He despised bread and butter and talked only of champagne and caviare; but without bread, hunger is imminent.

Victory no longer seemed indubitable.

It was possible, it began even to be probable that the fair ship of his fame might come to wreck on the shoals of poverty.
It was painfully clear that he must do something without further delay, must either conquer want or overleap it.

Would he bridle his desires, live savingly, and write assiduously till such repute came as would enable him to launch out and indulge his tastes?
He was wise enough to see the advantages of such a course.

Every day his reputation as a talker was growing.