Note how throughout the author emphasizes physical characteristics as indicating character.
Minute observation.
28. The peasant—surprised, disturbed—drained his glass at a gulp, got up, and, more doubled up than in the morning, because the first steps after a rest were always particularly difficult, he started off, repeating:
29. “That’s me, that’s me,” and he followed the corporal.
30. The mayor was awaiting him, seated in an armchair. He was the notary of the place, a large man, grave, and pompous in speech.
Full Crisis.
31. “Master Hauchecorne,” said he, “you were seen to pick up this morning, on the Beuzeville road, the pocketbook lost by Master Houlbrèque, of Manneville.”
32. The countryman, speechless, stared at the mayor, already terrified by this suspicion which rested upon him without his understanding why.
33. “Me, me, I picked up that pocketbook?”
34. “Yes, exactly you.”
35. “Word of honor, I ain’t even so much as seen it.”