Madame Raquin was happy, happy at the care and affection bestowed on her by her dear children.

She had always dreamed of ending in this gentle way, amidst devotedness and caresses.

Certainly she would have been pleased to have preserved her speech, so as to be able to thank the friends who assisted her to die in peace.

But she accepted her condition without rebellion.

The tranquil and retired life she had always led, the sweetness of her character, prevented her feeling too acutely the suffering of being mute and unable to make a movement.