Theresa Raquin

ew they conversed familiarly, kissing one another without embarrassment, and without a blush, as if their intimacy had dated b

e plan she had conceived. The interview would take place in the nuptial chamber. The sweetheart would pass by the passage which ran into the arcade, and Therese would open t

of a man with big fists. Choosing a pretext, he obtained permission from his chief t

Then, rapidly entering the passage, he ascended the narrow, dark staircase, leaning against the walls which were clammy with damp. He stumbled against the stone steps, and each time he did so, he f

in her arms, flinging her head backward, while on her visage coursed ardent rays of light and passionate smiles. This face seemed as if transfigured, wi

e should return to this young woman whose kisses gave him the fever. First of all he positively decided to keep to himself. Then he had a cowardly feeling. He sought to for

ther meeting, and returned t

er. He had his hours of terror, his moments of prudence, and, altogether this intrigue caused him disa

her to go. This woman whom circumstances had bowed down, and who had at len

as I could, to avoid the sickly odour of his body. He was naughty and obstinate. He would not take his physic unless I shared it with him. To please my aunt I was obliged to swallow

d after kissing Laurent, c

When quite young, my dream was to rove barefooted along the dusty roads, holding out my hand for charity, living like a gipsy. I have been told that my mother was a daughter of the chief of a tribe

stupidly watching the infusions simmer, and feeling my limbs growing stiff. And I could not move. My aunt scolded me if I made a noise. Later on, I tasted profound joy i

ause, she

rdly understand how it is that there is still blood in my veins. I have lowered my eyes, and given myself a mournful, idiotic face like theirs. I have led their deathlik

My blood was on the boil, and I would have lacerated my body. On two occasions, I wanted to run away, to go straight before me, towards the sun; but my courage failed. They had turn

lence, she

I pitied the child. When I played with him, I felt my fingers sink into the flesh of his limbs as into damp clay. I too

ll had that insipid odour of a sick child that had been so repugnant to me previously. I am relating all this so that you may not be jealous. I was seized

ngers imprisoned in the massive hands of Laurent,

t how it happened. I am proud. I am passionate. I would have liked to have beaten you, the first day, when you kissed me. I do not know how it was I loved you; I hated you r

was this sort of burning cloud in which you were enveloped, that attracted me, and detained me beside you in spite of my secret revolt. You remember when you were painting here: a fatal power attracted me to your side, and I breathed your air

proud at being avenged. In this bare and chilly room were e

her lover was to tell her aunt she was going upstairs to rest. But then, when he was there she

ed, "don't make so much nois

orried. She is at her counter and won't leave. She i

sant caution, but soon he grew used to the risks of

ame Raquin climbed the stairs. Therese

herese laughed as she saw him searching for his waistcoat and hat. She grabbed his arm

ere. Don

overed them with a white petticoat she had taken off. Without

oed to the bed the younger woman pretended to be as

ady with some concern, "ar

terrible migraine. She begged her aunt to let her sleep some mo

, "there is no reason to worry. These p

looking at them. "Look at Francois," she said to Laurent. "You'd think he understands and is planning to tell Camille eve

gh him as he looked at the cat's big green eyes. Therese's hold on him w