In the bustle attending the departure, when Madame Raquin and Camille accompanied the guest to the door of the arcade, the young woman approached Laurent, to whom she spoke in an undertone, as she pressed his hand.

At times, when all had turned their backs, she kissed him, out of a sort of bravado.
The life of shocks and appeasements, lasted eight months.

The sweethearts lived in complete beatitude; Therese no longer felt dull, and was perfectly contented.

Laurent satiated, pampered, fatter than before, had but one fear, that of seeing this delightful existence come to an end..