They had forgotten their violent passion, they forgot even their joy of the morning, that profound joy they had experienced at the thought that they would no more be afraid.

They were simply wearied and bewildered at all that was taking place.

The events of the day turned round and round in their heads, appearing incomprehensible and monstrous.

They sat there mute and smiling, expecting nothing, hoping for nothing.

Mingled with their dejection of spirits, was a restless anxiety that proved vaguely painful.
At every movement Laurent made with his neck, he felt a sharp burn devouring his flesh; his collar cut and pinched the bite of Camille.
While the mayor read out to him the law bearing on marriage, while the priest spoke to him of the Almighty, at every minute of this long day, he had felt the teeth of the drowned man entering his skin.