When the guests were assembled on Thursday evenings, the murderers addressed supplicating glances to each other, listening to one another in terror, one accomplice expecting the other to make some confession, and giving an involving interpretation to sentences only just commenced.
Such a state of warfare could not continue any longer.
Therese and Laurent had both reached the point of pondering on the advisability of extricating themselves from the consequences of their first crime, by committing a second.

It became absolutely necessary that one of them should disappear so that the other might enjoy some repose.
This reflection came to them both at the same time; both felt the urgent necessity for a separation, and both desired that it should be eternal.
The murder that now occurred to their minds, seemed to them natural, fatal and forcibly brought about by the murder of Camille.

They did not even turn the matter over in their heads but welcomed the idea as the only means of safety.

Laurent determined he would kill Therese because she stood in his way, because she might ruin him by a word, and because she caused him unbearable suffering.

Therese made up her mind that she would kill Laurent, for the same reasons.
The firm resolution to commit another murder somewhat calmed them.
They formed their plans.