I must reward you!" They were in a central street, near the corner of a sloping little alley with stairs.

She pushed him toward it, and at the first step in the narrow and dark passageway embraced him, turning her back on the movement and light in the great street, in order to kiss him with that kiss which always made the captain's knees tremble.
Although his temper was soothed, he continued complaining during the rest of the stroll.

How many had preceded him ?...

He must know.

He wished to know, no matter how horrible the knowledge might be.