If he had money, there was the music-hall; if he had none, there were the streets.

Being in the latter condition to-night, he joined a company of male and female intimates, and with them strolled aimlessly from one familiar rendezvous to another.

Would that it were possible to set down a literal report of the conversation which passed during hours thus spent! Much of it, of course, would be merely revolting, but for the most part it would consist of such wearying, such incredible imbecilities as no human patience could endure through five minutes' perusal.

Realise it, however, and you grasp the conditions of what is called the social problem.

As regards Robert Hewett in particular, it would help you to understand the momentous change in his life which was just coming to pass.
On his reaching home at eleven o'clock, Pennyloaf met him with the news that Jack Bartley had looked in twice and seemed very anxious to see him.