de Criquetot or the “ Chaire! ” of Brichot. Its atmosphere no longer aroused my anguish, and, charged with effluvia that were purely human, was easily breathable, indeed unduly soothing. The benefit that I did at least derive from it was that of looking at things only from a practical point of view. The idea of marrying Albertine appeared to me to be madness.

Sudden revulsion in favour of Albertine⁠—Agony at sunrise⁠—I set off at once with Albertine for Paris.