I did so, not at first aware what was his intention; but when I saw him lift and poise the book and stand in act to hurl it, I instinctively started aside with a cry of alarm: not soon enough, however; the volume was flung, it hit me, and I fell, striking my head against the door and cutting it.
Je le fis sans comprendre d'abord quelle était son intention; mais quand je le vis soulever le livre, le tenir en équilibre et faire un mouvement pour le lancer, je me reculai instinctivement en jetant un cri. Je ne le fis pourtant point assez promptement.