He crumpled up the collar, and selected another which he put on with every precaution, and then finished dressing himself.

As he went downstairs his new clothes made him look rigid.

With his neck imprisoned in the inflexible linen, he dared not turn his head.

At every movement he made, a pleat pinched the wound that the teeth of the drowned man had made in his flesh, and it was under the irritation of these sharp pricks, that he got into the carriage, and went to fetch Therese to conduct her to the town-hall and church.
On the way, he picked up a clerk employed at the Orleans Railway Company, and old Michaud, who were to act as witnesses.

When they reached the shop, everyone was ready: Grivet and Olivier, the witnesses of Therese, were there, along with Suzanne, who looked at the bride as little girls look at dolls they have just dressed up.