Maxim Gorky

Bubnoff recounts the violent dissolution of his marriage and his former life as a furrier. He describes the brutal physical altercations between himself, his wife, and her lover before explaining his decision to simply walk away from the conflict.

Satine reflects on the wisdom of the pilgrim Luka, explaining how every human life, no matter how lowly, exists in the hope of producing something better for future generations. He argues for the fundamental respect of all individuals, particularly children, as he drinks to the old man's health.