He was dressed in European style, in a black coat, but had no waistcoat or tie.

A rather coarse, but white shirt, peeped out below his coat.

There was something the matter with his feet, I believe, and he kept them in slippers.

I've heard that he had at one time been a clerk, and received a rank in the service.

He had just finished some fish soup, and was beginning his second dish of potatoes in their skins, eaten with salt.