"My God! to be happy, to be loved, is that all there is to it?" Such was Julien's first thought when he got back to his room. He was in that state of astonishment and uneasiness into which a man who has just obtained what he has long desired may lapse. He is used to desiring, has nothing more to desire, and hasn't, as yet, any memories. Like the soldier who comes back from a parade, Julien was busy reviewing every detail of his conduct.

"Have I failed in any way with respect to what I owe myself? Have I played my part well?"

Which part? That of a man who is used to having his way with women.