"I am yours, do as you please with me." For a moment they remained locked together and mute.

Then Therese tore herself roughly away, and, without turning her head, quitted the garret and went downstairs.

Laurent listened to the sound of her footsteps fading away.
When he heard the last of them, he returned to his wretched room, and went to bed.

The sheets were still warm.

Without closing the window, he lay on his back, his arms bare, his hands open, exposed to the fresh air.