Chapters XXVI - XXVIII Summary

In Chapter 26, Madame Raquin has a stroke and becomes completely paralyzed and speechless. Without Madam Raquin's chatter, the evenings become more and more cruel. Thérèse and Laurent attend to her needs, having to guess her wishes from her eyes alone. Madame Raquin stays in the dining room all day while Laurent goes to his studio and Thérèse goes downstairs to mind the store. Thérèse checks on her occasionally, but mostly Madame Raquin remains alone. The Thursday gatherings continue. Michaud and Grivet begin talking to Madame Raquin as they always do, but then answering for her. Grivet especially believes that he can read Madame Raquin's mind, although he is always wrong. One night Madame Raquin understands that Laurent and Thérèse have murdered Camille. Madame Raquin almost looks as if she...