Laurent resumed calling of an evening, every two or three days, remaining in the shop talking to Madame Raquin for half an hour.

Then he went off without looking Therese in the face.

The old mercer regarded him as the rescuer of her niece, as a noble-hearted young man who had done his utmost to restore her son to her, and she welcomed him with tender kindness.
One Thursday evening, when Laurent happened to be there, old Michaud and Grivet entered.

Eight o'clock was striking.

The clerk and the former commissary of police had both thought, independently of one another, that they could resume their dear custom, without appearing importunate, and they arrived at the same moment, as if urged by the same impulse.
Behind them, came Olivier and Suzanne.
Everyone went upstairs to the dining-room.