“The testimony of Monsieur Desqueyroux was excellent, yes. But he had this prescription: in short, it is a matter of a forgery, and it was Doctor Pedemay who brought the complaint….”
Thérèse's father is conversing with the lawyer as they walk ahead of her. The discussion is entirely about the case that is facing Thérèse. From their conversation, Thérèse realizes that the evidence presented against her is forged. Thérèse’s husband wants the case withdrawn so that he can go with her home. However, her husband’s intentions are evil because he wants to punish her himself. Thérèse’s husband believes that jail will not subject her wife to maximum suffering for trying to poison her. Therefore, the testimony before the court is meant to set Thérèse free.
“No, no, my friend: what would I be responding to, anyway? It is perfectly evident that the whole case was slapped together; they didn't even get handwriting experts. No – silence concealment – that is the best. I will do what I must. I'll meet the price, but for the family, we have to cover all that up – cover it all up…"
Thérèse's father is interested in politics, and he is doing everything within his power to make sure that Thérèse's court case does not tarnish the family name. He is closely working with Duro and Bernard, Thérèse's husband, to set her free. However, the father is not interest in the safety of Thérèse, but he wants to protect the family name to ensure that the case is used to his disadvantage. Therefore, Thérèse's father is in the frontline, working closely with lawyers and her husband to forge testimonies before the court for her to be set free.
“I plan to stay with Monsieur Desqueyroux a few days. Then, if things are going well, I will return to my father’s.”
This statement is said to Thérèse when she is asked where she intends to go after she is set free. Thérèse says that she will stay with her husband before she considers going to her father's home. The entire case is ironic because Thérèse is charged with attempted murder, but her husband testifies that the allegations against his wife are fake. Similarly, Thérèse is willing to go back and live with the person she attempted to poison. Thérèse’s father is against the idea that Thérèse might consider coming home to live with him. According to Thérèse’s father, she must not leave her husband’s house because that is where she belongs.
