He remained in the middle of the street with his eyes on the front of the building.

Presently his wife showed herself for an instant at an open window on the second floor, and he fancied he perceived the hands of the pale young man encircling her waist.

Then, the window closed with a sharp clang.
Laurent understood.

Without waiting a moment longer, he tranquilly took himself off reassured and happy.
"Bah!" said he to himself, as he went towards the quays.

"It's better, after all, that she should have a sweetheart.