He felt stifled.

He put on a cap, and, descending the stairs, went out into the court-yard and walked about, the cool air refreshing him.

Gradually there settled upon him a stoic acceptance of the conditions.

But would it last?
He stood still and looked at the pile of buildings before him; then he turned towards the little church close by, whose spire and roof could be seen above the wall.

He waved his hand, as when within it on the day of his coming, and said with irony: "Now for the marriage-linen, Sir Gaston!" He heard a low knocking at the gate.