The old rogue prided himself on his gallantry.
There are some men who live upon their mistresses.

Antoine Macquart lived on his wife and children with as much shamelessness and impudence.
He did not feel the least compunction in pillaging the home and going out to enjoy himself when the house was bare.

He still assumed a supercilious air, returning from the cafe only to rail against the poverty and wretchedness that awaited him at home.

He found the dinner detestable, he called Gervaise a blockhead, and declared that Jean would never be a man.

Immersed in his own selfish indulgence, he rubbed his hands whenever he had eaten the best piece in the dish; and then he smoked his pipe, puffing slowly, while the two poor children, overcome with fatigue, went to sleep with their heads resting on the table.
Thus Macquart passed his days in lazy enjoyment.