From the commencement, they had felt bewildered at the rapidity with which the formalities and ceremony were performed, that had just bound them together for ever.
Then, the long drive on the boulevards had soothed them and made them drowsy.

It appeared to them that this drive lasted months.

Nevertheless, they allowed themselves to be taken through the monotonous streets without displaying impatience, looking at the shops and people with sparkless eyes, overcome by a numbness that made them feel stupid, and which they endeavoured to shake off by bursting into fits of laughter.
When they entered the restaurant, they were weighed down by oppressive fatigue, while increasing stupor continued to settle on them.
Placed at table opposite one another, they smiled with an air of constraint, and then fell into the same heavy reverie as before, eating, answering questions, moving their limbs like machines.

Amidst the idle lassitude of their minds, the same string of flying thoughts returned ceaselessly.

They were married, and yet unconscious of their new condition, which caused them profound astonishment.