Ennui was banished from his existence.
All his thoughts took the same direction; all his actions had but one aim.

Could he look to the right or the left, when, at the end of his journey, he perceived the reward so ardently desired?
He resolved that he would never have any wife but Claire; his father absolutely refused his consent.

The effort to change this refusal had long been the business of his life.

Finally, after three years of perseverance, he had triumphed; the count had given his consent.

And now, just as he was reaping the happiness of success, Noel had arrived, implacable as fate, with his cursed letters.
On leaving M.de Commarin, and while slowly mounting the stairs which led to his apartments, Albert's thoughts reverted to Claire.