The quarter was indigent, but ordinarily respectable; and it was only when some noisy Americans invaded the place that the habitues took any unusual interest in the coming and going of strangers.
Up under the mansard roof there was neither gas nor electricity.
Breitmann lighted his two candles, divested himself of his collar, tie, and coat, and flung them on the bed.
"Threadbare, almost! Ah, but I was hungry to-night.

Did he know it?
Why the devil should I care?
To work! Up to this night I have tried to live more or less honestly.

I have tried to take the good that is in me and to make the most of it.

And," ironically, "this is the result.

I have failed.