Chapters XXIX - XXX Summary

In Chapter 29, Thérèse becomes remorseful, crying to beg forgiveness of Camille. She confesses continuously to Madame Raquin, abusing herself and her helpless listener. Madame Raquin feels tortured by the displays of her niece. One day Thérèse kisses her aunt, and thinks that Madame Raquin displays a glimmer of forgiveness in her eyes. Thérèse feels rapture at this assumption. She feels disgust at kissing Madame Raquin's cold face, but she finds this another excellent remedy for her nerves. She continues to kiss Madame Raquin daily in this manner, believing that Madame Raquin forgives her.

Laurent forbids Thérèse to do this remorseful act in front of him. Thérèse tells him she is more peaceful now that she is repenting, and suggests he join her. Laurent calls her a hypocrite...