- Thérèse and Laurent's secret plan seems to be working. Allow us to explain how.
- See, Thérèse adopts an attitude of melancholy and despair until Mme Raquin becomes alarmed.
- Then Mme Raquin confides her worries to Michaud, who announces that he thinks Thérèse is depressed because she needs a husband.
- What woman wouldn't be helplessly depressed without a husband?
- Anywho.
- Laurent plays the part of the sensitive, obliging man, and makes himself indispensible to Mme Raquin.
- Then, on one of their Thursday evening extravaganzas, Michaud observes Laurent asking Thérèse about her health.
- Even though Laurent is only playing the role of affectionate friend, Michaud whispers to Mme Raquin that Laurent would make the perfect husband for Thérèse.
- Mme Raquin is pleased by the idea, and Michaud takes it upon himself to talk to Laurent privately and convince him to marry Thérèse.
- Laurent pretends to let Michaud persuade him to marry, while Mme Raquin has a similar conversation with Thérèse.
- The next morning, Thérèse and Laurent agree to marry in front of Mme Raquin, who urges them to kiss one another. How lovely.
- The following Thursday, the engagement is announced to everyone.
- Mme Raquin generously gives the couple forty thousand dollars, and they get on planning their blood-wedding.
- Happily ever after time, right? Right?