She quietly seized the hand of Therese and placed it in that of Laurent, unable to utter a single word.
The two sweethearts shivered on feeling their skins touch, and remained with their burning fingers pressed together, in a nervous clasp.

After a pause, the young man, in a hesitating tone, resumed: "Therese, shall we give your aunt a bright and peaceful existence ?" "Yes," feebly replied the young woman, "we have a duty to perform." Then Laurent, becoming very pale, turned towards Madame Raquin, and added: "When Camille fell into the water, he shouted out to me: 'Save my wife, I entrust her to you.' I believe I am acting in accordance with his last wish in marrying Therese." Therese, on hearing these words, let go the hand of Laurent.

She had received a shock like a blow in the chest.

The impudence of her sweetheart overwhelmed her.

She observed him with a senseless look, while Madame Raquin, half stifled by sobs, stammered: "Yes, yes, my friend, marry her, make her happy; my son, from the depth of his tomb, will thank you." Laurent, feeling himself giving way, leant on the back of a chair, while Michaud, who was himself moved to tears, pushed him towards Therese with the remark: "Kiss one another.