Why did she tremble?
Once could not hope to come across a nicer man.

She certainly had nothing to fear now.

And one day the tall brunette maneuvered in such a way as to get them both into a corner, and to turn the conversation to the subject of love.

Lantier, choosing his words, declared in a grave voice that his heart was dead, that for the future he wished to consecrate his life solely for his son's happiness.

Every evening he would kiss Etienne on the forehead, yet he was apt to forget him in teasing back and forth with Clemence.