CHAPTER XXI.
Laurent carefully closed the door behind him, and for a moment or two stood leaning against it, gazing round the apartment in anxiety and embarrassment.
A clear fire burned on the hearth, sending large sheets of light dancing on ceiling and walls.

The room was thus lit-up by bright vacillating gleams, that in a measure annulled the effects of the lamp placed on a table in their midst.

Madame Raquin had done her best to convey a coquettish aspect to the apartment.

It was one mass of white, and perfumed throughout, as if to serve as a nest for young, fresh love.

The good lady, moreover, had taken pleasure in adding a few bits of lace to the bed, and in filling the vases on the chimney-piece with bunches of roses.