- Thérèse experiences a shift in her character. (More observing-humans "science" stuff here.) Instead of trying to rebel against the memory of Camille, she becomes strangely pious.
- Not only does she praise her dead husband in front of Laurent, but she also starts begging Mme Raquin for forgiveness.
- Every day, Thérèse prays for redemption. She even deludes herself into believing that Mme Raquin has forgiven her.
- Laurent is greatly disturbed by this change in Thérèse, and worries that her repentance will lead her to reveal everything to the police.
- Because he's such a sweet guy. Basically the only things he cares about now are not getting caught and not getting caught.
- Thérèse now tortures Laurent every evening by telling him how much she loved Camille, and their rows end with Laurent beating her.
- But Thérèse derives a strange sense of pleasure from being beaten, thinking that it provides a cure for the misery of her life. She deserves punishment, and she is punishment. (Scary thinking, for sure.)
- Laurent also finds relief in striking Thérèse, and the couple become more and more violent toward each other.
- Where could this story possibly go next?