This part focuses on moral dilemmas, human flaws, and moments of epiphany. The First-Class Passenger presents a dialogue between two men, highlighting contrasting views on life. A Tragic Actor humorously depicts a performer’s downfall due to his exaggerated ambitions. A Transgression narrates the consequences of a minor moral failing. Small Fry portrays the monotonous existence of a petty clerk dreaming of a better life. The Requiem reflects on death and its impact on the living. In the Coach-House delivers a darkly comedic story of jealousy and revenge. Panic Fears explores irrational paranoia in a tense atmosphere. The Bet examines human nature, solitude, and the value of life through a bold wager. The Head-Gardener’s Story and The Beauties offer reflective narratives on beauty, memory, and fleeting emotions, while The Shoemaker and the Devil adds a satirical, fable-like twist to the collection.

THE FIRST-CLASS PASSENGER
A TRAGIC ACTOR
A TRANSGRESSION
SMALL FRY
THE REQUIEM
IN THE COACH-HOUSE
PANIC FEARS
THE BET
THE HEAD-GARDENER’S STORY
THE BEAUTIES
I
II
THE SHOEMAKER AND THE DEVIL