"I have promised to meet some friends at old Desnoyer's.

Those who are sick may take their broth; my physic is white wine." So saying, he untied a bundle, out of which he took the fancy costume of a waterman, and proceeded to dress himself in it.
In vain I tried to awaken some fellow-feeling for the unfortunate man who lay groaning there close by him; being entirely taken up with the thoughts of his expected pleasure, Pierre would hardly so much as hear me.

At last his coarse selfishness provoked me.

I began reproaching instead of remonstrating with him, and I declared him responsible for the consequences which such a desertion must bring upon the sick man.
At this the bookbinder, who was just going, stopped with an oath, and stamped his foot.

"Am I to spend my Carnival in heating water for footbaths, pray ?" "You must not leave your comrade to die without help!" I replied.
"Let him go to the hospital, then!" "How can he by himself ?" Pierre seemed to make up his mind.
"Well, I'm going to take him," resumed he; "besides, I shall get rid of him sooner.