Chapters IV - VI Summary

The Raquin family entertains friends on Thursday evenings. Madame Raquin runs into an old friend, Michaud, former commissary of police, who lived in the same house as her in Vernon. Michaud brings his son Oliver, and Oliver's sickly wife, Suzanne, to join them. Camille invites his boss, Grivet. The gathering includes dominoes and tea. Thérèse rushes to help any customers downstairs announced by the tinkling of a loud bell and takes her time returning to the company.

In Chapter five, Camille invites his childhood, Laurent, to join the Thursday gatherings. Thérèse is curious about the newcomer. Laurent remembers Thérèse, who feels embarrassed when he looks at her. Laurent tells about going to law school, but spends his time and his father's money painting. Laurent's father quits assisting him when he finds...