He had no destination, no object.

He was simply aware that his new life was beginning.
He passed a little house on which was a sign, "Narcisse Dauphin, Notary." It gave him a curious feeling.

It was the old life before him.
"Charles Mallard, Notary ?"--No, that was not for him.

Everything that reminded him of the past, that brought him in touch with it, must be set aside.

He moved on.