The fog had vanished and it was fine, very fine.

As the boat for Trouville did not start till nine, it struck the doctor that he must greet his mother before starting.
He waited till the hour at which she was accustomed to get up, and then went downstairs.

His heart beat so violently as he touched her door that he paused for breath.

His hand as it lay on the lock was limp and tremulous, almost incapable of the slight effort of turning the handle to open it.

He knocked.