Raquin had become aware

  of the horrible secret, she had been awaiting this evening with feverish impatience. She had gathered together all her remaining strength to denounce the culprits. Up to the last

  moment, she feared she would not be present

at the gathering; she thought Laurent would make her disappear, perhaps kill her, or at least shut her up

in her own apartment. When she saw that her niece and nephew allowed her to remain in the dining-room, she experienced lively joy at the thought of attempting to avenge her son.