And the Disagreeable Man went his own solitary way, a forlorn figure, with a face almost expressionless, and a manner wholly impenetrable.
He had lived nearly seven years at Petershof, and, like many others was obliged to continue staying there if he wished to continue staying in this planet.

It was not probable that he had any wish to prolong his frail existence, but he did his duty to his mother by conserving his life; and this feeble flame of duty and affection was the only lingering bit of warmth in a heart frozen almost by ill health and disappointed ambitions.

The moralists tell us that suffering ennobles, and that a right acceptation of hindrances goes towards forming a beautiful character.

But this result must largely depend on the original character: certainly, in the case of Robert Allitsen, suffering had not ennobled his mind, nor disappointment sweetened his disposition.

His title of "Disagreeable Man" had been fairly earned, and he hugged it to himself with a triumphant secret satisfaction.
There were some people in Petershof who were inclined to believe certain absurd rumours about his alleged kindness.