She perceived her husband, livid, horrible, increased in height, rearing up straight above the turbid water, and this implacable vision heightened the feverish heat of her blood.
Old Michaud endeavoured to speak to her and console her.

But she made a movement of impatience, and turning round, broke out into a fresh fit of sobbing.
"Leave her alone, sir," said the restaurant keeper, "she shudders at the slightest sound.

You see, she wants rest." Below, in the general room, was a policeman drawing up a statement of the accident.

Michaud and his son went downstairs, followed by Laurent.
When Olivier had made himself known as an upper official at the Prefecture of Police, everything was over in ten minutes.

The boating men, who were still there, gave an account of the drowning in its smallest details, describing how the three holiday-makers had fallen into the water, as if they themselves had witnessed the misfortune.