Laurent was terrified.

He knew that somewhere in this neighbourhood, was a Commissariat of Police, and he said to himself that there could no longer be any doubt as to the intentions of his wife, she was certainly about to denounce him.

Then he made up his mind to rush after her, if she crossed the threshold of the commissariat, to implore her, to beat her if necessary, so as to compel her to hold her tongue.

At a street corner she looked at a policeman who came along, and Laurent trembled with fright, lest she should stop and speak to him.

In terror of being arrested on the spot if he showed himself, he hid in a doorway.
This excursion proved perfect agony.