He frequently interrupted the game of dominoes, to observe the infirm woman whose eyes were quietly following the game, and declare that she wanted such or such a thing.

On further inquiry it was found that she wanted nothing at all, or that she wanted something entirely different.

This did not discourage Grivet, who triumphantly exclaimed: "Just as I said!" And he began again a few moments later.
It was quite another matter when the impotent old lady openly expressed a desire; Therese, Laurent, and the guests named one object after another that they fancied she might wish for.

Grivet then made himself remarkable by the clumsiness of his offers.

He mentioned, haphazard, everything that came into his head, invariably offering the contrary to what Madame Raquin desired.