Absorbed in thought, he watched the Seine running by.
"Anyhow, come what may," he exclaimed, "I shall kiss her at the first opportunity.

I bet she falls at once into my arms." As he resumed his walk, he was seized with indecision.
"But she is ugly," thought he.

"She has a long nose, and a big mouth.
Besides, I have not the least love for her.

I shall perhaps get myself into trouble.

The matter requires reflection." Laurent, who was very prudent, turned these thoughts over in his head for a whole week.