The idea occurred to him that perhaps he had been on the wrong track.

There is nothing to be gained by associating with beggars.

He ought to have played the scamp; he should have acted in concert with the Rougons.
Then, however, he rejected this idea.

The Rougons were villains who had robbed him.

But the warmth and softness of the sofa, continued to work upon his feelings, and fill him with vague regrets.