But who is the author of those ?" The immediate development of the drama in which Julien found himself involved was embodied in the answer to the question.

It was not easy to formulate.

The Italians have a proverb of singular depth which the novelist recalled at that moment.

He had laughed a great deal when he heard sententious Egiste Brancadori repeat it.

He repeated it to himself, and he understood its meaning.