Part 3 Summary

Michel tries in vain to love Marceline but feels that what she represents to him is rest for a man who is not tired. In spite of his waning affections Michel keeps vigil at Marceline's bedside during their travels through Italy, Switzerland, and ultimately North Africa, where they return to the hotel where Marceline nursed Michel through his bout of tuberculosis.

After Marceline falls asleep at night Michel roams the streets and encounters many of the boys who he knew from a few years ago but Michel is repulsed because the boys are now men with families, or criminal records, and no longer represent youth and health. The little Arab thief, Moktir who took the scissors that dayhas recently been released from prison and is the only one who has maintained his beauty and Michel is still drawn to him.

One night Moktir...