He could now change his meal-times, go in or out without explanation, and when he was very tired stretch himself at full length on his bed.

So he nursed and coddled himself and accepted the consolations that were offered him.
On the other hand, the death of his wife had not served him ill in his business, since for a month people had been saying, "The poor young man! what a loss!" His name had been talked about, his practice had increased; and moreover, he could go to the Bertaux just as he liked.
He had an aimless hope, and was vaguely happy; he thought himself better looking as he brushed his whiskers before the looking-glass.
One day he got there about three o'clock.

Everybody was in the fields.
He went into the kitchen, but did not at once catch sight of Emma; the outside shutters were closed.

Through the chinks of the wood the sun sent across the flooring long fine rays that were broken at the corners of the furniture and trembled along the ceiling.

Some flies on the table were crawling up the glasses that had been used, and buzzing as they drowned themselves in the dregs of the cider.