"The idea is," he said, "not so much to treat Hyacinthe as to astound her by giving her a sip of an unknown elixir." He came back laden with packages, then went out again, and in the street was assailed by an immense ennui.

After an interminable tour of the quays he finally tumbled into a beer hall.

He fell on a bench and opened a newspaper.
What was he thinking as he sat, not reading but just looking at the police news?
Nothing, not even of her.

From having revolved the same matter over and over again and again his mind had reached a deadlock and refused to function.

Durtal merely found himself very tired, very drowsy, as one in a warm bath after a night of travel.
"I must go home pretty soon," he said when he could collect himself a little, "for Pere Rateau certainly has not cleaned house in the thorough fashion which I commanded, and of course I don't want the furniture to be covered with dust.