'I'm pianist to the Brasserie des Quatre Vents. You saw me in the discharge of my duties.'
'I don't understand,' I repeated helplessly.
'And yet the inference is plain. What could have brought a man to such a pass save drink or evil courses?'
'Oh, don't trifle,' I implored him.
'I'm not trifling. That's the worst of it. For I don't drink, and I'm not conscious of having pursued any especially evil courses.'
'Well?' I questioned. 'Well?'
'The fact of the matter simply is that I'm what they call a failure. I never came off.'
'I don't understand,' I repeated for a third time.
'No more do I, if you come to that. It's the will of Heaven, I suppose. Anyhow, it can't puzzle you more than it puzzles me. It seems contrary to the whole logic of circumstances, but it's the fact'
Thus far he had spoken listlessly, with a sort of bitter levity, an affectation of indifference; but after a little silence his mood appeared to change. His hand upon my arm tightened its grasp, and he began to speak rapidly, feelingly.