But she was mistaken.

One night she was crushed by a frightful blow.
Therese and Laurent might well place her between them, in the full light, but she was no longer sufficiently animated to separate and defend them against their anguish.

When they forgot that she was there and could hear and see them, they were seized with folly.

Perceiving Camille, they sought to drive him away.

Then, in unsteady tones, they allowed the truth to escape them, uttering words that revealed everything to Madame Raquin.