Madame Raquin who expected nobody, hastened to light the lamp, and prepare the tea.

When all were seated round the table, each before a cup, when the box of dominoes had been emptied on the board, the old mother, with the past suddenly brought back to her, looked at her guests, and burst into sobs.

There was a vacant place, that of her son.
This despair cast a chill upon the company and annoyed them.

Every countenance wore an air of egotistic beatitude.

These people fell ill at ease, having no longer the slightest recollection of Camille alive in their hearts.
"Come, my dear lady," exclaimed old Michaud, slightly impatiently, "you must not give way to despair like that.