Talk about getting something had become even too threadbare and ridiculous for him.

So he folded his hands and waited--for what, he could not anticipate.
At last, however, troubles became too thick.

The hounding of creditors, the indifference of Carrie, the silence of the flat, and presence of winter, all joined to produce a climax.

It was effected by the arrival of Oeslogge, personally, when Carrie was there.
"I call about my bill," said Mr.Oeslogge.
Carrie was only faintly surprised.
"How much is it ?" she asked.
"Sixteen dollars," he replied.
"Oh, that much ?" said Carrie.

"Is this right ?" she asked, turning to Hurstwood.
"Yes," he said.
"Well, I never heard anything about it." She looked as if she thought he had been contracting some needless expense.
"Well, we had it all right," he answered.