He went out and threw his letter into the box.
"The joker in this is the husband.

But hell, I am not likely to take his wife away from him very long." He had an idea of going home, but he realized that he would do no work, that alone he would relapse into daydream.

"If I went up to Des Hermies's place.

Yes, today was his consultation day, it's an idea." He quickened his pace, came to the rue Madame, and rang at an entresol.
The housekeeper opened the door.
"Ah, Monsieur Durtal, he is out, but he will be in soon.

Will you wait ?" "But you are sure he is coming back ?" "Why, yes.