Madame Raquin, who would have wept to see a stranger embrace the young widow, felt no repulsion at the thought of giving her to the comrade of her son.
Throughout the evening, while the guests played at dominoes, the old mercer watched the couple so tenderly, that they guessed the comedy had succeeded, and that the denouement was at hand.

Michaud, before withdrawing, had a short conversation in an undertone with Madame Raquin.

Then, he pointedly took the arm of Laurent saying he would accompany him a bit of the way.

As Laurent went off, he exchanged a rapid glance with Therese, a glance full of urgent enjoinment.
Michaud had undertaken to feel the ground.

He found the young man very much devoted to the two ladies, but exceedingly astonished at the idea of a marriage between Therese and himself.