La Fortune des Rougon.

VICTOIRE, Madame Campardon’s cook.  She had been in the service of her master’s father when Campardon was a baby, and though now old, and not over clean, they were unwilling to part with her.  Pot-Bouille.

VICTOIRE (LA MERE), wife of Pecqueux, the railway stoker.  She had been the nurse of Severine Aubry, and later, as the wife of Pecqueux, who spent all his earnings on drink, she was leading a wretched existence in Paris by the aid of a little sewing, when, happening to meet her foster-daughter, the former intimacy had been renewed, and President Grandmorin took her under his protection, obtaining for her the post of attendant at the ladies’ cloakroom.  She occupied a room in the Impasse d’Amsterdam, which the Roubauds regarded as their head-quarters when they spent a day in Paris.  Having become helpless as the result of a sprain, she was obliged to resign her post and seek admittance to a hospital.  La Bete Humaine.

VICTORINE, cook in the employment of Nana.  She married Francois, the footman.  Nana.

VICTORINE, a servant in the employment of the Badeuils after they retired to Rognes.  She was dismissed for misconduct, and in revenge told Elodie Vaucogne the occupation of her parents.  La Terre.

VIGOUROUX, a coal merchant in Rue de la Goutte d’Or.  He sold coke to Gervaise at the same price as the Gas Company.  L’Assommoir.

VIGOUROUX (MADAME), wife of the preceding.  She was a little woman with bright eyes who liked to laugh with the men.  L’Assommoir.

VIMEUX, a miserable little sheriff officer, who was celebrated in the Canton for the bad usage he got from the peasants when he was obliged to serve summonses upon them.  La Terre.