nine to noon
But these enterprises were like thin silver strands spun out across an abyss , whose beauty but not whose dangers were known to him . Still , he rejoiced in this magnificent creature-joy which Angela supplied ; it was , so far as it was concerned , what he thought he wanted . And Angela interpreted her power to respond to what seemed his inexhaustible desire as not only a kindness but a duty . Eugene set up his easel here , painted from nine to noon some days , and on others from two to five in the afternoon . If it were dark , he would walk or ride with Angela or visit the museums , the galleries and the public buildings or stroll in the factory or railroad quarters of the city . Eugene sympathized most with sombre types and was constantly drawing something which represented grim care . Aside from the dancers in the music halls , the toughs , in what later became known as the Apache district , the summer picnicking parties at Versailles and St. Cloud , the boat crowds on the Seine , he drew factory throngs , watchmen and railroad crossings , market people , market in the dark , street sweepers , newspaper vendors , flower merchants , always with a memorable street scene in the background .