And then his folly took possession of him once more: it must be Silviane who wished to speak to him.

She often amused herself by thus disturbing him amidst his greatest cares.

No doubt she had just returned home, realising that she had carried things too far on the previous evening and desiring to be forgiven.

However, when he found that the call was from Monferrand, who wished him to go to the ministry, he shivered slightly, like a man saved from the abyss beside which he is travelling.

And forthwith he called for his hat and stick, desirous as he was of walking and reflecting in the open air.