The narrator wanted to know the reason why Stricklend left his wife. He learned that he feels no guilty for his actions, he did not feel pity to wife or children. He left the family to become an artist. The narrator was in shock. Then the storyteller and Strickland went to a restaurant for dinner, and the author awkwardly tried to think what to say next. He did not know how to deal with Strickland's indifference.  He asked Strickland what his fellow art students and art teachers thought of his painting. Strickland wryly admited that others make fun of him, and did not think he had any talent. Strickland also did not seem to care about any of the glamor of Paris, nor the beautiful women there. A young whore tried to take him home with her from the restaurant, saying that she will not even charge him. Strickland told the girl to get lost. When the narrator returned to London, he went to a Stricklend's wife. He said that her husband didn't return, because he wanted to be an artist. The women and her brother thought that he was crazy. And Mrs Stricklend didn't forgive him for this and decided to divorce with him. MacAndrew assumed the care of the children, so that Mrs. Strickland had only contain himself. She moved out of her apartment and sold furniture. Based in Westminster Mrs. Strickland began life anew. It was so hard, that could be no doubt about the success of its business. Five years later the storyteller wanted to visit Paris again. He learn that Mrs Strickland has succeeded in his endeavor and now held office in the Chancery Lane. Having just moved to Paris, the narrator payed a visit to thestudio of Dirk Stroeve. Dirk is delighted to see his old friend, and happily introduced his wife, Blanche. It was obvious that Dirk was head over heels in love with his wife.  Dirk showed the author his recent work, and the man saw that Dirk was still painting the same sentimental Italian scenes as always.The storyteller asked Dirk if he knows Charles Strickland. Dirk was surprised to hear that he knew the man, and said that Strickland was certainly an artistic genius. The next day they went to the cafe and met Strickland.  The author recognized that he did not advance in the art and and lived doing odd jobs. Naturally, he was always hungry,  but he always found money for brushes and easels . Then they separated.  The narrator liked to visit Dirk, but the man liked to talk about  Strickland very often, what did not like his wife. Because the artist forever humiliated Dirk and his work, that his wife seemed very improper.