When alone with Madame Raquin, they were unable to divert their thoughts; the feeble voice of their aunt, and her tender gaiety, did not stifle the cries that lacerated them.

They could feel bedtime coming on, and they shuddered when their eyes caught sight of the door of their room.

Awaiting the moment when they would be alone, became more and more cruel as the evening advanced.

On Thursday night, on the contrary, they were giddy with folly, one forgot the presence of the other, and they suffered less.

Therese ended by heartily longing for the reception days.