Contrary to his expectations, he slept all night, with clenched fists, and woke next morning quite calm, even gay.

The scene of the night before, which ought to have exacerbated his senses, produced exactly the opposite effect.

The truth is that Durtal was not of those who are attracted by difficulties.

He always made one hardy effort to surmount them, then when that failed he would withdraw, with no desire to renew the combat.

If Mme.