sentence difficult to read (at best), although it does convey the
intent. I think that the word intended is "powder," but left the
original in case I am wrong]

Their gaiety came back of itself, so amusing after all did the whole
incident seem to them. The Count found rather risky witticisms,
but so cleverly told that they provoked smiles. In his turn Loiseau
fired some broader jokes, which did not shock the listeners; and
the thought brutally expressed by his wife preponderated in every
one's mind: "Since it is her business, why should the girl refuse
this man rather than another?"--The pretty Mme. Carre-Lamadon seemed
even inclined to think that in her place she would refuse this one
less than any other.

The blockade was carefully prepared, as if they were besieging
a fortress. Each agreed to play the part assigned to him or her,
the arguments to be used, the maneuvers to be executed. They decided
on the plan of attack, the stratagems and the surprise assault to
be attempted in order to compel this living citadel to receive the
enemy.

Cornudet, however, remained apart, completely unwilling to participate
in this plot.

The minds were so tensely absorbed in this scheme that nobody
heard Boule de Suif coming in. But the Count whispered a gentle:
"Hush!" which caused all eyes to look up. There she stood. There
was a sudden silence and a certain embarrassment prevented them
first from speaking to her. The Countess having more than the
others the habit of drawing-room duplicities, questioned her:--"Was