The thirst for carnage stirred afresh within him; animals failing him, he desired to slaughter men.
He climbed the three terraces and opened the door with a blow of his fist; but at the foot of the staircase, the memory of his beloved wife softened his heart.

No doubt she was asleep, and he would go up and surprise her.

Having removed his sandals, he unlocked the door softly and entered.
The stained windows dimmed the pale light of dawn.

Julian stumbled over some garment's lying on the floor and a little further on, he knocked against a table covered with dishes.

"She must have eaten," he thought; so he advanced cautiously towards the bed which was concealed by the darkness in the back of the room.