V. BETHNAL GREEN
Claus Berlige left his violin case on the table. He opened the cupboard above the sink, took out a bottle of gin and poured himself a good measure into a short rough-made glass. He took his glass, put it on the table, beside the glass he put the bottle and an ash-tray. He sat heavily on his chair and filled his pipe. He took a sip of his gin, the strong drink caused a light scorching sensation in his throat. He lit his pipe and inhaled with pleasure. Drinking and smoking were the only two remaining pleasures in his life, two of the very few things that could give him satisfaction and courage.
Pleasure, what is pleasure in life, he thought for one more time. Pleasure is to fulfill your dreams, to live with morality and love, to be surrounded by beauty, to devote yourself
