They had brought the lamp-shade very low down, so that the oilcloth table covering alone was lit up.
The guests engaged in the usual noisy, common-place conversation that invariably preceded the first game of dominoes.

Grivet and Michaud did not fail to address the usual questions to the paralysed woman, on the subject of her health, and to give excellent answers to them, as was their custom.

After which, the company, without troubling any further about the poor old lady, plunged with delight into the game.
Since Madame Raquin had become aware of the horrible secret, she had been awaiting this evening with feverish impatience.

She had gathered together all her remaining strength to denounce the culprits.

Up to the last moment, she feared she would not be present at the gathering; she thought Laurent would make her disappear, perhaps kill her, or at least shut her up in her own apartment.