When not kneeling at the feet of Madame Raquin or receiving blows and insults from her husband, she had no occupation.

As soon as she was seated alone in the shop, she became dejected, watching with a doltish expression, the people passing through the dirty, dark gallery.

She felt ready to die of sadness in the middle of this gloomy vault, which had the odour of a cemetery, and ended by begging Suzanne to come and pass entire days with her, in the hope that the presence of this poor, gentle, pale creature might calm her.
Suzanne accepted her offer with delight; she continued to feel a sort of respectful friendship for Therese, and had long desired to come and work with her, while Olivier was at his office.

Bringing her embroidery with her, she took the vacant chair of Madame Raquin behind the counter.
From that day Therese rather neglected her aunt.

She went upstairs less frequently to weep on her knees and kiss the deathlike face of the invalid.