They had been jostled by drunkards; and shadowy women brushed against them as they went by whispering beneath the oaths and blows of bullies.

And there were couples seeking the darkness under the trees, and lingering on the benches there; while all around were low taverns and dirty lodging-houses and places of ill-fame.

All the human degradation which till break of day swarms in the black mud of this part of Paris, enveloped the three men, giving them the horrors, and yet neither the Baron nor Gerard nor Duthil was willing to go off.

Each hoped that he would tire out the others, and take Silviane home when she should at last appear.
But after a time the Baron grew impatient, and said to the coachman: "Jules, go and see why madame doesn't come." "But the horses, Monsieur le Baron ?" "Oh! they will be all right, we are here." A fine drizzle had begun to fall; and the wait went on again as if it would never finish.

But an unexpected meeting gave them momentary occupation.